"You know Anarxos, I have never seen you so flustered by a woman. This lovely lady has certainly caught your eye but remember your work here is of great importance and try to concentrate harder....as pretty as Lady Unero is," compliments the tiefling woman.
"Yes, of course you can... I'm not really sure if I understood..." For a moment or two the bookish woman seems a bit confused by Anarxos' words, perhaps thinking he was lying to her but as soon as Melani jumps in to help, Mrs. Unero blushes once more, turning her face away from Anarxos and starts to look for some books and journals in the numerous bookcases. "Alright, let me take a look... ah, here it is..."
She grabs one of her old and dusty books, putting it atop a small wooden counter. "Longacre was never a town with many Chelish Noble Houses... precisely four of them prior to the Chelish Civil War: Bacusis, Fex, Golletter, and Moragatalli."
She points to an entry in the book. "The Golletters were the first to disappear, with the family's last scion dying in the late 4500s by the time the old Erastilian church was abandoned and when the Longacre's population decreased... there aren't much journals about that family here besides their family tree and some business contracts."
She passes a many pages before continuing. "During the beginning of the civil war, both the Bacusis and the Moragatallis fledged their support against the House Thrune while House Fex supported the Thrunes, even if none of the houses have a significant manpower to really do anything to each other, so their conflicts largely played out in their financial backing of either side, and rarely amounted to anything more than local name-calling, failed arson attempts, and a few public brawls. When the House Thrune ascended to the throne, ending the war, the Bacusis fled the region and soon after a deadly fire killed every member of the Maragatalli family and destroyed their manor, leaving House Fex to claim the exclusive right to rule." She then closes the book and puts it back into the bookcase.
"Unfortunately, with the fire at the Maragatalli's manor, I do not recall of any surviving books... you may wish to search for yourselve if you wish for their old manor is now known as the Ash House, even if I believe the numerous burglars and looters might have left nothing behind."
"As you might guess, the Bacusis left almost nothing behind when they run away but I think I have a couple books and personal journals that might be of your interest..." She turns her attention back to her bookshelves. "Where are they... I was sure that they should be... ha! Now I remember... a couple months ago an old man came here looking for the same books and it looks like he hasn't returned them yet..." She eyes you a bit ashamed, perhaps thinking what Anarxos might think about her since she let important books to be borrowed for so long. "Mr. Devranal was his name and I believe he lives in a farm a couple miles northwest of Longacre. I usually do not allow these books to be taken away from this library but the Fifth Sword herself vouched for the man... I could try to locate him if you like..."
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Anarxos does his best to blush at Melani's comment. "You're right, I'm not feeling myself right now. It's hard to mix work and... Well, shall we get back to it, yes?"
After hearing what the historian had to say, he cannot help but raise an eyebrow. "The Ash House indeed. And this man, Mr. Devranal? How is he? I would like nothing more than to meet him, especially if the Fifth Sword vouched personally for him. Perhaps I could meet him, peruse the documents myself and write my report for the Westcrown Society, then return these documents to you?"
The Ash House. An old noble manor.
Vicenzo smiles just as life seems to smile at him. He had money, good food, fairly competent companions, and was staying at a noble manor. If only they could see him now.
The witch clears his throat but bids his time and waits for the lady to answer.
She almost closes an eye in her attempt to fully remember about Mr. Devranal. "He is really old, almost bald, and with a long beard... despite his 'sage look', if I correctly remember, he was once a soldier... or a holy warrior since he has the trust of the Fifth Knight."
She then turns a little pale with the suggestion about seeking the old man right now. "Hummm... the problem is that I've never been to his house and do not really know where he lives, just the general direction... the farm and its location was also said to me by Mrs. Allamar. Perhaps we could ask her tomorrow since she might be somehow occupied right now, thanks to her unusual sermon followed by the theft of that helm."
Once outside Vicenzo speaks to his companions, "Did you ehar what she said? The Ash House, where we are staying, used to be a noble manor. How's that for a change of luck?"
He laughed, "No more nobles living there now but we get the run of the place."
He then added, "I think I would rather go back and explore it a bit but I'll stay with you guys if you're going somewhere..."
