>>37544017
Demand that he immediately brief me on all information relevant to his death, even that which may seem readily apparent.

Ask him to walk me through any and all remembered events before and after the killing as far back as he can remember until his last slumber.

After that, examine the scene very closely myself, attempting to match physical evidence with pieces of information from the spectre.

Focus on any and all descriptions of actions by the perpetrator, or descriptions of person. Should none be made, attempt to make them via any observed physical evidence.

How dire! Was this a crime of the moment's passion, or premeditated? If the latter, who stands to gain??

>>37544076
Seems like a solid plan. 2nded.

>>37544017

Loot the body, and the dagger. Also probably talk to the guy, but hey man, looting comes first.

>>37544076
lol, forgot to remove trip from other thread.

A valiant effort, and in the mass confusion due to the regime change might not get pruned straight away. Sadly I expect by sunrise they'll have calmed down and the shitposters will do what they do best.
All the same, Hope it works for you.

>>37544076
"Well, I came into the hall, earlier than the other mages as usual to begin proceedings of our next guild meeting. I didn't come through the main entrance like you, though, as I've always used the eastern hallway, coming directly from my chambers. I put that stack of papers down
>indicating a small pile of parchment that has been well knocked over. Most of which are strewn all over the floor.
I tapped them on the table to straighten them out, and then a sharp pain in my spine before everything went black.

Peculiar how this wicked knife seems to be in my front, but I assure you that's the last sensation I recall. Additionally, I'm certain I was standing on the floor, and yet my... I'm sorry, it's strange looking at myself like this. My body looks like it was cast over the table. This is most unwelcome."

>>37544092
>The dagger remains jammed in the body, no matter how hard you pull. Disturbing evidence aside, the dagger seems no ordinary weapon.

>>37544133
Roll the body over and examine the spine.

>>37544133
Ask the spectre to complete a list of attendees at this meeting, were it to have gone on. Ask for short descriptions of each attendee, not just names.

More closely examine the dagger, and the body. Pay special attention to wounds and blood pooling.

Examine the papers on the floor and table. Go through them with the spectre, have him explain each one's importance and tell you if any are missing.

Are we apprentices or members of the guard?
Who could have done this? Did anyone want you dead?

>>37544156
>Feeling around, the dagger doesn't seem to have penetrated the entire torso. Rolling down the robes, you find a strange, green scar on the spine. It's glows faintly.

>>37544176
You can basically play as anyone you want. The Guild usually handles matter in-house, but they might call upon the guard's help so feel free to play as an officer.
"I'm not sure. We have many enemies, but I can't imagine anyone bothering with a knife when my foes usually go for fireballs and zombie armies. You know how it goes."

>>37544171
>The specter indicates one of the papers on the floor, which is conveniently a link to the guild's 1d4chan page: http://1d4chan.org/wiki/Mage's_guild
Other than the usual roster on the list, many newcomers and irregular guests pop in from time to time.

I'm sure it was someone with the most evil intent...

THE DARK WIZARD, MODS!

Does touching the sharp edge of the blade do anything or is the enchantment only affecting the archwizard?
>tests it whit a finger

>>37544414
>The edge you touch actually feels rather dull.

>>37544458
Sounds like a Dacra, except if it were one your ghost wouldn't have survived, or rather it would belong to the Keeper.

>>37544458
This knife was probably not the murder weapon but rather something to keep you from being raised or resurrected.

>>37544757
"A viable theory"

>Roll 1d20 for Sleuthomancy

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>37544781

>>37544798
>You deduce that the knife is indeed sealing this corpse from being resurrected.

SUP FUCKERS

WANT ME TO USE DIVINATION? BY DIVINATION, I MEAN I'M GONNA START THROWING FIREBALLS AND I'M NOT GOING TO STOP UNTIL I GET SOME GOD DAMN ANSWERS.

TRULY, THE BEST FORM OF DIVINATION.

>>37544808
Obviously suicide. There was a curse on one of the papers which the archmage tapped with his finger, activating the death rune and leaving the curse mark on his spine. Knowing that the rune would cause him to reanimate as a horrendously powerful undead, the venerable scholar took his own life with a dagger of his own invention, preventing his rise to lichdom but also, tragically, erasing the memories of his last moments.

>>37544841
"I don't... think that's what happened."

>Roll 1d20 for Sleuthomancy

This thread makes me wish we had a /tg/ Clue the same way we have /tg/ Risk every now and then. A murder mystery thread.

Rolled 2 (1d20)

Sleuths gone sleuth

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>37544862
I DON'T DO SO GOOD ON THE WHOLE "HEY GANG LET'S DEDUCE A MYSTERY"

I HAVE PAPERWORK TO FILE.

>>37544899
>Your hunch was off. The rune on the paper is actually for maintaining the temperature of Mortimer's delicious coffee.

"And I don't really into blade smithing or weapon enchanting. I swear I've never seen this dagger in my relatively long life."

>>37544017
really should have used a different image for a moment i thought that we were having a meeting still this should be fun

>>37544931
Really? Well there goes my theory that you tripped over this white cat like creature sleeping on the floor aspace you were examining the knife.

>>37544931
Whoops, my nametag fizzled through my ghostly form for a minute. Fixed it, though.

>>37544962
I was hoping to attract some of the other members with the classic image. Especially now that newer anons playing outsiders to the guild could question them as possible witnesses or suspects.

I'd like to have a look at the dagger to see what it is made of, who might have forged it, or if it might actually be an elaborate illusion.

>>37545046
>Roll 1d20+2 for Sleuthomancy with a bonus because of your knife experience.

Rolled 9 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>37545065

Rolled 15 + 6 (1d20 + 6)

Me, Gromb, Level 14 Orc Barbarian With level in Wizard, distressed over recent event. GROMB WANT KNOW WHO STAB POINTY HAT MAN! GROMB SEARCH FOR CLUES!

(Gromb, with his 22 strength and 7 intelligence attempts to smash anything that looks like it might contain things, like pots, inside the room)

Hello, I am the current representative of the Cult of Changing Tides. I was told to come here by the Head Cultists. I will be glad to help with any... Who's the ghost.

>>37545116
>You deduce at least it is made of plain old steel. The style indicates orcs, or perhaps another savage race. It's pristine, but jagged in shape, or what of it isn't submerged in wizard flesh. You can't tell if it's real or not, but it feels like proper metal.

>>37545181
You destroy all potted plants in the room, muddying the crime scene and revealing no new information.

Take one little vacation and look what happens, I swear you people can hold down a pillow forgot, let alone an institute.

>>37545222
So, old fart. Who are you?

>>37545236
CAN'T hold down.
Its late, you know.

>>37545238
I am... was, the Archwizard of the Mages' Guild. Don't be jelly.

>>37545222
(Gromb begins staring intently on the knife. It looks just like his favorite letter opener.)

>>37545251
Has your letter opener gone missing lately?

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>37545222

Melkot wishes to understand how this game is truly played. He attempts to examine the blade for any elements arcane.

I'm beginning to suspect the arch wizard has reincarnated as an Orc.

>>37545258
(The letter opener would normally be in his quarters. Since he's the only actual dues paying member, mostly because he's too dumb to know that he can easily get out of it, he gets room and board on the grounds.)

>>37545250
Ah, so we should probably find it who killed you. Maybe it was one of those whiter deva like beings who are invading our universe.

>>37545262
>You can't identify anything more than what has already been deduced – that the blade prevents the victim from being resurrected, and cannot be removed from the body by normal force.

>>37545249
I might need someone familiar with the guild to take over Antruthius, actually. I'm falling asleep at my desk here.

>>37545282
So, you can't remember nothin' 'bout the guy or gal the did you in?

