Lady Ellarian Presronad Disstrest over a possible murder in her own home. She reached out to some close friends about the circumstances around the death. The wealthy family did not want the information about the death to get out and stain their reputation. All the family was grieving over the death, and no suspicious activity was found.

Lady Ellarian Presronad fears that the death was no accident and is now looking for help. There has to be Someone who is connected to the deceased must be responsible. Ambika's and Gafelker's reputation has grown over the last few months, and they were recommended to Lady Ellarian Presronad. She instructed them to bring them to the Keep as guests, and she would meet with them. It took only a short time before Ambika and Gafelker arrived at the Keep. With the promise of good pay, free food, and a place to stay, why not take the investigation?

What you see is a stone Keep. It is 50 feet tall, with two towers 75 feet tall. The Keep is nicely kept up with decorated windows. It has battlements at the top of the building and towers for defense and protection. There is a stone gatehouse, a gate in the front where a guard is usually standing to greet people who come to the Stone Keep.

Ambika and Gafelker meet Lady Ellarian Presronad in a beautiful garden. They are shown two chairs across from Lady Presronad, who is sitting elegantly sipping tea when they arrive.

---

Quest Name: Sudden Death

SPOILER: Click to show

Participants: Two or more
Location: Any City
Post Requirements: 6 post per person, 200 words per post
Reward: +1 Renown, Choice of 2 Common crafting materials
Description: A rich family is mourning the passing of one of their members. The circumstances around their death are very suspicious, and the family suspects a murderer to be in their midst. You have been asked to go in and investigate the situation. Someone connected to the deceased is responsible, and the family is trusting you to find the truth. You’ll be handsomely rewarded if you can bring forth some proof and connect the murderer to the death. The details around the murder and murderer are up to you. Make sure to be discreet, or else you risk having the murderer turn their attention to you.

From one murder investigation to another, huh. Ambika sincerely hoped she was not dealing with yet another Morphleon - that creature was quite the nightmare to deal with, what with its ability to mimic people and sheer viciousness in terms of power level. A smouldering rage would well up in her being as the memory of its mimicry egged her on, mocking her inability to remember the events proper for her first encounter. No matter. She would do her utmost best to provide closure for the Presronad family. Nobody should have to suffer like she still does even today. Three of her family, gone, with not even the slightest idea as to where their souls even were.

That aside, however, Ambika had some reservations about her steadily growing reputation - she was now officially recognised as Dignitary, and that meant an ever-increasing probability that the Haysinthes will set their eyes on her once more. 'The thieving wench who stole one of their finest', said the bloody in-laws who scapegoated Florentio and left him to dry in the first place.

That was neither here nor there though. Ambika had a mystery to solve and it was not the time to let her general dislike of the wealthy and opulent get in the way of the job. Before anything else though, she needed more history so it was time for questions.
"Greetings, Lady Ellarian Presronad. Before we begin, I would like to offer my condolences to you and your family." It was a mere formality, but her voice would be tinged with the utmost sincerity, forming a sharp contrast against anything Gafelker had ever heard from her lips.
"Now, then. I have a number of questions." Ambika took out a notepad and a fountain pen. The latter was a gift from Florentio she never found appropriate to use given how expensive it was. Not until now, anyway, in the extravagant battleground of politics and intrigue that is the Stone Keep.
"What was the name of the deceased, and their relation to the rest of the family?"
"Their personality, the people they are particularly close to and the inverse."
"The people in the vicinity of the crime scene during the time of discovery, and who discovered them?"
"I assume... an official autopsy was never performed?" Certain subset of nobles had an unfortunate presupposition towards 'not defiling the dead', so she would not be surprised if it were the case for the Presronad family. She had no inclination to mince her words in the slightest. There will be time to grieve later when they have closure.

Sitting back in her chair, Lady Presronad seems to be the calm and collected person that all nobles are known for. But her eyes tell a different story. They are one of sadness and loss. "The person that died was a beloved uncle, Sir Gemini Presronad. He was loved by everyone in his family and most who ever met him." She started talking, trying to keep her emotions under control. She paused to take a sip of tea.