Marcellus is waiting at the Ash House when the others return. Something is needling him, making him feel uncomfortable about returning to his home. He needs proof - he needs to catch Kels in his misdeeds red-handed. If he returns home now, he knows he'd let something slip, and his wife would know he suspects something. Spending some time with his new companions should clear his head, he reasons.
Seeing Marcellus sitting alone in the semi-darkness when they return Ahreni sits next to him, within arm's reach but not close enough to be actually touching.
"Do you want to talk? There's something eating at you on the inside. Sharing can help with that." Just for a moment her voice changes, sounding in two or three tones; faintly redolent of a choir singing far in the distance.
You leave the Longacre Historical Society building behind and arrive at the Ash House after just a couple minutes. Cimri walks along with you, even if a bit bored. You arrive to find Marcellus waiting for you, still somehow lost in his own thoughts.
After a couple minutes in a methodical search among the remains of the Ash House, you find that all the rooms in the first floor are largely empty except for rubble, a few scraps of burnt timber, and dead ivy. The same could be said about the second floor except for one room that still looks like intact, even if the amount of rubble in front of it, from the collapsed third floor, requires you about an hour to be cleared, exposing a master bath.
Ivy invades even this musty room. Old ash streaks the tiled walls of what was once a lavish bath chamber, while broken mosaic chips and fallen timbers cover the floor with sharp scree. Opposite the door, a porcelain tub filled with stagnant water hunches beneath a crescent-shaped mirror distorted by intense heat. The bath is choked with wreckage from the fallen floor above. The tub appears to be filled with mud and rainwater.
She follows the rest, deep in thought, and enjoying the byplay between the others. The way that the group is building on their successes is beginning to show promise.
Searching is something she has little ability for and although he helps, she doesn't appear to find as much as the rest.
Vicenzo basks in the glory of what it would have been to have grown up in a manor house. His childhood memories are of his mother being beaten and/or abused by other people just so he could eat. What they had to eat no doubt left a deep mark in his stomach, which nowadays could handle anything but soon after regurgitate it all. As if nothing could ever satisfy him for long.
The sight of the only room that appeared to have been left unlooted was another disappointment. Whatever disgusting thing was in the tub didn't faze him at all.
He looked at his companions, "What do you make of this?"
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Anarxos takes great interest in the recent discovery, though he doesn't quite know what to make of it. Immediately, his mind starts playing with possibilities. "Interesting, the plunderers completely left this room alone. In all likelihood one would think it is because of the rubble we had to clear to enter, but there may be more to it. What if those who plundered this house were none other than the owners of the Ash House, these Maragatalli? Maybe one of them survived the blaze and came back to retrieve some things in the manor's ruins. It's pure conjecture at this point, but this is one possibility."
Concluding his dubious theory, he returns to a more down-to-earth demeanor, as if snapping out of a mental game of his own. "In any case, even if my theory's true it doesn't bring us any immediate benefits. I should like to rest now. If Razelago doesn't have any tasks for us on the morrow, we could continue our search for Mr.Devranal... whoever he is."
Upon their return to the room where they feasted recently, Anarxos addresses a quick nod to Marcellus, and sits down after trying to find an unfinished bottle of wine to share with his companions. He offers to fill the warrior's glass.
"Welcome back, Marcellus. We've missed you, though your talents weren't needed... yet. That might change tomorrow, as we now have a name and general location on the man I'm chasing. Will you be joining us?" The nobleman takes a sip from his glass, then contiues. "I couldn't help but notice your reaction at the speech earlier. Is there anything you would like to share with us? We are in this together, so we can help one another. More to the point, if something threatens you, it threatens us all, as we've cast our fates together now, for better or for worse."
Melani takes a sip from the wine offered by Anarxos and moves away from the table to a comfortable divan so that she can curl up her long legs under her body.
Her eyes close and she enjoys the way the fiery wine travels down her throat. It is a luxury I can get used to. I wonder in the names of all nine hells where Kol is? I shall ask Cimri on the morrow. Now let us listen to the warrior Marcellus.
"Yes, I would like to know more too." encourages the young woman.
Vicenzo also pays attention to the warrior. He needed to know if he was in control of his faculties because Razalengo may give them another job soon and he needed to know who he could count on.
