Act II: Penumbra

[Grodech]

"So, if this is ritualistic in nature, would the other bodies be buried someplace similar?" Nirili asks (assuming Viales passed on that info). "Or, maybe its directional. One North, South, East and West of a certain point?"

[Charon]

Viales can roll Arcana to help him answer that question. Timidity also has something to say about that topic, so I'll take Viales' roll then combine the two.

[Cmdr Maxwell]

"I had entertained that notion, and it is plausible. But something about this just doesn't sit well within."

Knowledge Arcana: 1d20+11

The area where the gallows is, is it a well travelled area or is it somewhat out of sight of the main traffic? Basically, was the body buried here so that it could be seen?

[Charon]

North, East, South, West, Viales? Hmph, maybe for druidic rituals. But this is arcana for sure.
It isn't a well trafficked area in general. Obviously on those rare occasions where a hanging is to take place, such a thing is a public event. That's why this is out here, where there is space for people to congregate and good sightlines to the raised platform.
No, you're pretty sure the body being found was an unfortunate slipup for the culprit. This was placed here more as an offering. It's the site that is important and its link to death, specifically the death of people who might have murdered, raped or otherwise committed vile crimes.
You cast your learned eye around the place, follow Timidity's gaze over to the harbour and then across to the southern edge of the town.
Of course, it occurs to you, Setek wouldn't have been hanged here. The south side of Heavensholm is newer. The town initially sprung up on the north bank of the river and expanded across as trade grew.

(Just for clarity, I'm using north and south here referring to the upper and lower sections on the map which I realise doesn't match the compass symbol. I didn't figure out how to change the compass back when I made it so just assume north is up as is usual.)

[Cmdr Maxwell]

Viales contemplates this facet of information. The connotation of this location isn't lost on him. There were three sacrifices so far. One more to complete the circle. How many gallow sites like this in Heavensholm?

"Given the apparent devotion to Setek, where he was hanged would be a most logical location for their...activities."

[Charon]

"Hmm, well we can't find that out because someone stole the Setek file." Timidity growls.

[Cmdr Maxwell]

"We can make a logical deduction. Starting with the oldest gallows on the south bank would be a logical place to start."

OOC: Remind me, how long until the next full moon?

[Charon]

So, Viales assesses the information you have so far. Tegwin believed the girls were going missing on Saturdays. He also said the first went missing just after the full moon. Given that a full moon occurs every 29 to 30 days, this does indeed line up. Saturday night will be the next full moon. You got the note from Garim on Tuesday, left Plenty on Wednesday, arrived in Heavensholm on Thursday, which would make today Friday.
Startled you realise, the full moon... is tomorrow night!