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(text-colour:blue)[(text-style:"underline")[''UNDERWALL: AN ARCANE MYSTERY'']]
(text-colour:lime)[[[''START''->Dream Slide 1]]]
You are floating in eternal darkness. Your arms are outstretched. Your long, dark hair is flowing behind you, as if you were underwater. You are dressed in fine black robes, adorned with intricate, blood red trimming. The only sound you hear is your heart beating, but it is louder than usual, and feels as though it’s reverberating through your whole body.
Suddenly, a point of (text-colour:lime)[[[''green light''->Dream Slide 2]]] appears before you.The green light begins to move, leaving a permanent, fixed beam of light in its wake. It forms a large, green triangle, which is left suspended in the void before you.
Do you…
(text-colour:lime)[[[Move to it?->Dream Slide 3a]]]
- OR -
(text-colour: red)[[[Flee from it?->Dream Slide 3b]]]You float forward through the void, towards the large, glowing symbol. As you near it, you feel a great magical energy emanating from the triangle. You reach out your hand to touch the glowing green shape.
As your hand makes contact, you hear a voice, calling to you. “Oz,” it says, distant, but clear. You feel an arcane sensation well up inside of you, and snap at the nape of your neck.
(text-colour:lime)[[[“Oz, you need to WAKE UP!”->Bedroom Slide 1]]] As the ominous shape hangs before you, an uneasy feeling arises in the pit of your stomach. In a flash, fear overtakes you, and you’re compelled to fly away from the triangle. The triangle’s light intensifies and the whole thing rumbles, causing the entire void to feel as though it were shaking. The triangle begins flying after you.
Through sheer force of your will, you are able to pick up a little bit of speed, but it is all for naught. The large polygon quickly catches up to you. As it nears you, you feel a great magical energy emanating from the triangle. The rumbling becomes deafening as the triangle surrounds you with its glowing green sides.
From somewhere deep in your head, you hear a voice, calling to you. “Oz,” it says distant, but clear. You feel an arcane sensation well up inside of you, and snap at the nape of your neck.
(text-colour: red)[[[“Oz, you need to WAKE UP!”->Bedroom Slide 1]]]“Ozthrum, honey,” Your loving wife says, gently, as she shakes you awake, “You need to wake up. Everwatch is at the door. Something’s happened, and they need you.” Your wife, Hillie, kisses you on the forehead, and walks over to the wardrobe in the corner of the bedroom. She is a Halfling, like yourself and many of the residents here in Underwall. "It’s still dark out, it must be early in the morning," You think to yourself. You cast a quick cantrip to light the bedside lamp on your nightstand.
From the wardrobe, Hillie retrieves your Everwatch uniform. You don the esteemed grey tunic, trimmed with gold, leaf shaped accents. Hillie helps you secure the dark, leaf shaped pauldron on your left shoulder. The feathered bycocket hat goes on your head right before the final piece; you load your trusty wand into the leather holster at your waist, and, with that, are ready for duty.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Bedroom Slide 2]]]
You quietly walk through your quaint, cozy Halfling-Hole, so as not to wake your children, and open the large, round front door. Standing outside are Lt. Bram, a dwarven woman, and Lt. Tilly, a halfling man. Both are wearing an identical uniform to yours, save for the pauldron. They both nod at you, looking quite distraught.
“Detective,” Brahm says as she nods, “There’s been a terrible incident. Sheriff Ilefrys asked that you come have a look.”
You nod, noting the sour look on your comrades faces. Whatever’s happened, it’s not the run of the mill burglaries or bar fights that are the usual peak of excitement here in sleepy little Underwall. “Of course, Lieutenant, please, (text-colour:lime)[[[lead the way.”->Oz/EW Walk Through Town Slide 1]]]The two lieutenants turn on their heels and begin marching down the path from your front door. Magically lit lanterns provide a warm, yellow glow as you walk through the streets of Underwall. Various wooden buildings line the paths you march down, their awnings and roofs fashioned with curving, convex architecture. The early morning sky is a dark, vibrant purple overhead.
You briefly pass by the river at the center of town, and peek a glimpse of its namesake. The entire village of Underwall was built around the runoff from a massive drain-pipe coming out of the base of a wall of a much larger, walled city. Long ago, the city was run by a dynasty of bigoted humans, and they rejected any elf, dwarf, gnome or halfling that came to the city to find a new home. The outcast peoples used magic to clean the runoff from the pipe outside the city, and began building a community around their newfound water source. Thus Underwall grew to the sizable settlement that it is today.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Oz/EW Walk Through Town Slide 2]]]
Underwall is home to not only a prestigious, albeit small, arcane university, but also to Everwatch, a brigade of witches and wizards dedicated to ensuring the safety of Underwall, and the various other communities that have popped up outside the great walled city. Your late father was the Sheriff of Everwatch back when he was still alive. You grew up with the singular focus of graduating from the arcane university, and joining Everwatch, to follow in your father’s footsteps. He passed away right before you graduated, but Hillie always talks about how proud he would be if he could see you now, especially after you made Detective.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Oz/EW Walk Through Town Slide 3]]]
The lieutenants you’ve been following take a sharp left, “Right then, here we are,” Tilly says, an air of apprehension in his voice. You head up a dirt path, and recognize where you are. Before you is the Stoutbark residence. A small, wooden home, looking largely similar to the rest of the houses in Underwall. You know the Stoutbarks, tangentially. Your kids go to school and sometimes play together. You’re pretty sure Mr. Stoutbark works down at the local quarry. But the (text-colour:lime)[[[scene before you->Oz/EW Walk Through Town Slide 4]]] has you worried about the welfare of the Stoutbark family…There are Everwatch officers everywhere. A perimeter has been constructed around the property with wooden sawhorses, though you can sense a magical ward behind them, encircling the whole property. Some witnesses are off to the side, huddled with blankets around them while being questioned by Everwatch. Officers are performing various rituals across the yard, presumably to gather any sort of clues they can. A young Everwatch officer runs out of the house, and vomits into the bushes that line the front facade.
“Gods, what happened?” You ask your comrades.
“Sheriff said he wanted to brief you personally,” Brahm says, “He should be (text-colour:lime)[[[inside.->Crime Scene Slide 1]]]”You walk up the front path to the house as a couple of officers sympathetically take the young man who vomited away from the crime scene. The looks on their faces let you know that something serious happened here. You enter the house, and are in the living room. Here, you find the grizzly scene that has everyone so worked up.
There are three bodies in the living room; two adults, one child. All three bodies are burnt beyond recognition. Each of the bodies is sat on their knees, each on the point of a triangular rune drawn in white chalk on the floor. The triangular rune intersects with other square and circular runes, forming large geometric patterns that go part way up the walls of the room. Despite the bodies being so badly burnt, nothing else you can see in the house seems to have been burnt. There is a small, dark grey stone on the floor.
Standing in the center of the living room, amidst an unceasing wave of officers coming and going, you see (text-colour:lime)[[[Sheriff Ilefrys…->Crime Scene Slide 2]]]Sheriff Ilefrys stands tall amongst the hustle of people rushing back and forth. Born of High Elf descent, their towering stature and vibrant, golden hued skin has always made them easy to pick out of the crowd. They sport the same Everwatch uniform as you, but with an additional pauldron, a leather chestpiece, and no hat. Your father and the Sheriff were close, though they were just a Detective back then. When Dad passed, Illefrys was a natural choice for the position. Since you joined the force, the Sheriff has made an effort to be available to you as a mentor, though they try their best not to play favorites. They spot you, and approach, sporting that same, disturbed look everyone, yourself now included, seems to be wearing.
“Ozthrum, there you are,” The Sheriff says as they approach, “Thank you for coming down so late… Or early. Or… whatever it is.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Crime Scene Slide 3]]]
Ilefrys looks on at the tragic scene with you. “Here’s what we know so far,” They say, “The neighbors heard a loud explosion come from the house a few hours ago. When they came to see what was wrong, everything at the house looked fine, from the outside. It wasn’t till one of them came in that they found the bodies, and came to get Everwatch. The bodies are burnt, but there’s no sign of any kind of fire or explosion, save for the inital noise that was heard. Neighbors didn’t see anyone coming or going, and we can’t find any trace of anyone, either. I’m gonna need you to take the lead on this one, Oz. I’ve got most of our Detectives tangling with the smuggling ring in Halfwall, so most of the legwork for this falls to you.” The Sheriff pulls a pipe from their belt, and begins packing it.
“Well, it’s not much to go on, but we have to start somewhere,” You say as you take in all of the information the Sheriff just laid out, “What are our (text-colour:lime)[[[leads->Crime Scene Slide 4]]] looking like?”The Sheriff lights their pipe with a quick fire spell, flame emitting from their fingertip. They take a drag before answering, “The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked down at the Quarry. We can ask around there and see if anyone’s noticed anything. The mother, Odri, looked after the home, and we’re not quite sure yet how she spent her time, so no leads there. No one on the force has been able to identify these runes, so we’re going to need to seek an external consultant. Professor Fiddlespeak, down at the arcane university, is an expert on runes and symbology, I’m sure he could help us.”
You write this down in your small journal, before positing, “My kids go- Went to school with theirs, I think her name was Elleth. I’ll head down to the schoolhouse at some point, and ask Ms. Cloudcreek if she can provide any insight.”
Ilefrys nods, “Good idea. That’s what we’ve got for now, let’s try to get to the bottom of this.” Sheriff Ilefrys shakes your hand before you (text-colour:lime)[[[head out.->Leads Slide 1]]]By the time you leave the Stoutbark residence, the sun has risen. The town is starting to wake up, and people are starting to gather, stare, talk, rubberneck; the usual things they do when something disrupts the idyllic routine of everyday life in Underwall. But nothing like this has ever hit the community before. This is different. But you have your leads, and it’s time to get to the bottom of it.
Where should you start?
(text-colour:lime)[[[The Quarry->Quarry Slide 1]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1]]]You make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker->Quarry Slide 2a]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry->Quarry Slide 2b]]]
You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 2]]]
After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 2]]]
To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 3a]]]
You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…->Quarry Slide 3b]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…->Quarry Slide 4b]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…->Quarry Slide 5b]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 6b]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…->Quarry Slide 6c]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 2c(1a)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 2c(1b)]]]As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 3c(1a)]]]
I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 4c(1a)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something,->Quarry Slide 5c(1a)]]] but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.->After First Location Slide 1a]]]As you head through the middle of town, contemplating which lead to pursue next, Sheriff Ilefrys catches your eye. They are speaking to a couple of Everwatch officers, but once they notice you, they quickly excuse themselves from the conversation and approach you. “How’s it going so far?” They ask, unable to hide their anticipation. “It’s going slow,” You reply as the two of you begin to walk and talk, “I just got done checking in on my first lead, and now-” Ilefrys cuts you off, “And now you’re going home, to get some rest.”
You are about to protest, but your long-time mentor shoots you a look that you’ve come to know all too well. “You’ve been at this since before dawn, Oz. I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist.” They continue, “And while you know I appreciate your drive, you have to take care of yourself. If not for you, then for Hillie and the kids. And you can get back at it first thing tomorrow.” Though it pains you to admit it, the Sheriff is right. “You’re right, Ilefrys,” You concede, “I should get some rest. I’m a parent now, I can’t burn myself out like I used to.” Sheriff Illefrys walks you home and discusses your findings with you.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->After First Location Slide 2a]]]
As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 3c(1b)]]]
I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 4c(1b)]]]Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something,->Quarry Slide 5c(1b)]]] but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.->After First Location Slide 1b]]]As you head through the middle of town, contemplating which lead to pursue next, Sheriff Ilefrys catches your eye. They are speaking to a couple of Everwatch officers, but once they notice you, they quickly excuse themselves from the conversation and approach you. “How’s it going so far?” They ask, unable to hide their anticipation. “It’s going slow,” You reply as the two of you begin to walk and talk, “I just got done checking in on my first lead, and now-” Ilefrys cuts you off, “And now you’re going home, to get some rest.”
You are about to protest, but your long-time mentor shoots you a look that you’ve come to know all too well. “You’ve been at this since before dawn, Oz. I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist.” They continue, “And while you know I appreciate your drive, you have to take care of yourself. If not for you, then for Hillie and the kids. And you can get back at it first thing tomorrow.” Though it pains you to admit it, the Sheriff is right. “You’re right, Ilefrys,” You concede, “I should get some rest. I’m a parent now, I can’t burn myself out like I used to.” Sheriff Illefrys walks you home and discusses your findings with you.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->After First Location Slide 2b]]]
“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 4a]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something->Quarry Slide 5a]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…->Quarry Slide 6a]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…->Quarry Slide 7a]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…->Quarry Slide 8a]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…->Quarry Slide 9a]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…->Quarry Slide 10a(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…->Quarry Slide 10a(2)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->After First Location Slide 1a]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->After First Location Slide 1b]]]
“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 3]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.->After First Location Slide 1c]]]As you head through the middle of town, contemplating which lead to pursue next, Sheriff Ilefrys catches your eye. They are speaking to a couple of Everwatch officers, but once they notice you, they quickly excuse themselves from the conversation and approach you. “How’s it going so far?” They ask, unable to hide their anticipation. “It’s going slow,” You reply as the two of you begin to walk and talk, “I just got done checking in on my first lead, and now-” Ilefrys cuts you off, “And now you’re going home, to get some rest.”
You are about to protest, but your long-time mentor shoots you a look that you’ve come to know all too well. “You’ve been at this since before dawn, Oz. I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist.” They continue, “And while you know I appreciate your drive, you have to take care of yourself. If not for you, then for Hillie and the kids. And you can get back at it first thing tomorrow.” Though it pains you to admit it, the Sheriff is right. “You’re right, Ilefrys,” You concede, “I should get some rest. I’m a parent now, I can’t burn myself out like I used to.” Sheriff Illefrys walks you home and discusses your findings with you.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->After First Location Slide 2c]]]
You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 3]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 4]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 5]]]
Professor Fiddlespeak hands the sketches back to you, a look of sympathy on his face, “I do wish I could be of more help, old friend,” He says as you take the sketches back, “I am ever so sorry.”
“Dear Professor, there’s nothing to apologize for,” You reply as you fold the sketches up and put them back in your journal, “In fact, you’ve been a great help. You were at least able to tell us that the runes were Demonic in origin, a fact we at Everwatch had zero knowledge of prior to this conversation. Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak.”
You shake his and and, with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…->After First Location Slide 1d]]]As you head through the middle of town, contemplating which lead to pursue next, Sheriff Ilefrys catches your eye. They are speaking to a couple of Everwatch officers, but once they notice you, they quickly excuse themselves from the conversation and approach you. “How’s it going so far?” They ask, unable to hide their anticipation. “It’s going slow,” You reply as the two of you begin to walk and talk, “I just got done checking in on my first lead, and now-” Ilefrys cuts you off, “And now you’re going home, to get some rest.”