Rolled 10 (1d20)

>>37545282

Melkot attempts to search the corpse of the Archwizard.

>>37545294
"I'm afraid I didn't notice anyone else in the hall before the incident."

>>37545305
You find a pouch of gold, another pouch of nonsensical alchemical ingredients, and a spare wand.

>>37545310
"I'd like to try an ethereal jaunt and attempt to remove the dagger from that plane."

>>37545310
Well aren'tchu useful. I'll try lookin' for the magical residue of the assassin.
Give me some dice to role, and if you haven't figured it out I'm Lurco. [\spoiler]

>>37545322
>Roll whatever die you feel is suitable for a jaunt.

>Also, provide a link to a jaunty tune to add a bonus to your roll.

>>37545336
1d20 should be fine.

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>37545336
>>37545355
*cracks fingers and stretches arms*
Let's get this hunt goin'!

>>37545368
>You manage to pinpoint a set of footprints in the ether unique from the older prints from previous meetings and the ones that match the movements the specter described from his cadaver. These prints seem to appear from the main entrance to the hall, creeping up behind the archwizard, and then turning around after meeting the mage's prints, getting close to the discarded papers, and then returning to the main entrance doors, where the trail ends.

Rolled 5, 17 = 22 (2d20)

>>37545319
Melkot collects all of these items as evidence.

Melkot wishes to prepare an incantation to divine the last user of the knife's whereabouts, or general location/direction. He will then chant the incantation.

>>37545405
>Your preparations are successful.

>>37545401
Yo! Old fart! The guy didn't seem to just shank ya, he seemed to 'ave also ruffled with ya' papers. Wanna help me look through them and point out what's missin'?

Rolled 9 (1d12)

>>37545343
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3UcOQoDUUYM

>>37545433
"Of course, I'll try to remember what was there."

Also, I desperately need someone to take over for me.

>>37545438
>You successfully remove the knife in a parallel plane.

I don't actually know what effect this has on the material plane.

>>37545401
Are any of the papers missing?

Is anyone in the guild proficient or learned in the magic involved with the dagger?

>>37545417
Melkot wishes to chant the incantation necessary.

File: kyubey.gif (136 KB, 245x138)

136 KB GIF

>>37545310
So this fellow here wasn't around before you died then?
>holds up the sleeping pic related

>>37544017

Mein gott!
Antruthius, my dear friend, it saddens me to see that time has finally caught up with you. But, as you have stated, why have you been attacked with a knife instead of some arcane sorcery?

>>37544176
usually we just sit here and bullshit about one thing or another, occasionally have some form of story occur, but this is the first time I've seen the quest tag AND dice rolls in one of the guild meeting threads.

>>37545492
So far it's been working to keep the thread up. We should think about keeping the trend going, having future problems posted by Antruthius actually lead to quests for the mages to embark on.

Well blimey. Don't look at me I'm just the ambassador

>>37545443
I would offer to take over but I don't know enough about Antruthius to properly roleplay him.

>>37545492
Apparently it's some sorta arcane dagga'. Anyways, who are ya'?

>>37545500
Sounds good to me, if I wasn't at work I would join in.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>37545505

Herr Hearsch, the Wizard of Science! I've been teaching science magic here for....well, for a lot longer then you've been the Devourer of Pixies, that's for certain!

Arcane Dagger you say? Interesting. Someone should examine it more thoroughly.

>>37545500
It's an interesting way to do it, and I'm down for some actual questing every now and then

>>37545528
Looks like a good roll, but did we lose OP?

>>37545528
"You have a redundant title. I think you mean wizard of technology," said the not present ethereal Mage.

>>37545559

Nope, science. For you to even suggest such a thing means you haven't actually attended one of my classes.

Rolled 12 (1d20)

>>37545485

>>37545528
Oi! Just cause I choose ta' look good doesn't mean I ain't an old fart myself. Course I'm nowhere near as old as tha' three head cultists. I'm only 527.

Also, where's the old ghost fart? He needs to help me find out what's missin' in the pile of papers!

>>37545567
"i'm not wasting words with you. Clearly you aren't treating this as entertainment, I'm not even on your plane and you didn't use a scry spell to locate me. There's a word to describe people like you."

Are wizard guild threads the newest victim after ERP and Quest Thread General?

>>37545649
Oi, stabby fucker! Don't you know you should show a little respect to people?

>>37545671
"I just helped rescue the arch wizard. How about you spit up those pixies before I use this new knife I just found?*

>>37545686
Well open you're eye's bozo! The knife is still stuck in his chest on this plane of existence and his ghost seemed ta' 'ave disappeared! PLUS he's still dead! I don't understand how ya' rescued him cause he's still here with a knife in 'im!

>>37545671

No need to get on the defensive. If the young mage actually went to his classes, he'd know that you can trace a Wizard by the trace Ethereal particles left over by their vocal projection - no matter how small - and then, using a centralized algorithm can find their location, albeit a general location.
In my field I'd simply need to use the goggles I'm wearing, look in the general direction of his vocal manipulation, identify the trace Ethereal Particles, and then run the algorithm.
*Removes goggles and places them in his coat pocket*
But as you said, some people have no manners.

>>37545716
That sounded like a lotta gobble-dee-gook ta' me but ya' probably know whatcha' talkin' about. Ya' seem like a smart old fart.

I got this, in 3 simple steps: You remember the time portal on the broom closet? How about we find out where and when this specifical dagger was made, then we find the mountain where the needed iron was extracted and next step we just send the mountain straight into space? Simple and efficient I must say.

>>37545767
Sending mountains inta' space!? That sounds ridiculous but I'll be damned of that doesn't sound fun!

>>37545767

Although a noble effort at a resolution, I'm afraid time travel has had its fair share of...damages to the Guild. We could probably go so far as to find out more about the dagger via time travel, possibly even trace owners back to whoever plunged it into the Arch Wizards chest.

>>37545786
Or we could go back before tha' old fart's stabbed and catch the culprit before he does it!

>>37545786
>>37545802
We need to see the higher picture here. If we have no mountains rocketing into space we have no way of justifying the budget for our last field trip. Damn, this is gonna be a nightmare I say! better start working into those pesky fiscal reports already

>>37545898
I don't care 'bout no field trip! I'm from tha' Cult o' Changin' Tides! So are we gonna do some time shenanigans or what?

Good Evening ever--
Seven Hells! What happened here!
[I speak and Death will kneel. Shadow Override:Resurrection]

>>37546352
*tendrils of shadow extend from James' feet towards Antruthius and move as if to cocoon him, but are blocked by something*

Well, that is new. Whoever did this left an absurdly strong anti raise curse on him. And knowing how powerful Antruthius' wards are, this is incredibly serious.

>>37546352
Don't bother he has some kind of anti-resurrection dagger in his chest.

>>37546421
Hmm? Let me see that. *takes the dagger and examines it*

Rolled 48 + 20 (1d100 + 20)

>>37546442

>>37546445
Interesting, I can't say I recognize the make of this knife, looks rather crude, but this metal doesn't seem normal. The enchantment on this thing is crazy strong though, and seems to be amplified by whatever metal it is made of.

DRUIDS IN THE DUNGEON, DRUIDS IN THE DUNGEON!
Wait what was next...
>pulls out a parchment and mumbles to himself as he reads it
Let's see, pretend to faint to make it look more belivable... RIGHT! JUST THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW!
>unconvincingly fakes a fainting

>>37546471
Yes, yes. They buy the mushrooms that grow in the upper levels of the dungeon. Like Apple picking, except with more running away from dangerous creatures hungry for your flesh.

if anyone is still interested in playing, I can qm for a bit since Antruthius wanted a regular to take over, additionally any other regulars that see this thread, feel free to help me out, I'm just gonna improvise if there is any interest

>>37546563
Keep it alive for about 2 hours and I'll join in. I have an idea for who is responsible for this unless you guys have already pointed the blame somewhere else by then.

