Absalom Abberations - A Pathfinder Society Tale

Game Master Brian Minhinnick

Roll 20 Campaign


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The Exchange

AC 32, T 11, FF 31; Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +6; Init +1; Per +20

The tian raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you actually believe that you failed." He looked at her intently. "You do? That would explain it. I thought you had a good degree of skepticism about the society when you were concerned about Hestram, but I guess that wasn't always the case. You're all fairly competent, and the society knows it. The Venture Captains are always sacrificing promising young talent to discover knowledge of things. It's fully within their wheelhouse to lie to you about your competency to get you to take the serum. I wouldn't be surprised if they neglected even trying to lie to me about it, but that's fairly hard to do and I was willing anyway."

He took a sip from his glass. Fairly pleased he was able to do so without breaking it. His fine control was getting better. He had spent the better part of a couple days learning to write again, and it seemed to have quite the impact on other areas as well. He looked around for the waitstaff as he idly considered the wine. "I wonder if they'll have a selection of fairly strong cheeses. I haven't tested them with my new palate yet."


HP: 50/50 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 19, T 13, FF 16; Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +6; Init +3; Per +14, low-light vision, scent
Altered Human Witch 8

Cladissa chuckles lightly. "Well, you weren't there for my trial. I'm surprised they let me have this chance." She inwardly marvels at her ability to laugh at her performance at the test. She had been mortified at the time and it had gnawed at her far too long.

She sniffs the air and confirms Mettera's guess. "They do. The fromagier is in the main room. I expect several varieties should push through to your palate."

She grows quiet, thinking on his other words as they summon the cheese expert. "Perhaps you're right," she says when they are alone again. "I never really believed in myself, so anything they could have told me about myself I would have believed, so long as it wasn't complimentary. But as I've said, I'm grateful for the serum, and the changes it's wrought. I wouldn't trade it for anything."

The Exchange

AC 32, T 11, FF 31; Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +6; Init +1; Per +20

A few cheeses later, and several pairings with the Riesling wine left him satisfied as for tastes. He'd never had expensive taste before, but it had definitely grown on him. Popping coins like candy only added to the problem. These cheeses were a fair bit less expensive than that, although it did depend on the denomination. "I am a bit curious about the special today. Hopefully we'll get some red meat or shellfish. I used to eat a fair amount of tuna, but I can't really stomach it anymore."

He took another swig of the flinty wine, enjoying the flavor of minerals on his tongue. "Speaking of which, perhaps we should get to the meat of the matter. You were interested in a little bit of commiseration? Perhaps you could tell me your story."


HP: 50/50 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 19, T 13, FF 16; Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +6; Init +3; Per +14, low-light vision, scent
Altered Human Witch 8

We're it not for her fur, Cladissa's blushing would have been evident. Instead, she just tugs at a lock of hair and pulls it over her eye. "Oh, right."

She takes a moment to order her thoughts, then begins. "Well, I was raised to believe that my mother would arrange my marriage, so I never attempted to date, outside of a few disastrous encounters. The less said about those, the better.

"Eight months ago, I rejected my mother's plan for my life. The first man who showed interest -- or, at least made it obvious that he desired me -- was Roald."

She straightens and tosses her hair with a shake of her head. "I was enraptured by the idea of being desired, by being courted. He... wasn t interested in that. He wanted... Well, he said he had 'needs.'"

She looks down at her lap. "Instead of being flattered, I felt ashamed. Like I had done something wrong by being inexperienced, and the only way to stay with him was to... you know."

She doesn't look up, and picks at the last of her meal.

She shrugs, still hiding her face from him. "So I left."


Eats popcorn...

The Exchange

AC 32, T 11, FF 31; Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +6; Init +1; Per +20

Mattera steepled his fingers together, staring intently at the girl in front of him though she refused to look up. "Family often provides a natural buffer in such instances. Rejecting an arranged marriage is understandable, but it still has consequences."

He flexed his fingers backwards until they all cracked, and released his fingers onto the table where his hands unconsciously stroked the linen tablecloth. "However in Roald's case, you handled it well. He believed you to be cheap, you disagreed. He likely throws low offers at modest and humble women, hoping their own degree of self worth is low as to give in to his demands. I have encountered his type before. If I saw him do it, I would have likely punched him in the face for the sake of human dignity." While he said this last sentence, he made a meaty fist with his left hand demonstrating his intent to insult rather than kill, if one was familiar with Tian culture.

He turned to the side himself, leaning an elbow on the table as he eyed his silverware, wondering if he should have it for dessert. As he fell into his own story, he said it in a detatched manner. His pain was old, and they'd lived together for a long time. "I fell in love with a coworker. But in Druma, relationships, in particular, love, is a terrible expense. As such, it's highly regulated. Since we were of different classes, we could never marry, and she isn't allowed dalliances due to her philosophy. Not to mention other complications that I'd rather not get into." He finished off his glass of wine instead of his fork, and continued.

"As long as I was sure that my feelings were not reciprocated, I could merely keep silent. After all, my heart could bear it as long as she was happy. When she fell for me, and was continually pained with my closeness and we were both miserable, it was time for me to leave. I miss her terribly, but it's better for us both this way. I've had to live with the strain for twelve years, while her feelings are relatively recent. It's possible for her to reverse her course, but it's going to take me quite some time. Since I've never loved anyone else, I have no idea how long it will take me to heal."

