Case File 2500198

by S.B. MacCreery

International Committee for Magical Usage Investigation Report

Location: 53 Honeycrest Road, Bellmyre, Kingdom of Ibios
Nature of Complaint: Magical Appearance of Deceased Body
Date Incident Occurred: Septa, 2 Waxing Gibbous, 25 SV
Officer Assigned: Detective Xyrr Morlee
Detailed Report: [transcribed for record by Eveluna Rorrase]

Officers were dispatched to the Nightingale Tavern to investigate a report of a deceased man magically materializing amid Victoire Day festivities. Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the corpse positioned atop a table in the middle of the tavern hall with lingering magical signatures. Despite the lack of obvious signs of injury, the presence of blood on the victim’s person and splattered on the table suggests that a physical altercation took place prior to the body’s arrival. The victim was dressed in worn dirt-covered clothes of unknown origin. A plain iron crown sat on his head, pulsing with a dim aura to be analyzed by the Magical Properties and Artifacts Lab. Upon attempted removal, it was evident that the crown had fused to the victim’s head. No conclusions have been drawn at this time about the nature of the artifact.

Witness statements were collected, and it was deduced that with the tavern lights out, no one saw how the body came to be on the table. The magical signatures at the scene were collected by ICMU personnel. The body and artifact have been moved to the mortuary for an autopsy.

At this time, Detective Morlee has moved this case to High Priority and has recommended that positive identification of the victim and the magical artifact should be the ICMU’s top concern.

Case No. 2500198

Detective Notes — Transcribed for Record from the personal journal of Xyrr Morlee

Septa, 3 Waxing Gibbous, 25 SV

I’ve been rereading witness statements from the incident on Victoire Day for the past hour. They all say the same thing—no one saw anything. A room filled with people, yet no one can tell me more than when the lights turned on there was suddenly a body lying on the table. The mayor is hounding the ICMU for answers, and Chief Hawthorne is breathing down my neck to find something.

The new intern, Eve, just stopped by to drop off a letter officers confiscated from the mail office today. She says it almost slipped through the tracing spell except that I was mentioned by name. Hopefully, it will prove more promising than these statements.

Eve asked if I thought it was really the crown like everyone’s been saying—the fabled crown of Dolerissand, lost a thousand years ago. I told her they were just rumors, but she didn’t seem convinced. I remembered the wide-eyed wonder I used to have for this job when I was fresh out of the academy. Her curiosity is refreshing—should serve her well if the ICMU doesn’t drag it out of her. I let her collect the coroner’s notes and see the thing for herself. Maybe that will ease her mind.

CASE NO. 2500198 — Evidence Log: Document 1
Evidence Details: Confiscated Letter of Imogen Claymere to Beatrix Lellune 

Bea,

I had to write you immediately! You’ll never believe me when I tell you what happened last night. Ferro, Delilah, and I were all having dinner at the Nightingale Tavern to celebrate Victoire Day when all of the candles on the table began flickering out. A terrible shaking rattled all the bottles above the bar, knocking a few to the ground, including my favorite bottle of elderflower spirits. I thought at first there had been some terrible accident with the firecracker display, but then every light in the place went out.

Suddenly, Delilah, no surprise, let out this gods-awful screech. I couldn’t see a thing, but I could hear everyone scrambling about in the dark. Then, even louder than Delilah’s scream, a horrid pop rang out! I will admit, dear Bea, I believed we were under attack and dove under the table, smacking my head on the edge, only for the lights to turn back on.

All around the tavern gasps sounded, quickly followed by shouts and, of course, another scream from Delilah. I found myself curious enough to stand up and find the source of the commotion, only to see a man, covered in dirt and blood, laying on our table. It was such a frightful scene! The poor man’s eyes were still open though it was clear he had already passed into the gods’ embrace.

Needless to say, the ICMU was called for and the officers quickly ushered us away. They wouldn’t even allow me to go back for my drink!

But Bea, the main reason I am writing you is a matter the detective, a burly man named Xyrr, swore us to secrecy about. I just know if this got out, the whole kingdom would be banging down the ICMU doors for answers. On the dead man’s head sat that strange crown they just published an article about in the papers: the Spectral Crown.

