《The Final Dream》


 Foreword

    How to Prepare for This CYOA


    First, it is recommended that you create a 3<sup>rd</sup>level D&D 5<sup>th</sup>edition character rolling for your stats or using point buy for 7 stats as Sanity will be a stat used in this story. You will also need some D&D dice or simply use a digital one on the computer. I don¡¯t care if you get a natural 20 on everything because the only person you are cheating is yourself.There are no restrictions to making your character. It is preferred if you use published material as it is play-tested but if you rather use homebrew material then that is your choice.


    This will serve as both a story and a solo adventure for your own fun and enjoyment. If you die during the story, that will be taken into account, as an ending will be included, and you are free to enjoy this story as many times as you¡¯d like.You are free to create as many characters as you want to try this adventure with and have a different experience every time.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    For this current storyline, there is only one murder but in the future, depending on the success of this, I will be able to add different choices and options later for different characters to be the murderer.When this optionbecomes available, it will be posted in the prologue.


    I will gladly take advice or ideas you may have for the story as I will be releasing a group of chapters together to represent the different choices in the story. Of course, there will be times you are locked on a railroad but that is simply to keep the story flow moving. When a die roll is needed it may likely be at the end of a chapter and then the chapter you should go to will be given depending on your roll.


    After you are done making your character you will need to roll starting Sanity HP. This will be used to keep track of your Sanity. Roll a d8 and then add your Sanity Modifier to your total Sanity HP. This HP only heals by 1HP per long rest so be sure to keep an eye on this.If you are a fan of H.P. Lovecraft then you will see a familiar face, the King in Yellow.


    Once you have made the character you desire, you are ready to go. Don¡¯t worry about a backstory or personality as that will be done in the story as that is a limitation for doing a CYOA. I will try to look out for suggestions but I¡¯m staying away from the typical crazy player options. I hope you have fun and good luck on your journey in Alderbrand.


    Feel free to PM me with your outcome and feedback. I would like to know how much of an interest there is in this type of genre as it was suggested to me because of my love for doing a D&D style of storytelling.

 Prologue

    You arrive in the recently booming city of Alderbrand. The sun shines brightly between the grey clouds looming overhead. More shocking is the presence of the Yellow Star, which seems to have drifted close enough to the planet you reside on, Hyporia, that it appears as if there are two suns in the sky.


    The city is busy but a somber tension oppresses each citizen you can see. To your knowledge it can be from one of two things: First, the dragon residing within Mount Cybil, the mountain that Alderbrand caresses, that taxes the residents for its peace and protection but that is none of your concern.


    You are here for the second reason, the string of serial killings that have evolved enough to catch the eye of the Order of Chaos. You belong to the Order and it has but one task, to keep the balance of the gods. According to Lady Alcina, the head of the Order, these murders have tipped the scales that balance in the favour of the King in Yellow, which is attracting the Yellow Star towards Hyporia.


    You were taught in training that the Yellow Star seeks to merge with worlds and absorb them while creating twisted landscapes of what the inhabitants once knew. Not only this but bizarre creatures would be unleashed into your reality, seeking to exterminate the weak.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Your mission is simple, to apprehend or simply kill the person responsible for the murder. If you slaughter innocents in your quest to do so, you will be punished by death as the Order will know and you would have helped the King in Yellow in his plan. Seek out the truth the best that you can and accept the outcome of your actions.


    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------


    This serves as your introduction to this adventure. During your adventure, you will find items and clues that you must personally keep track of. When you get a clue it will be denoted by ¡°Acquired Clue: Clue Name¡± followed by a brief description. The same will be done with items being denoted by ¡°Acquired Item: Item¡¯s Name¡± with a description if it¡¯s a common item. If the item is magical in nature there with being a vague description of the item seeming to hold magical power but unless you have the identify spell, you won¡¯t know what it does until you can get it identified, assuming you trust that person.


    There will be times when you will be forced down a path because you have X clue or Y item. Conditions to going to a certain chapter will always be noted before assigning you the chapter number. The next chapter will be the first scene of the game, after which I will give more ¡°freedom¡± to you.


    I know there will be the need to want to roll a perception check or insight check on a character but since this isn¡¯t a true D&D adventure where you are playing with a DM, you¡¯ll have to pay attention to the descriptions I give you and make your own judgement from that.

