Longacre - Outside Kel's Humble Abode -
The taller woman narrows her eyes at you, "I appreciate your concern citizen. This red sash is all the authority I need to search the home of a wanted rabble rouser..."
The other woman turns to you with a friendlier gaze, "Indeed, this is official business of the Arch Baron. If you require assistance, please give us a few moments to complete our business and we shall address your concerns".
The taller, ruder woman steps into the home with the lock picked and the door ajar.
Longacre - Outside Kel's Humble Abode
Eowithe's eyes narrow to match that of the taller woman, trying to measure the truthfulness of their response...
Longacre - Outside Kel's Humble Abode -
They are either telling the truth or excellent liars.
Alic glances at the call of his name, and he nods to Pelleas and Castiel. "Ah, good. I was just hoping to find you gentlemen. I think we have some trouble..."
Presumably at that point he hears the clear sounds of a fight within, and he gives a helpless grin before spinning and kicking open the door, stepping into the tavern as he brings his chain to bear. "Caggan, you thrice-damned fool!"
"You take care of the bartender! We'll head around back!" Pelleas starts running behind the back of the bar as he pulls a vial of red liquid from his coat pocket. He downs the vial and shifts from running to loping ahead on all fours, barreling down the alleyway toward where he presumes both Kels and Corven are.
Cole smiles under his helmet. "Finally, something interesting." He flaps his wings once and launches himself toward the roof of the tavern so he can get a look at what's going on all around the building.
Longacre - Outside Kel's Humble Abode
Eowithe regards the more friendly red-sashed woman for a moment, then makes her decision, "Very well. I've lately come to Longacre to lend myself to the aim of supressing this 'rabble-rousing' you speak of. If I can be of assistance..."
Longacre - The Last Stand Tavern Out Back -
As Pelleas and Castiel round the corner they find Corven, bloodied standing near Kels who begins to cast a spell before Corven can react!
Longacre - Over The Last Stand Tavern -
You see the scene in the back of the Tavern playing itself out.
Longacre - Inside The Last Stand Tavern -
The patrons scatter as Caggan turns to you entering the door, "Ah Alicarus, I think your friend stepped out back as the privy is full..."
You pause for a moment but just a moment, the lie was so simple, so convincing but the bloody hands and the bloody bottle on the floor give it away...
Longacre - Outside Kel's Humble Abode -
The friendlier woman smiles, "Is that so? Then I certainly have some work for you..." She is cut off by the appearance of the other woman who glares at her, "Do you just offer up vital information to anyone who passes along and asks for it?"
The shorter one turns, "This is my gig Hel. You stepped into it uninvited after initially rebuffing my offer".
"Your gig? Oh I do not think so. I will do things my own way and I think our partnership is severed as of right now. You are a fool a dangerous fool". The tall woman stalks away.
The shorter woman laughs, "Good riddance. I am sure you will be a much more amenable partner, I am Cimri. Cimri Staelish, what's your name?" She extends her hand.
Alic shakes his head as he draws his hand over a barb of his chain. "I warned you about foolish actions." He gestures with his bloody palm, and a chain suddenly bursts from beneath the floorboards, wrapping around the man's legs and dragging him to the ground as Alic stalks forward. "Now what am I going to do with you?"
Longacre - Outside Kel's Humble Abode -
The friendlier woman smiles, "Is that so? Then I certainly have some work for you..." She is cut off by the appearance of the other woman who glares at her, "Do you just offer up vital information to anyone who passes along and asks for it?"
The shorter one turns, "This is my gig Hel. You stepped into it uninvited after initially rebuffing my offer".
"Your gig? Oh I do not think so. I will do things my own way and I think our partnership is severed as of right now. You are a fool a dangerous fool". The tall woman stalks away.
The shorter woman laughs, "Good riddance. I am sure you will be a much more amenable partner, I am Cimri. Cimri Staelish, what's your name?" She extends her hand.
Eowithe watches the more volatile woman stalk away , a sardonic smile touching her lips.
She steps forward and accepts Cimri's hand with her own, "Eowithe Mourngrym. If your aim is to put down these rebellious miscreant I've heard of....amenable is an apt description." Eowithe says with smile.
Pelleas just grins and stares Kels down as the spell fails to even make his eye twitch. His hands now sporting dagger-length talons from the mutagenic powers of his concoctions, Pelleas stalks closer to Kels as his tail flicks around erratically. "I've honestly forgotten if I need to find you alive or not," he says, splaying his claws. He cackles violently when he gets next to the bard, his pupils wildly dilated as if drugged. "I suppose Corven would have remembered, but..." Pelleas lets his gaze drift down to the sleeping man nearby. "You could surrender, I suppose. Or you can try and survive until someone else shows up to let me know what I'm supposed to do with you. I'll give you until I count to three."
