The Life and Times of a Dead Man - Episode 1

Hendra arrives at the ir’Dromdal estate. She (along with others) have been hired to provide security due to the activities of a serial killer. The front door of the estate butts up to the sidewalk.

Hendra uses the large, iron door knocker on the door. There is what appears to be a metal pipe ending in a trumpet bell that extends out of one side of the doorway and through that a voice asks to state her name and business.

After giving her identity, an old halfling man in a butler’s uniform lets her in and escorts her to the dining room where there is a large table and fireplace, but there are only 4 chairs at the table.

Following, each adventurer arrives in order: Sabrina, Audry Rose, Dol with her eidelon (imagine a grizzly bear with a small wings on the back and a plague mask), Bosley, and finally Zita. 

Audrey remembers that the ir’Dromdal family has been in Sharn for a long time and is “old money”. Lord Pedbury ir’Dromdal made his fortune in lumber. They had 2 children and one grandchild, Ceseli.

Bosley notes that the estate is slightly dilapidated: shutters need paint, walls need washing, and on the 2nd story there is a broken window. 

The butler, Barnsworth, serves brandy to everyone before Lady ir’Dromdal arrives.

The halfling butler introduces Lady Ir’Dromdal on a motorized wheelchair who arrives with Ceseli on a small lift. The party notes that the outfits the women are wearing are a couple of decades out of date.

Lady ir’Dromdal mistakes Hendra for her dead mother Rimse. She also recognizes Audrey from her parents.

Lady ir’Dromdal explains that with the serial killer about, she is concerned that they may come after Ceseli since they killed her husband as well. She wants the party to guard the house until the murderer is caught. That evening she is having guests over to introduce her granddaughter to a new suitor (although it has only been 6 weeks since her husband’s death) as there is no heir. She is offering each party member 1000 gold.

At this point we discover she has 2 dogs - a large dog named Baron and a small lapdog.

At this point the party investigates and discovers the following:

1. The room with the broken window is a disused guest room

2. There is a locked office - there are bills for 200 lbs sides of beef

3. There is a locked salon - with HUMMELS!

4. Barnsworth is the only remaining staff as the rest have been let go over time.

1. He used to work as a ticket taker for the lightning rail

2. He has a patch indicating that he is a member in good standing with House Ghallanda (but not a member of the family)

5. Lady ir’Dromdal’s husband is out of town in the Eldeen Reaches on a hunting trip

6. There have been seven victims, all nobles,  in this neighborhood - and they were all hamstrung before having their throats cut

7. Murders didn’t start in this neighborhood

1. Murders started in the lower quarters

2. All victims were alone and outdoors

3. No common age nor gender among victims

8. Ceseli’s husband’s name was Mikael Tunir 

1. He was not a noble

2. Grandmother wasn’t happy with the match but went along with it.

3. He was coming home from work when he was murdered

4. They tried to have kids, but couldn’t

9. Ceseli looks “90 lbs soaking wet”

10. Suitor is named Ambrose Mugland 

1. also not a noble

2. Involved in finance (payday loans/small business loans)

3. Ceseli hasn’t met him yet

4. Interested in alchemical products

11. Lady ir’Dromdal’s neighbor Nina Gusenhold will also be over for dinner

1. One of her nephews is going to be there

As Dol has shape changing abilities, she offers to body-double Ceseli.

The party sets up and waits for the evening to commence.