>>37546591
alright hopefully we gt some more interest, most regulars probably have quest filtered

>>37546605
Link to the thread in the archive of the last thread, might be one or two on the ghost board. I'll be back in 2 hours.

>>37545716
"I know about the experiments you run on apprentices and to be quite frank I think I'll keep to my own practices. Hope you have a license to use those goggles in my time frame, otherwise the authorities may have to get involved. It's cute you think me some base fool, but the moment you use the wrong spell at the wrong time I'll be waiting."

>>37546646
Calm down, no need to go about threatening people. One murder mystery is enough for me at the moment.

>>37546660
"It wasn't a threat. Consider it a warning. Upon reflection the use of his TECHNOLOGY rather than magic goes very much with the principle of keeping it to minimal and necessary use."

>>37546684
Trying to warn anyone here probably won't do much, very few of the members have any respect for laws and regulations. You know the old saying, "Wizards! No sense of right and wrong!"

Anyways, can you tell me anything about this knife? You probably know a lot more about blades than I do.
the blade is crude, it feels rather flimsy when held, the metal would probably never be made into a normal knife, it is heavily enchanted

>>37546723
feel free to make something up as long as it goes along with what has been stated so far

>>37544017
How curious, I just realized I forgot a knife JUST like that one somewhere.

>>37546788
Is this knife yours?

>>37546826
Woops dropped my nametag.

>>37546826
It might be. I can be very absent-minded about my jobs.

>>37546863
If it is yours, that will make things a lot easier. *hands over the dagger* I can use your bond with the weapon as a catalyst in a countercurse ritual, then resurrect Antruthius.

>>37546963
So, is it yours?

>>37546963
"If I were to guess I would say it is duergar made. The deep dwarves are notoriously stealthy and prone to acts of cruelty."

I got here as soon as I could! I understand there's been a murder of our dear Archmage? What evidence do we have, suspects, witnesses?

>>37547014
Interesting, that would certainly explain the mysterious metal. As expected of dwarves. I will have to study it in the future, it's enchantment amplifying effects seem like something the Mages guild could get a lot of use out of.

>>37547058
There doesn't seem to have been any witnesses, although I have been talking to his spirit with my connection to the shadow realm. An interesting effect of the dagger seems to have stopped his spirit from retaining the memories of the last hour or two he was alive.

>Walks in with a coffee mug
"What happened?"

>>37547058
>>37547098
At the moment, we don't have any proper suspects, but we do have the murder weapon. It may belong to Daezlin, he is checking to see if it is his.
The Blade Mage believes the blade was made by the Deep Dwarves if Dueregar.

>>37547138
May I look at it?

>>37547098
>>37547138
The Duergar are a vindictive and violent race, better then that we should look into them. Have any duergar been spotted? Have the sentries and oculi been consulted for information yet?

Has anyone seen my —
Gods above, is that Anthruthius?

>>37547102
Good evening, Soros. It would seem Antruthius was murdered. something quite powerful blocks you if you try to Rez him or scry within an hour and a mile of where he died, otherwise new folks won't have any fun

>>37547167
I can see that, Something is blocking my ability to scry the murder. May I see the dagger?

>>37547156
Yes it is, someone killed him, somehow.

>>37547149
Absolutely. Daezlin is looking at it right now, I'm sure he won't mind you joining him.
>>37547156
Yes, it would seem he was murdered. In my experience, I would suggest our first order of business be finding out what we can about how he was killed, breaking the curse on him, and resurrecting him.
Then we can look into who did it.

>>37547196
Then I saw she what clues on it can be found, with my own eyes. I can't even look at it via scrying. As for the curse I suggest you get an enchanter or maybe a necromancer to deal with it, the threads on it are bound so well I fear I could cause significant damage if I tried to unravel it myself.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>37547014
Duerger, huh? That's unfortunate...
>>37545222
The orcs and trolls derive their techniques from renegade dwarves, and Anthruthius could have confused the two.
>>37547153
I don't think so. A duerger would have been noted and recorded. They don't come often to these parts...
>>37547167
And a powerful enchantment that blocks the spirit from rebinding to the body through resurrection...
Certainly an odd combination.
I feel like I've seen this before somewhere...

>>37547216
Agreed, unfortunately, I haven't seen any around today, and I am not great with curses.

>>37547229
If it was a dueregar, and they had access to an enchantment that can block Soros' scrying, finding them will be a problem.

Rolled 11 (1d20)

>>37547267
Where's Fryja when you need her? Any ways time to look at that blade.
>examining

>>37547299
at first glance, it looks like normal steel, under closer observation, it is clearly not. the blade is crude, it feels rather flimsy when held, the metal would probably never be made into a normal knife, it is heavily enchanted, add anything you may have found about it

>>37547299
I contacted Lazarus earlier and told him about it, he said he may be able to help, but he was quite busy at the time, perhaps he will arrive in a few hours. Of course, it would be best if we solve this matter as quickly as possible though, as the true shadow realm is grating, even on spirits as powerful as Antruthius.

>>37547315
Will do, Figure I have pretty good observe, when I actually bother to use it.
>>37547336

Hmm It has enchantments of anti-magic, level drain, entropy and Spell eating. I can't give you exact specifics with out more time but this is a nasty piece of work.
>Sniffs it
It was poisoned as well, can't say what though. Poisons aren't my forte.

May I see the body?

Rolled 2 (1d20)

I remember.
I saw something similar to this when I was researching with Quinn.
The system they use with those gemstones.
Forcefully binding a spirit to an object. When it was forged, the duergers' malevolence had probably infected the blade spiritually and amplify the enchantment. The dagger was needed to eject Anthruthius's spirit and prevent us from following the murderer.

So someone is out there with the Archwizard's soul. It's a miracle that he managed to project himself back here, but that's the Archwizard for you.
...Someone is out there with Anthruthius's soul.

Shit.

>>37547374
And that is what I get for looking in direct effect attacks enchantments instead of the whole thing. Shit. Any chance you could set up a trace with the dagger and Antruthius' body?

>>37547365
Hmm, that certainly somewhat explains how it bypassed his wards. The body is still over there *points to the dead mage on the floor*

>>37547374
Now that is quite troubling. I cant say I know much about magical girls, but if what you say is right, that could be the curse we couldn't identify on the blade.
If you are right, we may be in more trouble than i originally thought.

Fuck you wizard.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>37547419
>Examines body
Let's see what I can see.

Rolled 19 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>37547374
Visaklepsy! A crime most heinous indeed, and one that unfortunately is beyond my usual purview. However, you're all lucky that I happen to be adept at tracing and reverse-profiling. With the evidence thus far, I may even be able to develop a general description of the perpetrator!

>>37547428
>the body of an old wizard, clad in fine robes and with a magnificent beard of white, lies dead on the round table in the middle of the guild hall. A grisly dagger is stuck in his chest, blood continuing to flow off of the table from his unbeating heart.

>Feeling around, the dagger doesn't seem to have penetrated the entire torso. Rolling down the robes, you find a strange, green scar on the spine. It's glows faintly

add anything you find

>>37547444
Excellent! If you can we can go and bash, toast, drown, mind spike, and missile them to death. Then raise them, and do it again! Then raise them again and interrogate them!