 Chapter 1

    At the entrance of the city, you are met by Walter Bronx, the captain of Alderbrand¡¯s guard. He is a tall, very dark, clean-shaven, handsome man. Bronx is donned in high-quality full-plate armour, but it isn¡¯t as flashy or decorative as you might assume a captain¡¯s attire might be. His hair shimmers in the morning sun, revealing strands of red hair hidden within the forest of chocolate-brown ones. A small scar is embedded over the bridge of his nose and another one rests on his left cheek.


    You are aware that the captain is here to escort you to the scene of the latest crime. The murder that transformed this killer into an artist, as Lady Alcina put it.


    Captain Walter Bronx approaches you and extends a gloved hand out in greeting. As you shake his hand, you notice that it is very warm to the touch despite his black glove separating his skin from yours. A slight grimace flashes across the man¡¯s face before returning to its natural stern expression.


    ¡°Took you long enough to arrive,¡± grunts the captain. ¡°We will worry about your lodging arrangements later. If I¡¯m going to be forced to work with a rookie from the Order then I¡¯m going to make you work every second that I can.¡± He nods to himself in approval but displeasure oozes from each word he says.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    You get the familiar feeling most people from the Order of Chaos get when they are forced to be paired with a town¡¯s local law enforcement. Before you left to come to this city, you were warned that most people only see the clergy people from the Order as tools to be used and were held very little respect for them. You shake off the depressing idea casually because you know you have a higher purpose than most people.


    You signal for Walter to lead the way as you continue to drag your luggage with you through the town. Paying very little attention to Alderbrand or its people, you focus on the breathing of the man in front you. His breath sounds pained and slightly quick. You guess it might be due to his heavy attire in combination with his frustration.


    If you choose to allow him to stew in his thoughts about being made second to an outside source, then go to Chapter 2.


    If you wish to push your authority and your higher place in the world¡¯s law, then roll an intimidation check (DC 17). If you pass go to Chapter 3, if you fail go to Chapter 4.


    If you wish to try and talk with the captain, then roll a persuasion or deception check (DC 13). If you pass go to Chapter 5, if you fail go to Chapter 4.


    If you want to try and befriend the captain, first roll and insight check (DC 16). And then make a persuasion or deception check (DC 16). If you pass go to Chapter 6, if you fail go to Chapter 4.

 Chapter 2

    You could care less about what poor Walter Bronx thinks. It¡¯s not your fault that his incompetence as the captain of the guard has allowed this killer to run around Alderbrand free as a bird. Honestly, you¡¯re surprised you weren¡¯t called in sooner if this dramatic princess act is what counts as good law enforcement in this city.


    Allowing yourself to chuckle sightly, a more positive energy fills your body. You didn¡¯t come here to be anyone¡¯s friend, you are here to complete a job and move on. The captain grips the hilt of his sword while you laugh to yourself. His footprints get slightly deeper indicating his child-like stomping.


    The sword he is gripping looks ornate though. The metal shines brightly like silver in the morning light. A few gemstones are set along the cross-guard, each one a different colour. This single piece of equipment looks to be the most expensive thing Bronx owns. Just looking at the sword makes you believe that it must possess some magical properties. The captain may be useless as a law enforcer but he could probably hold his own in a fight against a few monsters. Perhaps if he wasn¡¯t acting like a spoiled brat, you would have invited him to join the Order after you were done.


    Neither you nor the captain say a word throughout the rest of your journey. A dull ache is forming in your shoulder from hauling your luggage through Alderbrand. You have a feeling that this man is going to see you only as a tool and will use you as such. This thought annoys you slightly as it reemerges, but now that you¡¯ve seen the level of competence you can expect during your investigation, you can accept that. Obviously, you shouldn¡¯t use a sword to chop would just you should use Walter Bronx to catch an artistic serial killer.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Acquired Clue: Incompetent Captain


    Walter Bronx, the captain of Alderbrand¡¯s guard has only proven himself to be childish and pathetic. Your trust in his abilities of investigation concerns you. With this clue are less likely to trust the captain with helping you during the investigation. Although, his help in combat can still be accepted without trouble.