"He died in the keep the library. No, no one has touched the body. We are trying to keep this quiet. I do not wish the crown to get involved and soil the family's reputation. If I can help it" she handed a scroll over, and here is the list of names of everyone present. "There was moor at the party, but they were in the room with everyone else and verified by many people. There was no way they could have done it. If you need some or find someone else who might have done the crime, I will bring them here." explained Lady Ellarian Presronad. "Everyone on the list was near the crime or discovery. Elanil Trislen, House Guard and Man at Arms discovered Sir Gemini Presronad," Lady Ellarian Presronad said with sadness.

Staying quiet, Gafelker just watched. He did not know much about investigations and did not want to ask the wrong question or mess up the investigation. Right now, he wishes he had one of those truth spells. He would have to look into that sometime soon. He hoped he would not be in the way of Ambika with any luck. If magic was involved, he could probably tell what spell it was. At least he could do something to help.

Scroll List

SPOILER: Click to show

Lady Ellarian Presronad (niece)
Tannivh Presronad (husband) of Ellarian
Iliphar Elaven (head maid)
Artin Naemenor (head butler)
Elanil Trislen made (maid, and cook)
Artin Naemenor (house servent)
Elanil Trislen (House Guard and Man at arms)
Kelvhan Presronad (Brother)
Artin Presronad (cusion)
Rennyn Presronad (sister in law)
Elidyr Presronad (sister)
Haemir Presronad (brother in law)
Amra Presronad (niece)
Samuel Sequoia (nephew)
Sir Gemini Presronad ( dead uncle)

Ambika jotted down the notes as best as she could, perused the list of names, and then asked to visit the library. Lady Ellarian Presronad would personally bring the two into the library, where they would find Sir Gemini Presronad lying prone on the library floor with no immediately visible external injuries, one arm extended further outwards than the other as though he had been trying to reach for something before expiring. She could tell a preservation spell was in effect as the library smelled largely of paper tomes, no doubt to prevent further decay of their beloved.

"Was Sir Gemini Presronad on some form of medication?" Ambika asked.
"Not that I recall. Might I ask why?" Lady Ellarian questioned.
"Sir Gemini appeared to have been attempting to reach for something in his final moments," Ambika pointed along his body silhouette towards the corner of the empty side table that was along that direction, his outstretched hand falling just short of reaching the corner leg. She had more than her fair share of seeing people in this exact pose, having put so many in this exact position by her own hand. That he had been headed towards this table specifically rather than an exit or other traversible spaces suggested there used to be something of interest on the table, or he had nowhere else to maneuver to. Or perhaps, a form of misdirection induced by the murderer. Too many possible theories to work with at the moment. She needed to further narrow down the scope.

"That is an intriguing observation, Miss Phairot. As far as I knew, Sir Gemini was the image of health, always active in participating in events and the life of the party." Ellarian replied with a hint of offence mixed in her voice on the behalf of her uncle.

"I see." Ambika refrained from defending her statement. She knew too little to suggest otherwise at the moment, even if she had seen the lengths some people would take to seem healthy thanks to Florentio's chosen vocation, as well as Cordelia's desperate attempts to not worry her parents any more than she already did just by existing with a chronic health condition.

"I will investigate the crime scene, but it will take me some time to sift through all the details." Ambika declared as she put on some gloves from the Investigation Kit she had brought with her. "Gafelker, could you please go through the list of guests and get their testimonies? I will also require descriptions of their figures, and if possible, an idea of their personalities."

Hearing Ambika's request, Gafelker thought he was getting the wrong end of the deal. He was not much of a people person and usually did not get that type of thing. So, she wants height, weight, and personality. She does not ask too much, does she? Gafelker gave a Hummm.. "I will have it maybe by the end of the day if I am lucky," he replied, standing. "Lady Ellarian Presronad, I must excuse my self so I can start on my task." said Gafelker with a bow. He turned and left after Lady Ellarian Presronad waved, allowing him to leave.

Walking into the house, the staff watched him as he walked around for a bit, mainly to see who would follow him. The staff did not take long to realize what Gafelker was doing and went about their business. He made a mental note about who followed him and when. He asked about a room he could work from. They showed him to a Room near the library. He found the room had ornate, plush furniture, all office-like. There was also a door that led to the library in the room he was in. It did make sense, but it was another way into the library.