>>37547406
A chance? I could certainly try, but matters of the soul are a bit out of my league. Quinn or Lazarus would certainly know more than I. I could attempt a ritual for it, that'd be the safest option.
It shouldn't be to hard to find some candles and spirit water, and I can carve out the circle easily enough.
>>37547419
Well, if his soul was bound to a gemstone or some such, transforming isn't the only thing one could do with it.
The gem is a medium. Anthruthius could be bound as a familiar, or the killer could even try to assimilate to soul into themself....
That's a chilling prospect, but I doubt anyone could could achieve it.

Do we know anyone who would want Anthruthius's soul?
...
I realize that is a long list, but anyone specific or has been a recent threat?

>>37547485
And it seems like I forgot to perform said ritual anyway.
But...
>>37547444
You find anything, Niamal?

>>37547444
we have no clear suspect at the moment, feel free to come up with something

>>37547485
Niamal is trying to figure it out right now, it couldd be anything, from a wizard looking for easy power, to an old rival, to a jealous god. That man has lived long enough and fought enough to make enemies on every plane.

>>37547463
Hmm, Green glowing scar, likely from the enchantments interacting with his magic because he was an arcane dynamo. Black blood inside the wound, smells or rot and elderberries. Likely Necromancer's folly poison, to make Revivification untenable if the curse was broken. Hmm, massive neural damage and fraying around where his mana would concentrate. Magebane poison the enchantments alone wouldn't cause this damage.
>opens eyelid, blood starts running out
Also some sort of poison that thins the blood and likely does other nasty assorted things.

>>37547485
Well Jake'ness comes to mind, as would several deities or arch-whatevers.

>>37547485
>>37547526
Fortunately, binding souls is my specialty. If we can get to the bastard, I can probably get Antruthius out of him.

>>37547444
The exquisite craftsmanship of the blade and the intense procedures necessary to even try killing Antruthius tell that this wasn't just premeditated, this must have been many years of planning. Our suspect is not only dedicated to the job, their very livelihood may have been centered around it. We're looking for someone with intense focus, obsession even.
However, the manner of the killing doesn't speak to some personal vendetta, indeed the long preparation means this almost certainly wasn't an act of passion. No, whoever did this was looking for some sort of gain. And with the soul of an Archmage, that gain is rather obvious.

But to utilize it, that takes even more planning and skill than what must have been put into killing him. This suspect is a person who is not only a truly powerful mage, but one also older than he or she would likely appear. We also know that they have dealings with Duergar, which suggests a connection to the Underdark.

So, our perpetrator is a man or woman, at least 300 years of age, with immense magical capability and connections to malevolent entities in the Underdark. They may have a personal dislike of Antruthius, but this crime speaks more to one of opportunity. The suspect displays signs of obsession and immense greed, but likely hides this behind a charismatic veneer.

Do we know anyone like that?

>>37547528
If it really is Jakeness, I can try to use the countermeasure I created for the decommissioning. Hopefully, it wont come to that though.

>>37547550
Gods dammit.

>>37547550
Well if she was still alive I'd say Jheska of the top of my head. Ashburn as well come to think of it. Jake'ness would have been far more blunt about it.

>>37547563
I said those who would want his soul, there is no decommissioning on the corpse. Besides those who would want it might have hired those who could take it.

>>37547581
If only we had some sort of physical description, a witness, or just some evidence left by the perpetrator to narrow it down. Whoever it was, they were remarkably thorough.

>>37547581
Are you sure? I doubt decommissioning would work on Antruthius, considering he used one himself in the fight against Jheska. And of course there is always the possibility it wasn't him directly either. Then again, it is certainly possible he has nothing to do with it.

Alright where is this body I hear you have. If its an apprentice then I have full rights to it.

>>37547550
>>37547581
So it's either some unknown force that we haven't encountered yet, or some of our greatest threats have come back.

Can we discount Jheska? While I would seriously like to think her truly dead, I can't remember. Damn temporal distortions.
>>37547610
Can you discern anything from the scar more than Soros did?>>37547528
>>37547643
It's Anthruthius.

>>37547643
Over there. *points to the corpse of Antruthius*

Rolled 12 + 1 (1d20 + 1)

>>37547651
I'm no forensics expert, but I can certainly try.

>>37547631
Like I said no decommissioning detected. Jake may have hired someone to do it, this definitely wouldn't be his first hand work. I would have felt it, trust me on that.


>>37547643
It's Antruthius, his corpse has been cursed, and he has Necromancer's folly in his system as well as a very potent blood thinner and magebane poison.

>>37547651
I really hope she is dead. Remembering her voice gives me a headache.

>>37547610
>>37547665
Earlier, someone found some footprints, mundane, but possibly helpful considering how well he hid himself magically.
>>You manage to pinpoint a set of footprints in the ether unique from the older prints from previous meetings and the ones that match the movements the specter described from his cadaver. These prints seem to appear from the main entrance to the hall, creeping up behind the archwizard, and then turning around after meeting the mage's prints, getting close to the discarded papers, and then returning to the main entrance doors, where the trail ends.

>>37547651
Really? Well what evidence do we have on who did it?

And of course Jheska is dead we all saw when Quin ate her.

>>37547666
Necromantic magic? But... very well I'll take a look at it. Hand me the dager they used.

>>37547665
Magebane, necromancer's folly, thinner... as I said, whoever this was really knew what they were doing. This isn't just for a high-level mage, it was for Antruthius specifically.
But it also means that they were absolutely confident they wouldn't encounter anyone else - this delicate mix of toxins would be far less effective on the second use. And stealth alone won't get you into the Archmage's chambers. This had to be someone he trusted very deeply, or at least one he believed he could trust.

So, I 'eard tha' Anthuthius got ganked. Wha' do we know 'bout wha' 'appened.

I'm primarily a battlemage, so most of my magic won't be of use, but I picked up some investigative skills when I was runnin' with some blokes at the thieves guild.

>>37547696
That was just the poisons in his system, the dagger has some sort of soul displacement field, as well as level drain, spell eating, antimagic and entropy enchantments.

Remember when of your apprentices tried raise dead on a Necromancer's folly'd up corpse? We were cleaning the blood for weeks.

>>37547716
Oh boy, time to start running in shadows.

>>37547689
Considering that they ended right outside the main entrance, they seem to have known that only guild members can teleport into or out of the building.

>>37547696
Here you go. *hands over the dagger*

>>37547716
Or someone who has known him long enough to memorize his schedule.

File: 132707392530.jpg (75 KB, 630x471)

75 KB JPG

>>37547696
>Mumbles about something being delicious

>>37547730
dropped nametag, apologies

>>37547730
I can do that. Not really sure if it will help much aside from getting us there though.

>>37547696
I...wasn't present that day. I believe I was traveling through the thermosphere due temporal distortion forcing me to move out of sync with the rest of the world.
But do you remember the last time war? We had to collapse an entire alternate universe to prevent the Chronomancers from messing with causality anymore.

I don't even want to think about Jheska having a Chronomancer at her disposal though.

>>37547754
It was a turn of phrase when I was younger, nevermind.

So I got this young'un is knocking on my door, pleading me to teach him how to become a, er, battle mage? Is it called that? He was spouting something about wielding both magic and sword to slay his enemies.
What the hell is he going on about? Did I miss some breakthrough in magical research?

>>37547719
Touch my shadow and I can bring you up to speed.

>>37547014
>>37547365
>>37547374
>>37547463
>>37547485
>>37547550
>>37547689


>>37547779
Enchanting has gotten more popular recently, so more magic items, and more spell blades, i guess.

>>37547824
and of course the op, but i forgot to link it

>>37547716
>>37547730
>>37547731
Interesting so someone I'm the guild, someone old and trusted, probably a department head. Someone who knows poisons and necromancy...