    Finally, after what seems like an eternity, you arrive at the scene of the crime. From a glance, you notice a few things without the need to investigate. The first is that the crime happened in an isolated location as the house before you is further from the city¡¯s center than other homes. Secondly, the area seems to be a poorer neighbourhood. And the most obvious but final observation is that a fire occurred within this building as you can¡¯t see burn marks originating from the outside of the home.


    Acquired Clue: Indoor Arson


    You are able to detect that the fire originated from inside the building making the investigation for clues inside harder than clues outsides. This also leads you to believe that the arsonist had a way into and out of the building but you won¡¯t know more without a thorough check.


    You walk up to the house and await background information before you begin investigating.


    Go to Chapter 7

 Chapter 3

    Instead of keeping an awkward silence, you decide to stand up for yourself. You tell Walter Bronx that you are more displeased than he is. That it¡¯s entirely his fault for allowing the murders to escalate to such a scale that the Order had to be summoned. Finally, you instruct him that the way he is behaving is an insult to the rest of law enforcement as they understand their place in the pecking order. That they are willing to admit they are at fault and graciously accept the help of those chosen by the Order of Chaos and therefore chosen by the gods themselves.


    The captain is left speechless as you berate him with what you perceive as the truth of the matter. He hangs his head slightly in shame as you seem to tower over him regardless of the size difference. He grips his sword tightly with a disgusted look on his face. You are unsure if he is disgusted with you are with himself but what you do know is that you have put him in his place.


    The sword he is gripping looks ornate though. The metal shines brightly like silver in the morning light. A few gemstones are set along the cross-guard, each one a different colour. This single piece of equipment looks to be the most expensive thing Bronx owns. Just looking at the sword makes you believe that it must possess some magical properties.


    Now that he seems more willing to cooperate with you, you should be able to force him to help you do things during the investigation and by the looks of it, are able to reliably ask for his help in combat as it seems like he¡¯ll be a useful ally in a fight.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    For the rest of the journey, Bronx guides like royalty. No one makes small talk but that is okay with you. You are just happy to see the captain act like a proper man of his rank instead of the whiny princess he was being before. Instead of stomping and sulking, his head is held a little higher and he almost marches like soldiers do while heading into battle.


    Acquired Clue: Obedient Captain


    Walter Bronx, the captain of Alderbrand¡¯s guard has been put into his place and is now a lot more willing to be useful in your investigation. If you need him to help you with major tasks you are able to force him to do so although there is a chance he refuses.


    When it comes to matters of combat, the captain will spare no expense in helping you. You get the feeling that he loves a good fight just as much as you do.


    Finally, after what seems like an eternity, you arrive at the scene of the crime. From a glance, you notice a few things without the need to investigate. The first is that the crime happened in an isolated location as the house before you is further from the city¡¯s center than other homes. Secondly, the area seems to be a poorer neighbourhood. And the most obvious but final observation is that a fire occurred within this building as you can¡¯t see burn marks originating from the outside of the home.


    Acquired Clue: Indoor Arson


    You are able to detect that the fire originated from inside the building making the investigation for clues inside harder than clues outsides. This also leads you to believe that the arsonist had a way into and out of the building but you won¡¯t know more without a thorough check.


    You walk up to the house and await background information before you begin investigating.


    Go to Chapter 7

 Chapter 4

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare try to compare yourself to me! You are nothing but a dog sent by your masters to do their bidding,¡± snapped Walter. ¡°I earned my place here and I went through the inferno of hell to stand where I do today! What did you do except bend over and take it like a common whore!¡±


    You are taken aback by this sudden outrage. You thought that the captain was meek but now you can see the beast that lurks inside. Examining Bronx quickly, you notice his hand clutching the hilt of the blade at his side.


    The sword he is gripping looks ornate though. The metal shines brightly like silver in the morning light. A few gemstones are set along the cross-guard, each one a different colour. This single piece of equipment looks to be the most expensive thing Bronx owns. Just looking at the sword makes you believe that it must possess some magical properties. The captain may be useless as a law enforcer but he could probably hold his own in a fight against a small horde of fiends, especially when consumed by the anger you see now, though you feel he no barbarian.


    You place your hands up in surrender and apologize for offending him in some way. The captain relaxes a bit and broadens his shoulders looking pleased with himself.