Marcellus stiffened as all eyes turned to him and personal questions began to fly. He was not one for the limelight, and did not appreciate being the center of attention. He grunted and cleared his throat before responding. "The Sword Knight and I have history. I was weak after my time in the navy and I fell for the false promises of that failed church. We parted ways not on friendly terms." He ground his teeth in frustration. "Even now my wife still attends those blasted services and parrots the Inheritor's lies. I was rather displeased to see her in attendance at the sermon."
"We can fix that Marcellus." Ahreni replies, her voice unreasonably cheerful. "If we do this right, demonstrate the falseness of the church I'm sure your wife will be running back to the safety of Asmodeus in no time."
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"It's nasty." Is Ahreni's short response. "I've got no idea what the gunk is but there's been strange noises from up here most nights. Maybe if we come back after dark we'll find something else." She pauses, "Could it be haunted somehow?"
"They seduce with their "good" words of love and trust and honour. But they do not mean one thing. One day your wife will see through that and we can help her find the Truth. Weakness and goodness is just ... weakness." Melani spits out the final words.
"I can come with you to find out what spirits infect the bathroom. If you wish, Ahreni?"
After eating, the night passes mostly uneventful...
The following morning at dawn, Cimri once more asks you to meet in Razelago’s office, where the mysterious man has a new job for you. "Nothing more than an errand today, but one well suited to your skills. I met with the Archbaron last night." Razelago's silhouette inclines a hand toward a stack of rolled parchments on the table. "He has issued several new decrees that he'd like posted across town to inform the citizenry." He pauses for a moment, time enough for Cimri to move forward and pick the decrees, handling copies to you (there are four copies in total).
By Order of His Lordship Darellus Fex, Archbaron of Longacre, and in accordance with the wishes of Her Infernal Majestrix, Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, the following decrees are now in effect:
Longacre's western gate, known as the Castle Gate, is closed until further notice. All travel into and out of Longacre must employ the north or south gates and be officially sanctioned. Only the archbaron's agents, sanctioned local businesses, or those displaying a writ of passage bearing the seal of House Fex, will be granted passage. All others must obtain a writ from the Longacre notary or do business elsewhere.
Longacre citizens shall not congregate in groups numbering greater than six in private, or in numbers greater than twelve in public. Exceptions will be made only for families with more than six members or for individuals undertaking the natural course of their business. Gatherings for the purposes of celebration, education, or religion are not exempt from this order.
A curfew is now in effect. From the hour after dusk to the hour before dawn, no citizen of Longacre is allowed upon the town's streets without a writ of exception bearing the seal of House Fex. The archbaron's agents and sanctioned local businesses are exempt from this order. Those seeking a writ of exception may apply at the Longacre Notary.
Any persons found in violation of these mandates or any other laws and sanctions of Longacre will be considered seditious agents and are subject to questioning, imprisonment, and summary judgment by the Archbaron of Longacre and officials of the town government.
For the prosperity of Longacre, the protection of the Empire, and the glory of House Thrune,
Darellus Fex,
Archbaron of Longacre
"Post these decrees at the notice post in the church square, the jail, the Last Stand Tavern, and the Castle Gate. And while you’re at the jail, stop by the sheriff’s office. The Archbaron has a second decree for you to deliver." Razelago's shadow tilts toward Cimri, who picks up a folded page from the table. One that dismisses Rhona Staelish as the sheriff of Longacre. "You have until noon today. Perform as reliably as you have in your last two tasks, and I'll pay what we agreed upon for your first task. If this assignment goes smoothly, the Archbaron would like to meet with you. It sounds as though he might soon have some civil positions to fill. Any questions?"
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Anarxos nods but remains silent as he considers Marcellus's words. Reacting to Ahreni's proposition, a spark of interest lights up in his eyes. "Haunted you say? I would be curious to see that. I shall come as well." Then, as if he was just remembering something important, he gives a polite nod to Marcellus. "If you need help, my offer stands - we're in this together, basking in an unholy grace that will reveal itself soon."
Anarxos reads the decree with a stone face, yet it is not hard to guess the historian's opinion: he is gloating over the law enforcement now in effect.
