Created by anonymous
Generated on December 6, 2024 in 4m 14s
Playing as Unknown Character
Step into the shoes of detective Ravmere as you investigate the disappearance of a priceless manuscript - the Treaty of Verdun - from a medieval castle's archives. This crucial document that shaped the destiny of France has vanished, and three castle inhabitants each tell a different tale: a paranoid treasurer, a knowledgeable herbalist, and a perceptive grave-tender. Explore the castle grounds, piece together conflicting testimonies, and uncover how present-day greed intertwines with the echoes of ancient politics. Can you recover this invaluable piece of history before it's lost forever?
This story will teach me a lot about the historical formation of France, including key dates, people battles, etc.
In a medieval castle, a priceless manuscript detailing the Treaty of Verdun of 843 AD has disappeared. This treaty was crucial in dividing the Carolingian Empire among Charlemagne's grandsons, leading to the formation of West Francia, the precursor to modern France. Ravmere, a detective, is summoned to uncover the mystery of the missing manuscript. The three characters Ravmere interacts with are Kaspar the Coin-Counter, Elara the Herbalist, and Grimwald the Grave-Tender. Kaspar the Coin-Counter informs Ravmere that he has noticed significant discrepancies in the castle's treasury, suggesting someone might be stealing funds. He mentions seeing Elara the Herbalist entering the archives late at night, implying she might be involved in the disappearance of valuable items. Kaspar emphasizes the importance of the missing manuscript, noting how the Treaty of Verdun established the boundaries that would shape Europe, particularly the area that became France. Elara the Herbalist admits to visiting the archives after hours but explains she was researching ancient remedies recorded during the reign of Charlemagne. She points out that Kaspar has been anxious lately, possibly due to financial pressures. Elara shares her knowledge about the historical significance of the Treaty of Verdun, discussing how the division of the empire led to ongoing conflicts and the eventual emergence of France as a distinct entity. She also mentions that Grimwald has been requesting unusual herbs associated with sleep and memory, hinting at his possible involvement. Grimwald the Grave-Tender confesses that he has been experiencing sleep troubles and sought Elara's herbs for relief. He reveals that he witnessed Kaspar burying a sealed box in the graveyard near the tomb of a noble connected to the Carolingian lineage. Grimwald shares stories about the fragmentation of Charlemagne's empire and key battles such as the Battle of Fontenoy in 841 AD, which preceded the treaty. His account suggests that Kaspar might be hiding something valuable. In his investigation, Ravmere first speaks with Kaspar, who casts suspicion on Elara due to her late-night archive visits. Kaspar's emphasis on the missing funds and the importance of the manuscript seems deflective. Ravmere notes Kaspar's knowledge of the castle's finances and his access to restricted areas. Ravmere then talks to Elara, who provides a reasonable explanation for her archive visits and sheds light on Kaspar's nervous demeanor. Her insights into the historical context of the Treaty of Verdun help Ravmere understand the manuscript's significance. She implies that Kaspar's financial concerns might be a motive for theft. Finally, Ravmere meets Grimwald, who provides crucial information about Kaspar's actions in the graveyard. Grimwald's observation of Kaspar burying a box matches the timeline of the manuscript's disappearance. He leads Ravmere to the burial site, strengthening the evidence against Kaspar. Grimwald's stories about the empire's division after Charlemagne's death and the resulting formation of France deepen Ravmere's appreciation of the manuscript's importance. Using logical deduction, Ravmere concludes that Kaspar stole the manuscript to sell it and cover up his embezzlement of castle funds. Kaspar's attempt to implicate Elara, combined with his access to both the archives and financial records, points to his guilt. The eyewitness account from Grimwald confirms Kaspar's involvement. Ravmere retrieves the buried manuscript and confronts Kaspar, who admits to the theft under the weight of the evidence. Kaspar confesses that he planned to sell the manuscript to pay off debts incurred from mismanaging the treasury. Throughout the investigation, Ravmere learns about the historical formation of France. Conversations with the NPCs provide insights into the Treaty of Verdun, the division of the Carolingian Empire, the significance of battles like Fontenoy, and how these events led to the establishment of West Francia. The interplay of clues and historical knowledge allows Ravmere to solve the mystery using rigorous logic, demonstrating how interconnected personal motives and historical artifacts can be.
Treasury Manager, 45 years old
Hey Ravmere, I've been pulling my hair out over these ledgers. Someone's definitely been cooking the books, and now this priceless manuscript vanishes? Listen, between you and me, I've seen Elara sneaking around the archives after dark. Just saying.
Why do they call you Coin-Counter anyway?
Ha! Started as a joke really. Used to count every coin twice, sometimes three times as a young apprentice. Drove my mentor mad with my obsession for accuracy. The name stuck, though these days I wish I'd been a bit more... flexible with the numbers.
What exactly is wrong with the ledgers?
Well, there are missing funds from the past three months. Gold that should be here simply isn't. And strangely enough, these discrepancies started right around when Elara began making her nightly visits to the archives. Makes you think, doesn't it?
Why do you work with numbers all day?
I feel numbers in my center of emotion, they speak to me clearly.
Herbalist, 35 years old
Detective Ravmere, I saw you checking out my garden earlier. Those nightshade blooms aren't just for show - been mixing remedies since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. And before you ask, yes, I was in the archives last night. Hard to read ancient medical texts by candlelight when everyone's awake and bothering you about their sniffles.
Who taught you about herbs and remedies?
My grandmother was the castle's herbalist before me. She'd wake me before dawn to gather fresh herbs, teaching me which plants could heal and which could harm. She passed five winters ago, but I still hear her voice sometimes when I'm working in the garden - especially when I'm handling the tricky ones like nightshade.
What ancient medical texts were you reading in the archives?
Charlemagne's personal physician kept detailed records of healing herbs and their uses. I was particularly interested in his notes about nightshade derivatives - turns out our friend Kaspar's been asking around about sleeping draughts. Peculiar, don't you think?
Why do you always avoid the castle's royal hall?
I get nervous around the royal seat where all those nobles gather to gossip.
Gravekeeper, 60 years old
Hey Ravmere, I've got something you need to hear. Been tending these grounds for thirty years, and last night I saw something that doesn't sit right with me. And no, it wasn't one of my usual residents getting restless.
How do you stay sane after thirty years among the dead?
Ha! Who says I'm sane? But truth be told, the dead make better company than most of the living. They don't judge, don't scheme, and they're excellent listeners. Sometimes I'll share a drink with them and tell them stories of what's happening above ground. Keeps me grounded, in a strange way.
What exactly did you see in the graveyard last night?
I spotted Kaspar, of all people, sneaking around the Carolingian noble's tomb. He was carrying a wooden box and digging in the earth by moonlight. Strange behavior for our treasurer, wouldn't you say? Especially since he's usually too proud to get his hands dirty with any actual digging.
What did you see in the graveyard last night?
I saw a strange mist ascend from below the ancient tomb stones.
Characters present: Kaspar the Coin-Counter, Elara the Herbalist, Grimwald the Grave-Tender
Characters present: Grimwald the Grave-Tender
Listen Ravmere, I've been keeping the peace between the living and the dead for three decades now, and what I saw changes everything. Last night, I watched Kaspar burying that manuscript near the Carolingian tomb - ironic really, considering it's a document about dividing up an empire, and here he was, dividing himself between greed and duty. I didn't say anything right away because, well, sometimes you need to let things play out. But between his suspicious behavior, those missing funds he's been trying to pin on Elara, and that manuscript turning up right where I saw him digging - it's all adding up to one clear truth. The dead may keep their secrets, but the living always leave traces behind.
