We are playing Yuigaron's Sworn by Ghostlight tri-fold game available on his itch site. Check out Session Zero for more on the character, Detective Tiberius R. Remus, the city of Mónaþstone, and the Ebon Wood Effigy case.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Tiberius R. Remus, Occult Detective
Personal Case Notes
2 January, 1935 GLR
1420
Tubblebottom's Bountiful Botany, Ember Lane, Mónaþstone
Elijah Tubblebottom's shop sat between two large cobblestone townhomes. The wooden structure was a rarity in Mónaþstone. Since the fire that wiped out much of the downtown district a century ago, most buildings were built of brick or stone. As if the architecture wasn't indication enough, a sign hanging from two blackened chains read "Tubblebottom's Bountiful Botany, Founded 2049."
"How old is this place?" Belright asked as we approached the building.
"Surely it isn't as old as the sign says."
"If it is, that means it was around before the moon cracked."
"That's impossible. And even if it were possible, it surely would have burnt with the rest of the district in the Great Fire," I replied. I wasn't as sure as I sounded, however. There was something about this building that emanated the supernatural. It nagged at the corners of my perception like a gnat in the summertime.
"Tubblebottom is a warlock. Perhaps he comes from a long line of warlocks?"
"Perhaps," I surveyed the sign again, but clarity was elusive. "Shall we knock?"
Ask the Oracle
We climbed the creaking timber steps leading onto the covered porch. Several dead plants lined the front wall of the building, but a shimmering green light flashed as I stepped up onto the landing and the plants sprouted vibrant green leaves, and flowers bloomed before our eyes.
"You weren't kidding, this Tubblebottom certainly has some affinity with magic."
"I told you, detective. He's not some hedge mage, all lights and smoke. Tubblebottom's the real deal."
"We must be cautious, then my good Miss Belright."
I knocked on the door, two quick raps with my knuckles, and it swung open quietly of its own accord.
Ask the Oracle
"Welcome, Detective Remus. I've been expecting you." A booming, deep voice echoed through the dim room we stepped into. "And you too, Miss Belright. I hear you show great promise."
"Mr. Tubblebottom, I presume?" I asked, stepping further into the room. "Care to show yourself?"
"Ah, that would be much too mundane. Wouldn't it?" The disembodied voice chuckled. "Instead, why don't you gaze into the crystal upon the counter and we may converse face to face."
A light suddenly flickered on, illuminating a large cluster of transparent crystals. Ghostlight energy radiated off of it in intense waves, causing me to squint my eyes as I approached. I could feel Miss Belright just behind me, her breathing heavy in what I took to be excitement.
Inside the crystal, despite the radiance of the Ghostlight emanating from it, I could clearly see a thin, sharp-featured man of middle years. His eyes were a striking blue—like ice—beneath bushy black eyebrows. Salt and pepper hair was slicked back, and a matching beard flowed elegantly down his chest.
"So nice to finally meet you in person, Detective Remus. May I call you Tiberius?"
"Detective Remus, if you please."
"So formal. Fine, fine. Detective it is. What brings you to the last surviving Apothecary of the old world?"
"I suspect you are well aware of why we are here, Mr. Tubblebottom."
"Call me Eli, please."
"Fine, Mr. Tubblebottom. Eli. I believe you know why we have come."
"Indeed, Detective. You have found all the pieces to the puzzle."
"Speak plainly." I was quickly growing tired of Elijah Tubblebottom's antics.
"The puzzle of the Ebon-wood Maiden. You have been investigating the serial killings, have you not?"
"That is common knowledge, if you read the Gazette at all."
"True indeed. You have been on the case since the first victim, a young scientist from the University, I believe. "
"Camden Corridge, yes."
"A pity, that one had a bright future."
"How do you know this?"
"I know many things, Detective."
"Since you know so much, tell me what you can about Aconitum napellus?"
Action
"Wolfsbane? Why, I know much of the Aconite variety. I keep a few in my personal garden, actually."
"And what would one use Wolfsbane for?"
"Many things, detective."
"How about poisoning?" Belright asked, brushing past me to better see into the crystal.
"Indeed, that was its historic use. A concentration of Wolfsbane is enough to kill instantly, with very little evidence."
"Have you sold or given away any of it?" Belright asked again.
"I have not. Let's just say the survival of the species is important to me. Much of the family didn't survive the Ghostlight event. In my estimation, any members of the Aconite family are invaluable."
"Where would someone find Aconitum napellus then?" I asked.
"Nowhere, Detective."
"How can you be so sure?"
"I have my ways. I am a respected botanist. I have worked with the University on several occasions and know much about the botanical world."
Action Results
Resource Update
"Where are you now?"
"Somewhere you cannot come, Detective. Though perhaps you will find me soon enough."
"Are you responsible for these murders?"
"I would be a fool to confess to such a thing, or to deny it. What do you think, Detective? Knowing all the facts."
"He's toying with us, Detective," Belright whispered to me.
"Miss Belright, I see the Detective's estimation of you is accurate. I am, as you say, toying with you."
Action
"Are you responsible then?" I asked.
"What does the evidence tell you, Detective Remus?"
Before I could respond, the warlock laughed. The sound was menacing and radiated magic. The crystal on the counter began to change color rapidly, going from clear to a bright, menacing red.
Action Results
Resource Update
"Get down!" Miss Belright cried.
Action
Miss Belright grabbed my arm and tugged me to the ground just as the crystal erupted in an explosion of razor sharp shards. The shattering was accompanied by a blinding flash and the angry shout of Elijah Tubblebottom.
"You were lucky, Detective. The next time we meet, you will not be so."
The light that illuminated the crystal and the counter went out, leaving Miss Belright and I tangled up on the floor in the dark, covered in the shards and dust of the ruptured crystal.
| Move | Dice Roll | Mechanical Outcome |
| ----- | --------- | -------------- |
| |
| Resource | Amount |
| -------- | ------ |
| Momentum | +3/10 |
"Are you alright, Miss Belright?" I asked as I pushed myself into a crouch, then stood. I extended my hand to the woman.
"I think so, Detective," she replied as she took my hand and I pulled her to her feet.
Action Result
Resource Update
"Looks like we have our murderer."
"But we have no idea where he is," she replied, now standing beside me.
"True. Let's get a team down here, and investigate this shop. Perhaps that will lead us to Tubblebottom."
"I'll put in the call, Detective."
"Thank you Miss Belright. You have done exceptional work today."
"Thank you, sir."
I waved away her thanks and pulled out the small torch I keep in my coat pocket. I didn't know what we would find in Tubblebottom's shop, but I hoped for a strong lead on his location and, perhaps, his motives.
Ask the Oracle
Will the Warlock, Elijah Tubblebottom, escape Detective Remus? Or will our good Detective and his ally, the brilliant Miss Belright, be able to discover his location and stop him before he kills again? Find out in Case Log 6 of Sworn by Ghostlight, an adventure written and designed by Matthew John (@Yuigaron on Twitter).
Comments