You are about to protest, but your long-time mentor shoots you a look that you’ve come to know all too well. “You’ve been at this since before dawn, Oz. I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist.” They continue, “And while you know I appreciate your drive, you have to take care of yourself. If not for you, then for Hillie and the kids. And you can get back at it first thing tomorrow.” Though it pains you to admit it, the Sheriff is right. “You’re right, Ilefrys,” You concede, “I should get some rest. I’m a parent now, I can’t burn myself out like I used to.” Sheriff Illefrys walks you home and discusses your findings with you.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->After First Location Slide 2d]]]
As you step through your large, round door and hang your hat, the familiar scent of Hillie’s cooking wafts into your nostrils. The smell instantly puts you at ease, at least a bit, and makes the horrible events of the day seem a little more bearable. You head to the kitchen, and find Hillie is in the middle of chopping some root vegetables. She looks up at you with a warm, loving smile, “Hello, Dear,” She says, “I’ve got my hands kinda full, would you mind stirring the stew?” You walk over to the large pot suspended above the fireplace, and begin stirring, getting lost in thought as the chunks of meat swirl round and round, “How was your day?” Hillie asks, breaking you from your daze.
(text-colour:magenta)[[[TELL HER THE TRUTH…->After First Location Slide 3a(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:lime)[[[LIE, AND KEEP THE HORRIBLE EVENTS OF THE DAY FROM YOUR FAMILY…->After First Location Slide 3a(2)]]]
As you step through your large, round door and hang your hat, the familiar scent of Hillie’s cooking wafts into your nostrils. The smell instantly puts you at ease, at least a bit, and makes the horrible events of the day seem a little more bearable. You head to the kitchen, and find Hillie is in the middle of chopping some root vegetables. She looks up at you with a warm, loving smile, “Hello, Dear,” She says, “I’ve got my hands kinda full, would you mind stirring the stew?” You walk over to the large pot suspended above the fireplace, and begin stirring, getting lost in thought as the chunks of meat swirl round and round, “How was your day?” Hillie asks, breaking you from your daze.
(text-colour:magenta)[[[TELL HER THE TRUTH…->After First Location Slide 3b(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:lime)[[[LIE, AND KEEP THE HORRIBLE EVENTS OF THE DAY FROM YOUR FAMILY…->After First Location Slide 3b(2)]]]
As you step through your large, round door and hang your hat, the familiar scent of Hillie’s cooking wafts into your nostrils. The smell instantly puts you at ease, at least a bit, and makes the horrible events of the day seem a little more bearable. You head to the kitchen, and find Hillie is in the middle of chopping some root vegetables. She looks up at you with a warm, loving smile, “Hello, Dear,” She says, “I’ve got my hands kinda full, would you mind stirring the stew?” You walk over to the large pot suspended above the fireplace, and begin stirring, getting lost in thought as the chunks of meat swirl round and round, “How was your day?” Hillie asks, breaking you from your daze.
(text-colour:magenta)[[[TELL HER THE TRUTH…->After First Location Slide 3c(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:lime)[[[TLIE, AND KEEP THE HORRIBLE EVENTS OF THE DAY FROM YOUR FAMILY…->After First Location Slide 3c(2)]]]
As you step through your large, round door and hang your hat, the familiar scent of Hillie’s cooking wafts into your nostrils. The smell instantly puts you at ease, at least a bit, and makes the horrible events of the day seem a little more bearable. You head to the kitchen, and find Hillie is in the middle of chopping some root vegetables. She looks up at you with a warm, loving smile, “Hello, Dear,” She says, “I’ve got my hands kinda full, would you mind stirring the stew?” You walk over to the large pot suspended above the fireplace, and begin stirring, getting lost in thought as the chunks of meat swirl round and round, “How was your day?” Hillie asks, breaking you from your daze.
(text-colour:magenta)[[[TELL HER THE TRUTH…->After First Location Slide 3d(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:lime)[[[TLIE, AND KEEP THE HORRIBLE EVENTS OF THE DAY FROM YOUR FAMILY…->After First Location Slide 3d(2)]]]For a moment, you feel as though you’re going to break down, but you regain composure, and tell Hillie about the awful day you’ve had, and the horrible scene you had to witness this morning. She holds you in a tight embrace, “I’m so sorry you had to see all that,” She says before kissing your forehead, “That’s horrible, what happened to the Stoutbarks… You know, now that I think of it…” Hillie looks contemplative as you come away from the hug to listen to what she has to say.
“About a week or two ago, I heard a rumor that Odri Stoutbark was seeing someone behind Laumo’s back. Just a rumor, ‘course, but you never know. I sure hope that wasn’t the cause of all this.” You make a mental note of what Hillie just said. It might be worth it to pay another visit to the Stoutbark’s house, and look for anything to do with this alleged affair. “I’m going to bed early, it’s been such a long day” You say before giving your wife a kiss, “I love you, Oz,” She says, “I love you, too” You reply, sleepily, as you head up stairs to bed for a night of poor, restless sleep.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Leads Slide 2a(PER)]]]
“It was fine,” You reply, “Just… paperwork.” Even though your back is to her, you can feel Hillie’s gaze on you. You can’t tell if she believes you or not. “Well, how exciting” She replies in a light, sarcastic manner. “I’m going to bed early, Dear, I don’t feel well,” You say before kissing Hillie on the forehead, “Oh, okay,” She says, “I love you, let me know if you need anything.”
“I love you, too” You reply, sleepily, as you head up stairs to bed for a night of poor, restless sleep.
(text-colour:lime)[[[CONTINUE…->Leads Slide 2a(PER)]]]
For a moment, you feel as though you’re going to break down, but you regain composure, and tell Hillie about the awful day you’ve had, and the horrible scene you had to witness this morning. She holds you in a tight embrace, “I’m so sorry you had to see all that,” She says before kissing your forehead, “That’s horrible, what happened to the Stoutbarks… You know, now that I think of it…” Hillie looks contemplative as you come away from the hug to listen to what she has to say.
“About a week or two ago, I heard a rumor that Odri Stoutbark was seeing someone behind Laumo’s back. Just a rumor, ‘course, but you never know. I sure hope that wasn’t the cause of all this.” You make a mental note of what Hillie just said. It might be worth it to pay another visit to the Stoutbark’s house, and look for anything to do with this alleged affair. “I’m going to bed early, it’s been such a long day” You say before giving your wife a kiss, “I love you, Oz,” She says, “I love you, too” You reply, sleepily, as you head up stairs to bed for a night of poor, restless sleep.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Leads Slide 2b(ARC)]]]“It was fine,” You reply, “Just… paperwork.” Even though your back is to her, you can feel Hillie’s gaze on you. You can’t tell if she believes you or not. “Well, how exciting” She replies in a light, sarcastic manner. “I’m going to bed early, Dear, I don’t feel well,” You say before kissing Hillie on the forehead, “Oh, okay,” She says, “I love you, let me know if you need anything.”
“I love you, too” You reply, sleepily, as you head up stairs to bed for a night of poor, restless sleep.
(text-colour:lime)[[[CONTINUE…->Leads Slide 2b(ARC)]]]
For a moment, you feel as though you’re going to break down, but you regain composure, and tell Hillie about the awful day you’ve had, and the horrible scene you had to witness this morning. She holds you in a tight embrace, “I’m so sorry you had to see all that,” She says before kissing your forehead, “That’s horrible, what happened to the Stoutbarks… You know, now that I think of it…” Hillie looks contemplative as you come away from the hug to listen to what she has to say.
“About a week or two ago, I heard a rumor that Odri Stoutbark was seeing someone behind Laumo’s back. Just a rumor, ‘course, but you never know. I sure hope that wasn’t the cause of all this.” You make a mental note of what Hillie just said. It might be worth it to pay another visit to the Stoutbark’s house, and look for anything to do with this alleged affair. “I’m going to bed early, it’s been such a long day” You say before giving your wife a kiss, “I love you, Oz,” She says, “I love you, too” You reply, sleepily, as you head up stairs to bed for a night of poor, restless sleep.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Leads Slide 2c]]]“It was fine,” You reply, “Just… paperwork.” Even though your back is to her, you can feel Hillie’s gaze on you. You can’t tell if she believes you or not. “Well, how exciting” She replies in a light, sarcastic manner. “I’m going to bed early, Dear, I don’t feel well,” You say before kissing Hillie on the forehead, “Oh, okay,” She says, “I love you, let me know if you need anything.”
“I love you, too” You reply, sleepily, as you head up stairs to bed for a night of poor, restless sleep.
(text-colour:lime)[[[CONTINUE…->Leads Slide 2c]]]For a moment, you feel as though you’re going to break down, but you regain composure, and tell Hillie about the awful day you’ve had, and the horrible scene you had to witness this morning. She holds you in a tight embrace, “I’m so sorry you had to see all that,” She says before kissing your forehead, “That’s horrible, what happened to the Stoutbarks… You know, now that I think of it…” Hillie looks contemplative as you come away from the hug to listen to what she has to say.
“About a week or two ago, I heard a rumor that Odri Stoutbark was seeing someone behind Laumo’s back. Just a rumor, ‘course, but you never know. I sure hope that wasn’t the cause of all this.” You make a mental note of what Hillie just said. It might be worth it to pay another visit to the Stoutbark’s house, and look for anything to do with this alleged affair. “I’m going to bed early, it’s been such a long day” You say before giving your wife a kiss, “I love you, Oz,” She says, “I love you, too” You reply, sleepily, as you head up stairs to bed for a night of poor, restless sleep.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Leads Slide 2d]]]“It was fine,” You reply, “Just… paperwork.” Even though your back is to her, you can feel Hillie’s gaze on you. You can’t tell if she believes you or not. “Well, how exciting” She replies in a light, sarcastic manner. “I’m going to bed early, Dear, I don’t feel well,” You say before kissing Hillie on the forehead, “Oh, okay,” She says, “I love you, let me know if you need anything.”
“I love you, too” You reply, sleepily, as you head up stairs to bed for a night of poor, restless sleep.
(text-colour:lime)[[[CONTINUE…->Leads Slide 2d]]]You’re up early, enough that you have to sit and wait before getting back out there. But, finally, the sun rises, and with it, the town of Underwall. You have two leads left from the initial search. However, you’re also now considering it might be worth checking back at the Stoutbark home again, in case anything got missed.
Where to first?
(text-colour:lime)[[[The Quarry->Quarry Slide 1d(POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1d]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1d]]]You’re up early, enough that you have to sit and wait before getting back out there. But, finally, the sun rises, and with it, the town of Underwall. You have two leads left from the initial search. However, you’re also now considering it might be worth checking back at the Stoutbark home again, in case anything got missed.
Where to first?
(text-colour:lime)[[[The Quarry->Quarry Slide 1c]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1c]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1]]]You’re up early, enough that you have to sit and wait before getting back out there. But, finally, the sun rises, and with it, the town of Underwall. You have two leads left from the initial search. However, you’re also now considering it might be worth checking back at the Stoutbark home again, in case anything got missed.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1b]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1b(ARC)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1b]]]You’re up early, enough that you have to sit and wait before getting back out there. But, finally, the sun rises, and with it, the town of Underwall. You have two leads left from the initial search. However, you’re also now considering it might be worth checking back at the Stoutbark home again, in case anything got missed.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1a]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1a]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1a]]]
You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 2a]]]
After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 2a]]]
You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 3a]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 4a]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 5a]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…->Leads Slide 3a(2, PER)]]]You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c]]]
You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 2b]]]You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room->Return Slide 2e]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room->Return Slide 2d]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2f]]]After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 2b(ARC)]]]
You make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker->Quarry Slide 2ca]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry->Quarry Slide 2cb]]]After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 2c]]]You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room->Return Slide 2g]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room->Return Slide 2h]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2i]]]You make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker->Quarry Slide 2da]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry->Quarry Slide 2db]]]You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 2d]]]You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room->Return Slide 2j]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room->Return Slide 2k]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2l]]]“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 3a]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back->Leads Slide 3a(1, PER)]]] into the streets of Underwall.“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 3b]]]“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.->Leads Slide 3b(1, ARC)]]]“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 3d]]]“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.->Leads Slide 3d(3, POST-UNI)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 3c]]]"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 4c]]]The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 5c]]]Professor Fiddlespeak hands the sketches back to you, a look of sympathy on his face, “I do wish I could be of more help, old friend,” He says as you take the sketches back, “I am ever so sorry.”
“Dear Professor, there’s nothing to apologize for,” You reply as you fold the sketches up and put them back in your journal, “In fact, you’ve been a great help. You were at least able to tell us that the runes were Demonic in origin, a fact we at Everwatch had zero knowledge of prior to this conversation. Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak.”