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    ¡°As long as you know that I¡¯m the one who runs the show around here and you don¡¯t go around doing things without my permission, we¡¯ll get along swimmingly,¡± grins Walter. ¡°I suggest you remain quiet for the rest of our walk to allow myself to sweeten my mood.¡±


    The two of you continue forward with Walter Bronx seeming to stand just a little bit taller than before and his feet moving swiftly.


    Acquired Clue: Authoritative Captain


    Walter Bronx, the captain of Alderbrand¡¯s guard has only proven to harbor a grudge against you and now sees you as a tool for him to use. He wants you to report your every move to him and expects that you tell him of all plans you may have during the investigation.


    He will help you with tasks he agrees to but will find a way to slight you if you do not heed his words.


    Finally, after what seems like an eternity, you arrive at the scene of the crime. From a glance, you notice a few things without the need to investigate. The first, is that the crime happened in an isolated location as the house before you is further from the city¡¯s center than other homes. Secondly, the area seems to be a poorer neighbourhood. And the most obvious but final observation is that a fire occurred within this building as you can¡¯t see burn marks originating from the outside of the home.


    Acquired Clue: Indoor Arson


    You are able to detect that the fire originated from inside the building making the investigation for clues inside harder than clues outsides. This also leads you to believe that the arsonist had a way into and out of the building but you won¡¯t know more without a thorough check.


    You walk up to the house and await background information before you begin investigating.


    Go to Chapter 7

 Chapter 5

    Instead of keeping an awkward silence, you decide to try and have a nice conversation with Walter. The first thing you do is try to defuse the tension. You explain to him in simple terms that you believe he is more than capable of solving the murders and that you were sent here as aid.


    ¡°Yeah, I understand,¡± sighs the captain. ¡°We all have our jobs to do. I¡¯m sure you want to be here just as much as I want you here.¡±


    Bronx scratches the back of his head shyly as you nod in agreement. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what,¡± he mutters. ¡°Let¡¯s solve this case as quickly as possible so we can part ways and both feel a little bit at ease.¡± You smile softly at his words.


    ¡°Here,¡± the captain says as he extends his hand out. ¡°Let me help you with your bag. It¡¯s the least I can do after being a bit childish earlier.¡±


    Not risking spoiling this good mood, you allow the man to carry your belongings. The two of you continue forward for a bit before the captain has to switch the hands he¡¯s using to carry your bag as his left hand kept banging against the sword sheathed at his hip. This brings your attention to the strange blade.


    The sword looks incredibly ornate and almost as it would be for show instead of practical use. The metal shines brightly like silver in the morning light. A few gemstones are set along the cross-guard, each one a different colour. This single piece of equipment looks to be the most expensive thing Bronx owns. Just looking at the sword makes you believe that it must possess some magical properties hence why the captain carries it around despite its weird appearance.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Your curiosity gets the better of you so you inquire about the blade.


    ¡°This thing? It was designed for a special purpose and until I see that purpose fulfilled, it will not leave my side.¡± A flash of determination erupts in his eyes.


    You silently think to yourself about purpose and how everything has one. Perhaps it is Walter Bronx¡¯s purpose to aid you in finding this serial killer so you can see yourself elevated within the Order. Now that you two are on friendly terms you think it will be easy to ask for his help whenever you need it.


    Acquired Clue: Friendly Captain


    You have befriended Walter Bronx, the captain of Alderbrand¡¯s guard. He will be willing to assist you in most matters involving the case and will perhaps help you in other matters should you need it.


    The captain looks strong so you feel you won¡¯t hesitate to ask him to stand beside you in battle. Not only this but you think you may be able to manipulate him to use his high standing within the town to get you things or into places you wouldn¡¯t be able to do yourself.


    Finally, after what seems like an eternity, you arrive at the scene of the crime. From a glance, you notice a few things without the need to investigate. The first is that the crime happened in an isolated location as the house before you is further from the city¡¯s center than other homes. Secondly, the area seems to be a poorer neighbourhood. And the most obvious but final observation is that a fire occurred within this building as you can¡¯t see burn marks originating from the outside of the home.


    Acquired Clue: Indoor Arson


    You are able to detect that the fire originated from inside the building making the investigation for clues inside harder than clues outsides. This also leads you to believe that the arsonist had a way into and out of the building but you won¡¯t know more without a thorough check.


