Age of Worms - The Hall of Harsh Reflections

[Gwynfrid]

Frowning, Marzena thinks the matter over briefly. "I believe we have taken a bit of a beating, and should rest. We came out on top, but frankly I think we were lucky that they neglected to really check on us in that jail. And I used a lot of the cards' portents today. Also, I really would like to understand what these creatures aims to do with their operation over there, and especially, why did they try to frame us as soon as we showed up in the Free City!"

She turns to Frederick. "Sir Frederick, may I ask that you see the Watch captain, and request permission for us to attend a part of the interrogation of this creature? Before we go back and make them answer for their treacherous plots, I hope we can get some information out of the prisoner."

[Farmerbink]

Frederick is mostly stern and quiet as the doppelgänger is secured and taken into custody. As Lydia explains the situation to the guard, he turns instead to the head butler. "I apologize for my brusqueness earlier," the hulking paladin begins. "I hope you understand the urgency of our mission- and I must admit to being oddly pleased at the outcome. Ilya is returned safely, her most immediate captor now taken."

Finally, Frederick bows his head politely, before turning back to Ilya. "Mistress, I hope your house is free of this infestation, but honestly cannot be sure. Please take caution, and try to stay with those you trust most closely- at least for a time. I plan to return to their hive and do away with it entirely, but it seems it will take more time than I'd like..."

As Marzena calls him away, he politely inclines his head once more, before giving his companion his fullest attention. "Of course, if you think it's worth the time. Perhaps we can suggest they make haste and we can spend what time we have left today satisfying those concerns."

Frederick makes his way to the acting officer of this watch party, and makes the request without much preamble. "My name is Frederick Armstrong, Knight Courageous of Heironeous. I will explain in greater detail if you require, but must insist that we be allowed to interrogate the captive at your earliest convenience. There are others of its kind, actively engaged in subterfuge, kidnapping, murder, and perhaps sedition throughout the Free City. My companions and I seek their undoing, and any secrets it reveals could be instrumental in that effort."

Spoiler: OOC

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I wish I could justify intimidate XD
(1d20+7)[22] diplomacy to make the request

[JWallyR]

Jan continues her efforts to court the better graces of the staff as, under the butler's guidance, they move to assist the party in binding the doppleganger. With murmured thanks, guidance, and generous applications of her congenial and infectious smile, the gnome seems to achieve her desired results, and turns her attention more directly to the matter at hand.

"Aren'cha glad you trusted us?" she grins to Ilya, as the latter allows her family's staff to do their work. "I sure am! Who knows what kinda chicanery these things had planned in your place! Maybe we can pry some information out of this one," she hooks a thumb at the unconscious shapeshifter, "about the rest of their plans. Nothing good, I'm sure!!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Diplomacy to improve attitude: (1d20+12)[32]

"Sir Frederick, may I ask that you see the Watch captain, and request permission for us to attend a part of the interrogation of this creature? Before we go back and make them answer for their treacherous plots, I hope we can get some information out of the prisoner."

"My name is Frederick Armstrong, Knight Courageous of Heironeous. I will explain in greater detail if you require, but must insist that we be allowed to interrogate the captive at your earliest convenience. There are others of its kind, actively engaged in subterfuge, kidnapping, murder, and perhaps sedition throughout the Free City. My companions and I seek their undoing, and any secrets it reveals could be instrumental in that effort."

After having padded over from her conversation with Ilya, Jan pipes up in support of her friend's request. "Yes, it would be oh so helpful if we could sit in. 'Sides, Freddy here has a certain gift for encouraging, shall we say, compliance in hostile witnesses. Myself, I tend to apply the 'catching more flies with honey than vinegar' approach, as sometimes comes in handy." The gnome punctuates her remark with a theatrically conspiratorial wink at the officer, giggling softly to herself.