"Alive is usually better for talking," Cole calls out, finally calling attention to himself on the roof. His huge black wings flare out and he swoops down, landing behind Kels and putting himself firmly in the middle of the minstrel's escape route. "Or screaming, the way I prefer to do things." There's a slight edge to his voice, making him sound entirely too happy at the prospect of making the bard squeal. He draws his sword with a steely hiss, ready if the bard attempts to cast another spell. "I hope you don't mind a concerned third party my dropping in unannounced, but I didn't want to miss out on the fun. And any enemy of the b*tch of Valor's little toadies is a friend of mine." He giggles in a slightly off kilter manner and stares at Kels through his visor. "And I haven't gotten the chance to flay one of them alive in weeks. I'm starting to get twitchy."
Longacre - The Last Stand Tavern Out Back -
Though Corven drops to the ground Pelleas and Castiel remain unaffected.
Kel considers Pelleas' words but when Azral looks don upon him from the roof, he knows the jig is up and raises his hands sighing.
Castiel calls out, "A wise decision my friend. A wise decision indeed!"
Longacre - Inside The Last Stand Tavern -
Caggan appears shocked by what happens
Caggan is wrapped and cowed.
"I guess yer gonna have ta' arrest me. Lawman. Kels is long gone by now so I win..." He ceases to resist.
Longacre - Outside Kel's Humble Abode -
"Good to meet you Eowithe. I have found that the willing often make the best allies. As you can see, Hel and I never quite got along but I think we'll get along just fine".
She pauses and looks into the house, "Shall we search?"
"An excellent plan." Pelleas stalks forward and grips Kels by the front of his shirt and drags the bard back toward Castiel. As almost an afterthought, he looks up at the winged figure. "Who are you? You look... familiar. Unfortunately I don't think you can flay this one. Not yet, anyway."
"I am the dark angel who hunts the Inheritor's lackies to the ends of the earth. Perhaps you've heard of me. Or seen my work. I left the last priest I caught flayed alive and used his blood to repaint the altar in his precious chapel. The story made rounds through a few towns before I moved on." He sheaths his sword again. "But I don't really want this one dead yet. I heard some very interesting stories about an Angel Knight and this man seems to know all of them."
"Dark Angel, eh?" Pelleas's mad grin twists into a look of confusion as he wracks his brain. "Never heard of such a thing." He pulls Kels again, hopefully enough to make him stumble. "Lucky for you, we're looking to learn some more about this 'Angel Knight'. Maybe..." he gives Kels a bloodthirsty look. "Perhaps you could help interrogate him. He could use some persuading. Maybe be some flaying at some point, I really can't say."
The winged figure shrugs, making his wings flex. "Then I suppose I just haven't killed enough Iomedaeans to make a big enough name for myself. I'll have to correct that as soon as possible. Though whether I start tonight or not depends." He looks at the surrendered bard. "Because I would be thrilled to help you drag every detail from this fool's bleeding, twitching body."
Eowithe nods and follows Cimri into the house, "What am I looking for exactly? " she asks, looking about the abode.
"Finally some wisdom." Alicarus turns the bartender onto his stomach and wrenches his arms back before binding them with his spiked chain. "I'm placing you under arrest for the violation of laws meant to keep the peace and prosperity of civilization, for needlessly endangering the lives of yourself and others, and for obstructing good justice where it needs doing."
The inquisitor gets Caggan to his feet and tightens the chain, drawing blood where the spikes press into his forearms and wrists. "Believe me when I say this hurts you more than it hurts me. And that's a good thing." With that, he marches the man out the front door and around the side of the building, hoping to meet up with the others.
Longacre - Outside Kel's Humble Abode -
"Subversive writing. Him as well but I get the sense he is not here..."
Indeed, whoever it is Cimri is looking for is not present.
The search though yields nothing of value. The residents written tales are of Chelaxian heroes and his furniture yields little more than colorful clothing.
Cimri frowns, "I have to meet with my allies at the Last Stand Tavern, care to join me? With Hel taking her leave we could use assistance".
Longacre - Inside The Last Stand Tavern -
Caggan turns to his employees, "I am sure I will be out soon enough, just look after the place while I'm gone..." That said, you lead him out the front door.