Let's see if I can find out anything else.
>Takes the dagger and examines it

>>37547779
Yes. I believe it was perfected by th' Bards Guild, but we've got quite a few of 'em 'ere. Spellblades, Bladesingers, Eldritch Knights, Bladeweavers, an' Magi, like yours truly. Buncha different names for 'em, varies by the technique used an' whether they emphasize swordplay or magic. Eldritch Knights an' Bladesingers are the two extremes. The former are fighters who dabble a bit in magic, the latter are wizards who dabble a bit in swordplay. Bladeweavers 'ave a bit of innate sorcery in 'em, an' Spellblades an' Magi are kinda in between; lotta stuff based 'round channelin' magic through weapons wit' us. An' of course, you got the blokes who pick up some stuff 'ere an' there for sake of enchantin' their weapons.

>>37546471
>still lays on the floor pretending to be passed out

>>37547851
>>37547374
>>37547365
>>37547315

>>37547911
>>37547216

add anything you see, you can

>>37547851


Do you think you could disable the scrying curse? >>37547216 Maybe Soros could finally figure out what happened here.

Posting on the phone is suffering.
>>37547942
>hums to himself as he examines the dagger
Maybe, it would be easier if I had the blood of the killer, seems he tied the enchantment to himself, possibly to make it easier for him to undo the effect if needed.

>>37547824
>>37547904
Eh, sounds like newfangled dogshite to me. I doubt you could channel a storm of meteors or a mighty deluge through a sword.
I'm going to teach that young'un some real magicks.

>>37547990
tell me about it, especially when it autocorrects everyone's names wrong, won't recognize any of our magics etc as words, and autocorrects spoiler to spoilers

>>37547997
Never had any difficulty with it myself.

>>37547997
>>37548078
Then again, almost all of my magic channels from my shadow anyways.

>>37548078
I can't post on my phone at all, it's too old fashioned to do so.

>>37547997
Good luck

>>37548078
James can you get me the location of the local apothecaries, those with shops and those with out? Might have found out a way to get a lead.

>>37547990
And I'm finally at my computer, time to describe my "findings". Just give me a moment, in the meantime feel free to send questions my way.

File: qb4.gif (993 KB, 500x310)

993 KB GIF

>>37544994
>>37545488
>>37547744
>wakes up and yawns loudly
Oh, is it time for a meeting? Wait, why is there a note stuck to my head... and why does it say evidence, what have everyone been doing while I was sleeping? Are the apprentices running some kind of prank?

>>37548167
Someone killed Antruthius, Quinn you were sleeping in the same room. Hell there's a little blood on your fur.

>>37548167
Sadly not, Quin.
Anthruthius over there
>waves to the body
has gone and gotten himself soulnapped.

Lazarus should have a report soon.

>>37548098
No problem. *pulls a map of the kingdom, a piece of blank paper, and a pen covered in golden runes from his shadow*
*writes a rune on the blank paper causing it to shift into a copy of the map, then writes a second rune on it causing a few red circles to appear* The circles with a dot inside have a shop attached, the others do not.

>>37548200
>>37548213
Oh, so that's what that is... pretty disturbing.
>licks some of the blood then sighs
Yup... very disturbing... can someone get me some water, I rather I didn't develop a taste for this.

File: probably evil enough to k(...).png (1.03 MB, 654x1050)

1.03 MB PNG

>>37548099
>puts the dagger down and takes his staff before speaking
Well, it's a well made enchantment, it's clearly made to hide who did it, but from the green glow and all other evidence I can come to only one conclusion... druids. Obviously this is the first strike against us, they have always hated us, and look at the colour of the glow, green, clearly this is druidic magic.
>absentmindedly rolls the staff in his hand while waiting for everyone's reaction

>>37548232
Thank you

>>37548251
>Hands Quin a fizzling Green beverage
Talk to Ivan he said something about soul gems being involved.

Be right back >warps out to the apothecaries.

>>37547997
It absolutely can be done. Like I said, Bladesingers are wizards who eschew specializin' in a particular school of magic in favor of dabblin' in a bit of swordplay, an' any swordmage worth their salt can use their weapon as an arcane focus, just as any other mage would use a staff, a wand, or a crystal ball. 'Cept Eldritch Knights, but they're basically 'obbyist mages anyways. 'Cept Cromina. She's been dedicated t'magic full-time. An' Bladeweavers, but they're all about tha' makin' shit up on th' fly spellweavin' stuff.

As for th' knife... we know tha' it's of Duergar craft, tha' it trapped th' Archmage's soul in some sorta soul gem, tha' any attempt at revivin' the Archmage is doomed to failure, an' tha' we can't use any sort of scryin' to figure out what 'appened to 'im. An' tha', without the enchantments, th' murder weapon's basically a butter knife. Wha' are we tryin' t'figure out now.

>>37548232
Quite a wide area to search...
We could try sending a few apprentices to them.
>>37548251
>draws a circle with a finger, a small sphere of water forms
Can't help with a cup.
>>37548264
Druids... Wasn't there an apprentice earlier yelling something about druids?

>>37548264
...not only does that disagree with the subject description, the evidence theretowards is that the liquid is green. Please, necromancer, leave this matter to the professionals.
>>37548274
Speaking of which, did anyone bother to actually check the knife for prints?

>>37548264
Just because you don't like druids does not mean they are capable of pulling off something like this.
Why would they attack us?
What would they do with Antruthius' soul anyways?

>>37548288
I have one over there that I usually use, just fill it up and I'm good, thank you.

>>37548288
Yeah. In th' basement. An' mumbled t'himself 'bout somethin' b'fore passin' out,

>>37548310
He never actually passed out, he has been lying over there faking it for almost three hours now.

i will be back in a bit, have to go do some errands

>>37548288
Really? Has he been interrogated further?

>>37548298
The liquid is green yes, but I was thinking more about about the glowing scar on the Archwizard's back.(>>37544198)

>>37548300
Of course they are capable... probably. As for the soul... ok I have nothing, that sounds more like something a necromancer would want. But... druids?

>Warp back in
>>37548264
>>37548274
>>37548288
>>37548298
>>37548306
>>37548329
Well I went and gathered some Apothecary records. We all no magebane poison ingredients can't be transported by magic, nor can the potion itself. Doing so we destroy it. SO I figure we can find out who sold the pertinent ingredients to whom, we can get a lead. Anyone want to help with the paperwork?

>>37548358
Did someone say paperwork?

Ohy! Whassup guys, we weren't having a meeting since-
-well, fuck. What's going on here and why do we have a corpse that loks way too much like antruthius laying around?

>>37548378
I did, Magebane is a bitch to make, hard to transport and has very expensive and rare ingredients. I have the apothecaries' records so maybe we can get a lead.

>>37548298
I wouldn't dismiss the possibility of druids.
They have more resources than we should let them, honestly.

And prints? That'd probably have been a good idea, but... a lot of people have handled it.
>>37548306
>the sphere falls into the cup
>the cup moves over to Quin
Just don't mention it to much. The weathermancers have it bad enough, I don't want to join the living water fountain ranks.
>>37548310
Ah.
>>37548355
It slipped my mind honestly. I thought the apprentice was just a horrendous actor.
>>37548358
>>37548378
Niamal seems eager enough...

>>37548310
>>37548329
>>37548355
>peeks whit one eye before resuming his act

>>37548394
Antruthius got killed, Very strongly enchanted dagger.
>>37547365
>>37547374
and poison
>>37547528

As well as a nasty curse to keep me from scrying him.


>>37548406
Here's hoping we can find a lead.

>>37548419
>Hold person

>>37548419
Oh, for the love of- hey you! Apprentice guy! What the hell is going on?