    You walk up to the house and await background information before you begin investigating.


    Go to Chapter 7

 Chapter 6

    Instead of keeping an awkward silence, you decide to try and have a nice conversation with Walter. The first thing you do is try to defuse the tension. You explain to him in simple terms that you believe he is more than capable of solving the murders and that you were sent here as aid.


    ¡°Yeah, I understand,¡± sighs the captain. ¡°We all have our jobs to do. I¡¯m sure you want to be here just as much as I want you here.¡±


    Bronx scratches the back of his head shyly as you nod in agreement. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what,¡± he mutters. ¡°Let¡¯s solve this case as quickly as possible so we can part ways and both feel a little bit at ease.¡± You smile softly at his words.


    ¡°Here,¡± the captain says as he extends his hand out. ¡°Let me help you with your bag. It¡¯s the least I can do after being a bit childish earlier.¡±


    You humbly decline and explain that you noticed his pained expression when he shook your hand and that you don¡¯t wish for him to hurt himself on your behalf.


    ¡°I see you are quick to notice such small details,¡± smiles Walter. ¡°My hand are charred for life after a failed assault upon the dragon that lives in Mount Cybil. The attack took place twelve years prior.¡±


    You inquire about how he was able to survive such and large undertaking.


    ¡°I dove behind a large section of stone near the wall of the cavern as the flames belched forth from the serpent¡¯s maw,¡± he explains. ¡°I hid there like a coward as I heard the screams of my allies and smelt their flesh burn.¡±


    You ask if the heat from the stone was the reason for his burnt hands although you know they would have healed by now if that were the case.


    ¡°No,¡± sighs the captain with sadness welling up in his eyes. ¡°I tried to recover the bodies of my allies, my hands melting upon their flesh and armour. The red treasure-hoarding beast found this to be assuming and allowed me to live and drank in my suffering and pain as I continued my efforts.¡±


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    He takes off a glove as you keep making your way towards our destination. His hand was black as night with ashy marks where the natural wrinkles of a hand should be. Even though this was only a few shades darker than his natural skin tone, it was very obvious. Tiny glowing embers pulsed beneath his flesh.


    ¡°My hands have been tainted by the dragon¡¯s fire and now it burns within my skin as a constant reminder of that day,¡± explains the captain before slipping his glove back on. ¡°But I have plans to rectify my trauma within the coming years.¡± Walter pats the sword at his side as he says these words.


    The sword looks incredibly ornate and almost as it would be for show instead of practical use. The metal shines brightly like silver in the morning light. A few gemstones are set along the cross-guard, each one a different colour. This single piece of equipment looks to be the most expensive thing Bronx owns. Just looking at the sword makes you believe that it must possess some magical properties hence why the captain carries it around despite its weird appearance.


    Your curiosity gets the better of you so you inquire about the blade.


    ¡°I had this blade made for the purpose of slaying that fucking dragon,¡± claims Walter proudly. ¡°There are a few dragon whelps held with the great city of Carthus to help create weapons that are designed to target dragons. I had to pay handsomely as well since they needed magical ingredients that only the slayer¡¯s guild in Longinus could procure.¡±


    You silently think to yourself about purpose and how everything has one. Perhaps it is Walter Bronx¡¯s purpose to aid you in finding this serial killer so you can see yourself elevated within the Order. You decide that after this is made possible, you¡¯ll assist him with the power of the Order in slaying the dragon.


    ¡°Of course, weapons are not enough to topple the beast,¡± laughs the captain. ¡°I have brought an armour expert into Alderbrand to make shields that can absorb a dragon¡¯s flame so that the men may never be burned to death.¡±


    Acquired Clue: Dragon Slayer


    You have befriended Walter Bronx, the captain of Alderbrand¡¯s guard. He will be willing to assist you in all matters involving the case and will try to help you in other matters should you need it.


    The captain looks strong so you feel you won¡¯t hesitate to ask him to stand beside you in battle. Not only this but you think you may be able to manipulate him to use his high standing within the town to get you things or into places you wouldn¡¯t be able to do yourself.


    Walter Bronx can also assist you in anything involving dragons should you feel brave enough to try and fight the dragon before you solve the case.