Spoiler: Actions

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Diplomacy to improve attitude or make a request, or otherwise assist: (1d20+12)[25]

Spoiler: OOC

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Meant to comment when posting:

1) Happy to accept any favors the Starmane family wants to offer. I have nothing particular in mind.
2) Leaving the martials to suggest tactics
3) See #2
4) Hoping to question the doppleganger. Primary questions:
---Why are they targeting us
---Why were they targeting the Starmanes
---What grander plans do they have in the city
Obviously those questions might lead further, rely on DM to facilitate that without extended minor RP
5) I support bringing the crazy man to the Heironeans and seeing what can be made to work there
6) Jan doesn't even need to rest before going back to fight, since she doesn't prepare spells or whatever, but I'm happy to defer to those that do

[DarkOne-Rob]

Ilya Starmane watches the events of the next several minutes with more aplomb and decorum than one might expect of a young woman who'd been kidnapped and abused for a month. Perhaps its only her relative age that shows, as elves could be many decades old and still look as young as her. She handles the scene calmly as she helps Jermonie, the butler, manage things and gives her statement to the Watch members. As the party shows their respects and gets ready to leave she smiles, though there is clearly a great deal of other emotions behind her expression. "This has been difficult, but were it not for all of you I'd still be in that cell. Thank you, and in a week or so come back to our home. I'd like to introduce you to my family and thank you properly. For now, though, I have so much to do here..." she says, bowing out of further conversation and excusing herself. As she leaves you hear her directing Jermonie to summon all the staff and to contact her father - "I don't care that he's at the Embassy offices right now - he's been unaware of my absence for a month and should be told, now!"

For their part the members of the Watch take their job seriously. When the doppelganger's powers are explained they immediately look distrustful and several begin taking notes on some small chalkboards they carry. They transfer the monster to shackles and place it on a litter to be carried back to the nearest district cell. Looking at Lydia, one says, "I will check on the status of that other report, Hero Lydia. Be assured, your name will be cleared.

It may be several days before we can have you visit for questions, Sir Knight," explains the young sergeant in charge to Frederick. "I'm not sure exactly what the rules are for something like this, but even monsters like this have some...courtesy given to them. It will need to heal up from its wounds enough that it can hold a conversation since usually no one wants to use divine healing on criminals. Sometimes we get a generous cleric, but not usually...Where can we find you to let you know it can to have visitors?"

In the chaos Gattel Watam appears to have crawled under a bench and fallen asleep. After being roused he smiles and asks, "What number is the ground today?" You suspect that doesn't mean anything useful and escort him to the Sanctum of Heironeous where you are greeted by one of the attending Blessed. The young woman bows respectfully to both Lydia and Frederick before taking Gattel away. "One of the Glorious will help him, I'm sure, or if not direct me with what to do for him," she assures the party as she walks with the cooperative madman into one of the chapels on the sides of the magnificent structure.

Their tasks done, the party looks at each other with some renewed hope but also new paranoia...

Do you return to the Crooked House and your individual rooms? Or do you request group rooms? Or do you go somewhere else entirely to rest?

/Evil chuckle

[Albinobrow]

For their part the members of the Watch take their job seriously. When the doppelganger's powers are explained they immediately look distrustful and several begin taking notes on some small chalkboards they carry. They transfer the monster to shackles and place it on a litter to be carried back to the nearest district cell. Looking at Lydia, one says, "I will check on the status of that other report, Hero Lydia. Be assured, your name will be cleared.

It may be several days before we can have you visit for questions, Sir Knight," explains the young sergeant in charge to Frederick. "I'm not sure exactly what the rules are for something like this, but even monsters like this have some...courtesy given to them. It will need to heal up from its wounds enough that it can hold a conversation since usually no one wants to use divine healing on criminals. Sometimes we get a generous cleric, but not usually...Where can we find you to let you know it can to have visitors?"


Do you return to the Crooked House and your individual rooms? Or do you request group rooms? Or do you go somewhere else entirely to rest?

/Evil chuckle

Olofire approaches the guards as they finish putting shackles on the doppelgänger and inform the party of needing to wait before questioning it. I am Dr Olofire Lightfoot. I am the one who tended to the wounds on this creature so as to keep from dying. I understand and can appreciate your concerns for courtesy. However, time is of the essence for myself and my party. We must continue our investigation and we need the information this creature holds. I have a healing extract with me that I can administer to it. If I do that, will you please allow us time to ask of it what we need before you take it away?

Spoiler: OoC

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Diplomacy (1d20-1)[13] (come on roll high!)
If the watch doesn’t allow it then all is the same. If they allow it I’ll give it one CLW (1d8+5)[7] (come on roll low!) and we can politely ask our questions 😇

Olofire turns to Jan, Jan, did you ever make it to Tarquin before we were all locked up? I think we should go there and let him know what’s all happened. Especially if you didn’t make it. But I think we should stay together. No more splitting up. At least until this is all taken care of. What do you all think?