That's a first stone upon which the new Longacre will be built. They will try to resist, of course. Let them, for we have something they don't: might and right. This is our chance.
"We will carry out the Archbaron's orders swiftly. I expect that the townsfolk won't be too happy about this, but what about the sheriff. Are we to expect any hostility or resistance from Rhonda Staelish?"
Vicenzo nods, "Yes, they will be mad but they should be thankful that someone is looking out for their well-being. So, of course, we will post these decrees."
He then asked, "So we will get a chance to meet the Archbaron? Did he say anything about what civil positions were available?"
The witch had been very proud to have worn the Baron's insignia last time and actually becoming employed sounded wonderful.
"Darling! I've barely seen you in two days. Welcome home." Isabella Vossler greeted her husband warmly when he returned home. She moved close to him, reaching around to help unfasten his armor. "I saw you through the crowd at the church," she said cautiously, aware of her husband's moods. "I'm glad you were able to put aside your disagreements with the Sword Knight to go and listen. She really does mean the best for this town."
Marcellus was accustomed to his wife's blindness to the Inheritor's church's hypocrisy. "She wants the best for herself and her fellow priests," he said. "What she wants is for the people to rise up and be stepped on by the boot of Thrune. They'll all be martyrs for her god, and she'll be happy."
His wife sighed. She knew her husband wouldn't be convinced. "I've made supper. Let's leave talk of the church for another time."
Conversation during the meal was lacking. Marcellus wrestled with the urge to confront his wife about her association with Kels, but fought it down. Proof first, he thought. I'll show her that scoundrel for who he really is.
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Marcellus grins. "It will be a pleasure to relieve that strumpet of her undeserved position as Sheriff, and this decree will bring a much-needed measure of order to this town."
"We will carry out the Archbaron's orders swiftly. I expect that the townsfolk won't be too happy about this, but what about the sheriff. Are we to expect any hostility or resistance from Rhonda Staelish?"
"There will be grumbling from the common people, of course, but most of Longacre's citizens know their place. For those that don't... well, I should think the archbaron will need a sterner sheriff than the one he has... Staelish is popular with the people, because she's soft. She's never seen eye to eye with the archbaron. In these times, we need unity between our leaders and those who would enforce their will"
"So we will get a chance to meet the Archbaron? Did he say anything about what civil positions were available?"
"Yes indeed, but it depends on how you all manage to execute this task but I fully believe you'll find little trouble. I believe the Archbaron will easily need a new sheriff and deputies... perhaps a mayor in the future but I'm not yet convinced of the necessity..."
"It will be a pleasure to relieve that strumpet of her undeserved position as Sheriff, and this decree will bring a much-needed measure of order to this town."
"Indeed. Archbaron Fex takes word of the Glorious Reclamation very seriously. Rather than seeing Longacre become a mire of fetid thinking, he seeks to steel his holdings against it before it takes root."
Razelago's shadow crosses his arms in a clear sign that the time for answers is over and Cimri quickly leads you back to the parlor downstairs. "So... where you wanna go first? I think there is not much planning to be done here since it seems pretty simple and as soon as we finish it the better, preferably before noon to impress both Razelago and the Archbaron." Meanwhile, Cimri retrieves a mallet and a few bent nails from the house. "Thinking about it, I'd prefer to visit the jail last..."
Ahreni reads the decrees with a frown, much less enthused than her fellows. "I understand the Archbaron's plans but putting these up is going to need to be handled with care. Just marching up and planting them in the square and outside a tavern is going to cause trouble. We might be able to place a couple without issue but I think we'd best keep one or two people back. I avoided being linked to the Archbaron yesterday and if we're going to use the helm to full effect I need to be a free agent."
She pauses, looking around the room, particularly at Razelago to see how everyone is taking this. "I'll come and scout out the areas first, but I think it's better if I'm not directly associated with this. Besides" she grins, a trace of her usual more cheerful persona returning, "I'm just a vagrant anyway!"
Vicenzo nods, "That's a good idea. You could get back into disguise and sort of follow us along and warn us about any potential trouble."
The witch looked about, "I think we should head to Castle Gate first. It's obviously not in the middle of town and is thus likely to have less people around. We can gauge people's reactions there and take any precautions for the other three locations."