Longacre - The Last Stand Tavern Out Back -
Castiel leans down and pulls up Corven, in the process waking him up, "You should get more rest at night Cor, bad time to fall asleep". He grins.
At that moment, Alicarus comes round the corner with Caggan in tow, his shoulders sag as he sees Kels in your custody.
Kels asks, "So shall we head down to your jail? I am pretty sure you have all just went out of your way to do this for nothing. I am an entertainer not a subversive..."
"So the Angel Knight is something you came up with off the top of your head then? Well, if you don't know anything then there's no reason why these folks need you alive..."
Alicarus gives the bard a look of disgusted contempt. "I really am growing weary of this playing at innocence. You'll talk sooner or later. It's your choice how much admonishment you need along the way."
The inquisitor kicks the back of Caggan's knee, sending the man tumbling to the ground--although he maintains a hold on his chain, which twists into his arms. "Where to begin? I find the further from the vital organs, the more pain the body generates. I like to think it's my Lord's way of giving us ample time to learn before we die. After all, you rip a man's heart out, he doesn't have long, but you remove a finger piece by piece?" Alic titters. "I once strung out a heretic's education that way for nearly a week. I'd have started on the toes next, but the elder clerics took him out of my care."
Alic kneels next to Caggan and fixes his eyes on Kels. "That was years ago, now. I've much more skill at my art these days."
"Ooh, fingers. I suppose you'd need those to play your instruments, wouldn't you Kels? I have a feeling they'd be quite important." Pelleas just grins and licks his teeth, dragging him along behind Alic and the others. "If you end up cutting any off, could I keep them? I'm sure I could find a use with some experiments..."
Longacre - Outside Kel's Humble Abode -
"Subversive writing. Him as well but I get the sense he is not here..."
Indeed, whoever it is Cimri is looking for is not present.
The search though yields nothing of value. The residents written tales are of Chelaxian heroes and his furniture yields little more than colorful clothing.
Cimri frowns, "I have to meet with my allies at the Last Stand Tavern, care to join me? With Hel taking her leave we could use assistance".
Eowithe stands from where she's been leaning over a tottering pile of doggerel the rabble-rouser obviously thought was compelling prose, "Lead on friend." she says cheerfully.
However, she still guages her new 'friend'...
Longacre - The Last Stand Tavern Out Back -
Caggan does not cry out when his arm is twisted but he does wince in pain.
Kels frowns, "Fine, I've not much to tell and so I shall tell you rather then risk myself or my friend be subjected to your tender mercies.
I came across a woman in winged plate armor at dawn a couple days ago atop a hill a few miles outside town. She was praying, and when the dawn light reflected upon her sculpted helm, and I mistook her for an angel. I dropped to his knees when she approached, but she helped me up and told me not to be afraid. I asked her name and she gave it as Lencia Visserene. Then she left, but I was so inspired by her presence I spent the rest of the day writing ballads about her. I know naught more of her..." He pauses.
"So as you can see I am no subversive just a Minstrel writing tales of that which inspires me based upon that which I see. Is there a crime here in that?"
Longacre - Outside The Last Stand Tavern -
You arrive outside of the Last Stand Tavern and Cimri pushes her way in. The place is in shambles and clearly a fight broke out here! Several people stand by the bar muttering.
Cimri speaks in a commanding voice, "Citizens, what took place here?"
One of the men by the bar replies, "Yer lookin' fer yer comrades they be out back roughin' up the proprietor..."
Cimri heads out through the back door motioning for you to follow.
Longacre - The Last Stand Tavern Out Back -
Before any of you can respond to Kels Cimri and a woman who is not Hel step through the back door, "What the hell... Corven are you all right!?"
The man in the hood she addresses as Corven has a few nasty cuts on his face and neck!
Eowithe glances around the disordered tavern, noting the anger in some eyes, then nods and follows Cimri, placing a hand on her shoulder, saying quietly, "There may be some hearts sympathetic to the rebels in this room..."
"Inspired by an angel, that's cute." Cole giggles a little, apparently pleased at the bard's discomfort. "I don't know if that makes you a criminal, but it certainly shows that you're rather easy to impress. I suppose you really don't know anything of use after all. That's a shame. I was hoping to get to take the head of a paladin this time, but you're just a starstruck little fan boy. Oh well." He shoves the bard toward the rest of the group. "I don't wouldn't even get the satisfaction of killing someone she cares about if I offed him."
He half turns as he hears the doors open and more people coming out from inside the tavern. He folds his wings back, looking over at the new arrivals. His face is impossible to read under the smooth metal helm, but his posture is relaxed and his blade lowered. The dark armor half blends into the night, along with his large black wings.
