As Pava approaches the north gate to reenter town, she realizes the flaw that nobody saw. Getting back into town was not going to be easy. I can't count on Cimri talking me past some guards this time.
She wanders the wall for a bit until she finds a likely place to climb over. After checking to be sure that she's not seen, she doffs her armor and carefully stashes it. She begins to attempt the climb.
Once over the wall, she huddles out of site amongst a small copse of trees. She roots around on the ground for dirt and mud that she rubs over her face and arms. She roughs up her hair into a tangled mess, then stuffs her tunic full of leaves to bulk up her frame. While doing this, she mutters a prayer to the devils of Hell. "Hell's devils, I need your help now; what I'm about to attempt is not my strength; watch over me and see me through."
Feeling concerned that the disguise could be a lot better, she does her best to stay out of sight as she makes her way back to the jail.
Pava manages to jump through the wall without problem and even sneakily crosses the street, moving around buildings until she manages to reach the jail. On the final turn she almost topples over two kids who were running around. They runaway, a bit frightened.
Pave stumbles as she bumps into... someone. She starts drawing her greatsword as she turns, knowing that she can't let a witness leave.
The sword is almost completely out of its sheath when she sees a phantom of herself and her sister Nessa running away, laughing. She has to shake her head clear to realize that in fact it was just a pair of local boys that she'd stumbled over. It was enough of a pause that they were now too far down the street to do anything about anyway.
Which was for the best. No, I wouldn't go that far. Not that far.
She checked up and down the street and didn't see anybody else, so she quickly slipped into the jail to get ready for the rest of the ruse.
"I think I got back okay; a stumbled into a couple of street kids out there. It should be okay." She glances over her shoulder even though she can't see the street from here. "I think."
Ahreni looks up from where she's scrubbing coal dust off her face. "That's unfortunate but if we move quickly it should be fine. I've spread some rumours around so there should be witnesses. I can be ready to drive in a minute. Anarxos, can you give some sort of speech - outlining his crime and explaining the just sentence that has been passed? Then the rest of you need to hustle Pava out as quick as you can."
As Pava prepares herself to enter the wagon without being seen, she looks outside and notices that, at that very precise moment, there was no one watching the wagon. She quickly moves inside and hides herself. A couple minutes later a couple townsfolk come to the jail to see Caggan... their faces revel both anger and chock as they see the wagon outside.
Once Ahreni is ready with her disguise, she moves outside to take her place on the driver's seat. A couple minutes later Melani, with the help of Vicenzo and Cimri, bring Caggan inside the wagon, trying to trick the unlookers into thinking he is still alive. Apparently none of them suspect anything is wrong so far, even if a couple of them yell to you, demanding him to be released, others speaking about 'excess punishment'... Riley Kels, the bard, is one of the most inflamed, "This is nonsense! A truly hideous punishment for a man just trying to run his business! Do you call this justice?"
As soon as Caggan is in the wagon, Pava will start lightly struggling so there's some bounce and shimmy to the vehicle.
Once Ahreni is ready with her disguise, she moves outside to take her place on the driver's seat. A couple minutes later Melani, with the help of Vicenzo and Cimri, bring Caggan inside the wagon, trying to trick the unlookers into thinking he is still alive. Apparently none of them suspect anything is wrong so far, even if a couple of them yell to you, demanding him to be released, others speaking about 'excess punishment'... Riley Kels, the bard, is one of the most inflamed, "This is nonsense! A truly hideous punishment for a man just trying to run his business! Do you call this justice?"
Vicenzo just had to answer, "I'll have you know that this man tried to poison us. He tried to kill us. Either him or one of the girls working for him."
He continued, "He will be given a fair trial but if you really want to help him then find the girl that was working there yesterday. The girl that served us poisoned stew!"
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Anarxos steps forward, a stern look on his face. Clearly he's not about to accept being told by anyone, especially not Kels. His voice is firm but up to his usual standard.
"As my companion is stating, Mr. Caggan here is accused of attempt of murder using poison. We have that poison as outstanding proof of our allegation, of course. Now, the full matter is under investigation, and the best you can do to help Caggan's cause is to let it run its course, so that the truth may be unearthed on that case. We are looking for one of his barmaid, an accomplice of Caggan's. Until we find her, Mr. Caggan will be taken for further inquiry and supervision. Now return to your homes and be at peace, justice is being rendered. If anyone wants to give us his testimony because they have seen something, I will take their statements shortly. Remember, we have nothing closer to our interest that restoring order and peace in Longacre."