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"Even though it seems like a simple task, caution should be exercised. Let's proceed this way then. Ahreni, your scouting would prove very useful to allow us to adapt to any kind of mischief some of the Sword Knight's people could want to perform. Your insight is a good one Vicenzo - I would suggest starting with the Castle Gate, then moving around the city in a circle: tavern, church square, and finally jail, where we will happily relieve Ms. Staelish of her duties. Let's move out".
Before heading out, Anarxos will make sure to wear his sash proving his support and belonging to the Archbaron's men.
Longacre's western gate looks almost as if some great giant picked up the stone gate from a rugged frontier fort and dropped it across the road leading into town. A set of weathered wooden doors stands open in the fortified stone. The Castle Gate, as Longacre's western gate is popularly called, might present a hindrance to invaders were it situated in a wall. As it is, the gate is merely a mossy stone tower connected to a short stone span that interrupts the aged, chest-high wooden fence surrounding the town.
For most of Longacre's residents, the gate is a symbol of their town's grit and determination, but for the town's honorary gatekeepers, managing it is a solemn charge. These gatekeepers, Bolouisia and Denton Gramel, live in a house close to the gate and rarely let the mossy pile of rocks out of their sight. Bo and Dent note everyone who passes through, greeting every neighbor, commenting on every loaded cart, and questioning newcomers as though they were guards at the imperial palace. For the most part, though, the couple is content to watch people come and go, and keep on alert for danger coming down the road.
Ahreni, scouting ahead of the group, crosses the Castle Gate without any problem besides the simple routine questions that Bo asks her about. She quickly moves along and finds an inconspicuous place to hide and observe the surroundings. It is still early in the morning and the 'place' is mostly empty from town folks and farmers alike. The same protocol questions are asked when the rest of you approache and cross the gate, Bo watching you approaching from a chair beneath a rigged-up awning atop the tower beside the gate. "Morning."
Vicenzo scoffed when he saw the 'gate'.
He then spoke to his companions, "We need to talk to the guards and tell them that the gate needs to be closed for the safety of the citizens and their own. Tell them about the revolts in the country, the VIOLENT revolts. And that the Archbaron wants to keep the citizens of Longacre safe."
He then pointed to his scars, "I would speak to them myself but I seem to put people on edge with my looks."
"I won't lie, I would find the post of Longacre Sheriff truly satisfying," remarks Marcellus. "I hope you'll put in a good word for me with the Archbaron. You seem to have his ear on these matters."
"I'll take the direct approach with these decrees. If the people of this town wish to protest, they can do so to my face."
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"Good morning, Bo," Marcellus said, obviously familiar with the man. "I'm here on official business on behalf of Archbaron Darellus Fex. He has asked us to post these new decrees around the town - effective immediately." He holds out a copy of the decree for Bo to read.
"And we're going to need to close this gate. The Archbaron cares too deeply about his people's safety to allow dangerous outsiders to have free access into the town."
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Anarxos doesn't seem surprised when Marcellus expresses his will to become Longacre's new Sheriff. Quite the opposite in fact. He's content with letting the weathered warrior do the talking for once, but he remains there to give Bo and Dent the impression that Marcellus is here on good authority, with reliable men at his side.
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Once she is confronted with the archbaron's decree, Bo is furious. "Wha... what? How you dare you blasted fool! We've kept this town safe and this gate open, except for nights and holydays, for all the eighteen years Dent and I have minded it!" The old woman spits on the ground and crosses her arms in her better attempt to intimidate you. "No cow-pile baron or his trumped-up dung-berries are going to make us close it."
You notice that Bo's bark is far worse than her bite, however, and she seems unwilling to back up her anger with more than words.
With Bo harsh words and tone, Dent comes out from their nearby home and asks what the fuss is about, renewing the woman's spirit and curses. "The cursed archbaron and his lackeys are trying to close the Castle Gate, Dent!"
This was enough non-sense.
The witch stepped up and measured this Bo and he knew that she was just running her mouth, "Now listen here lady. Don't make this hard on yourself. Times are changing. None of us have ever been in the current political times. It's dangerous out there with too many crazed cult fanatics running around. The archbaron is doing this to protect you all."