[Farmerbink]

Frederick nods, generally understanding as the watch explains the situation. "I doubt generosity is precisely the right word, but urgency may be compelling enough for us. I can rouse the creature immediately, if you're in a position to ensure it remains secured." He looks down as Olofire adds his own offer with a smile.

---

Later, when they leave the Starmane estate, Fredrick voices his concerns simply. "I am strongly in favor of remaining together in as many ways as possible until this whole affair is handled. My highest priority is to do whatever it takes to ensure none of us becomes isolated from the rest."

[JWallyR]

"This has been difficult, but were it not for all of you I'd still be in that cell. Thank you, and in a week or so come back to our home. I'd like to introduce you to my family and thank you properly. For now, though, I have so much to do here..."

Jan favors the elf woman with a gracious, and winsome smile. "I, for one, would be honored to meet them. We'll be sure to stop by!"

"What number is the ground today?"

"One of the Glorious will help him, I'm sure, or if not direct me with what to do for him,"

"Poor thing," sighs Jan as the attendant takes what remains of Gattel Watam into the care of the Heironean temple. "Judging by the shape he's in, he's either been roughed up much more than Ilya, or he's been there a while." the gnome shudders involuntarily. "Can't imagine it." she murmurs, before turning to leave the temple grounds.

Olofire turns to Jan, Jan, did you ever make it to Tarquin before we were all locked up? I think we should go there and let him know what’s all happened. Especially if you didn’t make it. But I think we should stay together. No more splitting up. At least until this is all taken care of. What do you all think?

Jan lets out an involuntary Hmmph at the initial question. "No, we barely got out of the warehouse before fake Freddy dropped the ruse..." the gnome reaches back to rub a spot, from here expression a tender one, at the back of her head. "No, I think it'd be a good idea to touch base with the poor fellow, not to mention scan the patrons for shapeshifters," her volume drops dramatically as suspicions dawn. "That said, I couldn't agree more that we need to stick together until we figure this thing out! I don't know where we can rent a room big enough to pitch our tents, metaphorically speaking... unless maybe there's space in the barracks nearby?" An eager expression erupts onto the gnome's expressive face. "Yeah, that's it! If we can stay here in the temple grounds, somewhere together, we wouldn't drag any more hapless innocents like Tarquin into this mess!"

She turns to Frederick and Lydia. "Surely there's somewhere we can all sleep, together, and not be too much in the way, right?"

Spoiler: Actions

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Diplomacy in advance to request such a spot from Heironean leadership: (1d20+12)[20]

[MuffinMan]

"That said, I couldn't agree more that we need to stick together until we figure this thing out! I don't know where we can rent a room big enough to pitch our tents, metaphorically speaking... unless maybe there's space in the barracks nearby?" An eager expression erupts onto the gnome's expressive face. "Yeah, that's it! If we can stay here in the temple grounds, somewhere together, we wouldn't drag any more hapless innocents like Tarquin into this mess!"

She turns to Frederick and Lydia. "Surely there's somewhere we can all sleep, together, and not be too much in the way, right?"

"Hmm, that is... an idea," Lydia admits, mulling it over. "My old quarters at the Sanctum are too small for the lot of us, but I can ask around. Perhaps the novice's quarters: they share communal rooms. Ah, what a cruel jest of fate, to be a novice again while the fate of the world hangs in the balance!" She shakes her head ruefully and beckons the others to follow her. "Come on, let's find the quartermaster and make arrangements. I hope none of you snore..."

[Gwynfrid]

Ilya Starmane watches the events of the next several minutes with more aplomb and decorum than one might expect of a young woman who'd been kidnapped and abused for a month. Perhaps its only her relative age that shows, as elves could be many decades old and still look as young as her. She handles the scene calmly as she helps Jermonie, the butler, manage things and gives her statement to the Watch members. As the party shows their respects and gets ready to leave she smiles, though there is clearly a great deal of other emotions behind her expression. "This has been difficult, but were it not for all of you I'd still be in that cell. Thank you, and in a week or so come back to our home. I'd like to introduce you to my family and thank you properly. For now, though, I have so much to do here..."