    Thankfully the walk is quick due to the conversation and before you know it, you arrive at the scene of the crime. From a glance, you notice a few things without the need to investigate. The first is that the crime happened in an isolated location as the house before you is further from the city¡¯s center than other homes. Secondly, the area seems to be a poorer neighbourhood. And the most obvious but final observation is that a fire occurred within this building as you can¡¯t see burn marks originating from the outside of the home.


    Acquired Clue: Indoor Arson


    You are able to detect that the fire originated from inside the building making the investigation for clues inside harder than clues outsides. This also leads you to believe that the arsonist had a way into and out of the building but you won¡¯t know more without a thorough check.


    You walk up to the house and await background information before you begin investigating.


    Go to Chapter 7

 Chapter 7

    ¡°As you know,¡± begins Walter. ¡°The crime happened sometime last night. A report came in that a house was ablaze in the poorer district of town. The Alderbrand guard rushed over here with aquamancers in tow to examine the scene.¡±


    It¡¯s now that you notice that some of the ground around the house is still wet. This is probably due to the aquamancers dousing the flames with their magic. You just hope the water didn¡¯t wash away any vital evidence that may be lurking inside the small abode.


    ¡°Once the flames were quenched, I went in to examine the scene,¡± continues the captain. ¡°Inside was a woman cradling a baby in her arms. She was naked with her backside suffering extreme burns and is what we are considering the cause of death.¡±


    ¡°The odd thing though,¡± shrugs Bronx. ¡°Is the child was untouched by the flames. When we arrived the child was drinking the milk of its dead mother, unaware that she had expired. As the baby was unharmed, we removed it into the care of a wet nurse. Besides that, the crime scene remains untouched.¡±


    After the captain finishes explaining, you notice two out-of-place people within the area. One is a thin, gaunt man with shaggy blonde hair. It appears as if he is feverishly drawing in a notebook of some kind. He seems to be an elf judging by his ears.


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    You point to the man, suggesting he shouldn¡¯t be this close to the scene.


    ¡°That is Garhal Diamondgleam,¡± explains Alderbrand¡¯s captain. ¡°He is an artist that assists us with murders. He is able to draw things to the most minor of details for us to review later when we hit a roadblock within our investigations. Since we were instructed to leave the scene alone until your arrival we were using his sketches to being our own investigation.¡±


    You want to applaud Walter Bronx on his ability to think outside the box in order to start his own investigation without angering the Order.


    There is another man next to him, this one is a human, paler in colour. He is pacing back and forth, seeming to be very frustrated for some reason. As you observe the man, you notice him taking peeks at whatever Garhal is drawing from around his shoulder since the elf stood taller than him.


    You also ask about that man as he seems to be the last person of note within the area.


    ¡°That is Thaisen Moore,¡± sighs Walter. ¡°He is the mortician and will examine the body and then prepare it for the funeral before giving it to the grave keeper.¡±


    It¡¯s at this moment, that you notice the two men slightly behind Thaisen with a stretcher and a large white cloth. They are probably paid to move the body to Moore¡¯s place of work.


    ¡°That poor man has been busy as of late,¡± says Bronx. ¡°To be honest, I think he hates death and only got into the trade because he thought it would be easy coin.¡±


    You thank the captain for his explanation and announce you¡¯ll now do things on your own.


    Now marks the beginning of your investigation. For this scene, there is no time limit so you are free to go back and talk to people or investigate areas. Once you have done an action for an area, you may not try something else.


    In the future, other things will be put on a timer which you will be given at the end of the chapter. More will be explained on that when such a scenario arises.


    If you wish to talk to Garhal Diamondgleam, then go to Chapter 8


    If you wish to talk to Thaisen Moore, then go to Chapter 9


    If you wish to begin investigating the house, then go to Chapter 10

 Chapter 8

    You approach Garhal Diamondgleam. He is frantically drawing in his book, capturing as much detail as he can from the angle he is at. The elven man is peering into the scene from the open front door and doesn¡¯t seem to notice you walk up to him.


    You notice heavy purple bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. His blonde hair looks dirty and unkempt but despite his dirty appearance, the man seems very happy, at least at this moment. His clothes are blotched with paint stains and different colours of ink. Most of his fingers are bandaged which may suggest that he draws to the point that blisters form and break. It is an admirable dedication to his craft.