He then concluded by peering closer to her, making sure she saw the evil brand on his face, "You either help us or get out of the way and we'll close the gate ourselves."
Marcellus looms over the woman, stepping very close to her. "And it might be wise to speak favorably about this town's rightful lord and protector. Seditious comments like those won't be tolerated for long."
"I would expect the Watch to understand who makes the orders and who enforces them. You must expect repercussions if you keep being derogatory to the Archbaron Fex. When we meet with him soon I shall be sure to answer his questions clearly, especially if he asks me how the Castle Gate responded." Melani is careful to keep her words fairly neutral despite the more obvious threats being bandied around.
Ahreni, leaning against the 'tower' walls on the far side listens carefully. It is clear that 'Bo' has nothing to back her threats up with so Ahreni begins to move away, planning to circle round and re-enter the town at a different spot. She heads for Last Stand Tavern, the next location on the groups agenda.
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How dares she!
Anarxos waits for Marcellus to put the woman to her place, yet the would-be Sheriff might not be as decisive as the historian would have liked them to be. Chiming in, he addresses a very straightforward to both of the Castle Gates.
"Mind your tone, both of you. You seem to forget who your Lord and Master is, because he has been lenient for all these years. He's not a cruel man and doesn't do things because he likes them, but because they need to be done for the greater good. He knows you have been doing your work with heart and soul, and he is grateful. Today, circumstances dictate his actions and we must close the gate to help Longacre see this crisis through. Who are you to question the Archbaron's leadership?! Now close the damned gate, and watch your mouth."
Already intimidate by Marcellus' words, the couple is silent after Anarxos' harsh scolding. Clearly upset, the couple moves inside the gate tower and closes the gate with a simple pulley mechanism. Then the two move towards the gate and lift the two awkward iron braces that stand behind one of the gate doors and slide these brackets into place to lock the gates. Without saying no more words to you, the couple retreats to their home, leaving a trail of muttering and nasty names behind them.
"That was easier than I had anticipated..." Cimri remarks as she uses her mallet and nails to fixate the decree on the middle of the closed gate. "So... the Last Stand Tavern now, right?" She rests the mallet at her shoulder, waiting for you to lead the way.
Moving west and then south towards the Market Square where the Last Stand Tavern is located. As Ahreni enters the tavern she notices little movement inside... just an old farmer and the owner, Bolgart Caggan, preparing food. Colorful wooden shields and weathered antlers hang upon the deck girdling this rustic public house. Overhead, a sign carved with crenellations bears the name "The Last Stand Tavern" — the letters 'L' and 'T' formed with painted green-fletched arrows.
There are ample places to hang the archbaron's decree upon the supports of The Last Stand's porch.
Once the gates are closed, Marcellus takes the opportunity to hammer in the decree right in the middle of the prominently closed gate.
"This place ought to do nicely," Marcellus said. The normally irascible veteran seemed to be enjoying himself as he took the proclamation and began hammering the parchment into a visible location on the porch supports.
Once more Vicenzo takes a back seat and lets the others do the talking. He's there, looking either friendly or menacing, as the situation warrants.
To try and make things easier, he asked, "Hey Bolgart, what are you preparing? Can we try some now?"
From inside the tavern Ahreni sees both the farmer and Bolgart a bit confused by the sound of hammering coming from the porch. Bursting through the kitchen and through the front doors, Bolgart appears holding a sturdy wooden spoon and, under his other arm, a half-full pot of what appears to be spicy chili. He points his spoon to you while yelling, clearly upset because of his well-polished porch. "What in the nine hells are you hammering to my porch?"
To try and make things easier, he asked, "Hey Bolgart, what are you preparing? Can we try some now?"
He moves around you, trying to take a look at the decree. "Just ma's old chi... WHAT?" In his exclamation, a small gob from his spoon lands on Melani's cheek. The man is livid. "How do you idiots expect me to run my business with a curfew and a 'gathering restriction'? This is nonsense! You will take this little piece of shit, go back to the archbaron, and get it revised! If he needs some help, there are a couple kids or dogs around who should have more sense in writing things to assist him... or roll it up as tight as you wish and shove it up in your arses!" The commotion starts to attract the attention of a couple more farmers and town folks.
