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Scene 2 — The Scene of the Crime

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The Palace of Thrune

Scene of the Crime • Pathfinder 2e

Setting: Egorian, Cheliax Location: Darian Thrune's Private Quarters Security: Hellknights & Devil-Sentinals Investigation Crime Scene

The Palace of Thrune looms before you—a fortress of black stone and iron, its spires clawing at the sky like the talons of some great beast. The air is thick with the scent of incense and brimstone, and the shadows seem to move of their own accord. Your forged papers are scrutinized carefully at every checkpoint before you are finally admitted to Darian Thrune's private quarters.

The room is a wreck. Furniture is overturned, papers are scattered across the floor like fallen leaves, and a large portrait of a stern-looking Chelish noble has been slashed—its face torn beyond recognition. In the center of the room lies a chalk outline, marking where Darian's body was found.

♛ The Mark

Branded into the floor near the outline is a stylized crown—the unmistakable signature of the assassin known as The Twice-Damned. The brand is precise and deliberate, burned deep into the stone as if by a supernatural flame. It glows faintly in the dim light, a grim reminder of the killer's skill.

The Twice-Damned: A legendary assassin whose identity has never been confirmed. The crown mark is their only signature, and it has been found at the scenes of some of the most politically significant murders in Chelish history. They were believed dead—until now.

🔍 Investigation

As you search the room, you find several key pieces of evidence:

  • The Hidden Journal: Beneath a loose floorboard, you discover a leather-bound journal. Its pages contain notes about a shadow contract—a document that could hold the key to the conspiracy.
  • Trail of Shadow: A faint trail of shadowy residue leads from the body toward the window. The window is unbroken, but the lock is undone—suggesting the killer entered and exited through shadow.
  • The Black Feather: Tucked beneath the overturned desk, you find a single black feather—unlike any known bird in Cheliax. Its surface seems to absorb light, and it is cold to the touch.
  • Disabled Wards: The room's warding charms—supposedly proof against scrying and teleportation—have been disabled. Their runes have been scratched out by a practiced hand.

Hellknight Guard a stern voice from the doorway

"You have five minutes before I must escort you out. Make the most of it."

He stands with his arms crossed, watching your every move. You will not be able to take anything with you—except what you can remember or conceal.

🌑 Shadow Magic

The trail of shadow residue and the disabled wards suggest the use of shadow magic—a rare and dangerous school of magic associated with the Shadow Plane. Those who wield it can step between shadows, teleport through darkness, and leave no trace. The feather may be a clue to the killer's identity—or a calling card.

Shadow Plane Teleportation Velstrac

🔎 Evidence Summary

📜 Hidden Journal

Notes about a shadow contract. Contains references to the velstrac and a meeting in the Shadow District.

Clue

🌑 Shadow Residue

A faint trail leading to the window. Suggests the killer used shadow magic to enter and exit.

Magic

🪶 Black Feather

A single feather, cold to the touch. May belong to a creature of the Shadow Plane.

Evidence

🔮 Disabled Wards

Warding charms scratched out. Someone with knowledge of arcane security disabled them.

Sabotage

"The crown burns brightest in the shadows, but even the brightest flame can be extinguished by a patient hand."

— Old Chelish proverb

The Palace of Thrune • Pathfinder 2e • Scene of the Crime

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