I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself. Ferro, being Ferro, even tried to pull it from the man’s head, with no luck. I don’t know what this means for the fate of our kingdom, or for Dolerissand, but it felt too curious not to share.

I do hope your Victoire Day was less traumatic than my own and that you and the children are in good health. Ferro and I plan to visit you and Galvyre by the end of the cycle. I’ve heard that the mountains of Dunnkeep are a sight to behold in Octa.

Your friend,
Imogen

CASE NO. 2500198 — Evidence Log: Document 2
Evidence Details: Autopsy Report

Report of Investigation for ICMU

Coroner’s Notes: [transcribed for record by Eveluna Rorrase]

An autopsy was conducted on the unidentified body of a male on Septa, 3 Waxing Gibbous, 25 SV. After the body was bathed of all dirt and blood, no puncture wounds or external injuries could be found, concluding that the blood was from another source. Samples have been collected and sent to the Magical Properties and Artifacts lab for further testing.

It is the coroner’s professional opinion that the deceased succumbed to internal injuries that led to his death prior to his appearance at the tavern. Trauma to the major organs indicates the deceased engaged in a physical altercation antemortem, but lack of bruising remains inconsistent with this theory. Blood samples were taken for testing and results are awaited before any further speculation.

Through trial-and-error tests, it was determined that the magical artifact attached to the deceased’s head was unable to be removed manually. Therefore, the body shall be transferred to the MPA lab to undergo further testing.

Reports have been filed with all major towns within Ibios in an attempt to properly identify the body, and ravens have been sent across the rift to the ICMU departments in Vritha and Dolerissand to notify them.

CASE NO. 2500198 — Evidence Log: Document 3
Evidence Details: Secondary Witness Interview

[Begin Transcript]

Detective Xyrr [DX]: Please state your name for the record.

Ferronius Vathana [FV]: Ferronius—Ferro—Vathana.

DX: Thank you Mr. Vathana. Now, I have a confiscated letter alleging that you touched the body at the Nightingale Tavern before officers arrived at the scene. Is this correct?

FV: Yes sir, but I just wanted to touch the crown, you know?

DX: And why is that?

FV: Well, it’s the Spectral Crown, right? So I figured if it came off then it had picked me.

DX: Why did you believe it to be the Spectral Crown?

FV: It had this glow to it. Real magical like. And I read about it in that paper they posted last cycle, so I…I don’t know. I thought there was a good chance.

DX: You are aware, Mr. Vathana, that the real Spectral Crown of myth disappeared over a thousand years ago with the goddess Cinnamae?

FV: Yes sir, but—

DX: And that tampering with a body during an official investigation can result in criminal charges?

FV: Um…No sir, I…I wasn’t trying to mess with anything. I just wanted to touch the crown, is all.

DX: There’s currently no evidence to suggest that your interference has affected the case, but this serves as your official warning Mr. Vathana. Please stay in town until the conclusion of our investigation.

FV: Uh…yes…yes sir.

[End of Transcript]

Detective Notes — Transcribed for Record from the personal journal of Xyrr Morlee

Septa, 5 Waxing Gibbous, 25 SV

The interview with Mr. Vathana was useless, just as I’d feared. I will admit that I let my temper get the better of me, but all anyone seems concerned with is that crown. Reporters are lined up outside for an interview to fill their gossip columns. Meanwhile, none of the evidence makes sense.

The coroner’s notes Eve brought me show signs of internal damage, yet there’s no external bruising. The corpse is covered in blood, yet none of it is his own. With every new bit of information, I’m met with more and more questions. The MPA reports should answer some of these questions. I hope.

Eve has been less chatty than usual. Perhaps I shouldn’t have let her go to the mortuary alone. Ever since she’s seemed distracted. I had to remind her twice to finish her transcription of the coroner’s report. I know it’s not the first dead body she’s seen, but something about this case seems to be affecting her. I for one will be more than happy to close it and never have to hear about that crown ever again.