    Clearing your voice, the artist jumps away in fear. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± he exclaims. ¡°I was lost to the world just now, my focus forced to the task at hand.¡±


    Waving away his apology, you ask about his job. ¡°Me? I just draw pictures to help the guards for later, in case they need the extra help. In fact, most of the time they don¡¯t even call upon me,¡± Garhal explains. ¡°It¡¯s only recently they asked for my assistance with the scenes although I don¡¯t know who recommended me.¡±


    You inquire about how long he¡¯s been drawing to be so talented. ¡°I suppose I was always talented,¡± he tries to say modestly. ¡°The Diamondgleam family have been artists our whole lives. There is a legend in my family that our art will transcend space and time.¡±


    Rolling your eyes slightly, you ask about his opinion on this murder in comparison to the others before the killer also became an artist. ¡°Well, the murders before this were grizzly, to say the least,¡± shrugs Diamondgleam. ¡°It was like walking into the slaughterhouse of an unskilled butcher or hunter.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°But now,¡± Garhal whispers in awe. ¡°This is truly a work of art. The Yellow Star has truly blessed them.¡±


    A sickening feeling starts to set within the pit of your stomach. This man sounds as if he is admiring this lunatic¡¯s work. Does he not see that there is a corpse in there and not a statue?


    Also, what does he know about the Yellow Star? According to the knowledge you received during your training within the Order of Chaos, only those who follow the King in Yellow took notice of the world-devouring star.


    Acquired Clue: King in Yellow Worshipper?


    You have met Garhal Diamondgleam, the famous artist helping the guards with the most recent serial killings. He seems to have some sort of attachment with or knowledge of the King in Yellow.


    Is it safe to have such a person so close to the investigation? Who recommended him? Perhaps you can ask someone about this after checking out other things to get more information.


    *WARNING* Once you have picked an option, you can not come back to change your option.


    You walk away from Garhal and choose to:


    Talk to Thaisen Moore, go to Chapter 9


    Investigate the crime scene, go to Chapter 10


    Roll a Religion Check (DC15) about the King in Yellow to learn more about his followers. If you pass go to Chapter 11, if you fail go to Chapter 9 or 10 if you haven¡¯t done so already.


    Try to talk to Garhal Diamongleam about his crime scene art. Roll a Deception or Persuasion check (DC 12). If you pass go to Chapter 12, if you fail go to Chapter 9 or 10 if you haven¡¯t done so already.


    You can try to force answers out of him now. Roll an Intimidation check (D14) using Charisma or Strength as your modifier. If you pass go to Chapter 13, if you fail go to Chapter 9 or 10 if you haven¡¯t done so.


    If you fail and have one of the following clues:


    -Authoritative Captain


    -Incompetent Captain


    Go to Chapter 14.


    Finally, you can do a three-part check to earn his trust and learn more about what he knows. First, you can roll an Insight check (DC14), a Religion check (DC15), and then a Persuasion or Deception check (DC12). If you pass go to Chapter 15, if you fail go to Chapter 9 or 10 if you haven¡¯t done so already.


    If you have already gone to Chapters 9 and 10 then go to Chapter TBA

 Chapter 9

    You approach the man that is pacing impatiently. Thaisen Moore is a medium-build human with light brown hair. There are signs of aging in his mustache and beard, and grey hairs reveal themselves. He looks like a scholar of some kind but is avoiding all eye contact with the crime scene itself. He instead deems it safe to peer at it through the art of Garhal Diamondgleam.


    His green eyes look weary but calculating as they seem to absorb every detail about the elven man¡¯s picture. He is lips are the thing that draw your attention though. They seem to be twisting in confusion as if they are unaware of what expression they should have. A war on his face between if he should smile, frown, look disgusted, or stay neutral.


    Tapping him on the shoulder, he turns to you in surprise. ¡°Excuse me,¡± he exclaims. ¡°Can I help you?! Citizens should wait over there!¡±


    Before he can calls to Walter Bronx, you inform him that you are the investigator from the Order of Chaos.


    His eyes go from surprise and fear and relax to admiration and wonder. ¡°Are you a Royal Insanguinator?¡± he inquires.