"This is well understood, m'lady, and we thank you. We will be sure to come back, for there are a few questions I wish to ask of you. Wishing you luck in fixing your affairs..." Marzena responds, before the group departs.

Once the group is alone in the street, she thinks over her companions' concerns. "Staying together. Yes, that makes sense. Won't be my first time quartered with... er... well, usually it was mostly burly men." She chuckles at the memory. Evidently, whatever discomfort she might have felt as a young soldier has been ironed out long ago. "This is a good idea. I will also suggest something for added security, but that will wait until we're alone."

[Farmerbink]

Frederick nods thoughtfully. "If we must, I would light a fire on the training grounds. It's almost public even, which in this case perhaps makes it safer still. Good idea, little one." he rumbles, favoring Jan with one of his rare smiles.

[DarkOne-Rob]

The City Watch leader looks confused for a moment and then shrugs. "I guess you can administer a healing potion, but this isn't the place for an interrogation," he says. "Let me give you directions to where it will be held until you arrive. Once you have everything else worked out you can see it there and take your time in a private setting..." Frederick and Lydia listen carefully and are confident they can find the Foreign Quarter Watch Offices, where there are several cells for short-term confinement. "It will be kept there for at least a day before we can get enough resources to get it safely to the Prison Block at the Grand Citadel. I will be sure they have your names for when you want to visit."

For its part, the doppelganger remains in its natural form after receiving the healing extract. It is bound well enough that apparently it doesn't think its worthwhile trying to escape right now.

---

The Quartermaster, Hero of the First Rank Ezikius, a middle-aged half-elven man with perfectly bald - and shining - scalp greets the heroes and listens to their unusual request with a skeptical expression. When they insist, though, he shrugs and leads them to a plainly furnished barracks room with beds for about twenty. "This is the best I can offer - it's available for several nights before the next class of recruits arrives. If you still need it next week it will be a problem, but keep it clean and within regulations and I won't bother you while you're here," he says before setting down an oil lamp on the only table. "You won't need rations or tickets for the mess hall, will you? We're not an inn, but if you need it we will find a way to help..." he finishes with a doubtful tone, clearly wanting to be off to other work but compelled by his duty to see that the party is settled.

Do you want to establish "camp" plans first, or go to visit either Tarquin or the captured doppelganger next? I plan for at least a bit of dialogue with the captive...

[JWallyR]

Jan smiles winsomely at the quartermaster. "No, thank you, my friend! I'm sure we can figure out the rations. We'll take it from here!" she nods, curtseying briefly before turning to address her companions.

"Speaking of rations..." she begins, patting her midsection thoughtfully, "I figure the least we can do is go check on Tarquin... with any luck, he won't have been of any interest to those thrice-cursed face-stealers, what with our being stuck in cells and all. But, we can maybe have a nice dinner and talk about what's next, no?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Camp arrangements should be pretty mundane. Rotating watch, I figure, nothing too crazy. Jan wants to check on Tarquin, and then we interrogate the doppelgänger before heading back to the Sodden Hold?

[Farmerbink]

Frederick nods soberly, grateful for the accommodations, and perhaps a bit embarrassed. He keeps his peace, content to let Jan do the talking as her words mirror his own desires.

A few minutes later, the Gnome's prodigious appetite draws a reluctant smirk to the grim paladin's face. "Indeed. We owe him at least a legitimate effort of protection. I don't know why they would target him, but if we had anything to do with it, duty insists we manage the threat." He glances down to Jan with a wry smile. "He does offer quite the savory fare, doesn't he?"

[Albinobrow]

Agreed. I want to make sure he's ok. We've been away for a while now. And while the attempt on his life may have been an unfortunate circumstance of us being here, there is also the chance that they tried again while we were locked away. So I am a bit anxious to make sure he's ok... Olofire looks to each member the group, his pack still on his back running his hands over the straps and taking very small shuffling steps towards the door.

[MuffinMan]

"Very well, it's decided!" Lydia nods. "We'll head to Tarquin and ensure his safety, and perhaps get a bite to eat. And in the morning we'll question the prisoner before returning to the warehouse. Sound about right?"

She gives a Heironean salute to the quartermaster. "Thank you for making the arrangements on such short notice, Hero Ezekius. We won't burden you for more than a night or two, I promise."