CASE NO. 2500198 — Evidence Log: Document 4
Evidence Details: Toxicology & Blood Report from MPA

Magical Properties and Artifacts Report

– Magical Properties Detailed Analysis –

Sample Markers: Presence of viscous black RuneX-antibodies. Indication of magical heritage.
Magic Type Detected: Spatial Manipulation – Teleportation
Additional Notes: Technicians noted during the sanquimagiae analysis an additional, infrequent gold antibody accompanying the traditional black antibodies present in humans with magical abilities. Subsequent tests are required to isolate these gold antibodies for further study.

– Toxicology Report for Blood Sample –

Presence of Biological Toxins: None detected
Presence of Inorganic Toxins: None detected
Presence of Magical Toxins: Presence of Ninyx detected.
Additional Notes: Ninyx was discovered attacking healthy blood cells in the sample. Of note, the gold antibodies described earlier were actively fighting against the toxin. More tests have been ordered to further study the abnormal behavior.

CASE NO. 2500198  — Evidence Log: Document 5
Evidence Details: Toxicology & Blood Report from MPA

Magical Properties and Artifacts Report

– Magical Properties Detailed Analysis –

Sample Markers: No presence of black Rune-X antibodies. No magical heritage detected.
Magic Type Detected: N/A
Additional Notes: Based upon lack of magical heritage it was confirmed that this blood did not belong to the deceased (who possessed teleportation magic) and an origin test was conducted.

– Toxicology Report for Blood Sample

Presence of Biological Toxins: None detected
Presence of Inorganic Toxins: None detected
Presence of Magical Toxins: None detected                             

– Blood Origin Report –

Identifying Blood Markers: Presence of additional genetic markers – single mutated gene branch between markers LuN7 and LuN8
Blood Origin Results: Half-Elf

Detective Notes — Transcribed for Record from the personal journal of Xyrr Morlee

Septa, 6 Waxing Gibbous, 25 SV

Finally, some insight in this wretched case. The MPA toxicology reports have come in for the bloods samples, and now I finally have at least some answers, along with even more questions.

The use of Ninyx is something I haven’t seen since the Ending War. Back then, it was everywhere. Doctors would carry it with them to cure the infected of DodderBlight. Once the mages at Dranmore cured the blight, the use of Ninyx declined, but they did find that in larger doses it caused significant damage to vital organs, similar to what the coroner noted for the deceased. So that at least explains cause of death, but not how the body ended up in a tavern in Bellmyre.

The second report, on the blood covering the corpse, also proved to be interesting. Elves and Half-Elves never travelled across the rift after the Ending War. After their loss, most of them went into hiding. And the largest Half-Elf population that I know of still resides in Dolerissand. Which means that this body may have somehow teleported all the way across the rift…

I’ve sent another raven to the Dolerissand ICMU headquarters with my findings and hope to hear back soon. The MPA report for the crown is due by the end of the day—if Eve remembers to pick it up before they close—though I don’t expect to learn much from it.

Detective Notes — Transcribed for Record from the personal journal of Xyrr Morlee

Septa, 6 Waxing Gibbous, 25 SV

I can’t believe it’s actually real.

CASE NO. 2500198 — Evidence Log: Document 7
Evidence Details: Missive from the ICMU of Dolerissand

Date: Septa, Full Moon, 25 SV

Detective Morlee,

You are requested at once to cease efforts regarding Case Number 2500198 per order of the Collective Monarchy of Dolerissand. It is our understanding that the body recovered was a known fugitive of the law in Dolerissand. The deceased, Edidon Fenmaris, had until recently been detained by the Collective until his teleportation to Ibios, as such they exercise their claim for jurisdiction. All reports and documents should be immediately delivered to our offices in Mireworth, and the body transferred within the cycle across the rift. The Collective has requested that all artifacts recovered with the body be included in the transport.

We hope for your full cooperation in this matter.