He looked at his empty cup, now completely drained. He set it down and awaited his companion's response. He'd never actually told anyone before, he wondered if he got his point across properly.


HP: 50/50 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 19, T 13, FF 16; Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +6; Init +3; Per +14, low-light vision, scent
Altered Human Witch 8

She looks up and watches the Tian man as he tells his story. Her eyes glisten with moisture. "That's so sad," she says.

After a platter of tiny cakes elegantly frosted arrives, she takes one and chews thoughtfully. "Thank you for your words about Roald. I wish I had something profound to say about your situation, though. I guess-- I guess knowing that she loved you too, that's something?

"I'm sorry. I'm bad at this." Her ears droop and she motions for the attendant to clear away the plates.

"Thank you for joining me for lunch."

The Exchange

AC 32, T 11, FF 31; Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +6; Init +1; Per +20

One taste of the frosted cakes was enough for him to realize they weren't something he'd like to try again. "I will admit, that she loved me too does bring me some satisfaction. But also guilt. No doubt she was at least impressed with my constancy. Also, feelings tend to grow from people who are attentive and obviously feel the same way. If I had stayed my affections from the beginning, she would have been far less tempted, and thus her suffering is at least partly my fault."

"But don't worry about not having anything to say. There really isn't any more to say. It does feel better just talking about it once." Letting out a bit of a sigh, he looked over the remains of the table for a bit of a distraction. Over all the food wasn't bad, although he wasn't quite filled. He could always get more later if necessary.

"As for lunch, it was my pleasure. I suppose we ought to get those samples to the laboratory." The tian man stood and straightened his shirt, resuming his business-like air. He offered his arm politely to the lady. "Shall we?"


HP: 50/50 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 19, T 13, FF 16; Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +6; Init +3; Per +14, low-light vision, scent
Altered Human Witch 8

"Yes, certainly," she agrees, feeling wistful and rather sad. But, that was the purpose of the meeting, she reminded herself. Commiserating was cathartic but rarely a joyful affair.

She accepts his arm and allows herself to be escorted from the restaurant.

========================

At the manor, she pads lightly into Nyug's chambers to offer her sample of blood for his experiments. She doesn't stay to chat, especially if Argor is there working. She donates her blood dutifully and then excuses herself back to her room. She leaves Cole there, sitting silently on one of Nyug's shelves, observing with his piercing yellow eyes.

Back at her room, she again realizes how empty it feels without Jannicke. Though, she remembers, it was probably for the best that she not be in the manor while Argor was around. It was tense enough that time at the Acanamirium.

She watches the sunlight fade from her window, not noticing how her eyes glitter in the dying light. She remembers vaguely her time as a feral creature, and for a slight moment envies the simplicity of it. She pushes those thoughts away as the shadows grow around her.

"The Venture Captains are always sacrificing promising young talent to discover knowledge of things." Mettera's words come back to haunt her as the shadows blend with her patterned fur, making her almost impossible to see -- almost as much as Hrimnagel. Could that be? If so, what else are they learning from us? she considers.

The night grows dark around her.


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

The experiments, I believe, are being held at the Sanctum.


HP: 50/50 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 19, T 13, FF 16; Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +6; Init +3; Per +14, low-light vision, scent
Altered Human Witch 8

Oh. Then she sends some vials with Cole to the Sanctum.


Cladissa:
Some time in the middle of the night, Cladissa finds herself deep in a nightmare. She is feral again, lost in the darkness of animal needs and the drives of survival. In her benighted dream she rushes through an endless forest, thorned vines and branches whipping against her skin. She can't tell whether she is running to or from something, but the pounding primal fear in her blood is perfectly clear. The nightmare goes on for some indeterminate time, in the way of dreams, growing ever faster and more desperate. Finally, just as it feels as if Cladissa's heart will burst, she wakes, soaked in sweat. Her room is dark..too dark. Something is wrong. There is a heavy weight on her chest, and she cannot see as she should be able to. The shadows seem to have life of their own as they crowd around her. Suddenly two pin-prick burning red eyes snap open an inch in front of her own. "Boo!" the shadow demon whispers, sadistic grin lit by its smouldering glare. Its sulfuric breath fills Cladissa's nostrils, burning them. As she opens her mouth to scream, the demon's smoky form pours down her throat, choking her and causing tears to stream down her face. Her jaw cracks against the strain as her mouth widens to allow the fiend in. Her vision tunnels down and everything fades to black as loses control....

In the morning

Those of the Pathfinders staying at Jabberwocky lane find that Cladissa seems to have disappeared overnight. She doesn't come down for breakfast, and when someone goes to check on her they find her room empty, the window slightly ajar. There is a note on her night table, scribed in the witches' hand.

Hey guys,

I'm feeling the need to get away from Absalom for a while again. I'm going on a retreat to the other side of the Kortos, I'll be back in a couple of weeks. If the Society needs me, have them send me a sending and I'll come back early. Enjoy the break!