Rolled 15 + 2 (1d20 + 2)

>>37548419
Stand up, boy. You're not in any danger.
>>37548400
I can sort through these records in no time, don't you worry!

>>37548419
>>37548435
>>37548449
Just make this easy and tell us about the druids.

>>37548452
We'll leave you to it.

Greetings guys, I just heard there was a meeting?
>Sees all the people in the halls as well as the Archwizards corpse
...The fuck happened?

>>37548435
>goes completely still
>>37548449
Nothing, just passed out from fright, yup, that's my story. Did I remember to tell you about the druids before passing out? Oh please tell me I didn't mess that up.
>>37548452
Kind of hard to do when held by magic I'm afraid...

>>37548435
That's unfortunate. Can't we just get lazarus to bring him back and then go bash the culprit's head in the ground ?

>>37548452
Alright, Magebane has a potency period of three days, so it must have been purchased very recently. There have been only two purchases of Magebane in the last week, one from the Yennish Cauldron on Firth Street, and one from a private seller by the name of Ephesius Mogg, who usually frequents the square. I'd suggest looking there.

>>37548492
Druids? Wasn't there that one druid who really really hates arcane casters? Living in a swamp full of poison?

>>37548496
Unfortunately the killer knew what he was doing, the Archwizard's body cannot be raised until we find whoever is responsible. I'm pretty sure it's the druids but they think it was someone in the guild considering how well executed the murder is is.

>>37548488
see previous explanation >>37548435


>>37548496
Lazarus can't break the curse yet, need the culprit's blood to do so.

>>37548492
>force Bindings
>Truth


>>37548511
I doubt whoever did this is dumb enough to buy the whole thing at one place, but I'll check. were there any purchases of the more esoteric ingredients singly?

>>37548496
I tried, there is some sort of curse stopping us from resurrecting him, quite possibly because his soul has been stolen.

>>37548538
Sure, probably that one, sounds about right, right?
>>37548544
>stops smiling as the spell hits him
I was told to inform everyone I saw druids in the basement and then leave before anyone asked any questions.
>blinks
Oooooooh, so that's the part I forgot.

>>37548544
I considered that as well, especially with the long preparation time. Now, the three main ingredients to Magebane are found relatively easily - salt, thiamide, and rootswort. But what gives it its deadly efficiency is sangrite, which is almost as rare as Magebane itself, if not more so.
The only purchase of sangrite came from a high-end brewer's in Tenth District, something called... Wizard Tim's Apathetic Apothecary?

>>37548544
I think all ingredients grow in the Blighted Swamp.
>>37548578
Who told you that?

>>37548544
Duh. And do you tried speaking with the dead, don't you?
I'm afraid I am much better at kicking people than as an investigator. But if you manage to know in which afterlife he ended up I could try cashing in some favors with a couple of devils.
>>37548591
>Wizard Tim's Apathetic Apothecary
For the love of asmodeus, everyone but NOT that guy.

Rolled 18 (1d20)

>>37548549
The curse that the dagger inflicted ejected the soul from the body, so yes. The soul's probably bound to an object now. We'd have to break the bindings and then resurrect him.
>>37548578
Who told you to do this?
Names, description, anything.
>>37548591
That...sounds familiar. Really familiar.

>>37548578
Wait. Why didn't he leave? Make sure he isn't warded against truth spells and ask him who told him to do this.

>>37548597
>>37548578
It seems like someone is trying to frame a certain druid. Sangrite, in fact, was never found in the earth around the Swamp.

Rolled 9, 7 = 16 (2d20)

>>37548578
Where'd you get that robe?
>Detect curse
>Detect enchantment


Who told you to do this?

>>37548591
I'll check there as well

>>37548597
Sangrite doesn't it's a distinct rock found very rarely. Usual legend cite a forming deity dying to create it.

>>37548616
Yes.

W-when I woke up t-t-today m-my cell was o-open...i-i-is everything a-alright?

>>37548630
>>37548639
Didn't know Sangrite is also part of the poison. Well there goes my theory.

>>37548639
Yes, what? Yes you tried, yes you know, yes I have to call in some favors, yes Tim is a useless prick? Talk to me soros!

>>37548597
>>37548626
Eh... I don't know, I was informed via a messenger skeleton. Gave me a note that told me to I would get extra credit if I did as told and that I should destroy the note before coming here. Of course I made a note of my own in case I would forget anything.
>>37548628
Eh... I think I might have made a mistake with my copy of the note, I could check if I wasn't bound.
>>37548639
It came with the note, said it was an advance payment and that I probably shouldn't wear it until tomorrow, but I figured, what's the worst that could happen?
>the robe is devoid of any enchantments or curses cast on it but holds the lingering presence of necromantic magic

>>37548616
That guy? -That- guy?!
The exile. Shit.
>>37548639
Hold on.
I blew that place to smithereens after we found out he was with the Baker's Guild. I made sure he was in the shop when I did so.

That place shouldn't exist...

>>37548665
Yes we tried, he doesn't remember.

>>37548675
>Spelleye
>Truesight

>>37548685
I owed him a favor, he cashed it in.

>>37548675
Wait. Necromancers? The hell, since the Necron the Vile entered true death the Necromancers Guild wasn't active.

>>37548665
Antruthius projected an apparition of himself across the shadow realm and into the guild hall to talk to whoever he could find for a few hours after he died. Eventually he couldn't keep enough power to project here and about two hours ago lost his ability to project to me in the shadow realm.
Even so, he could not access memories of within an hour of his death.

>>37548685
Worst prick ever on a scale from 1 to Jheska, yeah. I wouldn't even be surprised if he managed to duplicate is own-
>>37548699
Well tanks for being that much of a nice guy to the wrong person, Soros.

>seems to have left the room at some point
>the dagger is also missing

D-d-does anyone h-have some f-f-food? I-it's been months s-since someone was down to f-feed me...
>He starts eyeing the corpse.

>>37548699
Goddamit Soros.
>>37548735
Don't even think about it body.
<Rapid Nerve Control: Paralysis>

>>37548735
You know, eating corpses isn't very healthy. I should know, given I have to send at least one student a year to the healers because they tried to bite a zombie.

Necromantic magic, extra credit, ancient and powerful mage, close ties with Antruthius... has anyone heard from the Head of Necromancy as of late?
>>37548735
Here, dear.
>Conjure Sustenance

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>37548721
I honor my word Cromina.

>>37548735
>Create food and water

>>37548729
Anyone see Lazarus? he and the dagger are gon........ fuck.
>Trace Rolling for effectiveness

>>37548735
[Minor conjuring: Steak]
Do not eat poisoned corpses.

>>37548748
>>37548758
>>37548759
>>37548766
>He is now paralyzed, his eyes watering as he looks at all the delicious food conjured for him, so close yet so damned far...

>>37548759
>>37548766
>>37548775
Ah. Overreaction. Been on edge.
<Release>

>>37548759
>Lazarus seems to be currently be heading out of the guild front doors at a quick pace.
>A large number of low grade skeletons walks into the room

>>37548756
Weird, I thought it worked the other way around.
>>37548759
Well you shouldn't. Sometimes it is better to cut the fingers of someone hanging from a cliff rather then helping him.

>>37548759
>>37548758
>>37548766
Seems we have more food than necessary. I was a little hungry myself!
>>37548775
Here you are, then. What sort of mage has been starving you?

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>37548790
Oh no you are not!
>quickened fireball

Hang on... Lazarus!!
>Minor Teleport
>>37548790
That's evidence, that is. Hand it over now and return to the guildhall for interrogation!

>>37548790
>Quickened Flawless teleport
Hello Lazarus, Why are you making of with evidence?

