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The group heads back to the General Arnisant Home and Museum. Cincia meets the group upon arrival, accepting the Helm of Ozem reverently. "Oh, thank you," she says, bringing the helm over to a suit of armour on display in the main room and demonstrating its true place by holding it next to the obvious match.
"How goes the investigation? Have you found enough formal evidence to have the courts draw up an arrest warrant?" she asks. She replies grimly: "I think I'm going to have to keep this helm out of sight until a time that is necessary to present as a piece of evidence in a trial. Do let me know - I'll be sure that it is kept safe in the meantime."
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Badriyah wakes with the others and does her best to make herself presentable and ready for another day. Blurry-eyed she follows the group to the museum only really fully waking up when Cincia asks about the status of the investigation.
"We've found some evidence, but I'm not sure it's enough for a warrant." Shes says and then shares their encounter with the smugglers and the documented confessions. "We're on our way to follow up with Adimare now that the helm is back in your hands, so we may have more in the next day or two."
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Quickly shaking her head, Badriyah turns back to the curator.
"No my lady. We've only checked the one lead and as I said we are on our way to speak with the second. But wished to see the helm was safe in your capable hands before doing so."
She then pats Giovanni on the arm and adds, "You must forgive Giovanni's confusion. He was up all night keeping watch for additional smugglers or the fence who has been retreiving the goods. But alas no one else showed."
With a friendly but serious smile she concludes "Rest assured we will find more before all our avenues are exhausted."
She bows formally and starts to move toward the door.
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”You’d do well, I think, to present this to the magistrate as evidence of smuggled goods that you recovered,” Cincia suggests before the group leaves, handing the helm back to Badriyah. ”Please tell Magistate Tantriano that I have confirmed that this helm belonged to the museum.” She moves to welcome some new visitors to the museum as the group departs.
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Badriyah carefully accepts the helm from Cincia. "As you wish. We'll see it properly taken care of until it can be returned to the museum permanently."
Once outside and on their way to the chandlers, Badriyah hands the helm to Lovissa. "It seems you should continue carrying this." She says "It looks much more striking on you than it ever would me."
She then takes a few moments to look around and see if anyone might be following or taking interest in her group.
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The group heads for the courthouse, most of you looking for Magistrate Joleana Tantriano (Lady Finley mistakenly looks for a male). Upon entry to the main hall of enquiries, you spy a stately older human lady in a ceremonial half-cloak standing and signing a few separate ledgers borne to her by two clerks. Her half-cloak is held over her right shoulder by a large clasp depicting a longsword pointing downward.
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Marcus snaps out of his fatherhood induced stupor groggy morning demeanor. "Well, our discussion with Rasvelg lead us to this, I wonder what Patrician Neffery Adimare will have to say about scallywags wearing his Navy's uniform while undertaking... hrmm... less than honorable work."
He stretches out and yawns before continuing. "As for Magistrate Tantriano, I do believe it would fulfill our promise to turn over the documents, framing them as testimony from those who were easily manipulated by others of higher status. So long as we frame them as victims willing to give their testimonial and refuse to cooperate with any line of inquiry seeking warrants for their incarceration... I do believe all will work out just fine."
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Lovissa bows to the Magistrate respectfully.
"Hail and well met, Magistrate Tantriano! I am Lovissa of the line of Halenbane! My companion speaks truth! We are in need of your assistance to see justice done!"
She then gestures for Badriyah to step forward and explain some of the boring things that Lovissa was only half-paying attention to.
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Following Lovissa's gesture Badriyah quickly attempts to brush her clothes to remove some of the dust and dirt gathered while climbing around under a bridge and sleeping in a cave. Unfortunately, the effort seems to do little but rub things into the cloth further so she takes a deep breath and steps forward with a deep bow.
"Greetings Magistrate." She begins while rising to meet the older woman in the eye. "As my companions have mentioned, we have recently run across some activities which we believe would be of interest to you and those who keep the peace and law in Ridonport. Curator Revaimo at the Arnisant museum suggested we come to you since these deeds appear to also involve items that have recently gone missing from her collection."
Badriyah stops to glance around the large hall, her brow furrowed with a bit of concern. "Is this the best place to talk or is there someplace more private you would rather we adjourn to?"
Leaning in slightly toward the woman, her voice drops closer to a whisper. "Some of the evidence so far, points to rather important individuals. Individuals I currently hesitate to accuse openly until we have gathered additional proof of our suspicions."
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"Myesss... A coincidental encounter with some local hoodlums has left us quite curious as to whether our mere investigation into... Misappropriation of historical artifacts has turned to a matter of intrigue. We have been informed that you are held in the highest of regard when it comes to evidence if this manner.
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Magistrate Joleana Tantriano gives your group a cocked eyebrow. "This appears to be juicier than local zoning ordinances." She turns to the two clerks holding up ledgers in front of her. "We'll complete these after lunch, but before my afternoon hearings." The dismissed legal aides scurry off, and Magistrate Tantriano turns on her heels.
"Follow me to my chambers, please," she says, without looking to see if you're following.
Once nestled into her comfortably cluttered office space, Magistrate Tantriano sits at an overstuffed desk, just underneath a painting of Iomedae vanquishing a demon. She takes on a business-like tone, though a playful grin rests on her face. "Ok, Madame, you have the floor. Dispense with the niceties and tell me what wickedness hath wrought the noblesse."
She's staring at you, Badriyah.
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Her face flushes for a second as Badriyah faces Tantriano's intense gaze. Wetting her lips, she swallows once, then twice to tamp down her nerves before attempting to present what now seems like scant evidence to magistrate. Not knowing exactly where to start, she see's Giovanni's signal and with a sudden sense of calm she offers another formal bow of her head and then gestures toward the Helm of Ozem held by Lovissa.