You shake his and and, with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…->Leads Slide 3c(3, POST-UNI)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1c(1, PER)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1c(1, dd)]]]To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 3ca]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…->Quarry Slide 3cb]]] “I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 4ca]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…->Quarry Slide 4cb]]]Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something->Quarry Slide 5ca]]], but trying to hide it…”The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…->Quarry Slide 5cb]]]“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…->Quarry Slide 6ca]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 6cb]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…->Quarry Slide 6cc]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…->Quarry Slide 7ca]]]The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 7cb]]]The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 7cc]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…->Quarry Slide 8ca]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…->Quarry Slide 9ca]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…->Quarry Slide 10ca(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…->Quarry Slide 10ca(2)]]]The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Leads Slide 3c(PER)]]]The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Leads Slide 3c(ARC)]]]As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 8cb]]]As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 8cc]]]I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 9cb]]]I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 9cc]]]Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something,->Quarry Slide 10cb]]] but trying to hide it…”Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something,->Quarry Slide 10cc]]] but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.->Leads Slide 3c(PER)]]]“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.->Leads Slide 3c(ARC)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 3b(ARC)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 4b(ARC)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arccane University Slide 5b(ARC)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…->Leads Slide 3b(2, ARC)]]]To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 3da]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…->Quarry Slide 3db]]] “I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 4da]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…->Quarry Slide 4db]]]Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something->Quarry Slide 5da]]], but trying to hide it…”The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…->Quarry Slide 5db]]]“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…->Quarry Slide 6da]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 6db]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…->Quarry Slide 6dc]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…->Quarry Slide 7da]]]The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 7db]]]The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 7db]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…->Quarry Slide 8da]]]As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 8db]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…->Quarry Slide 9da]]]I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Quarry Slide 9db]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…->Quarry Slide 10da(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…->Quarry Slide 10da(2)]]]The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Leads Slide 3d(2, POST-UNI)]]]The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Leads Slide 3d(2, POST-UNI)]]]Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something,->Quarry Slide 10db]]] but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.->Leads Slide 3d(2, POST-UNI)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:lime)[[[The Quarry->Quarry Slide 1c(3, POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1c(3)]]]
You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1c(1, ARC)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1c(1a)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1a(1, PER)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1a(1)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1a]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1b]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1c]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(1)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a(3)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(3)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2c(final)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2b(final)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2c(final)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2a(final)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2b(final)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2a(final)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2aa]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2aa]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2aa]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1e]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1d]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1f]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room->Return Slide 2d(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2f(2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room->Return Slide 2e(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2f(1)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room->Return Slide 2d(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room->Return Slide 2e(2)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2f(final)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2e(final)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2f(final)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2d(final)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2e(final)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2d(final)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 5a]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 5a]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 5a]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1g]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1h]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1i]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room->Return Slide 2h(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2i(1)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room->Return Slide 2g(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2i(2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room->Return Slide 2h(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room->Return Slide 2g(2)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2i(final)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2h(final)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 01a]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2g(final)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2g(final)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2g(final)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 01a]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 01a]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 01a]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1j]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 2k]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 2l]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room->Return Slide 2k(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2l(1)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room->Return Slide 2j(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2l(2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room->Return Slide 2k(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room->Return Slide 2j(2)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2l(final)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2k(final)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2l(final)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2j(final)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2k(final)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2j(final)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 1d]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 1d]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 1d]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1a(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1a(2)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1a(3)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1a(3, PER)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall->Halfwall Slide 1a(3)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1b(1, ARC)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1b(1)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1b(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1b(2)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1b(3)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1b(3, ARC)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall->Halfwall Slide 1b(3)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1c(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:lime)[[[The Quarry->Quarry Slide 1c(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall->Halfwall Slide 1c(2)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1d(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1d(2)]]]
You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:lime)[[[The Quarry->Quarry Slide 1d(1, POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1d(1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall->Halfwall Slide 1d(1)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:lime)[[[The Quarry->Quarry Slide 1d(3a, POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:cyan)[[[Return to Stoutbark Residence->Return Slide 1d(3)]]]You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 2a(2)]]]You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a(1,a)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(1,a)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(1,a)]]]
After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 2a(1, PER)]]]
You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(2,a)]]]You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 2a(3)]]]After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 2a(3, PER)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river->Halfwall Slide 2a(3)]]] down to the edge of town…After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 2b(1, ARC)]]]
You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a(1, bb)]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(1,bb)]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(2,bb)]]]
You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2b(2)]]]
You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3a(1, cc)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3b(1, cc)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 3c(1, cc)]]]
You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2b(3)]]]
After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2b(3, ARC)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river-> Halfwall Slide 2b(3)]]] down to the edge of town…After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2c(1, PER)]]]
You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2c(1, dd)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(1, dd)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2e(1, dd)]]]
After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University 2c(1, ARC)]]]
You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2c(1a)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3c(1a)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 4c(1a)]]]
After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2c(2)]]]
You make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker-> Quarry Slide 2ca(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry-> Quarry Slide 2cb(2)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down to the edge of town…-> Halfwall Slide 2c(2)]]]You make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker-> Quarry Slide 2c(3, POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry-> Quarry Slide 2d(3, POST-UNI)]]]
You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2c(3)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3c(3)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 4c(3)]]]
You make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker-> Quarry Slide 2d(1, POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry-> Quarry Slide 2e(1, POST-UNI)]]]
You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2d(1)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2d(1)]]] to the edge of town…You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2d(2)]]]
You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3d(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return slide 4d(2)]]]
You make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker-> Quarry Slide 2d(3a, POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry-> Quarry Slide 2e(3a, POST-UNI)]]]
You decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(3)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3d(3)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 4d(3)]]]
You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 3a(1, PER)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 4a(1, PER)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 5a(1, PER)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Return Slide 1b(LAST)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1a(1)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1b(1)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1c(1)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(1,b)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(1,b)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a(1,b)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(2,b)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a(3,b)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(3,b)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2c(final,b)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2b(final,b)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2c(final,b)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2a(final,b)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2b(final,b)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2a(final,b)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 1a]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 1a]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 1a]]]“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 3a(2)]]]“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall...-> Return Slide 1a(LAST)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1a(2)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1b(2)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 1c(2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(2,a)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(2,ab)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a(2,b)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(2,b)b)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a(3,bb)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(3,bb]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2c(final,c)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2b(final,c)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2c(final,c)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2a(final,c)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2b(final,c)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 2a(final,c)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2a]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2a]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2a]]]
“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->School House Slide 3a(3)]]]“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, understandably. “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back-> Leads Slide 3b(3, PER)]]]into the streets of Underwall.You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 3a(3, PER)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 4a(3, PER)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 5a(3, PER)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Leads Slide 3b(3a, POST-UNI)]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light,->Halfwall Slide 3a(3)]]] then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…->Halfwall Slide 4a(3)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Halfwall Slide 5a(3)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.->Halfwall Slide 6a(3)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Halfwall Slide 7a(3)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Halfwall Slide 8a(3)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, (text-colour:lime)[[[“What do you want to know?”->Halfwall Slide 9a(3)]]]You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Halfwall Slide 10a(3)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Leads Slide 3c(3a, PER)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 3b(1, ARC)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 4b(1, ARC)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 5b(1, ARC)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Return Slide 2a 1(2, LAST)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2a(bb)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2b(bb)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c(bb)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(2,bb)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2c(2,bb)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(2,bb)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2e(2,bb)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2f(2,bb)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2g(2,bb)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(final, bb)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c(final,bb)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(final, bb)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2e(final,bb)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c(final,bb)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2e(final,bb)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 3a]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 3a]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 3a]]]
“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3b(2)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and head back into the (text-colour:lime)[[[streets of Underwall.-> Return Slide 1b(2, LAST)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 3a(cc)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 3b(cc)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 3c(cc)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3b(2, cc)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 3c(2, bb)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3d(2, cc)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 3e(2, cc)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3f(2, cc)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3g(2, cc)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3b(final, cc)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(final, cc)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3b(final, cc)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3e(final, cc)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(final, cc)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3e(final, cc)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 4a]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 4a]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 4a]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Leads Slide 3b(1a, PER)]]], and press on with your investigation.Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Leads Slide 3b(2, PER)]]], and press on with your investigation.Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Leads Slide 3c(1, ARC)]]], and press on with your investigation.Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Leads Slide 4a]]], and press on with your investigation.Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall->Leads Slide 3b(3, ARC)]]], and press on with your investigation.“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3b(3)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and head back into the streets of Underwall.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue...-> Leads Slide 3c(3, ARC)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3b(3, ARC)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 4b(3, ARC)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 5b(3, ARC)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Leads Slide 3d(3, POST-UNI)]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3b(3)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4b(3)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 5b(3)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 6b(3)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7b(3)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8b(3)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, (text-colour:lime)[[[“What do you want to know?”-> Halfwall Slide 9b(3)]]]You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 10b(3)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall… -> Leads Slide 3e(3, ARC)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c(1, PER)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 4c(1, PER)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 5c(1, PER)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement up on hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Return Slide 1c(1, dd, LAST)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c(1, dd)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2d(1, dd)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2e(1, dd)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3c(1, dd)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 3c(2, dd)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(2, dd)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2d(3, dd)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2f(1, dd)]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2f(2, dd)]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(1 FINAL, dd)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(2 FINAL, dd)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 6a]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 6a]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(1 FINAL, dd)]]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2d(3 FINAL, dd)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 6a]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(2 FINAL, dd)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2d(3 FINAL, dd)]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Leads Slide 6a (PER)]]], and press on with your investigation.You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University 3c(1, ARC)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University 4c(1, ARC)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University 5c(1, ARC)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Return Slide 1c(1a, LAST)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c(1a)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue...-> Return Array 3c(1a)]]]You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 4c(1a)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2c(1, ee)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2c(2, ee)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3c(1, ee)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 3c(2, ee)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 4c(1, ee)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 4c(2, ee)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c(1 FINAL, ee)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(2 FINAL, ee)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c(1 FINAL, ee)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(3 FINAL, ee)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(2 FINAL, ee)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(3 FINAL, ee)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 7a]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 7a]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 7a]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Leads Slide 7a(ARC)]]], and press on with your investigation.You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c(2)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 4c(2)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University 5c(2)]]]
Professor Fiddlespeak hands the sketches back to you, a look of sympathy on his face, “I do wish I could be of more help, old friend,” He says as you take the sketches back, “I am ever so sorry.”
“Dear Professor, there’s nothing to apologize for,” You reply as you fold the sketches up and put them back in your journal, “In fact, you’ve been a great help. You were at least able to tell us that the runes were Demonic in origin, a fact we at Everwatch had zero knowledge of prior to this conversation. Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak.”
You shake his and and, with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Leads Slide 8a(POST-UNI)]]]To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 3ca(2)]]]
You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 3cb(2)]]]“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 4ca(2)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 5ca(2)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…-> Quarry Slide 6ca(2)]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 7ca(2)]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 8ca(2)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to(text-colour:purple)[[[ the door…-> Quarry Slide 9ca(2)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION...-> Quarry Slide 10ca(2,1 PER)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 10ca(2,2 ARC)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Leads Slide 8a(PER)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Leads Slide 8a(ARC)]]]
You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 4cb(2)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 5cb(2)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 6cb(1,2 PER)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 6cb(2,2 ARC)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 7cb(2a, PER)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 7cb(2, ARC)]]]
As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 8cb(2, ARC)]]]
“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry slide 9cb(2, ARC)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 10cb(2, ARC)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.-> Leads Slide 8a(ARC)]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3c(2)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide4c(3)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue...-> Halfwall Slide 5c(3)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk-> Halfwall Slide 6c(3)]]].”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7c(3)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8c(3)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 9c(3)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 10c(3)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall… -> Leads Slide 9]]]To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 3c(3, POST-UNI)]]]
You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 3d(3, POST-UNI)]]]“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 4c(3, POST-UNI)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 5c(3, POST-UNI)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…-> Quarry Slide 6c(3, POST-UNI)]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 7c(3)]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 8c(3)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 9c(3)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 10c(3, 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 10c(3, 2)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 1c(1a, LAST)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 1c(1a, LAST)]]]
You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 4d(3, POST-UNI)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 5d(3, POST-UNI)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 6d(3, POST-UNI, 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 6d(3, POST-UNI, 2)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 7d(3, POST-UNI)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 7d(3, POST-UNI)]]]
As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 8d(3, POST-UNI)]]]
“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9d(3, POST-UNI)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 10d(3, POST-UNI)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.-> Return Slide 1c(1a, LAST)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c(3)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 3c(3)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 4c(3)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3c(3, 1f)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 3c(3, 2f)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3d(3, 1f)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 3d(3, 2f)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3e(3, 1f)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter's Room-> Return Slide 3e(3, 2f)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(3, FINAL 1f)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(3, FINAL 2f)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(3, FINAL 1f)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3d(3, FINAL 3f)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c(3, FINAL 2f)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3d(3, FINAL 3f)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 8a]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 8a]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 8a]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Leads Slide 8a(POST-UNI)]]], and press on with your investigation.To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 3d(1, POST-UNI)]]]
You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 3e(1, POST-UNI)]]]“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 4d(1, POST-UNI)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 5d(1, POST-UNI)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…-> Quarry Slide 6d(1, POST-UNI)]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 7d(1, POST-UNI)]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 8d(1, POST-UNI)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 9d(1, POST-UNI)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 10d(1, POST-UNI, 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 10d(1, POST-UNi, 2)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Leads Slide 4a]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Leads Slide 4a]]]
You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 4e(1, POST-UNI)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 5e(1, POST-UNI)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 6e(1, POST-UNI, 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 6e(1, POST-UNI, 2)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 7e(1, POST-UNI)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 7e(1, POST-UNI)]]]
As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 8e(1, POST-UNI)]]]
“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9e(1, POST-UNI)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 10e(1, POST-UNI)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.-> Leads Slide 4a]]]“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3d(1)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, understandably. “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Leads Slide 8a(POST-UNI)]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3d(1)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4d(1)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall slide 5d(1)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk-> Haflwall Slide 6d(1)]]].”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7d(1)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8d(1)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 9d(1)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 10d(1)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Leads Slide 10d(1, POST-UNI, LAST)]]]“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House slide 3d(2)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Return Slide 2a 1(2, LAST)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2d(2)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 3d(2)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 4d(2)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2e(2, e)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2e(2, f)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3e(2, e)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 3e(2, f)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 4e(2, e)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter's Room-> Return Slide 4e(2, f)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2e(2, FINAL e)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2e(2, FINAL f)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2e(2, FINAL e)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 3e(2, FINAL f)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2e(2, FINAL f)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Slide 3e(2, FINAL f)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 9a]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 9a]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 9a]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Leads Slide 3d(3, POST-UNI)]]], and press on with your investigation.To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 3d(3a, POST-UNI)]]]
You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 3e(3a, POST-UNI)]]]As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 4d(3a, POST-UNI)]]]