He started by interviewing people and the staff and listing the information. It was going to take a while. He sat barely looking over the desk, then got some pillows from a nearby sofa and placed them on his chair to boost himself up. It was a long and painstaking task. His fingers hurt, but in the end, he felt like he was back in the learning magic.

It was Amra Presronad, the niece. She was friendly and polite but seemed to be hiding something. She had some fear in her eyes and would not talk about Sir Gemini Presronad or the library. The death could have shaken her, but Gafelker felt like something was amiss.

Gafelker met Ambika later in the day and gave her his scroll with the information. He met with her outside to talk and maybe shake anyone watching them. "Here is the information I have so far. I could not get Amra Presronad, the niece, to say much. I think she is hiding something that I do not know. I am not that good with kids." Gafelker explained, leaning in his staff. "I also used their statements to ask what they saw with the others. Only Rennyn Presronad, sister-in-law is the only one who did not add up and got several facts wrong about the others at the party." He added to what he was saying.

SPOILER: Click to show

Lady Ellarian Presronad (niece), 5 foot 5 inches slider in build, was at the party dealing with guests during the party.
Tannivh Presronad (husband) of Ellarian. He is of a 6-foot husky build and was in the garden talking with Elanil Trislen about some family business.
Iliphar Elaven (head maid) slider build and 5-foot tall. She was serving refreshments at the party.
Artin Naemenor (head butler) averige build 5 foot 8 inches tall. He was at the party overseeing the servants.
Elanil Trislen made (maid and cook) 4 foot 9 inches heavy-set build. She was in the kitchen preparing food and drink.
Artin Naemenor (house servant) is a slim male who is 5 feet 2 inches tall. He serves refreshments and runs between the kitchen and guests.
Elanil Trislen (House Guard and Man at Arms) is 6 feet 5 inches tall, has a heavy build, and is muscular. He was in the garden talking with Elanil Trislen about some family finances.
Kelvhan Presronad (Brother) is a tall man of average build. He says he was in the garden then, but he did not say if anyone saw him. I think he was trying to listen to Elanil Trislen and Tannivh Presronad.
Artin Presronad (cousin) is also in her 20s and more like a second cousin. She is at the party talking with Elidyr Presronad.
Rennyn Presronad (sister-in-law) is tall and curvy. She said that she was at the party but could not give a straight answer about what she was doing.
Elidyr Presronad (sister) is short and skinny. She is at the party talking with Elidyr Presronad.
Haemir Presronad (brother in law) short heavy set, was in and out of the party felt sick from drinking to much.
Amra Presronad (niece) is 4 feet tall and 8 years old. During the interview, she was hiding something. Maybe she saw something.
Samuel Sequoia (nephew), who is about 20 years old and 5 foot 11 inches tall, has a husky build and was mainly drinking at the party.
Sir Gemini Presronad (the dead uncle) is 6 feet 4 inches tall, has broad shoulders, and is heavy-set and muscular, strong-looking for a 60-year-old.

While waiting for Gafelker to handle the affairs she assigned him, Ambika would begin her investigation[1] proper. Funny that she had picked up most of these skills in her hometown as part of one of her elder's lessons to avoid discovery which entailed teaching the various perspectives one might view a crime scene, and how to thwart them. Now she was on the side of shining light into life-taking secrets people would rather keep hidden, an irony that was most definitely not lost on her.

"May I?" Ambika gestured towards the permanently asleep Sir Gemini Presronad.
"Very well." Lady Ellarian Presronad closed her eyes and sighed. "Please do not disrespect him."
"I will not." Ambika replied simply as she slowly raised his corpse with an eerie precision, careful to avoid any organs that may trigger unwanted reactions as she turned him face-up so that she could inspect his other side. His eyes were wide open, suggesting that he was conscious until his very last moments, and his mouth agape, perhaps wanting for something. Ambika smelled his nose and checked the inside of his mouth, and instinctively flinched backwards, even moving her hand away. She knew that scent well enough. Dead man's bells, otherwise known as digitalis, though most commonly referred to as foxglove.

"Is something the matter?" Ellarian could not help but notice the sudden alarm Ambika demonstrated.
"Could you please call one of the gardeners over? I think there is some kind of plant on his person, and I would like confirmation." Lady Ellarian Presronad herself was not beneath suspicion. That much she remembered, and so she would refuse to divulge complete facts until she had more answers.
Investigating the library, she would find marks indicating a very tall man at 6'5", a tall man, another at 5'5", a tall woman, a 6'4" man, and another short one.