-Cladissa


Hrim arrives at Jabberwocky a couple of hours before dawn having spent the evening review the improvements to the shrine with Madame Batbongle. He is pleasantly surprised at the renovations and surge in popularity of Count Ranalc.

investments:
(500 gp) Grotto – gp or Influence +4
(210 gp) Altar – Influence +3, counts as a permanent fixture dedicated to your deity for the purpose of consecrate and similar spells
(40 gp) Pit – gp or Labor +1

After sleeping most of the day, he awakes and heads to Argor's magic shoppe. While Argor isn't there, he peruses the for awhile eventually settling on magical belt with a large silver buckle, depicting the image of a tiger. He requests that it be adjusted for his size, so he doesn't have to wrap it around himself several times.
(4,000 gp) Belt of Incredible Dexterity +2 - Master of Trade prices for a 10% discount, 400 gp?

After supper at the shrine with Madame Batbongle, he returns to the manor after Cladissa had gone to her room for the evening.

In the (late) morning

Hrim takes the news of Cladissa's disappearance a bit hard, because he wanted to seek her advice on some things and show her the new shrine. Then, he put that down reaction as selfish.

He leaves a note for Nyug on his schedule to return to the manor and starts spending most of his time at the shrine.


On the third of fourth day of their break, Madam Chesne comes to Hrimnagel's shrine. She asks around for him, and some visitors direct her to his shadow. "Hello Mr. Avaldamon!" She is pulling a child's hand-cart behind her, inside which sits a small albino badger.


"Well hello, Madame Chesne. Welcome to our renovated shrine to Count Ranalc. Thank you very much for coming, I wanted to thank you again for all of your support with the local workers. Madame Batbongle says the development progressed without any major problems. We never could have done this without you." Hrim is very grateful for the leading lady in the gnome community.

"What have you got there? An albino badger? I've never seen one of those. What brings you here today?"


"This is snowflake. She is what brings me here," Madame Chesne replies.

The badger looks up at Hrim and smiles. "Hewwow, Sir. It's my pweasure to meet you," she says in a very cute voice.

"Snowflake is an awakened badger. Her former companion was a local druid who has recently passed on. She doesn't have anywhere to live now, and I was hoping the shrine could adopt her...."

"I'd be berry happy to help cwean! And dig! And, and, I can keep the bugs away!" Snowflake offers, enunciating each point with a wave of her tiny pink paw.


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

It is afternoon on a pleasant day, and Argor is in his office at the Sanctum. He and Rutai have been spending the last hour in tedious fashion, going over the stacks of letters and paperwork that Argor needs to deal with for his bevy of roles in the city. Rutai is flipping through some, muttering to himself in infernal about the contents and their importance, or lack there-of.

Argor notices a small blue bird which alights on the sill of the open window for a moment. It is a beautiful creature. It regards him with one beady black eye for a moment, then Rutai exclaims, 'Hey boss!"

Argor turns his head away from the bird and towards Rutai and arches an eyebrow at his familiar. The bird flits away as quickly as it arrived. "We got a letter from the High Arcane Court, it seems you've been assigned your first case!"

Rutai flaps excitedly over to Argor, and shows him the vellum letter. It is sealed with the crest of the Varrolkur in purple wax.

"Interesting. Which case would that be?" Argor asks as he extends his hand for the letter. Inside, written in a clearly magical glittering gilt ink is the following:

Varlokkur Argor,

I have decided it is time for you to test the waters of our great legal system. I am responsible for your legal training and assignments. Due to your already considerable reputation and intellect, I will not insult you by forcing you through the normal training course. Instead I have selected a relatively simple case for you to preside over. The case is that of Absalom vs. Finnagin Dunderdee. Mr. Dunderdee is a gnomish illusionist who is accused of using magic in order to enact financial fraud.

With his assets seized and bail denied to him, he has been unable to procure professional representation. He will be representing himself in this case. The prosecutor is a friend of mine, named Corinna McCreely. Between you and me, she is a fiery Andoran pitbull and should make easy work of the gnome. Familiarize yourself with the relevant statutes and proscirbed punishments and be sure to review the case files. I have made them available in the Varlokkur HQ for you to access.

The trial is set for two weeks from today. I trust this will prove an interesting first glimpse into our world. The eyes of the Spell Lords and Master of the First Vault will be upon this case, make sure that justice is served.

Yours,

Utgar of Gyr

Argor reads over the document before folding it up and tucking it away in an interior pocket of his shirt. "Come along, Rutai. It would appear we have some official business to prepare for," he says as he rises from his chair and heads to the door. He finds Imrizade quickly and relays the news to her.

"Imrizade, my dear. It would appear the Varlokkur would like to test my mettle in the courts, and have assigned me my first case. I am afraid it will keep me more detained than usual in preparation, so as to insure I make a good impression."

Imrizade rises from the divan she'd been reading on. She smiles, "That's lovely, darling. I'm sure you'll do a great job. The case isn't anything scandalous is it?" She asks hopefully.

He smiles at her, "Unfortunately, the laws limit what I am allowed to discuss openly. However, I can say that it involves an overly ambitious gnome who was not so clever as he thought himself to be."

"Heh. Typical," she replies. "Well do enjoy yourself, love." Imrizade leans up and plants a kiss on Argor's lips. "I'll have to satisfy myself with fictional scandal then." She waves, and plops back down on the divan, returning to her book.

As he turns to fly off, he says, "Perhaps, once this is all said and done, we can go on one last grand date before the wedding. Something extraordinary." He then flies off to the Varlokkur offices.

For the duration of the interim, Argor makes the case and research for it his primary focus, studying all the laws, applicable statutes, prior cases, and proper punishments in great detail. He leaves the management of his other businesses to his assigned underlings, supervised by Rutai and Mettera. Should something major arise with them, he will pause his legal studies just long enough to tend to those problems before returning.