“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 5d(3a, POST-UNI)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 6d(3a, POST-UNI)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…-> Quarry Slide 7d(3a, POST-UNI)]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry slide 8d(3a, POST-UNI)]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 9d(3a, POST-UNI)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 10d(3a, POST-UNI)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 11d(3a, POST-UNI, 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 11d(3a, POST-UNI, 2)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 1c(1a, LAST)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 1c(1a, LAST)]]]
You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 4e(3a, POST-UNI)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 5e(3a, POST-UNI)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 6e(3a, POST-UNI, 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 6e(3a, POST-UNI, 2)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 7e(3a, POST-UNI)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 7e(3a, POST-UNI)]]]
As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 8e(3a, POST-UNI)]]]
“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9e(3a, POST-UNI)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 10e(3a, POST-UNI)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.-> Return Slide 1c(1a, LAST)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2d(3)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 3d(3)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 4d(3)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(3, e)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2d(3, f)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3d(3, e)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 3d(3, f)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 4d(3, e)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter's Room-> Return Slide 4d(3, f)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2d(3, FINAL e)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2d(3, FINAL f)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2d(3, FINAL e)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return slide 3d(3, FINAL f)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2d(3, FINAL f)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return slide 3d(3, FINAL f)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 10a]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 10a]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 10a]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Leads Slide 8a(POST-UNI)]]], and press on with your investigation.With no other leads left, you decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2c(LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2d(LAST)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2b(LAST)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c(LAST)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2d(LAST)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2b(LAST, 2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2c(LAST, 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(LAST, 2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(LAST, 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(LAST, 2)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, FINAL 1)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, FINAL 2)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, FINAL 1)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c(LAST, FINAL 2)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, FINAL 2)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c(LAST, FINAL 2)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 1b]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 1b]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 1b]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Halfwall Slide 1b(LAST)]]], and press on with your investigation.You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University-> Arcane University Slide 3b 1(1a, PER)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 3b 1(1a)]]]After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3b 2(1a, PER)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 3b 2(1a)]]] to the edge of town…You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University 3b 3(1a, PER)]]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University 3b 4(1a, PER)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University 3b 5(1a, PER)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Halfwall Slide 3c1(1a, LAST)]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Haflwall Slide3b 3(1a)]]] , then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 3b 4(1a)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3b 5(1a)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk-> Halfwall slide 3b 6(1a)]]].”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3b 7(1a)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3b 8(1a)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know-> Halfwall Slide 3b 9(1a)]]]?”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3b 10(1a)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall… -> Arcane University Slide 3b 1(1a, PER, LAST)]]]With no other leads left, you decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, 1a)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2c(LAST, 1a)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2d(LAST, 1a)]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2b(LAST, 1a)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c(LAST, 1a)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2d(LAST, 1a)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, 1a 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2b(LAST, 1a 2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2c(LAST, 1a 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2c(LAST, 1a 2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(LAST, 1a 1)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(LAST, 1a 2)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, FINAL 1a 1)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, FINAL 1a 2)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, FINAL 1a 1)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c(LASt, FINAL 1a 2)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(LAST, FINAL 1a 2)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c(LASt, FINAL 1a 2)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2b]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2b]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2b]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Halfwall Slide 2b 1(LAST)]]], and press on with your investigation.You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse->School House Slide 1e]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 3b 1(2)]]]
You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2e]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2b 2(2)]]] to the edge of town…“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3e]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Halfwall Slide 3b 1(2, LAST)]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall slide 2b 3(2)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 2b 4(2)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2b 5(2)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk-> Halfwall Slide 2b 6(2)]]].”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2b 7(2)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2b 8(2)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 2b 9(2)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2b 10(2)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall… -> School House Slide 1e(LAST)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University->Arcane University Slide 1a(3, PER a)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall->Halfwall Slide 1a(3, PER a)]]]After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2a(3, PER a)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2a(3, PER a)]]] to the edge of town…You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3a(3, PER a)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 4a(3, PER a)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University slide 5a(3, PER a)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Halfwall Slide 1a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3a(e, PER a)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4a(3, PER a)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 5a(3, PER a)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk-> Halfwall Slide 6a(3, PER a)]]].”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a(3, PER a)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a(3, PER a)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 9a(3, PER a)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 10a(3, PER a)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Arcane University Slide 1a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse-> School House Slide 1a(3a)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall->Halfwall Slide 1a(3a)]]]
You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2a(3a)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2a(3a)]]] to the edge of town…
“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide -> School House Slide 3a(3a)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Halfwall Slide 1b(3a, LAST)]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3a(3a)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4a(3a)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 5a(3a)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 6a(3a)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a(3a)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a(3a)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 9a(3a)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Haflwall Slide 10a(3a)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall...-> School House Slide 1c(3a, LAST)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse-> School House Slide 1b(3a)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University-> Arcane University Slide 3c 1(3a, PER)]]]You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2b(3a)]]]
After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c 2(3a, PER)]]]
“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3b(3a)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Arcane University Slide 3 1(3a, PER, LAST)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Arcane University Slide 3c 3(3a, PER)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c 4(3a, PER)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 5(3a, PER)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> School House Slide 3c 1(3a PER, LAST)]]]With no other leads left, you decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a 1a(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2a 2a(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2a 3a(2)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…->Return Array 2a 1a(2)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2a 2a(2)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2a 3a(2)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2a 2b(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->Return Slide 2a 2c(2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a 2d(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2a 2e(2)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a 2f(2)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2a 2g(2)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue...-> Return Slide 2a 2b(2, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return slide 2a 2c (2, FINAL)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2a 2b(2, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2a 2e(2, FINAL)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return slide 2a 2c (2, FINAL)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2a 2e(2, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2c(LAST)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2c(LAST)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2c(LAST)]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Halfwall Slide 2c 1(LAST)]]], and press on with your investigation.With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2b(3a, LAST)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light, then--> Halfwall Slide 3b(3a, LAST)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4b(3a, LAST)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 5b(3a, LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 6b(3a, LAST)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7b(3a, LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8b(3a, LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?”-> Halfwall Slide 9b(3a, LAST)]]]You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 10b(3a, LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2c(3a, LAST)]]]
“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House 3c(3a, LAST)]]]
At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Weeks Slide 1]]]Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall->Leads Slide 3a(3, PER)]]], and press on with your investigation.With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 3c2(1a, LAST)]]] to the edge of town…With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2b(LAST)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3b(LAST)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the(text-colour:lime)[[[ interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4b(LAST)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 5b(LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall 6b(LAST)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall 7b(LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall 8b(LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Haflwall 9b(LAST)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall 10b(LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light, then- -> Halfwall Slide 3c3(1a, LAST)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 3c4(1a, LAST)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c5(1a, LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall slide 3c6(1a, LAST)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c7(1a, LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Haflwall Slide 3c8(1a, LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 3c9(1a, LAST)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c10(1a, LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3b 2(1a, PER, LAST)]]]
You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3b 3(1a, PER, LAST)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3b 4(1a, PER, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3b 5(1a, PER, LAST)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 3b 2(2, LAST)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3b 3(2, LAST)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 3b 4(2, LAST)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3b 5(2, LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk-> Halfwall Slide 3b 6(2, LAST)]]].”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3b 7(2, LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3b 8(2, LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 3b 9(2, LAST)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3b 10(2, LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2e(LAST)]]]“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3e(LAST)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Weeks Slide 1]]]You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2a(3, PER a, LAST)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3a(3, PER a, LAST)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 5a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk-> Halfwall Slide 6a(3, PER, LAST)]]].”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 9a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 10a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]
You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 4a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 5a(3, PER a, LAST)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left,you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3 2(3a, PER, LAST)]]]
With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2b 2(LAST)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 2b 3(LAST)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 2b 4(LAST)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2b 5(LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk-> Halfwall Slide 2b 6(LAST)]]].”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2b 7(LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2b 8(LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 2b 9(LAST)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2b 10(LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3 3(3a, PER, LAST)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 4(3a, PER, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 5(3a, PER, LAST)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3c 2(3a PER, LAST)]]]
“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3c 3(3a PER, LAST)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Weeks Slide 1]]]After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2b 2(1, ARC)]]]
You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2b 3(1, ARC)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2b 4(1, ARC)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2b 5(1, ARC)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 1(1, LAST)]]]With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2c 2(LAST)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 2c 3(LAST)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 2c 4(LAST)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2c 5(LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 2c 6(LAST)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2c 7(LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2c 8(LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?->Halfwall Slide 2c 9(LAST)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2c 10(LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University-> Arcane University Slide 2b 1(1, ARC)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 3c 1(1, ARC)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 3c 2(1, ARC)]]] to the edge of town…With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 3c 2(1, LAST)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3c 3(1, LAST)]]], then-You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3c 3(1, ARC)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 4(1, LAST)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 4(1, ARC)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 5(1, ARC)]]]
Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 5(1, LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 3c 6(1, LAST)]]]”The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 3c 6(1, ARC)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall slide 3c 7(1, LAST)]]]
A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 7(1, ARC)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 8(1, ARC)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 8(1, LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 3c 9(1, ARC)]]]”You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 3c 9(1, LAST)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 10(1, ARC)]]]
You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 10(1, LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Arcane University Slide 2b 1(1, ARC, LAST)]]]Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall… -> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left,you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2b 2(1, ARC, LAST)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2b 3(1, ARC, LAST)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2b 4(1, ARC, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2b 5(1, ARC, LAST)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2a(2, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2b(2, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2c(2, LAST)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2a(2, LAST)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2b(2, LAST)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c(2, LAST)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room->Return Slide 2a(2, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone->-> Return Slide 2b(22, LAST)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2c(22, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2d(2, LAST)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2e(2, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2f(2, LAST)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2a(2, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(22, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2a(2, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2d(2, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2b(22, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2d(2, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2d(LAST)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2d(LAST)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 2d(LAST)]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Halfwall Slide 2d 1(LAST)]]], and press on with your investigation.With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2d 2(LAST)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 2d 3(LAST)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 2d 4(LAST)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2d 5(LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 2d 6(LAST)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2d 7(LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2d 8(LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 2d 9(LAST)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 2d 10(LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse-> School House Slide 1b(3b)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 1b(3, a)]]]You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2b(3b)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2b(3, a)]]] to the edge of town…“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House slide 3b(3b)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall-> Halfwall Slide 1b(3, FINAL)]]].With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2b(3, FINAL)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3b(3, FINAL)]]], then-You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3b(3, a)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4b(3, a)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4b(3, FINAL)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 5b(3, FINAL)]]]
Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 5b(3, a)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 6b(3, a)]]]”The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 6b(3, FINAL)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7b(3, a)]]]
A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7b(3, FINAL)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8b(3, a)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8b(3, FINAL)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 9b(3, a)]]]”You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 9b(3, FINAL)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 10b(3, a)]]]
You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall slide 10b(3, FINAL)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> School House Slide 1b(3b, FINAL)]]]Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 2b(3b, FINAL)]]]“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3b(3b, FINAL)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Weeks Slide 1]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University-> Arcane University Slide 3c 1(3, ARC)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 3c 1(3)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse-> School House Slide 3c 1(3)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 3c 1(4)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse-> School House Slide 3e 1(3)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University-> Arcane University Slide 3e 1(3, ARC)]]]After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c 2(3, ARC)]]]
With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 3c 2(3)]]]to the edge of town…You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c 3(3, ARC)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c 4(3, ARC)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c 5(3, ARC)]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Halfwall slide 3c(3, FINAL)]]]With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 3c 2(3, FINAL)]]]to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3c 3(3)]]], then-You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3c 3(3, FINAL)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 4(3)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 4(3, FINAL)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 5(3)]]]
Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 5(3, FINAL)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 3c 6(3)]]]”The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 3c 6(3, FINAL)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 7(3)]]]
A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 7(3, FINAL)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 8(3)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halwall Slide 3c 8(3, FINAL)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 3c 9(3)]]]”You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 3c 9(3, FINAL)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 10(3)]]]
You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 10(3, FINAL)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall...-> Arcane University Slide 3c 1(3, ARC, LAST)]]]With no other leads left, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c 2(3, ARC, LAST)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c 3(3, ARC, LAST)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c 4(3, ARC, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3c 5(3, ARC, LAST)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3c 2(3)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 3c 2(4)]]] to the edge of town…“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3c 3(3)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, understandably. “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Halfwall Slide 3c 1(4, FINAL)]]]With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 3c 2(4, FINAL)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3c 3(4)]]], then-You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3c 3(4, FINAL)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 4(4)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 4(4, FINAL)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 5(4)]]]
Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 5(4, FINAL)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 3c 6(4)]]]”The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 3c 6(4, FINAL)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 7(4, FINAL)]]]
A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 7(4)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 8(4)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Haflwall Sldie 3c 8(4, FINAL)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Haflwall Slide 3c 9(4)]]]”You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall slide 3c 9(4, FINAL)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 10(4)]]]
You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 3c 10(4, FINAL)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> School House Slide 3c 1(3, FINAL)]]]Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall… -> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3c 2(3, FINAL)]]]“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3c 3(3, FINAL)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Weeks Slide 1]]]You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3e 2(3)]]]
After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3e 2(3, ARC)]]]
“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3e 3(3)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Arcane University Slide 3e 1(3, ARC, LAST)]]]With no other leads left,you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3e 2(3, ARC, LAST)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3e 3(3, ARC, LAST)]]]
You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3e 3(3, ARC)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3e 4(3, ARC)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3e 4(4, ARC, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3e 5(3, ARC)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3e 5(4, ARC, LAST)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> School House Slide 3e 1(3, LAST)]]]For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3e 2(3, LAST)]]]“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3e 3(3, LAST)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left, you decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2c1(1, dd, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2c2(1, dd, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2c3(1, dd, LAST)]]]
You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University-> Arcane University Slide 1d(1, PER)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 1d(1a)]]]After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2d(1, PER)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2d(1a)]]] to the edge of town…You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3d(1, PER)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 4d(1, PER)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University 5d(1, PER)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Halfwall Slide 1d(1, LAST)]]]With no other leads left, you decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 2d(1, LAST)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3d(1, LAST)]]], then-You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 3d(1a)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4d(1, LAST)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 4d(1a)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 5d(1a)]]]
Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 5d(1, LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 6d(1a)]]]”The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 6d(1, LAST)]]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7d(1a)]]]
A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7d(1, LAST)]]]You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8d(1a)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8d(1, LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 9d(1a)]]]”You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 9d(1, LAST)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 10d(1a)]]]
You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 10d(1, LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Arcane University Slide 1d(1, PER, LAST)]]]Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left,you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 2d(1, PER, LAST)]]]SLIDE 2: You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 3d(1, PER, LAST)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 4d(1, PER, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 5d(1, PER, LAST)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c1(1, dd, LAST)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c2(1, dd, LAST)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c3(1, dd, LAST)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3c1(1, dd, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return slide 3c1a(1, dd, LAST)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3c2(1, dd, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 3c2a(1, dd, LAST)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3c3(1, dd, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3c3a(1, dd, LAST)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c1(1, dd, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c1a(1, dd, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c1(1, dd, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c2a(1, dd, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c1a(1, dd, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 3c2a(1, dd, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 3c1]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 3c1]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 3c1]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Halfwall slide 3c(3, FINAL)]]], and press on with your investigation.You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University-> Arcane University Slide 7a 1(ARC)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 7a 1(ARC)]]]With no other leads left, you decide to follow your hunch and give the Stoutbark residence an additional look through. As you approach the home, you see that the Everwatch officers are gone, but the house has otherwise been left as it was, including the ward around the perimeter. You head back inside and notice three main points of interest in the home; Laumo and Odri’s bedroom and Elleth’s bedroom are really the two main rooms in the house, aside from the living room. However, your gut is also telling you to take a closer look at that stone that was left among the runes.
Where to first?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2c(1a, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2d(1a, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2e(1a, LAST)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2c(1a, LAST)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 2d(1a, LAST)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Array 3e(1a, LAST)]]]
Where to next?
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 2c1(1a, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2c2(1a, LAST)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 2d1(1a, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Examine the Stone-> Return Slide 2d2(1a, LAST)]]]Where to next?
