"I heard they're holding out in an old Taldan Fort," Denton says earnestly, blissfully unaware of what Muziel is thinking. "I can't remember the name, exactly, but I'm pretty sure it starts with an E or an A and has a zee sound in there, too. My memory's not what it once was."
Muziel smacks Denton upside his head. "You freaking idiot, you think we're gonna fall for that one?" Sparks are seen charging through Muziel's hands, before they go flying into the ground next to Denton in an act of intimidation. "This guy's useless, send him to jail or kill him, I don't care. Let's haul these weapons back and send them out of town in the morning! We can keep whatever we like."
"No, really!" Dent protests, completely misunderstanding the nature of Muziel's objection. "I know the name was in there somewhere, once, and if I could give it to you I would. Please don't kill me."
Cimri looks between the angry gnome and the old man for a moment, and the absurdity of the tableau and the magnitude of the misunderstanding becomes too much for her. She breaks out into gales of hearty laughter. "Boy did I need that," she manages to say after she calms down for a moment, only to be set off again and excuse herself to join Penelope by the door so as to minimize the disruption to the mood of the interrogation inside.
When Ismene hears her cue, she takes it before the situation has a chance to get deadly. She knew she wouldn't be able to keep protecting their prisoners forever; the Sins were a bloodthirsty lot, and they had carte blanche to enforce the law however they saw fit.
"You heard the gnome," she says, roughly hoisting their bound prisoners to the feet. "Your choices were jail or the grave, so I'd get moving to the jail if I was you." nudging them forward, she personally escorts them away, walking behind them to keep any eye out for any funny business.
Thankfully for the old couple, Muziel is busy inventorying the loot as he considers how much he might be able to get from Ingoe Zoags. "We really should've come here sooner, plenty of decent antiques here. Some things that'll fit you nicely, Penelope!"
With the help of Muziel's smelling salts to temporarily revive the unconscious Bo, you're able to get the old couple to limp their way to the jail, while most everyone else confiscates all the weapons from the museum. The speed of the wounded prisoners isn't great, and by the time everyone's finally made it to your destination, it feels like it's pretty late.
Cimri stretches once the Gramels are safely behind bars. "So what do you guys think?" she asks. "Get some rest, see how much of this stuff Zoags will take, then maybe check out the Court of Spears? It seems like they're either getting bolder or more desperate to be taking this kind of direct action. Either way it probably can't be good."
"I don't like the idea of going off and leaving deputies and their rag tag band of trouble-makers at large while we're out of town," Ismene complains.
Penelope is quiet on the trip back, though she does agree with Muziel's suggestions and helps get the loot and prisoners safely stashed. While it is clear something is bothering the Dhampir, it is also clear she doesn't want to talk about it.
Muziel wonders what's bothering Penelope. . But he only knows that Lust doesn't want to talk about it.
"Maybe we could lure them troublemakers out? What if we made a big show of leaving town? Only we don't actually leave, but hide out somewhere. Like the Last Stand, now that we sort of own it. Or maybe something else close by. Cimri and I could hide and keep an eye out for trouble, then let you guys know to spring the trap. If we want to make it really interesting, we let rumors spread that we're going to execute Bo and Dent for treason. That ought to make the deputy feel guilty enough to try a rescue when we're "out of town," right?"
Ismene makes a point of not noticing Penelope's sullenness. She knew she couldn't keep depriving the dhampir of a meal for much longer.
"See, now that's thinking with your head, Greed!" Sister Ismene gives Muziel a congratulatory sock in the arm. "We've gotta be careful not to be too obvious, though. We'll have to make it look like we had to leave town in a hurry. Otherwise, it'll look too convenient that we just happened to leave two prisoners slated for execution unguarded."
"So, I don't give a damn if we execute them, or just leave them to rot, but the populace may very well start taking offense if we hold daily executions followed by brawls in the streets. Perhaps we should handle this one differently?"