Argor's Legal Research:
The term 'magical fraud' is generally defined in the law as an intentional misrepresentation of material existing fact made by one person to another with knowledge of its falsity through the use of magic and for the purpose of inducing the other person to act, and upon which the other person relies with resulting injury or damage.

Magical fraud offenses are considered felony crimes and are punishable by jail, fines, probation, or all of the above. Civil penalties may include restitution (paying the person back) or payment of substantial fines (geared to punish the behavior). Judges have wide leeway when determining the sentence for fraud, in general the precedent is to make the punishment fit the crime.

In the case of Mr. Dunderdee it seems the complaint was made by a group of elderly clients. By taking on an appearance of great wealth and showing them illusory antiques they claim he convinced them to invest in his rare artifact auction business and then ran away with their money, paying them no return.

The law demands that for a guilty verdict to be issued, Argor must be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt through evidence and testimony that Mr. Dunderdee is in fact guilty.


__________

The two weeks until the trial pass quickly for Argor. He has never done legal work before, though Mettera is able to aid him with much of it.

The courtroom is prepared for Argor well ahead of time, a smallish chamber ringed with bench seating. Everything inside is paneled in dark rich looking wood, which has the effect of making the chamber feel even smaller.

Argor's chair sits high above the witness stand and the pit where the barristers will make their case. A white powdered wig and black robes which fit him perfectly are waiting for him in his ready room, along with a gavel made of obsidian and platinum.

As the time approaches, the audience filters in, mainly other Varlokkur and legal professionals, though there is also a gnome woman dressed in middle class clothing. They whisper quietly among themselves as Argor takes his stand.

After he is seated and ready to preside, the defendant is brought in and sat at one side, guarded by a Varlokkur in black leather armor. After Mr. Dunderdee comes Ms. McCreedy, a fiery haired bombshell in a slate grey suit-robe. Her hair is done up in a tight bun, and she looks frosty behind her spectacles.

As they are seated everyone in the room looks to Argor to begin proceedings. Argor claps the gavel sternly against the podium, and calls out "Let the case of Absalom vs. Finnagin Dunderdee come to order."

The room falls quiet.

"Councils. Please present your opening statements," Argor says, gesturing to Ms. McCreedy to begin.

"Your honor," she nods. Walking out in front of Argor she gestures to the defendant. "The defendant is here because there are 25 elderly victims which claim that he used illusory artifacts in order to bilk them into investing a total of 15,000 gold pieces into one, Dunderdee's Antiquities and Artifacts Auction Co. over the past year. The victims were promised a return of no less than 10% on their investment and not a single one of them has seen any money. Mr. Dunderdee cut off all contact with them and was nowhere to be found for the last six months. A warrant was placed for his arrest, and he was aprehended trying to sneak off Kortos via the port at Diobel, with a bag containing approximately 5000 gold pieces worth of gemstones. Your honor, the innocent do not flee, they do not hide from their victims. Mr. Dunderdee's own actions condemn him."

Her statement concluded, Ms. McCreedy glares at the defendant and then goes back to sit down. Argor then turns to the gnome. "Mr. Dunderdee, as you have elected to represent yourself in this hearing, the floor is now yours to deliver your opening statement."

The gnome nods nervously. He is wearing a suit, and hat, which he now removes to clutch before his chest. His bright green hair is slicked back in a tight oiled coiffure. "I...uh...I" the gnome begins, struggling to find his words. "I am not used to speaking under the effects of truth magic," he admits, blushing. "Unfortunately your honor, everything that the prosecution has said about me is true. I was trying to flee, I did take those people's money, but I'm innocent, I swear!"

Argor arches an eyebrow at the gnome's unorthodox declaration, as the gnome continued, "It's me who is the real victim here. I was unaware that the artifacts I was representing were in fact illusory. I was silently partnered with an Andoran man who was my source for the goods. He claimed to be a Pathfinder and had all the legitimate permits and paperwork. It's only after I collected money from investors that he disappeared with all the cash, and I discovered that the artifacts had never really existed. I knew I'd be found to blame, so I was scared. I went into hiding with my life's savings, and when I got a chance tried to charter a ship away from here. I don't belong in jail and I'd never be able to do business here again anyway. That's all your honor," The gnome hangs his head and goes to sit back down on his side of the pit.

Argor folds his hands in front of him atop the podium. "Mr. Dunderdee, you do realize that you have just entered a plea of Guilty to the charges before you. You confessed that, in fact, you performed the acts you are accused of, albeit unknowingly. However, breaking a law you did not know about does not make you innocent of the charges. So even if you were unaware that your actions were fraudulent, you did, in fact, commit it. And rather than attempting to correct your mistake to the best of your ability, you attempted to flee. I suppose the real question here is whether or not this case is, in fact, within the proper realm of the judicial system," Argor turns to the prosecutor. "Ms. McCreedy. Are you able to provide evidence that Mr. Dunderdee did, in fact, use magic by any means to perform the acts of which he has confessed?"

The prosecution looks ruffled at the revelation of the silent partner. When Argor turns to her, she answers, "The prosecution assumed that the artifacts were produced by the defendant himself in lack of any counter testimony or evidence. His claim of a silent partner comes as a surprise. I request that the court perform a Verification."