(text-colour:red)[[[Parent’s Room-> Return Slide 3e1(1a, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Daughter’s Room-> Return Slide 3e2(1a, LAST)]]]You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c1(1a, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c2(1a, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c1(1a, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2d2(1a, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2c2(1a, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide 2d2(1a, LAST, FINAL)]]]
You decide to take a closer look at the stone that was found at the crime scene, as you didn’t get a chance to examine it much yesterday. The stone has been left exactly where it was found, at a point where several of the runes intersect. You pick up the stone, and notice it is cold to the touch. Extremely cold. The stone has a strange, lumpy, inconsistent shape to it. While it appeared dark grey from a distance, you now see it is a smoky black color. The color of the stone lightens up to a grey around the edges of the many cracks that riddle its surface. While you don’t detect any magic coming from the stone, holding it makes you feel… Strange, in a way you don’t care for. You put it back where it was, take some notes on it, make a quick sketch of it, and move on.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 3c2]]]
You head to look in Elleth’s room. There is a small bed on the far wall, with a handmade, wooden toy chest at the end of the bed. There is also a small wardrobe opposite the bed, and a small drawing table in the middle of the room, replete with as much pastels and paper as a kid could dream of. All of the pages that are out on the table are blank. However, upon opening the toy chest, you find a drawing, presumably done by Elleth. It is a simple drawing, a solid green circle, with yellow eyes and a yellow mouth on it. Though the drawing is simple, there is something undeniably upsetting about the face drawn in the circle. It looks… Menacing. This is the only clue you find in Elleth’s room, so you head back to check the rest of the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 3c2]]]
You decide to head to Laumo and Odri’s room. It is modestly decorated, like most Halfling homes. The pale wood furniture reminds you of your own. The room has been left as it was found at the time of establishing the crime scene. The bedding is in a tossed mess, a drinking glass has been shattered on the ground in front of one of the nightstands. Clearly the Stoutbarks were suddenly awoken from sleep, and rushed out of the room. You make a note of this, and continue to look around.
After much searching, you find only one potential clue in the bedroom. A diary belonging to Odri Stoutbark. It starts out rather dull, detailing the usual day in, day out life of a woman committed to her family. Until in one entry, excitement begins to spark. Odri met a Half-Orc woman, Kotahg, and the two apparently hit it off and have been having an affair ever since. Kotahg is a sorcerer who lives in Halfwall. Exactly the kind of person who would have knowledge to pull off a horrendous ritual like the one that occurred here. Doubly so when you factor in a love triangle as a possible motive. You make a note for later to look for Kotagh in Halfwall, and leave the bedroom.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Return Slide Exit 3c2]]]
Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall-> Halfwall slide 3c(3, FINAL)]]], and press on with your investigation.After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 7a 2(ARC)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 7a 2(ARC)]]] to the edge of town…You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 7a 3(ARC)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 7a 4(ARC)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 7a 5(ARC)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 1(ARC, LAST)]]]You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 7a 2(ARC, LAST)]]] to the edge of town…You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 7a 3(ARC)]]], then-You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 7a 3(ARC, LAST)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 4(ARC, LAST)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall slide 7a 4(ARC)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 5(ARC)]]]
Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 5(ARC, LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 7a 6(ARC, LAST)]]]”The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 7a 6(ARC)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 7(ARC)]]
A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 7(ARC, LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 8(ARC)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 8(ARC, LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Haflwall Slide 7a 9(ARC, LAST)]]]”You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 7a 9(ARC)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 10(ARC)]]]
You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 10(ARC, LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 1(ARC, LAST)]]]Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry slide 8cb(2a, PER)]]]“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9cb(2a, PER)]]]Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 10cb(2a, PER)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.-> Leads Slide 8a(PER)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:lime)[[[The Quarry-> Quarry Slide 8a 1(POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 8a 1(POST-UNI)]]]
You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University-> Arcane University Slide 8a 1(PER)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 8a 1(PER)]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University-> Arcane University Slide 8a 1(ARC)]]]
- OR -
[[(text-colour:#ff1a75)[[Look For the Sorceror in Halfwall-> Halfwall Slide 8a 1(ARC)]]]You make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker->Quarry Slide 8a2a(POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry-> Quarry Slide 8a2b(POST-UNI)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down-> Halfwall Slide 8a 2(POST-UNI)]]] to the edge of town…After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8a 2(PER)]]]
You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down to the edge of town…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 2(PER)]]]You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down to the edge of town…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 2(ARC)]]]After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8a 2(ARC)]]]
To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 8a3a(POST-UNI)]]]
You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 8a3b(POST-UNI)]]]“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 8a 4a(POST-UNI)]]]
You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 8a4b(POST-UNI)]]]Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was whe they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 8a 5a(POST-UNI)]]], but trying to hide it…”The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 8a5b(POST-UNI)]]]“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…-> Quarry Slide 8a 6a(POST-UNI)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 8a6b(POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 8a6c(POST-UNI)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 6a7b(POST-UNI)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 6a7b(POST-UNI)]]]
You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 8a 7a(POST-UNI)]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 8a 8a(POST-UNI)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 8a 9a(POST-UNI)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 8a 10a(POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 8a 10b(POST-UNI)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 1(ARC, LAST)]]]
After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 7a 1(ARC, LAST)]]]
As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 6a8b(POST-UNI)]]]
“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 6a9b(POST-UNI)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was whe they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 6a10b(POST-UNI)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.-> Halfwall Slide 7a 1(ARC, LAST)]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 8a 3(POST-UNI)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 4(POST-UNI)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 5(POST-UNI)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 8a 6(POST-UNI)]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 7(POST-UNI)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 8(POST-UNI)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 8a 9(POST-UNI)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 10(POST-UNI)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Quarry Slide 9 1(LAST, POST-UNI)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8a 3(PER)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8a 4(PER)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8a 5(PER)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement up on hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 1(PER, LAST)]]]You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down to the edge of town…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 2(PER, LAST)]]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8a 3(ARC)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8a 4(ARC)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8a 5(ARC)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement up on hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 1(ARC, LAST)]]]You decide it's time to head to Halfwall to look for Kotahg, the Half-Orc sorcerer that Odri Stoutbark was having an affair with. Halfwall is a peculiar settlement, just outside of Underwall. Or, rather, just above it. For while Underwall is a community that sprung up around an enormous drain pipe protruding from a walled city, Halfwall is the name of the slums that developed on top of that absurdly large pipe. A patched together shanty town, high up and far away from the prying eyes of institutions such as Everwatch. A lot of shady, criminal dealings occur up in Halfwall, so Everwatch has an increased, yet discreet, presence there.
Before heading up to Halfwall, you head home and change out of your Everwatch uniform. If you went there dressed like that, you’d be sure to find the streets oddly quiet and empty. You don a simple tunic and trousers, topped with a long leather overcoat, and (text-colour:lime)[[[follow the river down to the edge of town…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 2(ARC, LAST)]]]You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 8a 3(PER, LAST)]]], then-You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 8a 3(PER)]]], then-You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light-> Halfwall Slide 8a 3(ARC)]]]], then-You come to the very edge of town, and the very wall that Underwall sits under. The stone wall goes up and up and up, shooting into the sky. It goes so far up that you can barely make out the details of the very top of the wall. The gigantic drain pipe protrudes from the very bottom of the wall, the bottom half of the pipe nestled in a channel in the dirt below. Dark, sludgy water flows from the mouth of the pipe. That water is funneled, via stone ramps, to a small makeshift dam, erected using large stone walls. In the middle of the dam is a small log cabin, sitting above the water on a wooden foundation. A large water wheel spins on the side of the cabin. Out of the back of the cabin, a large metal pipe leads over the stone walls of the makeshift dam, where it pours clean water into the river that Underwall is built along. The exact process that the Hydromancers use to purify Underwall’s water is beyond the comprehension of most of its citizens, but they are grateful for these skilled arcane laborers nonetheless.
You look at the very top of the massive drain pipe, and can barely make out the dark brown shacks of Halfwall. It’s a long way up, and very difficult to get to for most common folk. But not for a learned wizard such as yourself. You put your wand straight above your head, and mutter a strange, gutural phrase from an ancient, arcane tongue. Undulating green runes twist their way down your arm, and form a translucent prism around you. There is a (text-colour:lime)[[[quick flash of light->Halfwall Slide 8a 3(ARC, LAST)]]], then-The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 4(PER, LAST)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 4(PER)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall slide 8a 4(ARC)]]]The light fades as you find yourself standing in a back alley in Halfwall, cramped between two lopsided wooden shacks. You take a quick cursory glance around to make sure no one saw you blink into the alley before taking off into the main streets. The narrow, crooked streets of Halfwall are alive with a bustle of shady characters. Seemingly everyone you pass on the street looks as though they are ready to scam you, assault you, or some combination of the two. You head down the normal route you take to get to your informant’s usual spot. He’s not a contact you have to call on often, thankfully, but any Detective worth their salt has at least one source of information out here in Halfwall. You duck down the alley behind the shop that at least claims to be a “Haberdashery”, and prepare yourself for the (text-colour:lime)[[[interaction ahead of you…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 4(ARC, LAST)]]]Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 5(PER, LAST)]]]
Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 5(PER)]]]
Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 5(ARC)]]]
Even as you first enter the alley, you can hear the raspy shouts of your informant, “Get the fuck outta here, Robert, you broke bastard!” You hear over a general raucous of a small crowd. You turn a couple corners and come into a sort of courtyard. Really, it’s just an empty space behind four poorly placed shacks, but right now it is bustling with a small crowd of people, gathered around something you can’t see. As you get closer, you can see what everyone is so excited about, though you already know what it is. In the middle of the crowd, two men stand. One is a Halfling in the dirty rags of someone who lives on the streets of Halfwall. Runic tattoos run up the length of his arm. The other is an elven man in the tattered robes of a student at the Arcane University. Both are standing with wands out. In front of them stands a short, scrawny Goblin. He has a mess of black hair on his head, and a patchy beard to match. The large leather collar on his vest is dwarfed by his even larger green ears.
“Right then, gents,” The Goblin coughs out in a raspy, lowborn brogue, “Ready… Set… GO!” On the word “GO!” the Goblin tosses a pair of dices as high as he can in the air, and dives out of the way, into the crowd, who start cheering excitedly. The two men with wands square up their stance, and keep their eyes on the dice as they come tumbling down to the ground. The dice bounce, and the two wizards each fire off a spell at the dice. One misses, but the other’s spell hits, causing the dice to keep rolling. They each cast a spell again, this time the other wizard hits and causes the dice to keep rolling. This repeats for several minutes, with the wizards sometimes choosing to counter the other’s spell, rather than aiming for the dice.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 5(ARC, LAST)]]]
The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall slide 8a 6(PER, LAST)]]]”The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 8a 6(PER)]]]”The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 8a 6(ARC)]]]”The competition is brought to an end when the Halfling competitor hits the dice with a spell, causing them to bounce, followed by successfully countering the Elven man’s spell. The dice hit the ground and roll to a stop before the Elf is able to fire off another spell. The Goblin lets out a sharp whistle and makes an “X” motion with his arms, signifying the end of the competition, while the crowd erupts into a mixture of cheering and boos. The Halfling jumps up and down in celebration, and the Elven man throws his wand to the ground in frustration.
The Goblin scrambles over to the dice, and looks down at them. He looks up, excitedly, and shouts, “Right then, let’s see here… A four, and an eight, that’s twelve Silver Pieces! Everybody give it up for the reigning champion, Pendrick!” The crowd goes wild as the elven man picks up his wand and angrily storms off.
As the Goblin is paying the Halfling his silver, you walk up and tap him on the shoulder. The Goblin turns around, and is startled a bit when he realizes it’s you. “Hi, Scrimjak,” You say with a grin, “We need to (text-colour:lime)[[[talk.-> Halfwall Slide 8a 6(ARC, LAST)]]]]”A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 7(PER, LAST)]]]
A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 7(PER)]]]
A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 7(ARC)]]]
A mixture of anger and fear falls on the Goblin’s face, and he turns to the crowd, “Alright, alright,” Scrimjak shouts as he makes a shooing motion with his arms, “That’s it for the day, games is over! Get gone, you sorry lot!” The crowd lets out a collective “Awww,” as they disperse down the various alleyways, leaving just you and Scrimjak in the “courtyard”.
The Goblin looks at you with a look of frustration, “Right then, what is it?” He snaps, “Make it quick, Copper, time is money.” You throw a stern look Scrimjaw’s way and say, “I’m looking for someone. A Half-Orc, named Kotahg. You know her?” Scrimjak shrugs, and replies, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. My memory aint what it used to be, though. Might need some… Help rememberin’.” A big, assuming grin creeps across his face.
“Well, a little birdie told me that you’re short twelve Silver Pieces,” You say, sarcastically, as you hand the Goblin twelve Silver Pieces. He quickly snatches them, and shoves them in his pocket, all the while calmly saying, “Yes, yes, that’s right. I remember now. I heard that Kotahg’s down at the bar, right around the corner. They say she’s drinkin’ away some sorrows, that she lost someone dear. Poor thing…”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 7(ARC, LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 8(PER, LAST)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 8(PER)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 8(ARC)]]]
You nod, but continue to stare the Goblin down, “Bar around the corner, got it. Thanks, as always,” You say as you start to walk away. Just before you enter the alley, you turn around, and shout, “Oh, and don’t let me catch you running a betting ring again, Scrimjak. You’ll be sorry.” The Goblin hisses at you as you walk away, towards the bar.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 8(ARC, LAST)]]]
You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 8a 9(PER, LAST)]]]”You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 8a (PER)]]]”You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall Slide 8a 9(ARC)]]]”You head down the street and around the corner, and find yourself in front of a certain building. It looks indistinguishable from all the other wooden shacks around here, save for a rickety sign out front that reads, “The Bar Around the Corner”. You head in, and find yourself in a dark, cramped, dingy bar. The place is nearly empty. A lone bartender stands behind the bar, cleaning some flagons, and one Half-Orc woman is sitting at the bar, completely slumped over.
You walk over to where the Half-Orc is sitting. As you approach, the bartender also starts making his way over but you shake your head as you pull back one side of your coat. Pinned to your tunic is a badge, a green leaf with shiny gold trim. The bartender spots it, and his eyes get a little wide. He turns on his heels, and goes back to cleaning the flagons.