Taking the scroll list from Gafelker, she would narrow down the members who entered the library as follows:-
Elanil Trislen (House Guard and Man at Arms)
Kelvhan Presronad (Brother)
Rennyn Presonad (sister-in-law)
Lady Ellarian Presronad (niece)
Haemir Presronad (brother-in-law)

and of course, Sir Gemini Presronad himself.

---

[1]Investigation Kit, turn 1

Looking through the library himself as Gafelker walked slowly through the area. He stroked his beard as he looked at the table and the papers lying on it. He did not know much about looking at bodies or when people died, all the forensics stuff, unless it was something from the domain of magic. But he did know books, scrolls, and libraries, how they were organized, and where the best place and order to put books and scrolls.

It only took a few minutes of looking, and he saw that Sir Gemini Presronad was working on some family records and notes. He was looking for an answer to something in the family's past, comparing the past with the present. Gafelker took great care not to disturb the table. He stood there for a minute looking at the placement of the papers and realized the area where Sir Gemini Presronad was working. Gafelker saw there were three books on the table. Then he turned and started looking through the bookcases. Everything was in order except one book.

A book was missing from the bookcase where Sir Gemini Presronad was researching. Gafelker could tell Sir Gemini Presronad was very meticulous about the library, which was extremely clean. Gafelker could tell one book of the family records. The marking did not add up. He mentally noted his findings and maybe helped Ambika with the motive. If he found the book, perhaps the killer, He knew it would not be that simple.

He heard people coming and left the room through a different door. When he found Ambika He waited until they were a lone and told her what he had found.

Ambika watched as Gafelker entered the space through another entrance, and the two exchanged information, along with sharing a tidbit on how foxglove could be mistaken for comfrey, or Symphytum, a comparatively harmless plant compared to the former. With the preliminary aspects determined, it was time for more in-depth searches.[1]

Elanil Trislen appeared to have stepped into the room the least, their armoured boots leaving heavy imprints over the floor to those who knew what to observe. The man had walked in casually before stopping momentarily, then rushed over to Sir Gemini's side, remaining in a crouched position momentarily before rushing out as quickly as he could. What he did while on that lowered stance would require further observation, but for the moment it was relatively likely his alibi was solid.

Kelvhan Presronad stood by the other entrance to the library, mainly, taking a few steps to the bookshelf with the missing book Gafelker had mentioned before heading towards the side table and then doing a sharp turn to the entrance Ellarian had brought them in.

Rennyn Presronad had quite literally waltzed her way into the library before stopping a short distance from where one of the seats stood. A man of Sir Gemini's build would likely have had the chair extend to just before where she stopped, so it may suggest the two had some kind of interaction. Then, the woman would step back, and stomp her way out of the library as her heeled indents would suggest.

Lady Ellarian Presronad had walked to the side of the same seat, stopping momentarily before leaving the same way she came. Then, she repeated the same some moments later.

Haemir Presronad stumbled in from one entrance and had collapsed to the floor at one point, then he would be dragged out the other entrance by whom one could only surmise was Sir Gemini Presronad.

Sir Gemini Presronad had largely remained in his seat throughout his time here, the chair moving occasionally as he readjusted his posture, and legs turning around occasionally to the entrance to his side. The only times he got up from his seat were when carrying Haemir out with him walking backwards towards the exit, and the moment of his untimely death.

It seemed like there may be two or more threads going on. There was something about financials, and someone poisoning Sir Gemini resulting in his demise. The culprit could be one and the same, or there could some intersection between different plots resulting in the current mess. At that thought, Ambika would gain yet another reason to desire the presence of her erstwhile partner. Though knowing him, he would probably just feign ignorance and egg her on, seeing her struggles as part of the fun.

---

[1]Investigation Kit, turn 2

Walking through the house, Gafelker watched and listened, and even Iris quietly moved around, peeking through plants, hiding here or there, and watching people do their business. He was hoping to find something new. He did want to help Ambika. They were both hired for the job, after all. He paused when he saw Rennyn Presronad trying to somewhat hide from Iris and the servants. She was twisting and turning through the halls of the Manor, avoiding everyone. Her eyes darted around, looking at every noise and or watching people.