"I do believe I actually feel as bad as I must look," Corven manages to quip. Still, his voice comes out in almost a hiss as his eyes turn from the patrons to Caggan. "I must admit, I am of a mind to perhaps repay our... detainee here." He does take a step towards the tavern owner, but nevertheless manages to stop himself. Barely. Despite his bravado, he is barely standing and a fight would not be wise right now. It might be just welcome, but not wise.
I'm sure that most people here are loyal citizens, and would want all criminals put to justice. Castiel plucks out a few notes from a funeral dirge.
Longacre - The Last Stand Tavern Out Back -
Cimri shrugs at Eowithe's announcement, "To be expected. No doubt they will be cowed by this happening.
So it seems you gentlemen have caught our little suspect", Cimri states.
Castiel's dirge begins as the door to the back closes, it seems to subdue the crowd within even more. At least as far as any of you can tell. Both Caggan and Kels stand in the back with heads held bowed.
"I fear I missed much, shall we take these two back to prison cells and debrief one another on what we have found? I have found a friend and it appears that you all have found a new companions as well", Cimri states gesturing to Azrael.
Azrael chuckles. "I came here following rumors of the Angel Knight, but it seems that they're naught but hot air. Perhaps I can make something of this waste of time though."
"Yes, let's get them back to the cells. Sounds like an... ooh, an excellent idea." Pelleas grins as he pulls Kels back again with one clawed hand. "No running from a cell, is there? You'll be stuck, like a bear in a trap. What fun." The unusually jovial tiefling lets out a startling hiss at the bard, hoping to scare him. Either way, Pelleas laughs like a fool, before proceeding to forcefully drag the bard out of the tavern. "Remember this. This is what happens to the people who don't obey the Archbaron." He flashes his teeth prominently in the direction of the patrons, hoping his shark-like grin might cow them into submission. "You don't want to end up like these two, do you?" His showmanship done, Pelleas throws open the front door and marches out with his catch. He immediately makes his way to the prison cells, apparently eager to lock up their new captive.
I agree. We must remember that we are lawful agents of the lord of this town. We must keep to our charge of preserving the peace.
Longacre - The Last Stand Tavern
The agents of the ArchBaron parade their captured charges in front of the patrons in a show of intimidation and it seems to work well enough. None say anything as the group exits.
The streets are quiet as the group leads a procession to the jail and locks their two prisoners up, settling in to the office area near the front door.
Longacre - The Jail
Cimri sits down and speaks, "I will make a report to Razelago regarding our success here and our falling out with Hel. But first, I would like to introduce you all to Eowithe who aided me as a concerned citizen when I searched the Bard's house. I think we should also consider whether we should work with her or you Azrael, is it? Please, convince us of your utility to our cause?
Also, we should probably have Cole here as part of this discussion, any of you know where he is? I hope not with Hel..."
Cole chuckles under his helmet. "Well, now that we've dumped the trash off in the cells and they can't hear us..." He reaches up and pulls of his helmet...
Revealing his ashen face with a slightly manic grin on his face. "I haven't had that much fun in ages. Pleading not to be flayed gets so dull after a while. I forgot how much fun it is to get someone who has a spine."
Pelleas, still under the effects of his mutagen, crouches in the chair rather than sits. His long prehensile tail swishes back and forth off one of the arm rests, although he raises his eyebrows in shock when Cole takes off his helmet. "Well now, I wasn't expecting that!" He lets out a short laugh. "It seems Kels was inspired by some knight he met out in the country, right? Her name was Lencia Visserene, if I recall. Does anyone know of her?" He pauses for a second, stroking his beard with one clawed hand. "Do I know of her?"
Eowithe nods to the others at her introduction by Cimri, "Greetings, as Cimri said my name is Eowithe, Scion of the House Mournegrym," she says, not surprised by the lack of recognition of her house name, "I seek , as you do, to put down the Rebel in all his forms!" she finishes emphatically.
"My, aren't you... enthusiastic." Pelleas frowns when she mentions her house, and he looks up toward the ceiling as he ponders. "Mourngrym, Mourngrym... now, where have I heard that name before? Say, would you have happened to have been a guest at a party perhaps five odd years ago that was cut short due to an unexpected explosion? Or, perhaps another member of your family? My, was that party awful. So glad I ended it early." Pelleas just grins at her. "I am Pelleas, of House Markov. Nice to meet you, assuming I haven't before. You never really know whom you've passed at some dreadful function."