Those around the wagon seem chocked by the news of Caggan being a poisoner, and even if a couple of them yells of 'nonsense', most of them shakes their heads and leaves the place. Among the more obstinate is Kels, who tries to encourage the others to also stay. Unfortunately for him, Anarxos's words dissuade them and, one by one, they also leave for their homes.
With everything set up, Ahreni guides the wagon through the south gate towards the Scarlet Crown and Ramesiana. No one tries to stop it. It takes she about four hours before she leaves all the farms behind, find a place to get rid of Caggan. When she does, Pava helps her to get rid of the corpse.
"Well that went well." Ahreni says."I suggest we head back towards town separately. I can smuggle anything awkward back in if need be. Meet up with the others at the jail."
Back at the jail Ahreni stretches tall for a moment. "We left the horse at that paladin's house. I'll drop an anonymous note off to the man later letting him know. In a day or two perhaps? But anyway - since that's done..." She looks around at the rest of the group. "What next? I suggest we investigate the Sword-Knights sons and this minstrel Kells. Marcellus suspected he was close to the church and someone around here must know about the Angel Knight. If we can find her then we'll decapitate the rebellious feelings here..."
Vicenzo was glad this whole Caggan ordeal was over but had the nagging feeling that was going to come back and bite them in the ass.
Still, nothing to do until then.
He replied to Ahreni, "Yes, we could check on the sword-knights and the Iomedaens in general. We should also look for the waitress and seek out proof that Caggan was a were-beats."
He then asked, "We should also let Razalengo know at least what's going on so he's not caught off guard."
"Then I suggest we get a good nights sleep and act early in the morning. Cimri and I can keep building our network, and get them looking into the Sword-Knight. Vicenzo, you're the best qualified to investigate poisoning. If you take Melani and Pava with you then you cover the religious and local knowledges well. Anarxos... could you speak to the Sword-Knight personally? You're the best suited amongst us to sounding her out in person - I don't want to tie Anya up to the church. Speaking of which I'll need to make an appearance or two as her in the next few days."
She pauses, waiting for objections. "Does this work for everyone?"
Pava retrieves Ramael from the paladin's estate and returns to Longacre, taking a moment outside of town to retreive her armor as well.
Returning to the jailhouse, Pava listens to Ahreni's plan. "I think that sounds good. I'd be happy to help investigate the poisoning. I'd love to find that little b##!# that did it, especially."
After leaving the farmland behind, Ahreni turned around with the wagon and guided it out of the road, making the long trip back to the abandoned house that once belonged to the arodenite paladin. Strangely, the house is a mess, like if someone was actively searching for something and, perhaps after failing to do so, released its anger on the sparse furniture.
Another difference from the local was that the paladin's body was removed from the entrance and being buried in a hill nearby. Ahreni isn't able to find anything useful in the house.
Despite the advanced night, you were still in the full-moon lunar phase so it was kind of easy to follow the trail without risking Ramael's safety. You were only able to arrive in Longacre far past midnight.
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After reporting to Razelago, you leave the Ash House behind to find another clear and warm day. When you reach the north gate you notice a commotion around it. Aside from the usual farmers and merchants showing their papers to enter the town, there is also a warrior arguing with the guards trying to get in the town. He is a hobgoblin with fine crafted equipment.
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Vicenzo shakes his head, "Oder, order people. How are we ever going to progress without oder?"
He then waits for the hobgoblin to answer while keeping his eyes on the crowd.
One of the gate's guard points to the hobgoblin before addressing Anarxos, "He is trying to enter the town but he has no writ of passage and, well, he is a f!!&ing hobgoblin!" The other guards nods in agreement as do so many of the onlookers, "And he won't go away..."
The hobgoblin spits on the ground, nearly missing the guard in a clear provocative way, "I've already told you, you vermin, I just want to rest and resupply, that's all! You can shove this writ you all talk about deep inside your ass..."
Turning to you, he continues, "I'm Zaggar from Vulture Crag. I was once a mercenary under the Duke of Ramesiana in the past, and I'm returning from Isger to serve him again. My supplies are almost empty..."
Pava shakes her head. "The Archbaron's edicts are pretty clear on this. We have rules in place; we're not going to break them for some stranger."
Melani regards the hobgoblin with open suspicion. It is a crime here to lie to officials of the Archbaron. I am lady Melain Starsmite, Vessel of Asmodeus and servant of the Archbaron. I will give you one chance to revise your story. Do you think we do not know where Vulture Crag is or how you might travel to the Duke? You are well off track. Even you must know that.