>>37548796
>>37548788
>The poor squire practically charges the meet, faint sobs wracking his body. "O-one of the Eldritch knights...h-he locked me in with the others...said...said we'd have to figure our own way out...I-I'm the only one left...I was so hungry..."

>>37548790
And with that, I'm gonna be not here. I've got other classes to go teach, you understand. Because I don't have enough tenure to be a witness for whatever happens next.

Rolled 6 (1d6)

>>37548775
Pitiful creature.
>>37548790
WHAHAHA BURN!
>Breath attack flame (rolling for damage)

>>37548833
HEY! You weren't supposed to tell them- uooops.

>>37548729
>>37548759
Well shit. Where is he Soros?
>>37548790
Skeletons.
Lazarus couldn't believe these to actually deal with us, so he's stalling.
<Rapid Blink>
>>37548821
Do tell Lazarus.

>>37548815
>>37548856
Really? Questions first then fighting.


>>37548861
Cromina, I'll be dealing with that issue later, personally.

>>37548815
>>37548856
Several of the skeletons are blown into bits all over the room.
>>37548820
>>37548821
>sighs and leans his head against his staff
Well, guess this whole thing didn't work as planned... serves me right for trusting a apprentice to not fuck up. You got me, I did it, not really proud of it, wasn't a very good job... but considering I needed a way for only me to be able to bring him back, I guess it was alright.

>>37548861
>Sobbing
"I-I was just trying to f-find the P-P-Pages guild..."

>>37548790
*the shadow whips out from James' feet and pierces through all of the skeletons at once, before returning to him as the skeletons crumble to the ground*

>>37548892
You know my father invested a LOT of money into this guild. And into the Archwizard. By killing him you stole from my fathers hoard. Explain yourself.

>>37548861
We'll deal with THAT matter later, Cromia.
>>37548892
You would have this investigation disrupted for the ill-fated attempt at resurrection?

>>37548883
Ohw come on, it is not my style and you know it!
And about that, ehr, I can explain! I have a perfectly suitable explanation!
>>37548901
Oh, man up and stop sobbing already.
>>37548892
You better start talking NOW, I ain't got no patience and no time to waste, but I DO have got a large bastard sword right here res. I mean, I trusted you! Kinda.

>>37548892
>Sighs
Hand over the dagger and the soulgem.
Let's not make this messy.

>>37548892
>Plane Bind
Well I can honestly say I am surprised Lazarus. I suggest you explain and then undo your work or else I'll have to rip it from your head. It would be very painful, for you.

File: 26034680.jpg (938 KB, 950x1344)

938 KB JPG

>>37548892
That sounds like a confession if I ever heard it.

Now, put the archwizard's soul back in place, and this might hurt a little less. Probably won't, though.

>>37548956
I do actually have a theory. Can't this have something to do with the ghost of Secretus, or whatever the fuck his name was. The guy who was killed by Pierre.

Rolled 16 (1d20)

>>37548943
"YOU DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO ANYMORE!!"

>Unlocking Eldritch potential. Madness has to set in first, of course. How do you think Eldritch Knights get their fancy powers?

>>37548956
Careful Soros, he's a big guy.
>>37548972
Nice to have you join us Sam, but Lazarus didn't kill Antruthius. He's just tried to steal evidence and distract us.
>>37548996
Heavily unlikely, it doesn't fit the profile well, especially considering Spirits aren't even able to pass Antruthius' barrier.

>>37548926
Explain myself? I believe that apprentice has told you enough.
>>37548940
I believe the investigation is over at this point, wouldn't you?
>>37548943
>>37548946
>>37548956
Fine, fine, fine, I'll explain everything from the beginning. A few days ago I was reminiscing about the good old days, you know, the inter-guild wars of '76. And I was thinking, how could I possibly experience something like that again, and then it struck me, if someone killed the Archwizard then everyone would be out for the responsible party's blood. So I called in a few favours, went through my stock and realised I could pull off a semi-permanent death that I could later undo. To bad I wasn't able to shift the blame as well as I could pull off the killing.
>>37548972
...and suddenly I have all the regrets. Those beams hurt a lot you know.

>>37548956
>>37548972
>>37548943
Over reactions won't help us people. Let's try to keep cool heads and understand exactly what happened.

>>37549017
>blinks
You actually still don't think I did it? Oh wow, that's amazing, you just made my day, can I shake your hand?

>>37548996
Hmm maybe. Doubtful but maybe.

>>37549016
>Sleep

>>37549017
I'll be fine I won't waste my spells.

>>37549026
Not over reacting just making sure he can't escape and trying to get answers.

>>37549024
I'd suggest show me the soul gem and undoing the curse. Once he's back the Archwizard can decide what to do to you.

>>37549049
I wouldn't try anything if I were you Lazarus, I'm in a very chaotic state of mind right now.

Rolled 20 (1d20)

>>37549016
How dare you! Stay put. What are you going to complain about? You are now a wizard. Congratulations. Man up and get into a robe, you got some magic shit to solve around here.
>>37549024
geez, it was all about it? I mean if you wanted to start something like that why didn't you side with Jheska when she was still around.

>>37549024
Well then, if you would be so kind as to dispel the curse and release his soul for me to raise him, we can see what punishment he thinks would be right for you after you explain yourself to him personally.

>>37549024
You know war is nice and all, I'm a bit of a burn everything to ashes enthusiast, but really stealing the life of the archwizard from my father is unforgivable. Even if you wanted to return it later.

>>37549076
dat crit. Behold my eldritch knight-y powah.

>>37549076
O-oh...I...
>>37549075
>He falls over.

>>37549024
You DID kill him! And purely for the sake of your constant grudge against the druids?! No wonder you fit the profile so well.
Anyhow, regardless of your poor intent to revive Antruthius, Murder and Visaklepsy are both serious crimes.
>Inaction Injuction
>Ethereal Binds
Lazarus, you're under arrest for violation of Empyreal and Regional law.
You have the right to remain silent when questioned, and to deny efforts of telepathy.
Anything you say or do may be used against you in a court of law, higher or lower.
You have the right to consult an advokist before speaking to the Juromancer and to have an advokist present during questioning now or in the future.
If you cannot afford an advokist, one will be appointed for you before any questioning, if you wish.
If you decide to answer any questions now, without an advokist present, you will still have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to an advokist.
Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to answer any questions without an advokist present?

>>37549096
- I have no words to describe how much of a boss I am. That's high CHA for ya.

>>37549024
Really? You did this to get an adrenaline high? Why didn't you just head over to the warring planes?
Fine, whatever.
The dagger and stone?
Why am I even asking
>waves, the dagger floats over
I'll let some one else handle the gem, bit out of the league.
Now, this dagger is a vile thing really, I'll dispose of it, if no one minds?

>>37549075
>sighs and hands over the dagger
I got the soul in my staff, I would appreciate if I could hold on to it. The staff that is, not the soul. Don't worry about me trying anything, my scheme is over, no point in fighting the inevitable.
>>37549076
Join Jheska? Against the guild? Thats a more permanent form of treason, and despite what I did I still consider myself loyal to the guild.
>>37549090
I would, if I trusted you to get it right, these are some very exact enchantments I've been using.
>>37549091
I'm more worried about what Antruthius will think of my actions than what you or your father thinks.

>>37549110
>>37549110
Before we get law involved, let's see what Antruthius himself has to say.

So, I jus' got done searchin' this entire towa' and the old ghost fart is nowhere ta' be found! Can someone else help me look through tha' papehs to see what's missin'?

Rolled 17 (1d20)

>>37549120
I want it! For my hoard. Hand it over, yes?
>Suggestion roll for sucess

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>37549076
Short answer he hated the bitch almost as much as I did.