"I think it might be worth pursuing, but our first execution of actual Iomedaen priests only managed to draw out Riley Kels," says Cimri, thoughtfully. "If the Angel Knight, if she even exists, is willing to let that pass without direct intervention then I'm not sure adding a couple of old farts to that list is going to force her hand either." She runs a hand through her hair. "That doesn't necessarily mean that we shouldn't do it, or shouldn't see what happens if we do, mind. I just wonder what sort of entrenchment the Glorious Reclamation might achieve, both physically and in the hearts and minds of the local folks, if we give them that extra time and they don't take the bait."
"I hear what you and Koliah are saying. This execution thing is getting old. We need something fresh. . ."
Muziel is seen concentrating very hard for a while. Suddenly, he snaps his fingers.
"Okay! How about this. Seems to me that this Jask fellow and the rest of them might feel guilty about old Dent and Bo getting caught by us just because they were too cowardly to rob the armory themselves. It's kind of embarrassing, really. So we call them out on it. Tell everyone how weak and scared this Glorious Revolution is, that they had to get these old folks to do their dirty work. Tell everyone that if the deputy who sent them will turn himself in, we'll let them go. If they take the bait, we get ourselves a shiny deputy to interrogate. Unlike that idiot Dent who doesn't know a damn thing. . . ." Muziel starts to seethe just thinking about it. "Meanwhile, If they ignore us, they're just admitting they don't give a crap about the people who join their little rebellion. We don't even have to kill anyone."
"I'm not worried about flushing out the Angel Knight," Ismene says to Cimri. "Just her towney goons. If they don't come out to play, leave 'em be. In the end, how much does it really matter if they bust out a couple of senior citizens while we decapitate their rebellion at their base?"
As Greed continues to develop the plan, Ismene nods along. "Humiliation is good, and you know how much I love a good double-bind. We don't even have to waste any time; it'll take us a day or so to prepare before invading the Court of Spears. The Whisperwood's a big place, and there's all kinds of nasty things in there. Even with a map, it'll take some time to get there, and that's not a camping trip you want to try without supplies."
Cimri shrugs. "I never really liked camping at the best of times," she admits, wrinkling her nose. "So, just to make sure I understand the plan, we spend the day tomorrow spreading word of mouth about the Gramels' impending execution?" She emphasizes the last pair of words with air quotes. "And, while we're doing that, we get ourselves ready for a raid on the Court, last minute supplies and whatnot, unless an opportunity presents itself before then?" She looks around at everyone in turn to see if she understands correctly and if there's any objection or alterations to her summary.
Penelope shrugs her acceptance of the plan.
Muziel shakes his head. "Nah, we don't need to announce an execution. Just spread word that Deputy Jask recruited an old couple to raid the armory because he was too scared to do it himself. Tell folks we know Deputy Jask is the real culprit, and if he'll turn himself in, we'll let Bo and Dent go free. The point is to make the townsfolk realize they're better off ignoring Jask instead of working for him, so we don't have more idiots like Bo and Dent getting caught up in their dreams of rebellion. If we're really lucky, he'll turn himself in, or someone else will help turn him in."
Muziel begins settling in for the night. "We better set up watch again, if the Rebellion is desperate they might try to attack the jail to get the weapons. Tomorrow, we can figure out how to either get Ingoe to take them out of town, or just destroy them. I'm thinking we then try to hit the Court of Spears tomorrow night."
"The idea being to allow the mob to maybe turn him over, in exchange for these two dupes?"
"Yes! That's the best case scenario, anyway. The general goal is to get the mob to doubt the wisdom of their leaders."
"Gotcha," Cimri says, nodding her understanding. Like everyone else, she makes her preparations to spend another marginally comfortable evening in the town Jail. At least it's better than being on the prisoners' side of the bars.
The next morning dawns bright, warm and pleasant. Unlike the previous two mornings, this one does not find the group waking up to the unpleasant sight and aroma of sloppy horse turds splattered against the window.