You take a seat next to the Half-Orc, and ask her, “Kotahg?” She looks up at you, tears in her eyes, and you continue, “My name is Ozthrum. I’m trying to find out who killed Odri and her family. I have a few questions for you.” She stares at you for a moment, before asking, in a hushed whisper, “Are you with Everwatch?” You nod, and she nods, too. “Okay,” She says at a higher, but still rather quiet level, “(text-colour:lime)[[[What do you want to know?-> Halfwall slide 8a 9(ARC, LAST)]]]”You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 10(PER, LAST)]]]
You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 10(PER)]]]
You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 10(ARC)]]]
You consider taking out your journal and quill to take notes, but think better of it. Though she was quick to agree to talk to you, for all you know, you might be looking at the killer right now. You decide you want your hands to be free, and to be ready for anything. Nevertheless, you proceed with your line of questioning calmly, “So, I found out about your connection to Odri through the-” Kotahg cuts you off, angry, but still quiet, “It was the damn diary, wasn’t it?” This catches you off guard, but you do your best not to show it, “Yes, it was. How did you-” She cuts you off again, “I knew she was lying. She loved writing down absolutely everything in that damn book. I-” She has to pause for a moment to choke down some tears, but then continues, “She promised me she would leave me out of her diary entries, but somewhere deep down, I never did believe her. Sorry, go on.”
You continue, “It’s quite alright. I know you hadn’t known Odri all that long, but had you noticed anything… Strange from her lately? Behavior, or things she was saying? Just anything unusual?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Halfwall Slide 8a 10(ARC, LAST)]]]
Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 1(PER, LAST)]]]Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 1(ARC, LAST)]]]Kotahg stares straight ahead over the bar as she recalls, “Odri hadn’t been acting strange lately, but she had been telling me about Laumo acting strange. More scared, really. He told her that they found something while working down at the quarry. He refused to tell her what it was, said he wasn’t allowed to, or he’d lose his job. Whatever it was, it scared the living Hell out of Laumo and the rest of the quarrymen. She said he tried to hide it, put on a brave face for her and Elleth, but Odri could tell; Laumo was terrified to go to work everyday.”
Feeling sufficiently safe, you take out your journal and make note of all that Kotahg has said. You describe to her the stone that was found at the crime scene, and ask if she has any knowledge pertaining to it, “No,” She replies, then pauses to think for a moment, “A stone… I wonder if it came from the quarry. If it did… Well, I doubt any good has come of it.”
Kotahg takes a big drink from the clay bottle that’s sitting in front of her, “Well, Detective,” She says, words slurring a bit more, “Unless you have anymore questions, I’d really like to be left the fuck alone right now.” You nod, and give Kotahg a brief smile, and reply, “That’s all. Thank you for your time… And I’m so sorry for your loss.” Kotahg replies to this with an earnest nod. You leave The Bar Around the Corner, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back to Underwall… -> Weeks Slide 1]]]With no other leads left,you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 2(PER, LAST)]]]With no other leads left,you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 2(ARC, LAST)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 3(PER, LAST)]]]
You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 3(ARC, LAST)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 4(PER, LAST)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 4(ARC, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 5(PER, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 8b 5(ARC, LAST)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:blue)[[[The Arcane University-> Arcane University Slide 9a 1]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:lime)[[[The Quarry-> Quarry Slide 9 1]]]After some consideration, you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 2]]]
You make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker-> Quarry Slide 9 2a]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry-> Quarry Slide 9 2b]]]
You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 3]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 4]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 5]]]
Professor Fiddlespeak hands the sketches back to you, a look of sympathy on his face, “I do wish I could be of more help, old friend,” He says as you take the sketches back, “I am ever so sorry.”
“Dear Professor, there’s nothing to apologize for,” You reply as you fold the sketches up and put them back in your journal, “In fact, you’ve been a great help. You were at least able to tell us that the runes were Demonic in origin, a fact we at Everwatch had zero knowledge of prior to this conversation. Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak.”
You shake his and and, with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Quarry Slide 9 1(LAST, POST-UNI)]]]With no other leads left, you make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker-> Quarry Slide 9 2a(LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry-> Quarry Slide 9 2b(LAST)]]]
To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 3a(LAST)]]]
To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 3a]]]
You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 9 3b(LAST)]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 9 3b]]]“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 4a(LAST)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was whe they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 9 5a(LAST)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…-> Quarry Slide 9 6a(LAST)]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 9 7a(LAST)]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 9 8a(LAST)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 9 9a(LAST)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 9 10a(PER, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry slide 9 10a(ARC, LAST)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]
You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 9 4b(LAST)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 9 5b(LAST)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 9 6b(PER, LAST)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 9 6b(ARC, LAST)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 7b(POST-UNI, LAST)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 7b(POST-UNI, LAST)]]]
As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 8b(POST-UNI, LAST)]]]
“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 9b(POST-UNI, LAST)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was whe they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 9 10b(POST-UNI, LAST)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.-> Weeks Slide 1]]]“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 4a]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was whe they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 9 5a]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…-> Quarry Slide 9 6a]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 9 7a]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 9 8a]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 9 9a]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 9 10a(PER)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 9 10a(ARC)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 1(PER, LAST)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 1(ARC, LAST)]]]
You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 9 4b]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 9 5b]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 9 6b]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry slide 9 6c]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 7b (PER)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 7b (ARC)]]]
As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 8b (PER)]]]
As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 8b (ARC)]]]“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 9b (PER)]]]
“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 9 9b (ARC)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was whe they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 9 10a(PER)]]], but trying to hide it…”Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was whe they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 9 10a(ARC)]]], but trying to hide it…”With no other leads left,you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 2(PER, LAST)]]]With no other leads left,you head to your alma mater, the Underwall Arcane University. It is the largest building in Underwall, towering over the surrounding structures. Every edge and corner of the building is constructed with massive, curving pieces of ash. Enormous swooping columns give the prestigious institution a whimsical, yet impressive feel. Wooden shingles that have been painted dark blue line the walls and facade. A wave of nostalgia hits as you walk through the front doors.
The foyer of the school is just as you remember. Dimly lit with two large, swooping staircases, and a hallway to either side. You head up the stairs and make your way to the wing containing the school’s lecture halls. It takes you a moment to get your bearings, but soon the halls feel so familiar it's like you never left. You eventually find yourself at the door to the office of Professor Fiddlespeak, Underwall's resident expert on all things runic.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 2(ARC, LAST)]]]You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 3(PER, LAST)]]]
You knock on the door, and poke your head into the office. In all these years, it hasn’t changed a bit. Every single inch of wall space is occupied by a bookshelf, absolutely overflowing with various tomes, texts and scrolls. In the middle of the room is a small desk, with an even smaller man sitting at it. Professor Fiddlespeak is a skinny little gnome, with a large head. That head is topped with a shock of magenta hair that matches the beard on his face.
"Professor, I'm sorry to disturb you," You say, "Might I have a moment of your time?" Professor Fiddlespeak looks up from the scroll he is studying. His eyes lighten up with delight after he sees that it’s you at the door. "Ozthrum, is that you?!" He gets up from his desk and comes to give you a hug. "Gods, it's been so long!" He says, "And look at you! You look- you look so grown up now!"
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 3(ARC, LAST)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 4(PER, LAST)]]]
"Now then," Your old teacher says as he settles down a bit, "Is this a social visit, or are you here on… business?" A faint grimace falls over your face as you reply, "I'm afraid I'm here on official Everwatch business. Not to say that you're in trouble or suspected of anything. No, I'm here to ask for your help. For your expertise, if you will."
The Professor's expression gets a little more serious, and he says, "Of course, I would love to help you anyway I can. What can I do for you, my friend?" You show Professor Fiddlespeak some sketches of the runes that you jotted down at the crime scene.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 4(ARC, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 5(PER, LAST)]]]
The Professor studiously stares at the sketches while you explain the horrible events that took place, and where the runes were found. As you go on, a concerned look on Fiddlespeak's face grows worse and worse. When you finish speaking, the Professor nods for a moment before speaking.
"Simply horrific, Ozthrum. I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this. But, rest assured, Underwall thanks you for all that you do." Professor Fiddlespeak turns back to the sketches before continuing, "As for the runes, I'm afraid I find myself not as helpful as I wish I could be. The runes are certainly Demonic in nature, that much I can tell. But as far as the specific origins of the runes, what demon they're associated with, what their purpose might be; It's impossible for me to say. These runes are truly ancient, and thus of a style I can't fully read or comprehend. Almost like an ancient dialect rendering one's Mother tongue nearly unrecognizable."
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Arcane University Slide 9a 5(ARC, LAST)]]]
For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the strange indent in it. You relay the details of your investigation of the quarry to the professor. You tell him of the antechamber, and the door, with the strange, spherical indent.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes!”
The Professor suddenly stops amid his rushing around, and regards you, almost as if he forgot you were here for a moment, “As far as your door, with the spherical indentation,” He says in a much more calm, measured voice, “You mentioned the stone that was found back at the crime scene. I might be grasping at straws here, but perhaps there’s some connection between the two. Who knows?” The small statured scholar shrugs before getting back into his frenzy of packing. “Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…-> Weeks Slide 1]]]For a moment, you feel that familiar sense of disappointment you've come to know when you find yourself at a dead end. But then, you remember your trip out to the quarry. You remember how you found that door with the same runes on it. Might be nothing, but it's worth a shot.
Professor Fiddlespeak lights up with excitement upon hearing this. "Really?! A runic carving that ancient, here, in Underwall?" The small Gnome flies into a frenzy, gathering up various books, papers and materials from around the room while he babbles excitedly, "This is incredible news! Why, it's the archeological opportunity of my lifetime! I've got to get a proper site set up down there so we can get to studying those runes! Rest assured, Ozthrum, I will be in touch with Everwatch the moment I learn anything! You best be on your way, I have a lot of packing to do!" You nod, smiling at the ever-inquisitive nature of your old Professor, “Thank you very much for your time, Professor Fiddlespeak. You’ve been a great help.”
And with that, you leave your old professor and your old alma mater, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall…You set out to pursue more leads.
Where to next?
(text-colour:lime)[[[The Quarry-> Quarry Slide 10e 1(POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[The Schoolhouse-> School House Slide 10e 1(POST-UNI)]]]You make your way across Underwall. You pass through the market district, and make your way through the pine treeline that borders the very edge of town. You emerge from the trees, and are looking out at the quarry. Its pale, grey stone is a stark contrast to the dark mahogany and deep sage colors one usually finds around Underwall. Various ramps have been carved into the stone over the years as they have worked their way deeper down.
Off in the distance, out of the corner of your eye, you spot a tall figure, watching you from the treeline.
Do you
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Confront the onlooker-> Quarry Slide 10e 2a(POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:purple)[[[Go further into the quarry-> Quarry Slide 10e 2b(POST-UNI)]]]
You decide to head for the schoolhouse, to see if you can learn anything about the Stoutbark child. The schoolhouse is a cute, narrow building made of dark wood, the outer edge of which is lined with colorful flower beds. The front door is slightly ajar. You peek your head in, expecting to see a full classroom, but all the desks are empty. Save for the desk at the very far end of the room. There sits Ms. Cloudcreek, a young Halfling woman. Ms. Cloudcreek is the head teacher here. She is studiously writing on some papers. It occurs to you that the children must have been given the rest of the week off, in light of the tragedy that befell the community.
You knock on the door frame, “Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Cloudcreek,” You say, “Might I have a moment of your time?” Ms. Cloudcreek jumps a bit at the sound of your voice, but quickly composes herself. She stands, and replies, “Please, Detective, come in,” You meet her in the middle of the room, and pull out your journal and quill. “How can I help you?” Asks Ms. Cloudcreek.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 10e 2(POST-UNI)]]]
To your surprise, the onlooker doesn’t run or become defensive as you approach. To the contrary, their demeanor suggests they’re relieved. As you approach them, you see they are an older female Wood Elf. “Good morning, Officer. I apologize for my intrusion.” She says when you get within earshot.
“It’s quite alright, and it’s Detective, actually” You reply.
“Right, then, Detective,” She says, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 10e 3a(POST-UNI)]]]
You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 10e 3b(POST-UNI)]]]“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 10e 4a(POST-UNI)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 10e 5a(POST-UNI)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
There’s nothing left to do but (text-colour:purple)[[[go further into the quarry…-> Quarry Slide 10e 6a(POST-UNI)]]]You make your way down the descending levels carved into the rock. It takes you longer than you expected to reach the bottom, and as you get further down, you can’t help but feel a bit of a lump in your throat, and a sinking feeling in your gut. But no matter, you push on.
You see the main section of the quarry where they’ve clearly been working recently. Nothing out of the ordinary here. But off to the left, you see a large hole cracked in the side of the exposed stone. A few wooden boards have been hastily slapped over the hole. When you look at it, that feeling in your gut (text-colour:purple)[[[sinks a bit deeper…-> Quarry Slide 10e 7a(POST-UNI)]]]You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry slide 10e 8a(POST-UNI)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 10e 9a(POST-UNI)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 10e 10a(POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 10e 10b(POST-UNI)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3e 1(3, LAST)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 3e 1(3, LAST)]]]
You slowly make your way to the covered hole, hesitancy tugging harder at your mind with every step. And yet… You have to see. For some reason, you have to know what’s in there. You look into the hole between the wooden boards, but it is too dark to see anything. No problem. You pull your wand from its holster, and point its tip at the palm of your hand. A bright, white light appears at the end of the wand. You cup the palm of your hand, and begin swirling the wand in small circles. The light leaves permanent trails behind it as it moves with your wand, and you roll a small, but mighty ball of white light in your hand. You toss the ball through the wooden boards to reveal a (text-colour:purple)[[[small stone antechamber…-> Quarry Slide 10e 4b(POST-UNI)]]]The walls of the antechamber were clearly once painted red, but most of the paint has either faded or been chipped away. A few clay pots lie scattered throughout the room, most of them broken. A dark stone door sits on the farthest wall, though it doesn’t look like there is any way to open it. There is an intricate design on the door.
You take a good hard look inside the antechamber as you hold your wand above your head. You move the wand with a flicking motion, and feel not only your body, but your entire being, fall apart into a thousand droplets of mist. A rushing sensation overtakes each and every droplet as the cloud that is you wooshes past the wooden boards, into the middle of the antechamber. An intense, warm feeling of solidity begins to take shape within you as, from the feet up, those thousands of droplets form back into your normal, solid state of being. “Gods, I hate that spell!” You exclaim to yourself as you shake off the bit of water that’s always left on you after you cast Dew Step.
Now that you’re in the antechamber, your gaze can’t help but be drawn to (text-colour:purple)[[[the door…-> Quarry Slide 10e 5b(POST-UNI)]]]The carvings on the stone door are ancient and somewhat eroded, but visible nonetheless. The craftsmanship is both masterful and somehow eerie. Surely, this door must be the reason this antechamber has been boarded up. This undoubtedly requires further investigation.