Vicenzo tried to calm everyone down while addressing the hobgoblin, "Listen, friend. The rules are clear and they are for everyone. You either get a writ from the local notary or you go and resupply somewhere else. There really is no other option unless you can hire a local boy to run errands for you while you wait outside the gates."
Ahreni hangs back from addressing the hobgoblin, choosing instead to observe the crowd. Having such a number of Longacre citizens together not focused on her is a rare opportunity and Ahreni uses it to study the mood of the crowd, hoping to identify some potential candidates for her recruitment drive.
"Of course I know that!" He grunts while crossing his arms. "The thing is that I had to make the long trip around the Whisperwood to the north... Before leaving Isger I saw that Iomedaean knights had driven out the Hellknights from Citadel Dinyar and they are never friendly with my kind. There were also a bunch of them riding along the plains to the south and around River Iseld." He spits once more.
"Of course I know that!" He grunts while crossing his arms. "The thing is that I had to make the long trip around the Whisperwood to the north... Before leaving Isger I saw that Iomedaean knights had driven out the Hellknights from Citadel Dinyar and they are never friendly with my kind. There were also a bunch of them riding along the plains to the south and around River Iseld." He spits once more.
Vicenzo looked at Melani hoping she could confirm the hobgoblin's story made sense. he already knew that their kind was not welcome but he felt some sympathy for him since he was not always welcomed.
He tried to speak some common sense again, "Listen friend. I know what it's like to not feel welcomed but the laws still stand. Can we help you comply with them? Do you need us to accompany you to get a writ from the notary?"
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Melani listens again to the hobgoblin's words looking for signs of deceit. If this is true I wonder if the Archbaron knows of it.
Pava whispers to the rest of her crew. "If he has knowledge of Iomedean movements, we should probably help him get the writ so we can learn more."
Well good fellow, it seems you have news that might have worth. Be welcome here. As long as you agree to do no harm to anyone while inside the town I will vouch for you and personally escort you to this notary. Better I will even assist you in gathering what you need and make sure you get a fair price. Do I have your word?
The hobgoblin shrugs, "Very well, ya have my word... if this paper is necessary so be it. I promise not to harm anyone that doesn't attack me first." Zaggar made sure to make it clear that he would retaliate in self defense.
The guards, farmers, and merchants doesn't like the resolution though but also know it would be better to hold their tongue instead of crossing you. Reluctantly the guards make space for you to pass with Zaggar closely behind you.
You guide the hobgoblin around, reaching the notary quickly. Along the way, a couple more townspeople eyed you with suspicion. With your help, the notary quickly issued a writ of passage to Zaggar, allowing him to move around town for until the following day, where he should leave Longacre at first light.
Moving around town, you make sure that Zaggar is able to purchase all the supplies that he needed and no merchant dared to deny him the right to acquire goods thanks to your presence. On his part, Zaggar behaved perfectly, true to his words. After mentioning the desire to eat, you guide him to the Arch and Lark, now the only establishment in town to serve food. Fordaneil serves you with her best food and drink, torn between enjoying your presence and the clear spite against Zaggar... nevertheless, it appears her first sentiment is stronger.
While drinking a mug of wine, Zaggar turns once more to you, "Very well, you said you wanted information about the knights, right? Very well, here is what I know..."
"This whole crap started when the Hellknights of the Order of the Godclaw announced they had recovered an ancient sword from the Menador Mountains. The relic was identified as Heart's Edge, a blade once carried by Iomedae herself... the Hellknights decided to keep it of course, since they worship all the lawful gods and stuff, claiming the weapon as a symbol of their order's righteousness and proof of divine favor." Zaggar appears to not have a good opinion about religion in general.
"Unsurprisingly, some of Iomedae's crazies didn't agree with them. After the Hellknights told the church what to do with their request for the sword's return, a paladin named Alexeara Cansellarion issued a call to the faithful of the Blasted Inheritor to reclaim Heart's Edge from the Order of the Godclaw. Hundreds of knights and clerics from all around, including Andoran, Cheliax, Molthune, and beyond responded to the call and marched on Citadel Dinyar, where they defeated and ousted the Hellknights from their citadel." He almost smiles, clearly finding the whole story funny.
"Oh, but the b&~&+ had her eyes on a far greater prize than the citadel or even the blade... I've found out that the Cansellarions were a noble family of Westcrown who lost their titles and holdings after the Civil War... nevertheless, she founded a new knightly order dedicated to Iomedae, based at Citadel Dinyar. This order of knights, the Glorious Reclamation, promises nothing less than a purge of the diabolical ideals that the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune embodies and a reclaiming of the nation in Iomedae's name." The hobgoblin spits on the ground, much to the dislike of the proprietor of the inn.