"Hey! Things are looking up around here!"
Muziel wakes up, then looks to enact his plan. "Let's get some breakfast at the Arch and Lark, and while we are there start spreading the word about what happened. Maybe if we find the Archbaron's men, they can put up some notices or the like."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"You had me at breakfast," says Cimri, eagerly, stretching out the kinks in her back from spending the majority of the night snoozing in her aunt's old chair with her booted feet up on her aunt's old desk.
Arriving at the sole remaining established tavern in town, you find that the place has arrived at a sort of equilibrium. The initial large crowds have been sufficiently scared away, and the significant ebb following the execution of the Allomars and the ensuing riot has bounced back somewhat. The result is a minor population of those in town who want to be seen supporting the establishment.
Madam Cembers greets your arrival with her usual obsequiousness, bringing you to your usual table which now bears a sign indicating its status as being on permanent reserve. This is quickly followed by a tray containing a pot of hot coffee and a set of mugs.
"I could get used to this," Cimri suggests happily as she stirs an overly generous amount of sugar into a steaming mug.
Over breakfast, after taking a moment to savor his food and enjoy some coffee, Muziel starts to speak all too loudly. "Can you believe we caught Dent and Bo snooping around the old Armory for weapons? It still blows my mind how a man like Deputy Jask didn't have the balls to do it himself, but instead sent an old couple to do his dirty work!"
It would seem Muziel's ploy is all too transparent. Perhaps he should just focus on putting up some wanted signs for Jask.
Penelope laughed, leaning back in her chair at the Arch Probably knew the old geezers would get caught too. Knowing we'd have to do what we do, the lump of stinking crap is sacrificing them just trying to make the town sympathize with his cause.
It's too early in the morning to be manipulative though. At least the food is... ugh tasteless.
Catching the drift of the conversation, Kolaiah attempts to be overheard by passersby and patrons at other tables. "Indeed, the affront of the crime was one thing, going against the law like that, and by former law officers themselves, but to not have the fortitude to carry out the plan themselves. It is a poverty that those two oldsters were sacrificed by the plotters and will now pay the price."
+1 vs members of Chelish aristocracy
Cimri smirks as Muziel gets the ball rolling in the Arch and Lark. "Subtle," she mouths at him, before digging into the freshly arrived breakfast orders. When Penelope and Kolaiah take over, however, they prove to be a bit more nuanced.
Following the intentionally and pointedly loud conversation, a scan of the room reveals several different opinions expressed on the faces of the regulation-approved small gathering. There are one or two unconfident types who are clearly trying very hard to not accidentally eavesdrop on the Archbaron's agents. Among the rest, some appear to be thoughtfully considering the implications of the discussion. The remainder endeavor to surreptitiously demonstrate their agreement and approval. Whether these feelings are genuine, or just the acknowledgement of sycophants is hard to tell with just a cursory glance. But either way, it's clear that with the clientele that the Arch and Lark has been cultivating over the last week or so, this stop is very much preaching to the choir.'
As breakfast is winding down, Cimri rubs her stomach and sighs with contentment. "If we're thinking about, er," she frowns for a second, thinking of the best way to be subtle. After a few moments her eyes light up with an idea. "Thinking about stargazing, then I think I'm going to spend some time and see if I can get my hands on a potion of darkvision. So I can keep up with you guys without ruining the effect we're going for. You want me to pick you up one too, Is?"
Muziel grins. "I do so enjoy stargazing. . . ." agrees Muziel, amused by the euphemism.
"Yeah, sounds good," Ismene acknowledges. Her part in things is pretty much complete, so she spends breakfast listening to the others and surreptitiously watching the room's reactions. Hook, line, and sinker, she thinks.
Content that the word will be spread appropriately from here, the breakfast finally winds down. Cimri says she'll meet up with everyone back at the Jail, hopefully with the potions.