Argor turns to the gnome and says, "Request granted," as he performs the incantation for the proper spell. Argor looks the gnome over, and detects the faint aura of enchantment upon him. He is about to dismiss the spell when he feels a spike of suspicion from Rutai. The imp is forbidden from going invisible in the court room, and being watched by a Varlokkur. Rutai glares bullets into the back of the gnome's head.

Argor takes another long look at the gnome, but aside from looking nervous, does not seem to register anything out of the ordinary to the Varlokkur's eye.

"The Defendant is, in fact, under the effects of an enchantment aura of adequate strength as provided by the spell in effect, Ms. McCreedy," Argor says to the prosecutor. "I ask once again, do you have evidence to support the claim that Mr. Dunderdee used magic in his attempts to perform fraud against your clients?"

Ms. McCreedy goes beet red. After a simmering few seconds of silence she stands and is forced to admit, "I do not, your honor. I have arranged for several witnesses to testify, but I have no material evidence to present at this time."

"And does their testimony confirm, without doubt, that Mr. Dunderdee used arcane or divine manipulations to influence them in anyway?" Argor asks with an arched eyebrow.

She thinks for a moment, and then lights up. "Yes, your honor! By the defendants own admission, the artifacts he presented to my clients were illusory. Therefore, his presentation of said artifacts as genuine makes him an accomplice to the fraud, even if this purported silent partner does exist. I ask your honor, where is the proof of this 'Andoran man'? Surely a Maven in the Arcanimirium knows that even a Verification can be fooled."

The audience breaks out into an uproar when she says that. Argor is forced to slam his gavel down for silence. "ORDER!" he proclaims. He glares at the prosecutor before saying, flatly, "I am well aware of the vast array of magics that could be used to mask the enchantment effects of the spell in question. However, Ms. McCreedy, Mr. Dunderdee has already confessed his guilt, with or without the effects of the enchantment. His claim that the artifacts that HE was presented with were illusions leads to the necessity of an entirely different case. If Mr. Dunderdee can provide adequate information and evidence to grant an arrest warrant for this 'silent partner' in relation the fraud he claims was committed against him remains to be seen."

Ok, now it is my understanding, and I could be wrong, that my duty as Varlokkur is to oversee crimes of a magical nature. I am going on the assumption that there is a separate judicial system for mundane crimes. Given this assumption, if the gnome did not use magic of his own accord to commit the fraud, then that makes this a mundane case of fraud, not a magical one, and as such, should be handled by those courts, despite the fact that a magical illusion was involved. If I am wrong, however, then I am willing to go ahead and provide a sentence, seeing as the gnome already admitted to doing it.


In that case, you would dismiss the case with the recommendation that Absalom charge Mr. Dunderdee under mundane fraud laws.


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

Lurking again, should you be around.

Knowledge (Local): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25 To determine if, based on previous similar cases, if this sort of thing has been set as a precedent in the past and would be a fair judgement here.


You would be well within your right to declare him guilty by virtue of the goods he used in the fraud being magical in nature. He is not required to have done the magic himself, otherwise that would excuse every magical crime committed with a consumable magic item. However, if you want to dismiss the case and have him charged with normal fraud, that is also well within your authority. In the end, the decision rests with you. You da judge.


Cladissa:
You come to awareness momentarily. You are restrained upright, limbs lashed to something X shaped you can't see behind you. Your wings are crushed and cannot move. Everything hurts. She is there. Not Auronee, the Succubus that almost killed you at the Blakros dinner party. The demoness leans forward leering, to lick delicately along your cheekbone with a hot, stinking tongue. Pain shoots through your face where her fiendish saliva evaporates on your skin. Then you feel it, still inside you. No..it feels like you are inside it! The shadow demon owns you. All you can do is watch out of the prison of your own eyes as they work on you, he from the inside, she from without. You shudder mentally, trying to retreat to bliss of unconsciousness.

"Oh no, not just yet!" the succubus purrs. "You only just woke up." She jams a long, sharp claw into your left breast savaging the nipple and laughs as your scream...After some time, mercifully, everything fades to black again.


"Well hello, Snowflake. Aren't you special? Well, we'll need to ask Madame Batbongle who tends the shrine. As you know, she has recently had legal problems with badgers." Hrim replies to the two. He waves Madame Batbongle to their conversation.

The bleached gnome arrives with an unreadable expression. "Good afternoon, Madame Chesne. Welcome to the shrine. What do we have here?" What little hue had returned to her alabaster cheeks from the excitement of the renovations had escaped.

Hrim introduces the awakened badger, "this special badger is awakened and called Snowflake. Madame Chesne was hoping the shrine could adopt her. Since this is your home, I would like this to be your decision."

"Awakened, you say? Well, it appears Count Ranalc has brought another exile to our shrine. The treatment of exiles is the will of Our Lord. Of course, she is welcome." Madame Batbongle replies with a bit of virtual weight lifting from her shoulders. Evidently, she expected much worse.


