The party decided the best course of action would be to first revisit the scene of the crime. At the Applegate manor they were greeted by the butler, Jasper, and led into Claude Applegate’s quarters. At the party’s request the gentleman recounted all that he had experienced that fateful evening. After some pointed questions, he divulged further details regarding the nature of the relationship between his son and Evelyn.
Despite Miko's conviction that the murder was Jasper’s doing, the group searched for more clues. The murder weapon was missing, though a dagger was conspicuously absent from a decorative set elsewhere in the manor. Pamaris spoke with the local squirrels and gleaned that a figure had been seen entring the home via trellis the night of the murder. She questioned them regarding the whereabouts of the missing knife, but they were unable to give her further details. From Jasper they learned that the young lord Applegate’s former wife, Posey, was not a kind woman. After the divorce, she had been forced to move to a home in the Scoddyrocks district.
After interrogating Lord Applegate, the party made their way to the Amber Forge, intending to speak to the victim who had been attacked by the man in the cell. The group was greeted by Hannifen, the Amber forge’s apprentice and front-of-house staff. The young half-elven woman greeted the group warmly, and seemed to recognize Miko based on reputation. They were granted an audience with Bethel Amber. Using a slate and chalk, Bethel was able to give details of the incident, leading the party to believe that her assault was not a random incident, but a targeted attack. However, she was hesitant to divulge anything further.
Next, the group sought out Posey’s home in the Scoddyrocks. Pamaris, Poe, and Miko took some time to disguise themselves as followers of the Black Hunter, thinking it would aid their investigation. However, there was no response at the door. Inside, they were met with a strange sight. While the meager home was unremarkable on the extrior, the interior was filled with valuable items from fine woven rugs to trinket boxes and silverware. Framed on the wall of Posey's bedroom was what appeared to be the knife used to kill Peter Applegate. Posey, however, was dead, seemingly victim to whatever had also killed the man in the cell. Pamaris discoveed a pair of curse tablets buried in the yard, indicating something far more sinister at hand. It seemed Posey had invoked the Black Hunter for revenge against her ex-husband and his new bride.
The group spotted a slimy trail leading to the sewers beneath the city and gave chase. Within the fetid, labyrinthine tunnels they were ambushed by an oozing creature with a vaguely humanoid face. The party was able to fend it off, but it fled and escaped before they were able to stop it completely.
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