He kept his distance from her but followed Rennyn Presronad. The paranoia in the Manor was getting bad, in some cases, with the whole family. Gafelker watched Rennyn Presronad enter a room and come out with something wrapped. She walked around for a time, and then he lost her. It took a little time to find her again in the kitchen, looking over the pantry. What could she be up to? Gafelker thought, watching her closely.

Kelvhan Presronad was walking in the garden, examining the plants and touching some of them. He walked, exploring the Plants, spending some time with each group of plants in the garden. Iris watched him. She could see what he was doing unnoticed. He stopped and moved some plants to the side, showing another plant growing beside it that was poisonous and not one to be played with. It did have beautiful flowers on it. Iris flew back to Gafelker to let him know what she saw.

Gafelker had heard that Ambika was looking for him. He set off to find her with his observations and what Iris had told him. He was not too sure if it was not all connected in some way. He would figure it out a Magic domain rather than work on a murder case. Seeing Ambika, he pulled Ambika to the side. "I have some information for you that might help," informed Gafelker. He spent the time recounting everything he and Iris had seen and heard.

Ambika took the time to explain her findings to Gafelker as he rendezvoused with her once more, and the two exchanged notes.

So. Rennyn Presronad had a wrapped package and was in the pantry, while Kelvhan was moving plants around? Certainly suspicious. And the fact Ellarian had not returned yet after she sent her out to find a gardener...
"Gafelker, find Lady Ellarian. She might be in danger." Ambika hoped it would not be a life-and-death situation, but the darkest glimpses of humanity she bore witness to were largely concentrated among the nobles and the wealthy.

Now that the puzzle pieces were starting to come together, it was finally time to figure out whatever secrets remained of the library.[1] There were hair particles of both Rennyn and Ellarian near where Sir Gemini sat. The barest of porcelain particles shed in the shape of a circle were visible by the desk diagonally above dust particles that spread outwards beyond a rectangular nothingness, indicating the presence of a book that had been present. Either a teacup or a teacup holder. That detail did not matter too much, honestly.

Then... the slightest hint of grounded foxglove from the location Haemir had collapsed on the floor. He was supposedly feeling sick from drinking too much, but perhaps he had been an unwitting guinea pig, spared by insufficient potency or something else entirely. She ought to check on him just in case.

Finally, Ambika would catch a glimpse of drying wood at the corner of the side table she had indicated all the way at the start when she entered the room. Actually touching the place, she would find that it felt cold to the touch, even if it was quickly reverting back to room temperature. A chilled item that was causing the surrounding water particles to condense had been here at one point. It was pure conjecture, but she wondered if it might have been an antidote of sorts. It might provide an explanation as to why Haemir lived while Gemini died.

The investigation of the library concluded at last, Ambika would set forth to find Haemir Presronad barring any sudden developments on the part of Gafelker requiring more immediate attention, leaving a note in the library addressed to him in the off-chance he returned to find her once more.

---

[1]Investigation Kit, turn 3

He looked worried as Ambika told Gafelker about Lady Ellarian's danger. After thinking about what she said, he started to walk away. What is going on here? How could this family be so disturbed that they would kill one another? Some talk bad about Gnomes and that we can be greedy about coins or that Gnomes can be hoarders. But all Gnomes do not try to kill their family's.

He hurried through the Keep, looking for Lady Ellarian Presronad. He walked quickly, his staff thumping on the ground as he walked. Iris was just a short distance away, flying next to him and looking around as they went. Gafelker started to feel panic as he rushed down the halls.

When he found her sitting with what looked like a new cup of tea, thinking about the latest information Ambika had given him and the chance of a toxin being used probably in a drink, his eyes widened. She reached for the teacup and lifted it to her mouth. "No, My Lady, stop!" he yelled. Iris rocketed forward at an alarming rate. Startling Lady Ellarian, Iris glowed with fire, making her raise her one hand in defense. The other hand with the tea cup paused. [1] With a word from Gafelker, a burst of wind hit the teacup, sending it off to one side, and it hit the floor and broke.