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena waits until the group is alone in their new quarters before she asks that everyone gathers in a tight circle.

"I have to say, I am ashamed that I suggested a method to recognize each other without first checking that all of us were, well, truly all of us. No way we can allow a fiasco like this to happen again. Ever!

Relying on agreed phrases, or shared knowledge, for recognizance, is a flawed solution, in that we may be overheard. We can't always be sure of the privacy we enjoy here. And once a password has been used, it's not so safe anymore. So, I have thought up another method, a silent one, and I think it can be repeated over and over."

She distributes some scraps of paper, one for each group member, and one pencil each. "Without showing each other, we're going to all draw a simplified plan of the home you all kindly agreed to share with me, back in Diamond Lake. It's small enough that I'm sure we can all do this from memory. But it's not so simple that anyone can figure it out if they never were there, or got a description from one of us. So, this is a good way of proving to each other we're all the genuine article! Once everyone is done, we all pass our folded paper to the person to our right, and again until all have been able to check everyone's drawings. No need for words. And when done, we burn the papers, so this little trick can be used again.

What'yall think?"

Spoiler

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I take it she had time to purchase paper and pencils as the group made their way through the city, so if that's OK, I'll add that to my equipment and drop a couple of gp?

[DarkOne-Rob]

The party finishes getting ready to go, still carrying most (all?) of their gear as they head towards the Crooked House. They arrive as dinner is being served and find that Tarquin is very happy - and surprised - to see them. "My friends! You're back already...? When you checked out yesterday evening you said you were taking a river trip by boat...has something happened?" exclaims the gnomish innkeeper. He takes a moment to direct several servers and has a table cleared for you. Once you are seated he comes by personally to take orders and hear your answer. "It would take several weeks to travel to Two Ford, even if the current was going with you, yet here you are looking somewhat the worse for wear, if you don't mind me saying so. Tell me your ship didn't have trouble - or if they did, at least that you have a good story to tell!"

Dinner is a hearty course of roasted venison, farm vegetables, and cheese soup in sourdough bowls. The various employees of the Crooked House all seem to make their way over to your table during the meal, some to offer thanks for saving their employer and others to refill ale mugs and hear what they can of your tale. No one seems to be acting strangely, though the paranoia inspired by the last several days is hard to shake as you look around the room and watch patrons sit down at the bar and long tables. Any of them could be doppelgangers, and it would be all-but-impossible to know...

"I've already rented out your rooms again - will you be needing a place to stay tonight?" asks Tarquin as he settles on a bench to listen to the PCs explain things.

So, what do you tell him?

Also, DING! Please level up to level 8 and let me know in the OoC thread when you are done so I can review your updates!

[Farmerbink]

Frederick frowns immediately at Tarquin's confusion (and explanation thereof). He immediately decides that there's not much to be gained from keeping the barkeeper in the dark. "That was not us," Frederick grunts. "Just like the night it seemed Lydia attacked you, there have been doppelgängers about, impersonating us and others.... Generally causing significant havoc and confusion. Meaning no offense, we'll be managing our own quarters for now. Until we can be sure the danger is resolved."

The paladin partakes generously of the venison, sighing contentedly between bites. "Didn't realize how hungry I was. They certainly didn't feed this well."

[Albinobrow]

The party finishes getting ready to go, still carrying most (all?) of their gear as they head towards the Crooked House. They arrive as dinner is being served and find that Tarquin is very happy - and surprised - to see them. "My friends! You're back already...? When you checked out yesterday evening you said you were taking a river trip by boat...has something happened?" exclaims the gnomish innkeeper. He takes a moment to direct several servers and has a table cleared for you. Once you are seated he comes by personally to take orders and hear your answer. "It would take several weeks to travel to Two Ford, even if the current was going with you, yet here you are looking somewhat the worse for wear, if you don't mind me saying so. Tell me your ship didn't have trouble - or if they did, at least that you have a good story to tell!"

I'm relieved that you are not their target! Clearly just after us and our reputation.. But you say you saw all five of us leave for the boat? So there are still at least 5 more out there.. Even when deep in thought, he sits and enjoys his meal with the others. He listens to the others but continues to return to the strange warehouse, and the pool. There must be something we can do to find their motives and get to the end of this..