He moves around you, trying to take a look at the decree. "Just ma's old chi... WHAT?" In his exclamation, a small gob from his spoon lands on Melani's cheek. The man is livid. "How do you idiots expect me to run my business with a curfew and a 'gathering restriction'? This is nonsense! ...
Vicenzo shook his head, "Now you listen for a second because what you just said is exactly the problem."
He calms down and explains, "This is not about YOU or YOUR business. It's about keeping people safe. You tell me, how will you run your business when riots run rampart and people are getting killed by a bunch of zealots?"
tag?
He then continued, "I'm sure this is temporary and since you are one of the people that benefits most from people in this town, I'm sure you want to play your part in keeping people safe, right?"
He then pointed to his swollen eye, "You see this? This is what I got from a bunch of zealots on a mission. You want that for the people you love and care for?"
He looked to his companions for support.
tag?
Melani slowly removes the chilli with one delicate long finger and pops it in her mouth. The spicy taste matches the anger of the taverna and its occupants.
"So it would be a shame if we simply got your place closed? No need to worry about gathering or any restrictions, and no need for you to shout and curse the good name of our Baron. So are you going to be careful with what you say or do we get you shut?"
He calms down and explains, "This is not about YOU or YOUR business. It's about keeping people safe. You tell me, how will you run your business when riots run rampart and people are getting killed by a bunch of zealots?"
Bolgart scowls. "To keep people safe? I'm no such a fool to swallow all this bullshit you are trying to feed me! There is no such thing like murderous zealots!"
He then continued, "I'm sure this is temporary and since you are one of the people that benefits most from people in this town, I'm sure you want to play your part in keeping people safe, right?"
He then pointed to his swollen eye, "You see this? This is what I got from a bunch of zealots on a mission. You want that for the people you love and care for?"
"The people IS safe, or at least should be if not for you thugs striking fear into their hearts! But not me... I can see your ruse! I'm doing my part in keeping people safe, safer from your kind! Get away from my place!
"So it would be a shame if we simply got your place closed? No need to worry about gathering or any restrictions, and no need for you to shout and curse the good name of our Baron. So are you going to be careful with what you say or do we get you shut?"
He gives you a fake laugh. "You are welcomed to try! I'm breaking no laws... have you read a 'you are not allowed to curse idiots' line in that ridiculous decree? You are not the law... Sheriff Rhona is, your are nothing but ambitious thugs and boot-lickers! Get away from my tavern! NOW!" The men becomes even more livid with anger as you remain in his porch. Meanwhile, Marcellus hits the decree for the last time with his mallet.
Ahreni, watching from the sidelines chooses not get involved. However, once the rest of the group leaves she hangs around for a few minutes, hoping to pick up some information from the various people in the Tavern while tempers are still high and tongues (hopefully) loose.
Bolgart almost throws his pot of chili at Anarxos but freezes at the last moment, completely red, the heat from his face almost palpable. Instead, the tavern keeper watches as you leave his establishment, probably killing you in his mind.
Leaving the Last Stand Tavern, you follow the Bow Street which arches north from the Market Square to the Church Square where is located the notice post. The Church Square is 'busy' as usual with about two dozen citizens nearby in varied business.
A fifteen-foot-tall wooden post, scarred by nails and plastered with faded pronouncements, rises from a bed of posies in the church square. A verdigris-stained copper archer swivels atop a squeaky weather vane at the post’s summit. Local news, business listings, and past decrees of lesser importance cover the stake at the center of Longacre's church square.
Adding anything to the notice post attracts the attention of several locals, who soon gather to read the decree even before Marcellus is finished to hammering it. One of the first to approach is a rather severe-looking woman.
While several of the townsfolk with her, about a dozen, immediately get upset and start complaining about the injustice of a curfew and being treated like prisoneers, the woman keeps her head. She calmly approaches you. "I have a couple questions about the decree. Will those who break the curfew to see to a medical emergency be arrested?... Half of Longacre is related, what does 'family' mean in this context?... Is a group gathering at the tavern assisting the establishment in 'the natural course of its business'?... How can those from outside town obtain a writ of passage if they're not allowed in to visit the notary?"