Gafelker rushed in, looking around. "Sorry, my Lady, you could be in danger," he explained, still looking over the room. "I was not sure if that tea was safe," he said, moving beside Lady Ellarian's chair. "I am here to watch over you until my partner Ambika arrives to explain everything," he said leaning on his staff. "Just leave the tea Lady Ellarian Presronad. Let my partner Ambika when she arrives and test the tea," He suggested.

[1] staff elemental wind damage. 

Ambika would find Haemir Presronad in one of the Keep's guest rooms, visibly unwell and sweating heavily. Sitting nearby was... Amra, the niece, face downcast and teary. Come to think of it, the two might be directly related to one another. She walked in and crouched in front of the child so that her face was lower than hers, before starting:-
"Just yes and no will suffice. Or nodding and shaking your head." Amra nodded her head so very slightly in response, which the old soul took to be acceptance.
"Did you see someone adding something into Sir Haemir's drink?" A nod.
"Was it Lady Rennyn?" A shake.
"Lady Ellarian?" Another shake.
"Sir Kelvhan?" A nod.
"Was the something added into the drink flowers?" Another nod.
"Did you see someone adding something in Sir Gemini's drink as well?" A shake.
"I see. Thank you, Amra." One of the conspirators was definitely Kelvhan then. As for the other, it was either Ellarian or Rennyn, perhaps both. There was also the question of where that cold drink in the side table went. The only person who could have been within reach to take it away was... The Man-at-Arms, Elanil Treslen, unless magic was involved.

So it was that Ambika searched for Gafelker once more in the vast keep, trying to avoid Rennyn, Kelvhan and Elanil. Then, the sounds of a teacup breaking would draw her attention, as well as many others. That was a situation she would have preferred to avoid, but it was what it was.
"What is the meaning of this!?" Rennyn flourished dramatically as she tap-danced her way into the room Gafelker and Ellarian were in, replete with a tone most dramatically edgy. "You dare ruin a lady's cup of tea!?"
"I could argue the same of you, Lady Rennyn Presronad. Dead man's bells do not belong in a cup of tea unless you intend for her death." The old soul paid her no mind as she stepped into the room herself.
"Oh my, a commoner gains a little insight over us for a few hours and already you accuse me of murder? How glib. Seize her!" The sister-in-law ordered angrily, and Elanil charged in, attempting to pin her down. Too late he was, however, as a high jump[1] later and the old soul was standing right behind Rennyn, her hands and legs tied with the swift twirls of spidersilk wire.
"Lady Ellarian Presronad, please forgive my insolence. I have reason to believe Lady Rennyn and Sir Kelvhan were conspiring to be rid of Sir Gemini, and that Elanil Treslen may be an accomplice." Ambika left it at that to see how the surroundings would respond.

Gafelker looked for anyone else who might have trouble with Ambika. Seeing Elanil Treslen step into the room, his eyes widened at what was happening. He looked over Lady Rennyn, who was now tied up with the spider silk. Elanil Treslen and Gafelker locked eyes. He froze for a moment. Gafelker cracked a smile and mouthed the words, "You are finished." Elanil Treslen turned to run.

[1] Swirling wind and lightning surrounded Gafelker. He had created enough of a charge to dash toward Elanil Treslen instantly. He blurs forward, moving at inhuman speeds briefly and stopping in the hallway behind Elanil Treslen. The man was fast for a guard, Gafelker thought. Runes on the staff started to glow blue as Gafelker spoke words. Elanil Treslen stopped to draw his sword. Gafelker was finished by that time. [2] Drawing forth water, Gafelker causes it to swirl around Elanil Treslen, taking the form of a giant bubble that traps Elanil Treslen within it. The bubble fills with water and swirls around at high speeds, trapping Elanil Treslen inside. Gafelker watched as the man spun inside the water, drowning slowly.

The others looked on as Gafelker smiled. When the man was no longer a threat, he released him, and the man fell to the floor with a loud thud and became unconscious. The water dissipated slowly. "You can not outrun magic, I suppose," said Gafelker with a grin of satisfaction.

With everyone there and the people responsible for the murder determined, Ambika and Gafelker's investigation was over. They wrote out everything and reported it to the local guard. Now, it was time to move on to the next quest. Something about rescuing some other adventures in some caves, but that is a tale for another time.


[1] Bullet Dash
[2] Water Prison