[JWallyR]

"What'yall think?"

Jan gawks at Marzena for a heartbeat before blurting out, "You're a genius! Just when I think you couldn't get any cleverer! 'Cleverer'? More clever? Whatever, that sounds just about foolproof!"

---

Jan gives Tarquin a sour expression as soon as he mentions the impersonators. "Ugh. Blasted skin-stealers!" she blurts out explosively, drawing a number of confused and concerned glances from some of the nearest patrons. Shrinking back into herself for a moment, she pauses while Frederick explains in more detail.

"Well, blasted... now I'm worried that we might bring 'em back down on your head by showing our faces here!" The gnome frets anxiously. "Then again, it's not as though you can just hire a couple strongarms to provide some security while we try to cut the rot out at the root! They might be in on the game! Wait a minute- Marzena?" she turns to her companion. "Can you look around at lest the crowd that's here, make sure there's no obviously questionable lookers-on??"

[MuffinMan]

Lydia stirs restlessly at the back of the group. Some of the inn's patrons are casting her sideways looks, clearly still remembering the spectacle of "her" attacking Tarquin earlier. "Yes, have a quick look around, but then we shouldn't tarry. We've still an interrogation to perform, and Hero Ezikius is not known for his patience should we keep him waiting..." She shivers involuntarily, thinking back to her own days as a novice under the stern quartermaster.

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena chuckles, accepting Jan's praise good-naturedly. "Just when I thought you couldn't get any more enthusiastic, my friend. Thanks! Yes, I hope it's as foolproof as can be."

At the inn, she listens carefully to the exchange with Tarquin, drawing the same logical conclusion as the others. "You're right, let me take a look at this crowd..." She casts a quick cantrip, and scans the room intently.

Spoiler

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There's no rush, so a simple Detect Magic cantrip should hopefully find anyone using a supernatural power. And if not, well, that can't be helped.

[DarkOne-Rob]

Tarquin looks a bit disturbed by the news, but nods and tries to put on a good, confident expression as Marzena looks around the room. When she sees nothing out of the ordinary - minor auras of magical items and the odd cantrip - she confirms the gnome's safety with a nod and smile. The innkeeper sighs in relief and says, "Well, that's good at least. I wouldn't really know how to defend against that sort of threat. Do the city guard know?"

The party exchanges pleasantries as they dine before excusing themselves to visit the city guard. Once at the offices they are escorted to see the prisoner in its cell. The doppelganger is in its natural form, grey and largely expressionless. He turns to look at the party as they enter but does not stand or react in any other way. "I will stay over here, where I can watch and listen, but out of your way," says the City Watch Captain who brought them into the plain cell area. There aren't any seats for the party, so they will have to stand, but the cell looks clean and orderly. It appears the doppelganger will be better treated than the PCs were...

[MuffinMan]

Lydia places her arms on her hips and scowls towards the doppleganger as the Captain leaves the room. "Right, here's what's going to happen now. I'm going to ask questions and you're going to answer them truthfully. If you don't answer, or if I think you're lying, then things will become very difficult for you. If you want to save the lives of your 'friends' back at the warehouse you'll do as I say!" She nods fiercely to herself. ""Now, start with an easy one. What is your name? And why are you impersonating people in Greyhawk?!

[Albinobrow]

Dr. Olofire enters the cell and silently makes his way clockwise along the walls and behind the doppleganger. At this time, he doesn't say anything but his hand expectantly rests on his scalpel waiting for the doppleganger to try something, anything.

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena leaves it to the stern Hieronean to do the actual interrogation, but in standing in the back, she calls her magic forward to assist.

"Si à nier tes crimes tu t'entêtes,
En mon esprit le tien je sonderai
Si tes réponses restent dans ta tête
C'est là-même, pour sûr, que je les lirai."

Spoiler

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Casting Detect Thoughts, Will DC18 to resist. I took the liberty to assume that she took the time to refresh her spells for this purpose.

[Farmerbink]

Frederick strolls into the cell almost relaxed- notably at the rear of the party. As Lydia begins questioning the prisoner in her no nonsense sort of way, Frederick casually steps up behind her. "You're so cute when you're angry, Miss Constantine." The smile he bears is suddenly not a pleasant one, as he turns to the doppelgänger.