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

Pausing to make certain that the chamber remains in order, Argor continues, "Given Mr. Dunderdee's opening statement being an open admission of his guilt, this court finds the defendant guilty. Mr. Dunderdee is hereby sentenced to a prison term of fifteen years, one year for each thousand gold obtained through his fraud. His current assets, reportedly totaling a value of approximately 5,000 gold measures, shall be divided equally and redistributed to those 25 individuals victimized by his crime. Furthermore, Mr. Dunderdee's spellbooks are to be confiscated and held within the offices of the Varlokkur. Anyone wishing to copy the spells within may do so, under the supervision of an adjutant, at the standard rate. Half of the coinage obtained from each of these transactions shall go towards the further restitution of those victimized by your crime. The other half shall be claimed by the offices of the Varlokkur as a tax. For every thousand gold measures paid off in restitution in this manner, your sentence shall be reduced by one year, to a minimum of five years imprisonment. Upon the completion of your sentence, these spellbooks will be returned to you."

He then looks to the gnome, adding, "Mr. Dunderdee, if a silent partner in your enterprise does in fact exist, it would be in your best interest to provide sufficient evidence to locate and convict this individual. If such irrefutable proof can be provided, and this accomplice can be arrested, your sentence may be reviewed at a later date, in light of such cooperation."

With his sentence delivered, he raps the gavel on the podium a final time.


Hrimnagel Avaldamon wrote:

"Well hello, Snowflake. Aren't you special? Well, we'll need to ask Madame Batbongle who tends the shrine. As you know, she has recently had legal problems with badgers." Hrim replies to the two. He waves Madame Batbongle to their conversation.

The bleached gnome arrives with an unreadable expression. "Good afternoon, Madame Chesne. Welcome to the shrine. What do we have here?" What little hue had returned to her alabaster cheeks from the excitement of the renovations had escaped.

Hrim introduces the awakened badger, "this special badger is awakened and called Snowflake. Madame Chesne was hoping the shrine could adopt her. Since this is your home, I would like this to be your decision."

"Awakened, you say? Well, it appears Count Ranalc has brought another exile to our shrine. The treatment of exiles is the will of Our Lord. Of course, she is welcome." Madame Batbongle replies with a bit of virtual weight lifting from her shoulders. Evidently, she expected much worse.

Snowflake smiles as much as her snout will let her. "Thank you! This burrow...I mean...shrine is wovewy! I wiwl make sure that no pesky bugs or rodents try to wive here, promise! Oh! Oh! I'll also tewl the other badgers that they can't wiv' here." The under-sized white badge hops from the cart and trundles over to snuggle against Hrim and Batbongle's legs.

Madame Chesne appears quite satisfied. "Thank you, Master Avaldamon. I and the gnomish community of Absalom can't thank you enough. I know you're one of our deep cousins, but we've never had a representative in the City before now. You're such a hero, all the young gnomes I know look up to you. Anyway...I'm gushing." The handsome madame blushes, looking away from Hrim. "I'd better be going then. Goodbye, Snowflake, enjoy your new home. Goodbye Hrimnagel, Madame Batbongle." Madame Chesne waves and takes the cart with her, leaving the shrine for now.

"You're a hero mister? Can you tewl me a story?" Snowflake asks, looking up at Hrimnagel with big, pale pink eyes.


Argor Constantine wrote:

Pausing to make certain that the chamber remains in order, Argor continues, "Given Mr. Dunderdee's opening statement being an open admission of his guilt, this court finds the defendant guilty. Mr. Dunderdee is hereby sentenced to a prison term of fifteen years, one year for each thousand gold obtained through his fraud. His current assets, reportedly totaling a value of approximately 5,000 gold measures, shall be divided equally and redistributed to those 25 individuals victimized by his crime. Furthermore, Mr. Dunderdee's spellbooks are to be confiscated and held within the offices of the Varlokkur. Anyone wishing to copy the spells within may do so, under the supervision of an adjutant, at the standard rate. Half of the coinage obtained from each of these transactions shall go towards the further restitution of those victimized by your crime. The other half shall be claimed by the offices of the Varlokkur as a tax. For every thousand gold measures paid off in restitution in this manner, your sentence shall be reduced by one year, to a minimum of five years imprisonment. Upon the completion of your sentence, these spellbooks will be returned to you."

He then looks to the gnome, adding, "Mr. Dunderdee, if a silent partner in your enterprise does in fact exist, it would be in your best interest to provide sufficient evidence to locate and convict this individual. If such irrefutable proof can be provided, and this accomplice can be arrested, your sentence may be reviewed at a later date, in light of such cooperation."

With his sentence delivered, he raps the gavel on the podium a final time.

Ms. McCreedy looks pleased, she gathers her things with a tight-lipped smile. Mr. Dunderdee looks shocked at first, then appalled as the sentence unfolds. He moves to protest, shouting in his native tongue. He barely gets a word out before his Varlokkur guard has him bound and silenced. The convicted is escorted from the court room and the crowd slowly leaves.

Afterword Rutai flies over to Argor. "Nice one, boss! That f@~&er was guilty. He smiled and tried to hide it when you did the Verification and declared him under the effects of the truth magic. Even better that you snuck in the death penalty! You'll make a great devil....I doubt even my bosses down below would have been that creative."


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

Death penalty?

"To be precise, Rutai," Argor says as he removes his wig, "I never said he had passed the Verification. Only that he had an enchantment aura upon him. And what is this nonsense of a death penalty? I never declared such a thing in his sentencing."


Rutai laughs long and hard. "He's a gnome, boss. Fifteen years in a box is guaranteed death by Bleaching. Aw man, c'mon, admit it. You did that on purpose didn't you?"