The next step for the others takes people once again to the docks outside of town on the Whisper River. Upon first arrival, Ingoe Zoags is napping in his little office shack. He wakes up as people approach, but doesn't seem to be startled. He stands up and produces a fresh toothpick, which he slides in between his grinning teeth.
"These early mornings are hell after late nights," he hints and winks. "But I'm glad you stopped by, you know? Saves me the trouble of hoofing it to you folks." He reaches into an inside pocket of his vest and produces an envelope.
"I've got another outgoing letter from our good doctor friend, if you're interested."
This piques Ismene's interest, and she snaps it out of Zoags' hand greedily. She stuffs it into her robes for perusal later. She'd have plenty of time today to give it a good going-over.
Penelope sees the rapid grab but shrugs it off. The doc is in Ismene's sights for better or worse. Probably better than if it had been any the rest of them.
She'll chat about nothing much of anything with Zoags or one of his thugs, while waiting for Muziel to conduct their business.
"Thank you for the letter. In return, we have some weapons you can re-sell at a profit. As long as you get them out of town right away. Agreed?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Zoags starts rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "This arrangement hasn't done me wrong yet," he says with a wink. It's not a firm agreement, but that's probably a difficult thing to come by with such a man. "Show me what you got."
"40 gold? For this entire inventory? Even if you turned it all into scrap metal, it'd still be worth more than that! This has got to be worth at least 100 gold, but we'll sell it to you for 80!"
Muziel actually has no idea whatsoever what this is worth, and tries desperately to keep himself from laughing.
But he starts giggling anyway. "Oh fine, I know it's a pile of rusty weapons. 50 gold?"
Muziel will take whatever deal he can get, even if Ingoe doesn't budge.
Ingoe Zoags stares at Muziel with an expression of incredulity as he makes his blustering counter offer. Then, when the gnome begins to giggle, the sly expression returns and he laughs along as well.
"You had me going there, for a minute," he says, using his tongue to slide the toothpick from one side of his mouth to the other. "There hasn't been much to laugh about around here recently, so let's call it forty-five."
Preparations complete, the group meets back up with Cimri at the jail. So far, no former sheriff's deputies have elected to turn themselves in. Cimri, meanwhile, has managed to acquire two potions of darkvision to help herself and Sister Ismene with the night excursion. The potions will last for three hours, which is less than the time it will take to get there, so the hope is to use torches until the group gets close enough to get there in under an hour, but still far enough away that the forested terrain won't allow the torches to be seen from the Court of Spears, thus giving away the element of surprise.
The map Sister Ismene took from the Notary proves to be extremely helpful in getting the timing of switching over from traditional light sources to the effects of the potions without either wasting any of the duration or getting too close to alert the fort of your imminent raid.
Muziel is delighted as the lights go off and the party can still advance. "It's so dark, they're not gonna see us coming! Let's go."
Quietly and darkly approaching the court making use of collective dark vision, the group comes finally comes across a stand of gigantic aspen trees rising from the scrubby growth on the forest floor. Overhead, amid the powerful branches, you can make out an array of hanging platforms and swaying rope bridges stretching away beyond the range of your vision, creating a camouflaged forest fortress. You can make out a few small points of light, which you gather are lanterns either blocked by measures to reduce their brightness, or the thickness of the canopy, or both.
As you approach the closest of the enormous tree trunks, a pair of timber wolves sleep together in a deep natural alcove in the wood. Fortunately, while there isn't a lot of wind down here, the direction of the breeze puts the group squarely down-wind of the animals.
Kolaiah moves up to the first of the wolves and strikes at it.
P/S 20/x4
Seeing the wolves, Muziel just moves closer to stay with the party.
Penelope jogs forth to mimic Kolaiah's blitzing attack, but realizes this new armor (while wonderfully fitted) weighs her down quite a lot. So instead of wading in wolf blood she remains close to Muziel.
Arriving within 30' of the enemy, Muziel knows he's just in range to launch a bolt of lightning at these creatures!
;
Too bad he has trouble hitting their low profile as they sleep!