"Like the rats they are, priests of Iomedae have fanned out from Citadel Dinyar to begin preaching a return to the worship of Iomedae in Cheliax, exhorting the faithful to rise up in support of the Glorious Reclamation and overthrow House Thrune... judging by this whole crap I've been through to get inside it appears you are already suffering from this bullshit..."
Melani listens to the tale wondering how much of this is known to her superiors. After the mean she suggests that they go back to Ash house where the hobgoblin might related his news directly to her superior. She makes sure to leave a good tip and thanks the owner of the Arch and Lark for both good food and good service.
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During the whole chat with the hobgoblin, Anarxos remains silent, listening intently to the monstrous creature's story, trying to assess its veracity. Strangely enough, his eyes linger on Zaggar's salient muscles, though the historian quickly comes to his senses.
When the fate of Citadel Dinyar is revealed, though, Anarxos doesn't seem to be quite himself. He pales, yet it is anger that seem to stir within him.
Aricas, what befell you? What madness took you? How could you fail us such? I'll show them all, we're better than that. Are you even still alive?
"We thank you for these news, for these are grave indeed. This Glorious Reclamation is like weed we'll need to remove, but we'll need help in that endeavor. You know what? There could be room here for you. What are your qualifications?" the historian asks right off the bat.
Ahreni slips away from the rest of the group and spends much of the day going around town as Anya, attempting to establish the feeling in the town and people's opinion of the new arrival. She makes a point of turning up at the Arch and Lark, although changing and removing her make-up means that she arrives half-way through the story. Her reaction is unusually wooden, lacking even her usual easy smile - much like Anarxos across from her Ahreni seems highly disturbed by the story woven in front of them.
Anya, my poor girl. This is so much bigger than I feared...
Glad that the issue with the hobgoblin had been solved (and within the law), Vicenzo concentrated on their current investigation.
He visited the places in town where the waitress might have obtained the poison. he was also looking for the murderous wench.
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None of you notices any kind of mischief by Zaggar's story... it appears he is telling nothing but the truth.
At Anarxos proposition, Zaggar crosses his arms, thinking about it, "Well, I'm a seasoned warrior with a pretty good experience in with both fighting and scouting... the Duke of Ramesiana pays me 3 pieces of gold each day so I'd say 4 pieces of gold is a fair price, considering that I'll have to refuse the Duke's work, which is never a good idea..."
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Vicenzo hasn't find any clue about the whereabouts of the maid but was able to get two names for places where poison could be acquired: Longacre Docks with Ingoe Zoags (Mr. Ingoe), or Odmer's Tonics with Elish Odmer (the place you bought the alchemist's fire vials).
As the hobgoblin spins his tale, Pava's mind wanders to the poisoning, still frustrated that they didn't arrest the girl when they had the chance. When the hobgoblin reveals that the Glorious Reclamation had captured a Hellknight Citadel, though, her attention immediately returned to the task at hand.
She had to interrupt. "I'm sorry, which Order and Citadel did you say?" She breathes a sigh of relief when he clarifies that it was Godclaw and Dinyar. Not Demain, thank Hell's devils.
When Zaggar proposes his price, Pava pulls the others aside. "I don't know if his price is fair, and maybe someone with those skills should negotiate harder on that point, but I think we should hire him. We could use another good sword arm, and we can't risk letting the Glorious Reclamation get a hold in Longacre. We're too close to Egorian. If they could capture Citadel Dinyar, wouldn't Demain be a tasty target as well?"
Vicenzo added, "Yes, I agree that we could use him. He seems sincere but we can't pay that. How about we talk to Razelengo? He may be able to pay him directly from the Archbaron. We could sort of supervise and guide his actions as we see fit."
tag?
Vicenzo goes to the two locations to inquiry about any recent poison purchases.
Pava joins Vicenzo on the poison investigation.
I want him to talk to Razelengo anyway, and tell his story. Melani comments. Worth a shot to see about funding.
Vicenzo added, "Yes, I agree that we could use him. He seems sincere but we can't pay that. How about we talk to Razelengo? He may be able to pay him directly from the Archbaron. We could sort of supervise and guide his actions as we see fit."
"Hiring him won't endear us to the townspeople however." Ahreni comments. "Just letting him past the gates has given the rabble-rousers fuel for their fires. They're saying the Archbaron is hiring mercenaries and monsters for a new reign of oppression. If we put him on payroll that will just confirm their fears. Unless we actively want to provoke a rebellion in order to crush it again I don't think keeping him here longer than we have to is wise..."