"Let me assure you, after having spent a few days in your people's care- I will not be nearly so polite as my friend here if you withhold information." He stretches, visibly willing his muscles to relax, before bringing his hands to rest clasped in front of him.

[JWallyR]

Jan circles into the cell at the last, with an unconcerned air. "Oh Freddy," she chuckles up at the half-orc, "I'm sure there's no need for that sort of unpleasantness! After all, we're civilized folk, aren't we? Mistakes happen, miscommunications occur, nuances are overlooked and all that sort of thing. I'm sure our friend here," she gestures toward the doppelgänger, "just wants to clear his- err, is 'his' proper? you'll have to forgive my unfamiliarity with your folk, haha,- good name, and get back to family and friends."

She turns a winsome smile upon the grayish figure in the cell. "What do you say we just get to the heart of the matter, buddy? My friends and I aren't trying to meddle in whatever city intrigue you folk might have going on. We're just humble adventurers, and I think we'd all rather get back out on the road to hunt monsters, save the world, all that kind of thing! Surely there's been some kind of mistake... let's figure it out together, and then we'll all be on our way!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Diplomacy: (1d20+12)[27]

[DarkOne-Rob]

The party enters the room where they see the strange, androgynous doppelganger sitting quite still in a plain chair behind the bars of its 10x10 jail cell. Olofire gets very close to the bars, but is unable to (mechanically) threaten the creature from outside the cell. The guard does as he said he would, sitting at a desk in the larger room with the door between rooms open. There is about ten feet of space on three sides of the cell for the party to occupy as they interrogate the prisoner.

With a definitively inhuman movement - too smooth and fluid - the creature looks at each PC as they speak, showing no expression on it's mostly-featureless face. It is about to answer Lydia when Frederick speaks, and instead of trying again it waits for several moments as Jan finishes. With a shimmer (that flows from everywhere on its body at once) it suddenly appears to be an exact copy of Lydia and speaks to her. "I doubt there is anything I can say to make you trust me. My name won't help you - we only share them with closest kin. I'm a doppelganger...we impersonate people. I am in Greyhawk...That is why I was where I was when you found me." it says to Lydia in a steady monotone of her voice. It isn't robotic, like a construct, but there is no rise or fall to the cadence of its voice, as if it has no feelings at all.

Turning to Marzena it first shifts to mimic her and then continues, "You detect the thoughts of five thinkers, your companions and me. I can tell you that the guard" (it's appearance flickers briefly to his before shifting back) "is also thinking. That's it within range - the jails walls prevent scanning any further. None of your friends are as intelligent as you, though the halfling is closest. I am the next most clever, but only barely more than the angry female cleric. I generally speak my thoughts, and practice hiding what I don't want known by my kin. You won't pierce my innermost thoughts easily, but please continue to try. I will probe your minds as much as I like, but you can't cast that spell many more times. It is a rather poor imitation of what we do naturally, after all."

With a sigh the doppelganger looks into a middle space between the PCs. It shifts its appearance to that of Ilya Starmane and continues in her voice. "You caught me after I'd been in the home of the Starmane family for over a month. I don't know who you are...oh wait...your names are Marzena, Olofire, Lydia, Frederick, and Jan." As it says everyone's name it shifts into their forms briefly, without otherwise moving. Then it stops its games and settles back into its smooth-skinned, featureless form once more. "I don't know why Frederick" (brief flicker of imitating the half-orc) "was in one of our cells...oh! All of you have been in a cell, and escaped. How unfortunate...I still don't know why my kin targeted you. You know where our lair is, but you're here trying to learn more. Well, I won't give you much, but I will give you much less if you keep asking poorly considered questions..."

The doppelganger can use Detect Thoughts naturally as a spell-like effect at will. It's dialogue is consistent with what Marzena gets via her spell.

It is reasonably intimidated, though it also knows it is mostly safe in custody. And it is answering your questions, such as they are...

[Gwynfrid]

Marzena's eyes widen. But, if she's taken aback by the doppelganger's story - she has to admit to herself that she is - it doesn't last. With a calm voice, she replies: "Thank you. We just learned something that we didn't know. Something that makes your kin even more of a dangerous enemy to any citizen of this city. Like you said... You impersonate people, that's what you did, right? Mind telling us why you chose the Starmane household?"