I ran an adventure for a low level party that fits the locked room scenario.
There had/have been reports of a number of deaths in the local newspaper (The Daily Maille) of strange events in Sunport. One person, Councilor Beck, people had been found dead in his bed with his throat cut. His wife had awoken to find her husband dead, lying beside her. All of the windows were closed and locked from the inside, as were the doors (even the chimney had metal a pigeon net over it). A ranger high level ranger had checked the houses and could not find any tracks that were out of the ordinary and Mistress Beck had been questioned and has been exonerated and is not a suspect in the crime.
A few days later Master and Mistress Sarr were found dead in ther bed when the family dog woke the neighbourhood with his howling and barking. Thomas Marr had to break down the door with an axe as it was locked and barred from the inside. When he went upstairs he found the couple dead in their bed, lying in a pool of blood. The only marks that could be seen were those of the family pets.
The next night
Is Nowhere Safe?
Archmage Staro Henge was found dead in his bed last night along with his wife Tara. It is said that his body was eviscerated by some demon from the pits of hell. It appears that his assailant had managed to manoeuvre safely between all of his guards and wards to get to them. Two of his apprentices Stan Hains (25) and Simna Farn (24) were badly hurt when they went to find their master after he did not turn up for his morning lecture as many of his guards and wards were still in place and active. There has been no sign of his familiar and should anyone locate it, the authorities would be interested to learn its fate.
Other Newspaper articles include:
City Councillor Disappears
Thomas Evans (58), a local dignity, was reported missing yesterday after an evening of revels at the Sunspoke Inn. Yvonne Barr (18), a professional lady was the last person to be known to have seen him. He was a nice young man would come quite regularly to partake of a few ales and a chat, she said. His wife Eleanor Evans (19) is distraught and looking for anyone who might have seen him after he had left the Inn. It is strange that occurrences like these are increasing ‘since more and more Orcs have been making their way into our fair city.
New Sect in Town
A new sect appears to have come to the city. The Moonies, may they burn in his beneficent fire, believe that the teachings of Helios are false and that by worshiping the moon will lead them to salvation. Where is the sun at night they say, the moon can be seen both day and night. They are of course lunatics and their leader Baron Levi is being sought for questioning. Many new cults have started to spring up as warriors return from their heroic battles and can fall foul of charlatans and false idols when they return. The evil Orcs have much to answer for and though we do not suggest that they should be stoned on sight, others may not be so restrained.
Orc Desecrates City Temple
With a great affront, an Orc was seen at the Cathedral. It said that he was interested in joining the church, but what would a savage orc know of the teachings of Helios, may he shine light amongst all, and was no doubt just about to plunder the collection plate. The Orc was ushered away by a cleric and is currently undergoing re-education to teach it the error of its ways.
Bishop Calls for Action!
Bishop Farn, the only remaining member of the ruling triumvirate called for more action today from the City. People should remain calm of course, he said. But the time has come for the City Guard to stand back and let the churchy take control of this current crisis.
“The City Guard have presided over these terrible acts of barbarity and have done nothing. Indeed a guard officer has confessed to the murder of Bishop Arlene after she threatened to report him for making lewd suggestions to her.”
“Isn’t it interesting,” he added. “The city guard just hap-pened to be passing an Inn recently when the stumbled upon the ritual slaughter of an innocent family.” I am not saying that they are connected in any way but the guard always seem to arrive after an event has happened.
Council in Emergency Session
A much depleted council has convened to discuss the current emergency. Bishop Farn has offered his services and those of the Priests of Helios to give guidance in these troubled times. Due to the recent influx of cultists and the on-going murders, the council has been reduced in strength by a half. “Bishop Farn’s intervention and help will stabilise the council and help us come to the right decisions to save the city.” Councillor Wensin said.
Bishop Dances Naked in Town Fountain
Bishop Danza was discovered last night dancing in the Sun Fountain in the Temple District. There was speculation that he had been imbibing too much of the altar wine or that there is something more sinister behind his actions. He is currently taking a rest from his duties and his place at the sunrise ceremony was taken by bishop Arlene.
A Plague of Rats
The City Council in perplexed about the sudden appearance of swarms of rats. Thomas Crapper (37) a refuse dis-posal engineer said that he opened a sewer hatch and found himself covered in a writhing mass of large rodents. “As big as dogs they were with sharp gnashing teeth”, he said. “It fair terrified me,” he admitted. “They knocked me down and then headed off towards the harbour”.
Thomas was last seen heading for the Drunken Swan where he said that he was going to drink himself into oblivion—let’s hope that he doesn’t fancy tripping the light fantastic in one of the city’s many ornamental fountains!
A City Caught Catnapping
In addition to people going missing there been a number of instances of “catnapping”. One unlucky cat owner said, “We let our cat out last night as normal but she did not come back in the morning. Princess Saffy is the fluffiest, woofiest catty watty in all the wurld and we would love to get her back.” Hundreds of distressed owners are currently looking for their missing cats and the plaintive cry of “Tiddles!” can oft be heard echoing down back-streets of our fair city. A number people have posted rewards for the return of their cat, in good condition, but none have yet been claimed.
Solved the crime and worked out who (or what) it was doing the murders?
