Board Thread:Roleplaying/@comment-16047389-20140624184300/@comment-16047389-20140811212951

You didn't get much sleep last night. After all, who could sleep well, knowing someone had been murdered in the same house only a few hours ago. As you change from your evening clothes into your formal attire, you reflect on the events that had taken place but a few hours ago.

Vallina had just awoken you from your sleep, to ensure that you were safe. When she informed you of the murder, the two of you immediately rushed down to the first floor parlor, where the body had been found. When you both arrived, you found Attrebus and his bodyguard, Madame Fortesia, two of the manor's guards and a terrified maid around the body. One look at it, and you could instantly tell why Vallina was concerned. The body was that of a male Breton, with roughly the same build and hair color as your own. However, closer examination reveals the more subtle differences. The jawline and nose are completely different from your own, for example. Besides, you weren't the only Breton in attendance to this party.

"Uthyn Foidon," says Attrebus. "An arrogant bastard, but even he didn't deserve this."

You assume "this" being the obvious injuries. Both of Uthyn's legs are badly mangled, bending at angles that the human body was not meant to. There were countless deep lacerations and puncture marks all across his face, torso, and limbs. If you had to guess, you'd say that his death was neither quick nor painless. Your eyes are drawn to a blood trail from the body, toward the hallway. At first it would appear that his body had been pulled by the assailant into the parlor, but you notice something else amongst the blood.

"Handprints," says Attrebus's bodyguard, seeing your confused look. "It seems that Uthyn wasn't attacked here. It looks like he managed to drag himself into the parlor using his arms, before he died right here. Poor fool was probably looking for help. But the killer must've caught up to him first, and finished the job."

"This is absolutely unacceptable!" says Madame Fortesia, furiously. "I will not condone murder in my home! Whoever is responsible for this will pay dearly for making an enemy of the Fortesia family."

"Lady Cassandra," says Attrebus, turning his attention to her. "I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation. There is a murderer roaming the halls of your manor. And until they are caught, we are all in danger. We need to gather everyone together in one place, and send word to the Count immediately."

Cassandra looks at Attrebus with mild annoyance. "If I may, Chancellor," she interjects. "Only a fool would travel in these conditions."

And almost as if on cue, the raging storm sends powerful winds crashing against the side of the manor. It seems the rain from earlier was but a spring shower compared to the true tempest. What would normally be a calm starfilled night, is rendered as black as the Void itself by the darkening clouds that have overtaken the sky. The rain has all but flooded the once well maintained Imperial road, and the wind is utterly howling as it slams against the manor walls. Fortunately, the manor is well built and holds against the merciless assaults of the storm with nary a creak.

"And I will not allow this incident to spoil anything." Cassandra continues. "We Fortesias are the height of hospitality and proper etiquette, and I will not have our guests confined. I shall redouble the guards on the first and second floors, and if this brutish thug is foolish enough to make any further problems, they shall be dealt with most severely. Word may be sent to the Count the moment this storm ends, but until then we shall continue to provide for and entertain our guests as the gracious hosts that we are."

And with that, Madame Fortesia leaves a seething Attrebus to go organize the manor's guards.

This all happened but a few hours ago. You haven't managed to get much sleep afterwards, between your own thoughts and the sounds of extra patrols in the halls. There's no telling who killed Uthyn, or why, but until the storm passes, it is likely that they are trapped in the manor with everyone else. The other guests are likely already up and about. No telling how everyone will react to this new turn of events.

One of the guards knocks at your door and says that breakfast is being served, and that Madame Fortesia "insists" that her guests attend. Not wanting to start a confrontation, you leave your room and head down the stairway to the first floor parlor. You hear voices coming from the first floor study, but cannot tell who they are or what they are talking about. You also notice that Uthyn's body is no longer where it was, and the blood has been cleaned away. And of course, as mentioned, you can hear the sounds of voices and dishes coming from the dining hall.

A) Enter the first floor study.

B) Go into the dining hall.

C) Attempt to find out what happened to Uthyn's body.