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"Grave news indeed, and if that information's correct then you're right Ahreni, we can't have him in town now. Maybe it's better if he joins the Duke as planned."
Anarxos turns back to Zaggar, and offers him a couple gold sails for his information. "We thank you for that information, but our business together will have to be limited to that exchange I'm afraid. We wish you safe journeys."
The historian will then report the latest news to Razelago, then meet with his swordmaster for another lesson at the Ash House.
"Very well..." the Hobgoblin pockets the coins before getting up to leave the table, "Perhaps we do business in the future." He then leaves you behind as he climbs to his room, perhaps for a nap after the lunch.
Anarxos returns to the Ash House to report Razelago while the others walk around town, looking for clues about the poisoning and the missing maid. They visit Odmer's Tonics first, where Elish Odmer smiles to you, "Good, just whom I was looking for, since you are the new 'lawkeepers' around here... my wagon, full of alchemical wonders, has been broken into! You need to find the thieves and I demand the Archbaron to reimburse me of my loss... 800 gold coins at least!"
"Very well..." the Hobgoblin pockets the coins before getting up to leave the table, "Perhaps we do business in the future." He then leaves you behind as he climbs to his room, perhaps for a nap after the lunch.
Anarxos returns to the Ash House to report Razelago while the others walk around town, looking for clues about the poisoning and the missing maid. They visit Odmer's Tonics first, where Elish Odmer smiles to you, "Good, just whom I was looking for, since you are the new 'lawkeepers' around here... my wagon, full of alchemical wonders, has been broken into! You need to find the thieves and I demand the Archbaron to reimburse me of my loss... 800 gold coins at least!"
Vicenzo nodded; it was clear that he was taking this law-keeping job seriously.
"Ok, calm down Mr. Odmer. Please tell as as much details as you can about the event. We will then track these down and get the items back to you."
Leaving Vicenzo to take a statement from Odmer Ahreni slips quietly outside to find the wagon. Once she does so she takes her time, carefully examining the ground around the wagon for tracks as well as searching the cart and its immediate environs thoroughly.
Hmmm, this is unfortunate. Will it get in the way of our investigation, or can this be turned to our advantage?
Pava listens to Vicenzo's cool head as he tries to calm the man down.
"My colleague is right, Mr. Odmer. We will do everything we can to assist, but can do nothing unless you share with us all the details you can, in a calm fashion. Take us to the wagon so that we can see things as they are. Did you disturb the scene? What kind of records do you keep regarding your inventory?"
"Well, everything happened last night... my wagon was locked and parked beside my home, like every night, but when I brought it here today, I noticed several tonics were missing! This is an absurd... unfortunately I've not seen or heard anything during the night." The man retells what happened, looking clearly upset.
You notice that Odmer's tale strangely lacks any sort of clue at all. Any lead, any suspicion.
Ahreni locks the secret compartment and returns to the store, where she waits in the doorway - wanting to see what the outcome of the conversation is before she butts in. How interesting... our quack thought he could pull a con on the officers of the law. We could use this to our advantage...
;
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Vicenzo inspected the wagon and the area to see if he could gather any clues that would help in solving this issue.
He asked, "Can you tell us what went missing? Do you have a current inventory so we can match what's here and not?"
He then added, "How has been business lately? What have you sold in the past week or so? And to whom?"
He continued to look about, "I'm sorry if this bothers you but you must understand that we need this information to solve this."
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While Odmer is telling his tale, Pava mutters a small prayer to the Archdevils of Hell that they would help her see true.
Pava looks over Vicenzo's shoulder as he examines the wagon, making sure that he doesn't miss anything.
As she looks, she instructs the man. "Mr. Odmer, please go fetch your books. We will begin by reconciling your current inventory against recent purchases and sales."
"Is there anything in here that wouldn't be accounted for in your records?"
When Odmer leaves to fetch his books Ahreni steps forward and speaks in a low whisper. "He's lying. I found his goods stashed in a secret compartment at the back of his cart. This is extortion. I suggest you all stand back and let me handle this. He could be useful to us but I don't think threatening him with the full force of the law will help here. I want to sway him, like Ingoe. Just stand back and look menacing."
Vicenzo frowned at Ahrenin's news, "That little son of a b*!!!."
He then added, "OK, I'll let you handle it but give us a few more minutes first. I still want to see his books and inventory and hear what he says. He may incriminate himself further."