>>37549096
>Summon invisible servant
Take him to a proper room for rest.
>Servant picks up and carries away Roderick.
Hope he calms down with age.

>>37549111
Cromina..... We are going to have a talk. You will not enjoy it. Training rooms after this is done.

>>37549120
>>37549136
>Touch staff with a crystalline orb

>>37549120
No, that's evidence for the prosecution. It needs to remain intact.
>>37549136
>>37549090
>>37549075
Once Antruthius is revived, he will be a key witness at the trial. In the mean time, I have a very nice cell for necromancers like you.

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>37549136
>myself loyal to the guild.
Loyal?
>hits him with the hilt of a sword
Don't talk to me about loyalty! You don't even-know- what loyalty means!

>>37549024
Well of course they hurt. That's kind of the point. Now please, fix it.

>>37549026
I'm calm. still a little disturbed by the dead body, but calm.

Wowzers, a lot have new people 'ave walked in and COVERED UP THE MAGICAL TRAIL OF THA' MURDERER!!!

>>37549136
H-how dare you! My father is the greatest dragon like ever! Also a great banker! Just ask Soros!

>>37549154
What did I JUST say, Zirconis?
>>37549147
The law got involved the moment a crime was committed, and I intend to see it carried through.
>>37549189
Will someone please calm this one?

>>37549154
It's evidence, so no not until case is over at earliest.

>>37549172
No beating the prisoner Cromina

>>37549185
Explain the charged up Aura you're exuding then

>>37549193
Antruthius is a lot scarier kid, you're dad is tough but Antruthius is tougher.

Rolled 13 + 5 (1d20 + 5)

Roll to resist
For your hoard?
Are you trying to use hypnotic suggestions on me?
>>37549160
Excuse me?
If you file this for evidence do you know how many hands it could be passed through? There's no telling who could see or examine it.
Do you really want some random person to reproduce a dagger that forcefully ejects some one's soul?

>>37549156
The orb please Soros. Binding souls is my specialty.

>>37549156
>There's a tentacle sliding out of his nose and back in as he snores. Cromina's got some work to do.

>>37549172
>falls over
Ouch... Old wizards like him and me die all the time, it was nothing permanent and nothing personal.

>>37549211
The Empyreals will see to it that no physical contact is ever made once it enters their realm. And I'm pretty sure it's impossible for them to willingly commit an unlawful act, so you needn't worry about that.

>>37549202
Oi, keep your paws of me! I got dip-lo-matic immunity! Anywho, can someun' help me look through tha' papehs!? Whoevuh the murderer was they was lookin' for some specific documents and probably snatched them.

>>37549202
I don't care what YOU say. I want that dagger.
>>37549211
No, no, no. Now hand it over, yes?
>>37549209
O-okay...I never saw the Archwizard in action, sorry for my brashness.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>37549209
I am beating whoever I want! This fucker deserves some punishment. Killing his own superior out of boredom! INCONCEIVABLE!
>>37549241
>hits him again
Shut up and stay put.
>>37549230
- I am too angry, too busy and way too beautiful for this.

* James draws a rather complicated series of runes on the floor around Antruthius while being controlled by Aetherius*

>>37549224
>hands it over
No problem

>>37549230
........
>>37549172
Cromina, We're going to have a talk and then your going to fix that or I'm going to do something very mean to you.

>>37549241
Still, it was a very dickish act.

>>37549265
Antruthius fought the World Eater on equal terms.

>>37549267
CROMINA! >Energy tentacles shoot out from back< I suggest you stop, now.

>>37549267
Woah-ho-ho! The old fart Lurco never told me a beauty like you's was part o' the guild! So, hows about me and you go see a' movie layta'?

>>37549267
>keeps standing, using his staff as support
Ouch, alright, alright so I deserve this, I'll apologize to Antruthius when he is standing on his own again.
>>37549295
I won't deny that... and I don't think I'll do it again.

>>37549295
Then the Archwizard truly is the most prized posession of my fathers hoard. I wish I could see him in action once for myself.

>>37549327
Huh, what? You killed the old ghost fart? What did ya' want from the pile o' papehs?

>>37549327
Provided you still exist in a few days, I'd imagine so, otherwise very bad thing swill happen to you. Ask Pierre.

>>37549346
Trust me no you don't, not at all.

>>37549295
-ouch! Don't do it again! Fine, fine, let's talk about stuff. What do you want to know?
>>37549294
>Tankar Butterbead's Mind Messing
Here, this ought to keep him down for a while. Hands off MY dagger.
>>37549327
Implying you will live to see that day.
>>37549325
- who are you? I've never been formally introduced to you. State your name and rank at once.

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>>37549209
What, I can't be calm while being ready to blast some idiot necromancer at the same time?

>>37549230
okay, better idea - don't try anything funny.
>Hellflame Bind

>>37549260
We found the murderer. Lazarus did it.
>>37549252
I don't suppose Zirconis could have it for his hoard after the investigation is over.

Also, does anyone have an explanation for the "Dish Soap" from the new year's party?

>>37549211
>>37549265
Well, that wasn't too bud for a dragon pup.
Ever get training no willpower from a spirit of determination? Helps quite a bit.
>>37549252
Since Soros seems to place confidence in the jurisdiction of the law in this case...
<Fragile Stasis: Crystallization>
I will turn it over to you.
The stasis will break if anyone besides you touches it, Niamal. Go deliver it or whatever.

>>37549360
I'm Supul! New representative of the Cult o' Changin' Tides. And you, are one lovely gal.

>>37549294
>>37549295
*James takes the orb and immediately vanishes into the Shadow realm, a few seconds pass and the runes around Antruthius turn gold and shine brightly*

*Antruthius remains motionless on the floor as James returns from the shadow realm*
[I speak and Death will Kneel: Shadow Override: True Ressurection]

>>37549358
...I trust you.
>Looks over to the Archwizards corpse
I really shouldn't judge a treasure by its chest.

>>37549360
I didn't touch you, yet. Training room after we get Lazarus to storage. I am very, very, upset and disappointed in you Cromina. Torturing innocents, implanted eldritch creatures in them without consent, letting them die, beating prisoners.

>Starts bodily dragging Cromina to the training room. He seems Much stronger than he usually is.

>>37549404
>>37549407
Carry on I intend to teach someone a lesson.

>>37549398
the cult of- wait, Lurco's band of ragtag misfits? Be warned, while I do appreciate flattery, yer never gonna have your way with me just like that.

>>37549358
Exist? What kind of over the top punishment are you hinting at here?
>>37549360
I do hope I'll be alive when he comes back, especially since we can bring him back today. As for what comes after that, death isn't as permanent as some might think. At least not when you know what you are doing.

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31 KB JPG

>>37549366
Considering how magical girl powers usually work, doing both should be difficult, but not impossible. Now what's this about blasting necromancers, can I watch?

>>37549428
Hey, hey- wait, I TOLD you, there was a reason behind that! Come on, I would have never done such stupid things just for shit and giggles!
>>37549436
Get him back at once, then.

>>37549436
>keep walking dragging the knight by her ahnd
Antruthius is very fond of annihilation spells, or did you forget?

>>37549380
Thank you for your cooperation.
>>37549436
That should be enough talking. If you'll come with me...
>Conjure Portal: [Empyrean Realm]

>>37549464
No, but I might. Now, toodles! Roderick is effectively out until Soros wakes him up. <3

>>37549464
Not in the mood right now. Now I want blood and battle, and since you pissed me off, you're the one paying it.

>>37549492
It lasts like 3 minutes, I just wanted you to calm the fuck down, Cromina would paste you.