    You tell him that you could be after this case. Royal Insanguinator is the highest class of investigators within the Order. They do have permission to kill all those they feel are a threat to the balance of the gods and they have proven themselves to be able to do as such. You believe Lady Alcina told you not to kill anyone but the murder as a way of testing your ability to judge friend from foe learn who tips the scales more in one god¡¯s favour than others.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    ¡°A pity,¡± frowns Thaisen. ¡°I have heard great things about them and I was kind of hoping they would send one. I am growing tired of all these bodies piling up and now they are being formed into grotesque displays.¡±


    Moore begins to look squeamish. You give a few comforting words.


    ¡°Thanks but fear more corpses will grow while you investigate. Is this really what the Order, and therefore gods want?¡± A look of displeasure encompasses the man¡¯s face. He doesn¡¯t hide it at all.


    ¡°Well, I suggest you finish examining the crime scene quickly so that I can do my job,¡± demands Thaisen. ¡°The sooner I can finish this, the quicker I can try to drink away the horror of this.¡±


    Acquired Clue: Possible Alcoholic


    Thaisen Moore, Alderbrand¡¯s mortician, claims to drink due to the horrors of these murders. Your keen nose didn¡¯t detect any booze lingering on his clothes or breath, but if he does drink as often as you think then the man might be sloppy with his work.


    *WARNING* Once you have picked an option, you can not come back to change your option.


    You walk away from Thaisen and choose to:


    Talk to Garhal Diamondgleam , go to Chapter 8


    Investigate the crime scene, go to Chapter 10


    You can perform an Insight Check.


    -If you roll a 1-10 you learn nothing of note.


    -If you roll an 11-20 you can talk to Moore a bit more about his drinking habits, go to Chapter 16.


    -If you roll a 21 or over then you can go to Chapter 17.


    If you have already gone to Chapters 9 and 10 then go to Chapter TBA.

 Chapter 10

    You finally approach the burnt building. The only door to the place is up a small set of stairs. A humble porch gives the small home a wonderful view of the nearby ocean. It gives off a cozy feeling, like drinking a cold ale on a hot day as you watch the waves crash against the sand.


    Turning to face the door, you notice that it was kicked in and that the frame that held the door in place was severely damaged because of it. The defenseless door lies on the wooden floor just inside the home. A small glint of the copper lock continues to jut out of the door, unaware that it has already failed its purpose. This can only lead you to the fact that there was a forced entry into the home for one reason or another.


    Acquired New Clue: Forced Entry


    You notice that the door leading into the home of the victim has been forced open. You are able to divine this because the lock is still in the locked position and the door frame is extremely damaged and not just because of the fire.


    Walking into the building properly, it¡¯s immediately obvious that the owner lives a simpler life. It¡¯s a one-room home with fire damage scorched onto every surface, In the center of the room rests a half-charred woman in a kneeling position cradling an invisible child. A large amber-coloured shield is embedded into the floor in front of her. In the northeast corner on the far side of the home is what appears to have been a bookcase with most of the treasured books reduced to ash.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Moving your gaze south across the wall is a poor excuse for a baby crib. And tucked in the southeast corner, not far from the crib is the mother¡¯s bed. It¡¯s a single bed, implying that there was no father in the picture. There is a single window on both the northern and southern walls.


    To your immediate left is what looks like a cabinet meant to hold dishes with a dining table with two chairs and a highchair slightly to the right of you. The only other thing of note is that the seems to be some sort of chest that is unopened just under the northern window.


    You can¡¯t help but think this crime scene is going to take a while to process but you just arrived so you have time.


    Once you have examined an area you may not examine it again. Please try to be honest with yourself as your idea and path will lead to different endings.


    If you wish to examine the room in general then roll an investigation check. If your roll is less than 12, please pick another option. If you roll a 12-20 then go to Chapter A. If you roll more than 20 or a natural 20 go to Chapter B.


    If you wish to examine the bookcase, go to Chapter C.


    If you wish to examine the bed and crib, go to Chapter D.


    If you wish to examine the cabinet, go to Chapter E.


    If you wish to examine the chest, go to Chapter F.


    If you wish to examine the body, go to Chapter G.


    After you feel you gathered enough clues, you can still talk to Garhal Diamondgleam (go to Chapter 8), or Thaisen Moore (go to Chapter 9).


    If you feel you are done with everything you can go to Chapter TBA.