Josymin Hadlar

Head Investigator
International Committee of Magical Usage
Dolerissand Division

CASE NO. 2500198 — Evidence Log: Document 8
Evidence Details: Copy of Missive from Detective Morlee to ICMU Dolerissand

 Date: Septa, 3 Waning Gibbous, 25 SV

Head Investigator Hadlar,

We at the ICMU in Ibios are more than happy to cede Case Number 2500198 to the capable detectives in Dolerissand. Based on the evidence uncovered thus far, I’d felt that the natural course of this case would lead us across the rift to Dolerissand.

My colleague, Ms. Rorrase, has attached all relevant case files collected thus far to this missive, including the MPA analysis of the artifact confirming its true identity. The body shall be prepared and shipped later today to reach your headquarters in Mireworth no later than the Final Quarter.

Do not hesitate to reach out with any further questions.

Xyrr Morlee

Senior Detective
International Committee of Magical Usage
Ibios Division

Detective Notes — Transcribed for Record from the personal journal of Xyrr Morlee

Septa, 4 Waning Gibbous, 25 SV

            I can’t shake the feeling in my gut that something about this case is wrong. The offices in Dolerissand sent missives to cede the case to them, which I’m doing willingly, but something about it doesn’t sit right. More than anything, the thought of it remaining unsolved is enough to keep me up at night. What happened to that man before he teleported? How did the crown end up across the rift—so far from Dolerissand soil? I worry the Collective has their hands in this, but it’s no longer my jurisdiction.

            Eve offered to help with the transport. I was hesitant to let her with how strongly the case has affected her, but she was adamant. That kind of commitment will make her a fine detective one day, though when I told her as much she only offered a small smile. I think we’ll both feel better once that crown leaves Ibios. Eve’s been working even longer hours than I have—coming in before the sun rises and leaving well after it sets according to the front desk clerks. I should be sure to remind her that there’s more to life than what happens within the halls of the ICMU.

CASE NO. 2500198 — Evidence Log: Document 9
Evidence Details: Copy of Missives between Detective Morlee and Head Investigator Hadlar

Date: Septa, 5 Waning Gibbous, 25 SV

Detective Morlee,

I thank you for sending over the case details. However, it seems that the MPA analysis on the artifact was missing from the files you sent.

Please send it or a copy post-haste.

Josymin Hadlar

-

Date: Septa, 7 Waning Gibbous, 25 SV

Head Inspector Hadlar,

My sincerest apologies but it seems that all copies of the MPA report regarding the crown have disappeared from the ICMU headquarters. I am currently working with the technician at the MPA to try to piece together a new report based on their observations. The body is on its way across the rift and should be in your possession by the end of the quarter.

Xyrr Morlee

Detective Notes — Transcribed for Record from the personal journal of Xyrr Morlee

Septa, 7 Waning Gibbous, 25 SV

            I’ve scoured my office high and low for the missing MPA report, and I can’t find it anywhere. The techs who worked on the crown have been searching through their notes but no record of their testing seems to exist. Captain Hawthorne is on a rampage. He’s threatened to fire all of us if we can’t find—

            A missive was just delivered from Dolerissand. The crown is missing. How could this have happened? If we can’t find it, Dolerissand will send agents across the rift… They’ll start a manhunt… I need to tell the Captain. The city will need to be locked down.

Detective Notes — Transcribed for Record from the personal journal of Xyrr Morlee

Septa, 3 Waning Cresent, 25 SV

            Eve didn’t show for work yesterday and I can’t… I refuse to believe that she would be involved, despite the evidence that’s starting to point her way. I personally checked the log reports for transport. She was the last person seen with the corpse before it was loaded.

            I tried to go to her apartment and talk before Dolerissand arrives, but she wasn’t there. They’re sending were-hounds… Nowhere will be safe.

Ibios Celestial Times

Septa, 6 Waning Cresent, 25 SV
Vol. 325

Chaos Reigns in the International Committee of Magical Usage!

Earlier this quarter, authorities led a frantic manhunt through the headquarters of the ICMU searching for a stolen artifact in an ongoing investigation. The item in question is believed to be the mythical Spectral Crown once worn by the goddess Cinnamae during the Rise of Dolerissand. Since the goddess’s disappearance in 254 RD, the whereabouts of the magical artifact have been largely unknown to the greater public.