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

Argor shrugs, "His physiological responses are his own concern. All he more reason he should have obeyed the laws of the city. Besides, I have provided him ample means to shorten his sentence."


Sense Motive take 10+12=22

Was Madame Chesne flirting? Hrim wonders to himself. Thought she was attached. "Goodbye, Madame Chesne. Thank you for coming. Until next time."

"Why of course, I can tell you a story," the deep gnome replies to Snowflake. He reaches into his memory of many Pathfinder journals and proceeds to share one of his favorite childhood stories.

And Hrim is momentarily content with life. The pain of his childhood haunting regret temporarily releases in the presence of friends and His Divine Patron.


Hrimnagel Avaldamon wrote:

Sense Motive take 10+12=22

Was Madame Chesne flirting? Hrim wonders to himself. Thought she was attached. "Goodbye, Madame Chesne. Thank you for coming. Until next time."

"Why of course, I can tell you a story," the deep gnome replies to Snowflake. He reaches into his memory of many Pathfinder journals and proceeds to share one of his favorite childhood stories.

And Hrim is momentarily content with life. The pain of his childhood haunting regret temporarily releases in the presence of friends and His Divine Patron.

Yeah she was definitely flirting.


Alright guys, this has gone on long enough. Over the next 48 hours wrap up anything you need to get done this downtime. I'm gonna finish up the Cladissa thing, and then we'll have something else to deal with before we move on to the next scenario.


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

I'm on a work stretch now, and had no major plans this downtime anywho. So I'm good to go. I feel like I still managed to have a good little vignette, so yay!

The Exchange

AC 32, T 11, FF 31; Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +6; Init +1; Per +20

Yeah, I'm good to move on. Mettera will just try to do some regular work and get used to his new body.


HP: 50/50 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 19, T 13, FF 16; Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +6; Init +3; Per +14, low-light vision, scent
Altered Human Witch 8

Ready when you are! (gnawing fingernails nervously)


good to go.


stats:
AC25 T:13 F:22 | F+8 R+9 W+7 | Per+11; darkvision 60’ | Init+2 | CMD 22
Buffs: Greater Magic Fang (CL5, +1 to all limbs), Barkskin (CL12, +5 to Nat Armor), Long arm (+5' reach), See Invisibility, Channel Vigor

Nyugusk sees Cladissa's note and thinks to himself, Well, it was thoughtful of her to give her blood for my experiments before she took off. I hope she has a great break.

He arrives at Argor's a bit early that day, eager to begin their experiments. He's relieved to not suffer any more episodes on the way over. Perhaps Argor was right to suggest I rest--and what good fortune to have Gianluca back in town. I wonder how long before he's off on another mission of his own?

"Cladissa gave us a good sample of her blood. If I may, I'll start the process of isolating the serum from it. I've gotten a bit better at it over the last few weeks, at least with my blood, but it's still quite time consuming. Hopefully there are no hiccups; I'm excited to see what's different in this case.

"By the way, I trust you've reviewed my papers. Any thoughts?"

I'm fine to move forward too. Any of this could always happen in spoiler/flashbacks at any rate...or we can just handwave that the refining of the serum from the blood takes weeks.


About three weeks after the group concludes their last mission, Argor receives a messenger one morning as he is leaving his manor. A man dressed in a city guard's uniform rushes up to him and Mattera.

"Sir! Are you Varlokkur Argor? I've been sent to fetch you and your companion immediately. There was a criminal incident early this morning. The perp was psychotic until several minutes ago. They came around and are refusing to talk to anyone but you, asked for you by name. Warden at the holding facility asked me to get you right away!"


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

Argor nods, collects his things, and floats off behind the messenger.

Sorry, been hell at work.


I'm assuming Mattera follows as well.

The two Pathfinders make their way to the Varlokkur headquarters, and their holding facility for magical criminals. Once they arrive they are ushered into the holding block, and taken through several security checks. After their weapons are removed they are allowed in to see the prisoner. The Varlokkur agent guarding her is the same female who escorted Mr. Dunderdee to his trial.

"Mr. Argor," she says by way of greeting. "This is the prisoner. She was raving up until a little while ago, now she's been silent other than demanding to see you. She got picked up this morning on a call of domestic disturbance. Apparently she broke into some exotic animal trader's house and tried to drain the life out of him in some weird fetish play. His sister heard something and summoned help. One of our other agents lives near by, he heard the call and managed to hold and apprehend her before she got away."

"Tieflings, eh?" she shrugs. "So, do you know her?"

In the rune-bound holding cell crouches something that looks for all the world like a succubus.

Cladissa:
You came to a few minutes ago in a prison cell, without any real memory of how you got there. The woman who is now talking with Argor and Mattera outside the cell informed you that you were being charged with breaking and entering, and magical battery against one Roald Dantares. Confused, scared and not knowing what else to do, you asked for Argor to be summoned.

The Exchange

AC 32, T 11, FF 31; Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +6; Init +1; Per +20

Mattera wondered what kind of person would call for Argor to help. He didn't really seem like the kind of person who would help someone in a bind, and out of curiosity as much as duty, he followed along behind.

He'd met a few Tieflings before, mostly on the streets, and hadn't really found any that he could say that knew him well enough for such a thing, and wondered about the state of their relationship. Perhaps they'd been former lovers or something, and the fact that Argor didn't seem to care one way or the other did seem somewhat suspicious. Perhaps it was a trap, so even though he had to give up his weapon at the door, he was glad he was well versed in unarmed combat to make sure this kind of thing wouldn't be the death of them.