(text-colour:orange)[[[USE PERCEPTION…-> Quarry Slide 10e 6b(POST-UNI)]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[USE ARCANE KNOWLEDGE…-> Quarry Slide 10e 6c(POST-UNI)]]]
The circles of the rune intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. You notice that about head height, (or, at least, what would be head height for say an elf or a human) there is a small indent in the stone door. It is perfectly spherical. You can’t help but shake the feeling that something is missing from there, that something belongs in this spot.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 10e 7b(POST-UNI)]]]
The circles of the runes intersect in a vertical pattern up and down the door. Though you don’t know the origin of the runes or what they mean, you certainly recognize them. The same pattern of runes was drawn on the floor of the Stoutbark home.
You try pushing on the door, but it refuses to budge. You try grasping at the edge of the door and pulling, but it still won’t move. You try an assortment of spells on the door, to no avail. Eventually, you concede that you can’t open the door right now, and dew step back through opening.
That seems to be all the information the quarry has to offer. Not seeing any more to be gained, you decided to head back to town.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 10e 7b(POST-UNI)]]]
As you are leaving the quarry, an older Wood Elf woman approaches you. You’re all but certain that this is the same person who was watching you as you went into the quarry. “Good morning, officer, I’m sorry to bother you, but I’m just checking to make sure everything’s okay,” She says as she shakes your hand, “My name’s Melethi, I live just on the other side of the trees. I was out for my morning walk, when I noticed no one was working at the quarry. Then I saw you come by, and thought surely it has something to do with… Well, whatever has got the town in such a tizzy. I thought it best to keep my distance and let you go about your business before I proceeded.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 10e 8b(POST-UNI)]]]
“I appreciate the caution,” You say in reply, “And, just so you’re aware, the town is so worked up due to a wretched murder. The Stoutbark family were the unfortunate victims of a homicide.”
“Oh, Gods, how awful!” Melethi exclaims.
“Yes, it’s a real tragedy. In fact, it’s why I’m down here. The father, Laumo Stoutbark, worked at the quarry. You say you walk this path every morning; You didn’t happen to know him, did you? Or notice anything strange happening amongst the quarry workers?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Quarry Slide 10e 9b(POST-UNI)]]]
Melethi shakes her head, “No, I don’t know any of the quarry workers, nor have I really seen them acting strange…” A look of contemplation comes across Melethi’s face. “But something unusual did happen the other day…”
You pull out your journal and an enchanted, inkless quill, ready to take notes, “If you don’t mind making a statement, any information could help us bring the killer to justice.” Melethi nods.
“A few days ago, I don’t remember when exactly, I was, again, out for my usual walk,” Melethi starts, “I noticed a group of kids playing down in the quarry. That wasn’t the unusual part, they’re messing around down there all the time. What was strange was when they were coming out, one of them, a little Halfling girl, was (text-colour:lime)[[[clearly holding something-> Quarry Slide 10e 10c(POST-UNI)]]], but trying to hide it…”“What was she holding?” You ask, “I’m not sure, never did get a good look at it,” Melethi responds, “Whatever it was, they sure didn’t want to get caught with it. I asked them if they had taken it from the quarry, and they all took off running in different directions. With my bad hip, there was no way I was catching any of them. I assumed it was just kids being kids, and went on with me day.”
You finish taking down her statement before saying, “Melethi, thank you so much for your time today. You have no idea how much of a help you’ve been.”
Melethi smiles, and says, “Well, I’m glad to hear it, Detective. Good luck with your investigation.” And with that, she continues her walk.
Having wrapped up here, you (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into town.-> School House Slide 3e 1(3, LAST)]]]“As I’m sure you can guess, I’m here about the Stoutbark tragedy,” You respond. A frown falls upon Ms. Cloudcreek’s face as she nods her head, “I gathered as much. How horrid. I don’t know how I can be of assistance, but I will of course help however I can.”
You ask, “I was wondering if you’d noticed any strange behavior from the Stoutbark’s child lately. I believe her name starts with an ‘e’...” Ms. Cloudcreek nods, “Elleth, yes,” She interjects, “I’m not sure if you are aware, I don’t think it was common knowledge; Mrs. Stoutbark had recently become quite ill. Elleth had become… Not quite obsessed, but… Preoccupied, with finding a way to save her.” You begin scrawling this down in your notes, scrambling to catch up with Ms. Cloudcreek’s story.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> School House Slide 10e 3(POST-UNI)]]]
“At first, I thought it was just fantasy. The fancies of a child. But in the last few days… In the last few days, Elleth kept talking about how her “new friend” was coming to town. And, also, talking about how this “new friend” was going to help her save her mother. I kept telling myself it was just more fantasies. I wanted to believe so badly that it was nothing, but something about the way she said it… Now I’m not so sure…”
Ms. Cloudcreek loses herself in thought for just a moment, then comes back to, and continues, “But, beyond all of that, Elleth was a sweet little girl. I-” Ms. Cloudcreek, understandably, breaks down in tears, understandably. “I’m sorry, I have to excuse myself,” She manages to say through the tears, “Please, see yourself out, Detective. I’m so sorry.” Ms. Cloudcreek runs off crying to the back room of the schoolhouse. You feel for her, it can’t be easy losing a student, especially given the way it happened. You leave the Schoolhouse, and (text-colour:lime)[[[head back into the streets of Underwall.-> Quarry Slide 9 1(LAST, POST-UNI)]]]And then, things slow to a halt. Weeks go by, and no new leads are found. Not a single scrap of new information is unearthed. Not to say that you don’t have any information pertaining to the case. But, as it stands now, what you have is a series of leads that just don’t quite fit together to produce any particular suspect. Just a loose association of facts surrounding a group of murder victims.
This lack of closure haunts you. You aren’t really sleeping much at night anymore. You stop really eating until the hunger gets so bad that it stops you in your tracks. You can’t remember the last time you saw the kids for more than just a couple minutes after you get home. But, honestly, you wouldn’t be able to remember the last time you thought about that even if the notion occurred to you.
You’ve become determined to take the facts of this case and arrange them together, to make it all make sense. It is your job, it is your purpose.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Weeks Slide 2]]]
A few more weeks go by, and you continue your investigation, diligent as ever. You stop to think about it one day, and realize that the rest of Everwatch has largely moved on from the case. Some within the organization outright consider the Stoutbark case to be cold. Most are generally just bored by it, and would rather spend their time going after a case that’s considered more glamorous, or something that will help bolster their career. But you can’t help but feel a personal responsibility to the Stoutbarks, to bring their killer to justice. It is a singular drive that moves you forward day in and day out. But, with the lack of progress, it feels as though you’re just spinning your wheels and getting nowhere.
Until (text-colour:lime)[[[one day, when something unexpected happens…-> Weeks Slide 3]]]You’re at the Stoutbark home, for the umpteenth time, studying the runes in the living room. Everwatch cleaned the rest of the crime scene up, but, after a heated debate with Sheriff Ilefrys, you convinced them to leave the runes and the stone. You’ll need them if you’re to have any hope of solving this case. You’re deep in concentration, comparing the runes to a book you found at the University library, when a knock at the door snaps you out of it.
You jump and turn around. Standing in the open doorway is a tall man, with dark curly hair. He is wearing a black traveler’s cloak, with a resplendent collar made of dark green leaves. The man seems Elven to you but, strangely enough, there’s something about looking at his face that makes you feel uneasy. It’s like every time you have almost been looking at him long enough to register any of the details of his face, an overwhelming feeling takes hold of you, and you have to look away.
“Good afternoon, Detective,” The strange man says in a voice that is unnaturally sultry and smooth, an accent with perfect diction and a cold elegance, “How fares your investigation?”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Weeks Slide 4]]]
You tense up as the stranger speaks. You feel the want to draw your wand, but fight the urge. While you feel oddly… Threatened by this person, you get the sense that they are not here for violence. You steady yourself, and say, “How may I help you, Mister…?” The strange man whips back in response, “My name is of no consequence, Detective. I am but a helpful stranger, a… Good samaritan, if you will. I would love nothing more than to help you in your investigation.”
The strange man takes a few long, lengthy strides into the room, and continues, “I hear that you have been just running up the wall with this case, and feel like you’re getting nowhere. The long hours, the late nights. And everyday, just to end up right back where you’ve been. It’s… Tragic, truly.” The strange man’s words seem to fall away at the end of every sentence, like leaves gently wafting from a branch.
You want to ask this man so many questions. Who he is? Why he’s here? A mixture of curiosity and fear is bubbling in your stomach. But, despite all this, you find you can’t speak. In fact, you find you can’t move at all. And yet, it feels strangely comforting and ever-so easy to (text-colour:lime)[[[surrender into…-> Weeks Slide 5]]]The strange man takes a few more strides, and paces behind you, “I know you’re tired, Ozthrum,” You feel the true weight of that tiredness tug at your every limb. You feel so tired that you find it hard to even care that this total stranger somehow knows your name. “I can help you, all you have to do is let me…”
With those last couple of words, you feel you have regained some ability to move. Yet, you still find yourself in that oddly comfortable, yet disorienting haze. It’s a bit unusual, sure, but this stranger is the only other person in weeks who seems to care at all about this case.
Do you:
(text-colour:orange)[[[Ask the stranger for more details…->Weeks Slide 6a]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[Refuse the stranger’s offer to help…->Weeks Slide 6c]]]
Your jaw feels a little tight as you speak, as if you’ve been clenching it for a prolonged period of time, “What exactly are you offering, stranger?” He steps back out in front of you, and responds, “I want to help you tie things up, so to speak. But I will need your help, you see. You’re so close, Detective. You have all the pieces, you’re just missing… A few key pieces of information. And the only people who can give you that information, well, unfortunately, they’re dead.”
The strange man strolls over to a table near the front door. Atop the table sits a pot with dead flowers drooped over the rim. “However,” The stranger says as he softly touches the flowers with the back of his hand. Color fades back into the flowers, and they slowly begin to stand themselves back up, full of life renewed, “I believe I have the means to arrange a meeting of sorts. I should be able to bring one of the dearly-departed Stoutbarks back just long enough for you to ask them any questions you might have.”
This should sound insane to you. It is insane… And yet… This stranger is right; you’re so close to figuring this out, you just need that last little thread of information to tie everything together. You want so badly to find justice for this poor family and you’re just so tired. “You said you would need my help in this process,” You respond, “What would you ask of me?” The stranger smiles a sinister, yet friendly grin, and says, “All I would ask in return is one favor from you, dear Ozthrum. Redeemable at the time of my choosing. What say you? Let us put an end to this ordeal and find peace for this family.”
(text-colour:blue)[[[Accept the strange man’s offer…-> End Slide 1]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:red)[[[Refuse the stranger’s offer to help…->Weeks Slide 6b]]]
“Whatever black magic you are up to, stranger, I’ll have no part of it,” You say as you walk towards the door. You hold the door open and gesture outside, “I’m conducting an active investigation here, so I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
The strange man smirks to himself as he walks towards the door, “Right,” He says, “Certainly a very ‘active’ investigation. I’ll tell you what, Detective,” The stranger stops in the doorway. He reaches behind his back, and pulls out a bright green leaf. He tells you, in a hushed tone, “Take this. If you ever change your mind, all you have to do is burn this leaf, and I will reappear, with my offer still on the table.” You take the leaf. The strange man gives you a deep bow, and leaves the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Week Slide 7]]]
Another week goes by, and you get nowhere new with the Stoutbark case. Sheriff Ilefrys calls you into their office, and asks you to sit down. They look at you with a concerned, yet sad look, and deliver you the news, “I know this is going to be hard for you to hear, Oz, but it… It’s time. It’s been over two months, and we’ve had no progress in the case. At this point it’s just a waste of time and resources to have someone as talented as you keep banging your head against the wa-” Illefrys is starting to get worked up, but takes a quick beat to regain their composure, “I’m sorry, Oz, but we’re closing the Stoutbark case, it’s gone cold.”
You knew when you were called to the office that this was what was going to happen, but that doesn’t make it sting any less. You’ve given your life to this case for the last two months, and now it’s just being… Taken away. “We have a new assignment for you,” The sheriff says as they hand you a sheet of parchment, “A former student from the University stole a powerful artifact, and made off for Halfwall with it. Our current theory-” Your attention drifts from what the sheriff is saying as the true reality of the situation hits you. You’re going to have to walk away from all of it. All of the work you’ve done over the last two months. And you can’t help but feel that this case, this horrible unsolved mystery will always be there, nagging you in the back of your mind. But what else can you do? Suddenly, an image flashes in your mind. A visage of the one last hope you have. You see, for but a moment, in your mind’s eye, the image of a bright green leaf. And feel a sinking in the pit of your stomach.
Do you…
(text-colour:yellow)[[[Accept the new case…-> Short End Slide 1]]]
- OR -
(text-colour:blue)[[[Accept the new case (Lie)...->Weeks Slide 8]]]
“Oz?” Hearing the sheriff say your name snaps you out of your daze, “Sorry, I was lost in thought there, what was…?” You reply as you look at your mentor once more. “I was asking how this all sounds to you? The new case and everything.” They look on expectantly at you as they ask this. You consider everything for a moment. The stranger was offering help, sure, but no good can come from whatever foul deeds they will commit in the process. You can’t bring that to your community, you can’t bring that to where your family lives. For the sake of everyone, it’s time to move on. “Sounds great, old friend,” You reach out and shake Ilefrys’s hand. You can feel the relief coming from them, and they say, “This is going to be good for you, Ozthrum, I know it. Your talents can’t be wasted chasing dead ends.”
The two of you shake hands, and leave the office. You move on to the new case, and move on with your life. The kids grow up, you and Hillie grow old, and you find justice for many in Underwall, a community which you help safeguard.
… But still. There’s a small part of you that has always wondered. A little voice, ever so faint in the back of your head. Every night, as you’re about to drift off to sleep, it speaks up, and asks, “What really happened to the Stoutbark family?”
(text-style:"bold","underline")[''The End.'']
“Oz?” Hearing the sheriff say your name snaps you out of your daze, “Sorry, I was lost in thought there, what was…?” You reply as you look at your mentor once more. “I was asking how this all sounds to you? The new case and everything.” They look on expectantly at you as they ask this. You consider everything for a moment. That strange man may be up to something nefarious and yet… He was the only person to offer you any sort of help in weeks. And he was right, you are so close to solving this case. Then life can get back to normal, and you can get back to being with your family. For their sake, you have to do this. “Sounds great, old friend,” You reach out and shake Ilefrys’s hand. You can feel the relief coming from them, and they say, “This is going to be good for you, Ozthrum, I know it. Your talents can’t be wasted chasing dead ends.”