Theories have abounded, including some that believed the goddess took the crown to remain forever entombed with her and her lover, the hero Hadeyr. Other skeptics have believed that the Collective Monarchy of Dolerissand have kept the crown hidden somewhere beneath Mireworth for the scholars of Dranmore to study in secret. Indeed, just last lunar cycle, the Celestial Times published a full-length exposé about the secrets kept hidden by the Collective, which can be found, reprinted, on page three.

Though the nature of the artifact is not confirmed, it is clear that ICMU investigators have a case of international proportions on their hands. Officers from Dolerissand arrived a moon quarter ago with were-hounds trained to track the crown.

Our informants within the ICMU have told the Celestial Times that they are currently searching for an individual named Eveluna Rorrase, who they believe stole the artifact. This all stemmed from the recent magical teleportation case involving a deceased body at the Nightingale Tavern, reported on Victoire Day.

At this time, citizens are encouraged to come forward with any information they have about the magical artifact’s disappearance or the whereabouts of Ms. Rorrase. She was last seen exiting the ICMU headquarters on 1 Waning Cresent, carrying a leather backpack. Ms. Rorrase has silver-blonde hair, green eyes, and a pale complexion. Any information should be directed to Detective Xyrr Morlee at the ICMU.

We at the Celestial Times are committed to report the details of this case as they unfold, including all news from our sister paper, The Chariot, in Dolerissand. For an interview spot in the next article, please contact Axios Abrams in community outreach.

Detective Notes — Transcribed for Record from the personal journal of Xyrr Morlee

Octa, New Moon, 25V

            She sent me a letter—slipped it under my door while I was sleeping.

            I’ve read it a hundred times now. Each time I’m met with more doubts…more betrayal. How could I not have known? I’d mistakenly thought her curiosity was benign while she quietly stole the crown right from under our noses.

            I expect that officers will be here soon for my statement. A part of me wants to burn her letter before they arrive…but I can’t make myself do it. Maybe she’s right.

#

Xyrr,

I know my disappearance must have been a shock. I know my deception was probably an even greater one. But everything I’ve done and everything I will do is for the good of the kingdom.

Words could never express the moment of fear that overtook me when I saw my brother dead upon that mortuary table—that gods-damned crown still on his head. I never told you of my magic, or my family.

We’d left Dolerissand ten years ago, eager to begin new lives across the rift, and to escape the fate that dogged at Edidon’s heels. He already had the crown then. I changed my name and joined the academy to keep us one step ahead of Dolerissand’s agents, but Edidon could never settle. His magic was always begging him to jump from place to place. He left to travel the world, and we grew out of touch.

I believed him to be safe—to be happy somewhere across the seas in Riaysios, so you’ll imagine my shock when his lifeless face greeted me on that table.

I read through the case reports. I saw your notes. I realized that the Collective locked my brother away to keep the crown for themselves, because they’d done the same to the wearer before Edidon: a poor Vrithan girl. They’d kept her in a cage far below the castle until she was rescued.

It pained me to hear that you planned to send my poor brother’s body back across the rift, and I began planning. I couldn’t be sure the crown would accept me, but I had to try. I knew I couldn’t let Dolerissand have it again.

I hope no blame comes your way. I acted alone in this, and you can tell anyone who questions you that you aren’t held accountable. Keep this letter if you must, explaining my actions.

I fear a war looms in our future, Detective. The Collective Monarchs have grown too comfortable in their power, and their reach extends through the rift, seeking more. I’m not naïve enough to ask you to stand against your comrades and come to my aid. I hope you know I fight for our future by taking the crown. I hope you know that I am not your enemy.

Sincerely,
Eveluna

© Copyright 2025 S.B. MacCreery

About the Author

S.B. MacCreery is an aspiring writer in dark fantasy with a focus on myths, legends, and folklore. When not writing, she enjoys spending time with her loving husband, cryptid dog, and overly fluffy cat. Taking a break from horticulture-related jobs, S.B. decided to pursue her interests in the dark arts of sentence structure, the arcane mechanisms of point of view and the unspeakable knowledge one must obtain to write a good short story.