He gave the prisoner an appraising eye, making sure he would know just how much deception was in her.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (11) + 24 = 35


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

Argor shakes his head no to the woman's questions, and scans the person for any magic auras.

"Tell me, for what reason do you ask for me by name?"

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (5) + 16 = 21


HP: 85/85 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 29, T 14, FF 24; Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +12; Init +4; Per +19, darkvision, scent
Active buffs:

At first the creature is still, crouched nearly in the fetal position, hugging itself with its front turned away from the door. Large demonic wings hide most of her shapely form, and the only movement is from the sinuous tail that snakes out from her derriere and ends in a spadelike point.

She stirs, hearing the new arrivals, and she begins to rise slowly in sensuous grace. She turns, demurely, trying to hide the fact that her body is the epitome of male lust not realizing she is only driving it further with her coyness. Rich, raven-black locks cascade down from her head in luxurious waves, broken only by the two delicate horns that protrude from her forehead. Graceful fingers tipped with ruby-red nails pull aside the curtain of hair from her face to reveal a ravishingly beautiful face with large, dark smoky eyes.

Those eyes, however, are wide with abject horror. They fall upon Argor and Mettera with recognition, and a glimmer of hope appears in them. She straightens, revealing more of a body built like mortal sin, and turns to face them fully though keeping her arms, hands and wings in place to block their view. She starts to take a desperate step toward them, but remembers the runes about her and she recoils from them in fear.

She speaks, and her voice is similarly dripping with the promise of lustful deeds, even through the terror in her voice.

"Argor! Mettera! Please! You have to wake me up! This can't be happening! Please, wake me up! Oh, gods above, wake me up!"


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

Argor furrows his brow in frustration. "I had always been led to believe that your kind were a bit more cunning than this, in regards to your methods of deceit and trickery. Answer my next question precisely, less I make arrangements to have you dispatched in a means that proves permanent. Why have you asked for me?"


HP: 85/85 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 29, T 14, FF 24; Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +12; Init +4; Per +19, darkvision, scent
Active buffs:

The fiend stands mutely for a moment, a look of hurt and betrayal crossing her face. Her knees buckle and she sinks back to the floor, burying her face in her hands.

She rocks back and forth, shaking her head. One of her delicate hands moves to her arm and pinches herself hard. Then she studies her arm closely, running her fingers along the flawless skin.

She looks up at Argor and Mettera, holding up her arm for them to see. "I don't look like this. This isn't me."

Hot, burning tears flow down her cheeks. "Help me, please. You know me. They took my name; gouged it out when they did this. Please, Argor."

She puts her head back in her hands. "I just want to wake up."


Current AC: 37 (39 vs Evil) HP: (16/16) 224/224
Stats:
AC 33, T 18, FF 25; (All saves +2 vs Evil) Fort +16, Ref +18, Will +22; Init +2; Percept +36
Current Buffs: (Permanent: Darkvision, See Invisibility, Arcane Sight), Heightened Awareness, Shield, False Life, Tears to Wine, Invisibility Sphere

Argor looks at the alluring demoness, growing more and more frustrated as she continues to speak in riddles. "You claim that I know you, yet won't tell me your name. Nor have you answered the original question I posed you. I grow tired of your lies and riddles. Tell me how it is that I claim to know you. This is your last chance."


HP: 85/85 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 29, T 14, FF 24; Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +12; Init +4; Per +19, darkvision, scent
Active buffs:

"Because I know you!" she looks up, desperately, and crawls to the edge of the warding circle. "I know that even though we argue and fight a lot, and we've hurt each other, I know that we've been through so much together that you'll help me remember."

The Exchange

AC 32, T 11, FF 31; Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +6; Init +1; Per +20

Mattera squinted at the succubus, trying to work out if she was lying or not. "You know my name. Do you claim to know me as well? You certainly aren't acting like anyone I know. You'll need to give us some specifics. There's no impetus for us to help you if we have no reason to do so. How do we know you didn't just pick up our names somewhere and are trying to get out of whatever trouble you've started. "


HP: 85/85 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 29, T 14, FF 24; Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +12; Init +4; Per +19, darkvision, scent
Active buffs:

She turns to Mettera and studies his face with her smoldering eyes. She then concentrates hard, as if pulling memories from a deep pit. She slowly nods.

"You told me a secret, once."

The Exchange

AC 32, T 11, FF 31; Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +6; Init +1; Per +20

Mattera wrinkled his forehead. "That certainly doesn't sound like something I'd do. I don't tell my secrets very often you know."


HP: 85/85 | Hero 3/3 |
Stats:
AC 29, T 14, FF 24; Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +12; Init +4; Per +19, darkvision, scent
Active buffs:

A fresh wave of fear crosses the beautiful creature's face. She looks uncertainly between Mettera and Argor. She falls back to the middle of the cell and clutches her head.

"No, no, no. They said no one would miss me. No one would care. And when they returned me to you, you wouldn't recognize me. That you'd probably kill me."

She draws her knees up to her chest as she sits on the floor. She looks at her hands and then holds them out for the two to see. "I don't recognize myself! This isn't me!" She sniffs the air. "I can't smell anything, everything's dark, and I-- I miss him. I can't feel him. They cut me off from him."

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