The two of you shake hands, and leave the office. Sheriff Ilefrys walks you home. You fake your way through a pleasant dinner with Hillie and the kids. Then, late at night, (text-colour:lime)[[[you sneak back out to the Stoutbark home…->Weeks Slide 9]]]You glance around to make sure no one can see you go into the house. Once inside the living room, you gently pull the leaf out from your pocket. You remind yourself that you’re doing this for Hillie and the kids before setting the leaf aflame with a small spell. The leaf quickly lights a brilliant amber, and burns to ash. Before all of the ash can even hit the floor, you hear a knock-knock-knocking from behind you. The strange man from before is standing in the doorway, smiling. He takes a deep breath in, before speaking, “Good evening, Detective. I see you’ve (text-colour:lime)[[[reconsidered my offer.-> End Slide 1]]]”You nod, and say, “I have to, there’s no other way. What must be done?” The stranger smiles and rubs his hands together, “Exquisite news,” He exclaims, “For now, I need you to simply point me to where the bodies of the family were buried.” The nonchalance with which the strange man says this worries some part of you, deep down. But you can’t worry about that now, you’re in this. You give directions to the stranger to where the bodies were buried. He tells you to wait here, and takes off quickly out the door.
It feels like an eternity. Uncertainty and doubt wrack your mind the whole time. You spend the entire wait fighting the creeping feeling that you’re making a mistake. In the midst of this rumination, the door flies open. The strange man strolls in, holding a shovel in one hand, and hoisting a small coffin above the opposite shoulder. A look of fiery determination burns in the stranger’s eyes. He pushes the shovel into your arms, and barks at you, “Here, hold this,” You take the shovel from the stranger, and he lowers the coffin to the floor in the middle of the room.
The stranger turns to you, and for the first time, you are able to make prolonged eye contact with him, “This is the point of no return,” He says, “Are you sure you want to go through with this, Detective?”
You (text-colour:lime)[[[nod, knowing there’s no turning back…-> End Slide 2]]]The stranger returns the nod, and, in one swift motion, tears the lid off the coffin and stands up. Seeing the charred corpse inside causes you to wince and turn away, which is surprising to you. You push through the uncomfortability that you haven’t felt since you first joined Everwatch, and turn back to watch the stranger. He crouches down, and gently places the back of his palm on the burnt cheek of the corpse. Radiating outward from where his hand is touching, the black, burnt skin flakes away into an unfelt breeze, like leaves being swept up in an autumn’s wind.
The charred flesh elegantly floats away, leaving behind the normal, albeit pale, visage of Elleth Stoutbark. The small halfling girl slowly opens her dead, white eyes, and shares a smile with the man who has brought her back to this world. The stranger slowly stands, and speaks softly as he turns to you, “She is unable to move her body, but has full utilization of her voice. She is at peace, and able to answer any questions you might have. I’ll leave you to it,” And with that, the strange man heads out the front door.
With shaking breath, you slowly walk over and kneel down next to the coffin. Elleth’s glazed over eyes look into yours, and you feel a cold, hollow chill sink through your bones. “Oh, hello, Detective,” She says in a soft, yet still childish and chipper voice, “It’s so nice to see you.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> End Slide 3]]]
Hearing her voice creeps the hell out of you. You can’t quite think of why, but something about it is wrong, you feel it in your very core; it’s not supposed to be here. But it’s too late to worry about that, you’re in too deep. “Elleth, Gods, I-” At first, you try to find the exact right words to say. After finding yourself at a loss for words, you remember the gravity of your situation. A sense of urgency takes hold, and you determinedly focus on the matter of import, “Elleth,” You say to the spirit, “ I need to know what happened. You have to tell me what happened to you and your family.”
You see in Elleth’s eyes that she is remembering back to that day, as she recounts the events to you, “I don’t know why it didn’t work. I did everything like my new friend told me to. I got the rock from Daddy's work, I drew the pictures on the floor, I put the rock down on the pictures, I even got Mommy and Daddy to stand on the right spots, and that was //hard//. My new friend said if I did all of that, then Mommy would get better. Then she wouldn’t be sick anymore…”
You hear a voice from behind you say, “But this time, child, we shall do it right.” You turn around, and see the strange man. He picks up the stone left at the crime scene, and places it just a few inches down from where it was. The stone magically snaps into place, where three of the runes intersect, and the stone begins glowing a bright, fiery red. You pull your wand from its holster to subdue the strange man, but it’s too late. You feel an intense heat, and turn to look back at Elleth. Her glazed over eyes turn a dark red, before being taken over by pure black. She makes a horrid noise, not of this world, before a (text-colour:red)[[[fiery explosion knocks you back-> End Slide 4]]], across the room.You get to your feet just in time to see a lanky, dark, scaly, creature rise out of the coffin. It spreads red, demonic wings and lets out an awful roar before flying swiftly out the front door.
You quickly scramble to your feet and run out the door. Time seems to slow to a crawl as you see the horror unfold before you. The demon is soaring down the street, a trail of dark, smoky fire flowing from its maw, sending houses and other buildings alight. People are fleeing from their homes and pandemonium runs wild in the streets. You know that you should be doing… //something//, but a strange mix of fear, guilt and disbelief is keeping your feet firmly planted on the Stoutbark's doorstep.
Everwatch quickly dispatches into the chaos and begins a bright, spectacular arcane battle with the beast, but they prove no match for it. Sheriff Illefrys runs up to you, and shakes you by the shoulders, "Oz!" They shout, "Gods, don't just stand there! We need you!" This rips you from your daze, and you (text-colour:lime)[[[join the battle…-> End Slide 5]]]You and the rest of Everwatch are able to keep the demon distracted enough to not lay waste to all of Underwall. It takes a little over an hour for paladins from the nearby walled city to be informed and get down to the village. In no time at all, the holy knights use their divine magic to subdue the demon, and they take it back to their headquarters to begin the process of exorcism.
The battle has now been over for a while, and you are sitting on your porch. You made sure Hillie and the kids were fine first, but now you need a moment to just sit. You keep telling yourself you need to plan a next move, to do something, but you just find yourself sitting there, feeling numb. Staring off into the distance. But before long, the inevitable happens; Sheriff Ilefrys walks up to you, looking distraught. “Ozthrum,” They say in a low, quiet voice you’ve never heard them use before, “We… We need to talk,” And suddenly, you know exactly what’s about to happen. You know what this talk will be, because you forgot about (text-colour:lime)[[[//the shovel//…-> End Slide 6]]]Your fears are confirmed as two Everwatch deputies walk up on either side of the sheriff, wands drawn. You feel as though you’re about to cry, and start to feel the hot pang of panic in your spine, “Ilefrys,” You plead to your disappointed role model, “I-I can explai-” The sheriff cuts you off, “Oz, there’s no need to explain. It’s… Disturbingly clear what took place. Her body was dug up earlier this morning, and our divination experts checked the shovel; There’s only the residual trace of three living beings ever touching that shovel. The blacksmith, who made the shovel, the undertaker… And you. Our investigators traced the initial explosion back to the Stoutbark house, that’s where we found the shovel, and the coffin. Or what was left of it. I guess… I guess I just want to know why you did it, Oz.”
You choke on some tears as well as your words, “I- It wasn’t…” You take a good, long pause, “I just wanted to solve the case…” Ilefrys cries a couple silent tears as they stare at you, sternly. They clear their throat, and in a formal, commanding voice, proclaim, “Ozthrum of Underwall, you have committed crimes against the village and her people. You are charged with grave robbery, breaking and entering, and the use of black magic. Everwatch has no tolerance for such behavior amongst its ranks. I’m going to need you to surrender your wand and your uniform.”
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> End Slide 7]]]
“What?!” You shout in outraged response. Hillie comes outside, to check on the commotion, “What is going on?” She asks. You quickly get up and turn to her, “Hillie, everything’s fine, we’ll sort this out, just go-” The sheriff cuts you off once more, “After investigating, we have determined that Ozthrum… Dug up the corpse of Elleth Stoutbark, and made some sort of deal with the demon who ravaged the town.”
Hillie’s face is struck with disbelief, and you try to make your case, “Hillie, it’s not what it sounds like. That’s not what happened! Not exactly, I-” Hillie’s expression grows a little horrified as she looks deep into your eyes, and asks, “Oz… Did you dig that little girl’s body up?” You try to think of how to say it right, but there’s no way around it. And you can’t lie to her, not to the woman you love. “I… I didn't do the digging, bu-” Hillie shakes her head back and forth, her expression turning to disgust. She shoves you back away from her, and shouts, “You-you-you sick bastard! What in the nine Hells is wrong with you?!”
You stumble back and regain your footing. “I just wanted to find out what happened to that poor family.” You say, defeated. Hillie shouts back, “And did you, then?! Did disturbing that small child's grave and unleashing a demon on our home expose the truth?!” You don’t know what to say, so you say nothing. All you can do is (text-colour:lime)[[[cry.-> End Slide 8]]]“Ozthrum, I’m going to need your wand,” The sheriff reiterates, “And I’m going to have to hereby banish you from the village of Underwall. Your crimes are… Inconsolable.” You knew this was coming the second you remembered about the shovel, but it hurts all the same. You turn back to look at your wife, both of you weeping, “I’m not coming with you,” She says, more calmly this time, but still clearly hurt, “I-I can’t have someone like you around the children. It’s just not safe. And… I feel like I don’t even know who you are anymore.” You’ve never felt so low. You surrender your wand over to Everwatch. Ilefrys gives you a couple hours to gather your things. Hillie takes the kids while you pack. The sheriff and more deputies return a few hours later to escort you out of the village, and you head down the road with your bindle of scant possessions; Aimlessly heading into your new life of sudden exile.
After about an hour of walking, you see a familiar figure emerge from the treeline. Out from the brush steps the strange man from earlier. He seems much taller than before, and this time, you have no problems looking upon his visage. His head of long dark hair and angular features is adorned with a pair of large antlers protruding from his forehead. Dark green and gold strips of cloth drape from his antlers. The light coming through the trees seems to dance upon his skin. “Ah, Detective,” He says with a smug grin, “Fancy meeting you all the way out here.”
You go to reach for your wand… Before remembering (text-colour:lime)[[[it’s not there anymore…-> End Slide 9]]]Your mind races to figure out what to do next, to enact your vengeance. Rage overtakes you, and you can’t help but feel the urge to charge the bastard… But you don’t move a muscle. No matter how much intent you put into it, you can’t move. But you can still speak. “What did you do?!” You scream at the stranger, “Me?” The strange man says, offended, “I held up my end of the bargain. I brought a Stoutbark back, and you got to ask your silly little questions.” You’ve never felt such rage fill you, and yet, you’re stuck, perfectly in place. “You didn’t mention you’d be summoning a FUCKING DEMON!” You shout back.
The stranger scoffs as he steps closer to you. Your head moves, automatically, not of your accord, to match his eyeline as he walks. “That was irrelevant to our deal, dear Detective,” He says coily, “I rendered a service unto you, in exchange for payment. Speaking of which…” The stranger reaches up into the tree above him, and snaps a twig from one of the branches, “I’ve come to collect.”
He holds the twig between his two index fingers and idly spins it, while continuing, “And seeing as you’ve proven yourself //useful// when it comes to executing my whims to the letter, I know exactly what favor to ask for.” A flash of green light arcs through the twig, between his fingers. It leaves one end of the twig gnarled, twisted and burnt. The stranger tosses the twig straight up in the air, but it doesn’t come back down in his hand… It comes back down (text-colour:lime)[[[in yours.-> End Slide 10]]]You catch the twig, and immediately, it feels familiar to you. The weight, the length, the balance. It feels like home. It feels like your old wand. The stranger puts the very tip of his finger on your chin, and raises your head up to look at him, “You see,” He says, “My life as an Archfey of the Gloaming Court leaves me very busy. I often find myself… Preoccupied, and overbooked. I may be powerful, but even I can’t be two places at once. At times, I simply don’t have room in my schedule for petty errands, like summoning demons and laying waste to cute, little villages.”
The Archfey take two paces back, and stands very straight. He produces a voice that is, to you, very clearly a parody of the voice Sheriff Ilefrys used to condemn you, “Ozthrum of Underwall, from this moment forward you are to be my serf. My attache, my representative, and my errand boy in this mortal realm. You will follow any and all orders I give precisely to the letter. And, in return…” The Archfey holds his hand up, and it crackles with green energy. The tip of your new “wand” glows that same bright green, and you feel a rush of raw, untapped potential shoot from it up through your arm. “I shall show you powers and wonders the likes of which you’ve never even dreamed.” The Archfey holds a hand out behind him. A flurry of leaves kicks up from the ground, and starts flowing through the air, forming a large circle. Through the circle, you can see a portal to another world; Bustling with the lively magic, “Come now, welp,” The Archfey barks at you, “We’ve work to do.”
You are far from an expert of Fey lore, but you did your share of reading at the University, and you know the deal; A contract with a faerie, especially an Archfey, is binding, and the consequence for breaking one is instant death. You hesitate for a moment, then sullenly follow your new master through the portal, into his domain, uncertain of what fresh Hell awaits you on the other side.
And thus ends the tale of how Ozthrum of Underwall fell from grace, and went from Wizard to Warlock.
(text-style:"bold","underline")[THE END.]
“Whatever black magic you are up to, stranger, I’ll have no part of it,” You say as you walk towards the door. You hold the door open and gesture outside, “I’m conducting an active investigation here, so I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”
The strange man smirks to himself as he walks towards the door, “Right,” He says, “Certainly a very ‘active’ investigation. I’ll tell you what, Detective,” The stranger stops in the doorway. He reaches behind his back, and pulls out a bright green leaf. He tells you, in a hushed tone, “Take this. If you ever change your mind, all you have to do is burn this leaf, and I will return,” He hands you the leaf before continuing, “And just to show you what I’m offering…”
The strange man strolls over to a table near the front door. Atop the table sits a pot with dead flowers drooped over the rim. The stranger softly touches the flowers with the back of his hand. Color fades back into the flowers, and they slowly begin to stand themselves back up, full of life renewed, “I believe I have the means to arrange a meeting of sorts. I should be able to bring one of the dearly-departed Stoutbarks back just long enough for you to ask them any questions you might have. All I would ask in return is one favor from you, redeemable at the time of my choosing. Give it some thought, Detective.” The strange man gives you a deep bow, and leaves the house.
(text-colour:lime)[[[Continue…-> Week Slide 7]]]Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall->Leads Slide 3c(2)]]], and press on with your investigation.Having collected all of the clues you can from the Stoutbark residence, you decide to (text-colour:lime)[[[head back out into Underwall->Leads Slide 3d(1, POST-UNI)]]], and press on with your investigation.