"That your honor, is a helm worn by one of the Knights of Ozem who battled at the side of holy Iomedae during the Shining Crusade. Curator Reviamo at the General Arnisant museum, has easily confirmed this because it is the exact artifact that had gone missing from her collection after Earl Vernisant demanded it be placed in his private estate."
She pauses for a moment to let the magistrate get a closer look at the helm.
"Now you might be asking, how did such a treasure end up in the hands of a rather rough looking band of folks like ourselves?" She says with a self deprecating smile. "A question, to which we are still searching for the complete answer, but we do know some of the story."
She pulls out her journal and begins flips the pages of notes she has taken so far in the investigation.
"It begins with Lady Reviamo asking us to assist her in tracking down the missing helm, and some other less valuable artifacts. Eager to assist and thinking that nearly every bit of goods and gossip flow through the docks here in Ridonport, that is where we started our inquiries."
"We quickly learned that some of the old smuggling tunnels in Ridonport were still open...despite the Earl's assurances that they were all closed." She says, the disbelief clear in her voice.
"The hideout in question was, ironically, under the St. Lymirin Street Bridge. I'm sure the holy patron is none to pleased about the activities that have gone on under her namesake bridge." She adds dryly before continuing with her tale.
"We promptly went to investigate and cautiously made our way under the span where we did discover a small set of tunnels with evidence of recent smuggling activity."
Her face is serious as she looks back up at the judge, "In fact, Iomedae must surely have guided our hand. Because while we were in the tunnels, an unlit barge approached the hidden landing beneath the bridge under the cover of darkness, its crew intent on unloading goods stolen from the Count Zespire. But more importantly, the leader of this band of ruffians wore that very helm before you. Truly the goddess was on our side guiding us to the injustice of such an artifact being worn and used for such lowly deeds."
Badriyah takes another pause to gather her thoughts before describing the fight with the smugglers. Deciding to not go into much detail on that topic she continues.
"A scuffle did occur when the smugglers discovered us and attacked. We were forced to defend ourselves. Fortune, the goddess, and the skills of my companions saw us through and we subdued the scoundrels. With a little further effort they confessed to their minor role in what appear to be grander schemes."
She turns to the confessions and shows them to the magistrate. "It seems the helm was acquired as partial payment for the gangs continued theft and smuggling of the Iron Gar's ships and that this has gone on for some time. Possibly as an effort by the Earl to discredit the Count."
"Finally, uncertain what to do with the smugglers themselves and not having any true authority here in Ridonport, we decided on as honorable approach as we could. In the spirit of Iomedae's Eight Act, we allowed them to opportunity to confess and redeem themselves by giving up their ways and taking up honest work on one of the traders leaving town soon." She offers a brief smile, "Not exactly falling on their own swords, but I imagine the thought of actual hard work will be enough punishment for that lot."
She takes a step back looking around at the others as she lets out another deep breath. "That is what we have so far Magistrate Tantriano. As I said, nothing concrete yet, but many threads that appear to point to the Earl Vernisant from theft to smuggling to potential falsification of records if you take into account the family heritage documents he has forced on the museum."
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"Ah...well, yes." She stumbles a bit not expecting the magistrate to focus in so quickly on the documents mentioned by Cincia. "You may be best served by speaking with Curator Reviamo about those directly, but I'll share what I can."
She quickly flips back through the pages in her journal before continuing. "Here it is." She says. Her eyes quickly scanning the notes. "It seems the Earl commissioned an addition to the genealogy exhibit at the museum, one that essentially infers that he..." She pauses for a second, swallows quickly. "He...could be a descendant of Iomedae herself due to an affair between the goddess and the honorable General Arnisant." She ends quietly, unable to voice the claim without disbelief.
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"We did notice a sealed passage leading away from the smugglers drop off location. We considered executing a... Rapid unscheduled disassembly of the offending impediment, however we had some concern that we may be overstepping our bounds."
The look on his face makes it clear that he is well aware that many boundaries had long since been obliterated.
"We decided to... hrmmmmm well... Giovanni maintained a vigil over the passage watching for the recipient of the stolen goods but to no avail. If any deconstruction efforts were needed within the sorely misused tribute to the inheritor, we would gladly oblige... With your permission that is."
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"He...could be a descendant of Iomedae herself due to an affair between the goddess and the honorable General Arnisant."
At this, the magistrate lets out a long string of hearty laughter. Wiping her eyes as she finishes into a spate of titters, Magistrate Tantriano composes herself again.
"Oh yes, let's do please set the record straight there. You have my dispensation to make use of the genealogy records in the archives beneath the courthouse to determine the veracity of those claims. I should be quite interested in the results of your research." She stifles a few more unseemly giggles.
"We did notice a sealed passage leading away from the smugglers drop off location. We considered executing a... Rapid unscheduled disassembly of the offending impediment, however we had some concern that we may be overstepping our bounds...we would gladly oblige... with your permission that is."
"Of course I’ve heard rumors about smuggling and those involved, but I can’t build a case based on hearsay. That would change if someone brought me actual evidence. If you’re interested in bringing outlaws to justice, I can sign papers that would deputize you for a week, authorising you to hunt and collect bounties on pirates in the Tandak canals. How does that sound?”
Magistrate Tantriano turns again to Badriyah. "And you, my dear, would fare very well in the courts, I would think. You remind me of me at your age. I'd like you to have this," and here, the magistrate takes a brooch from off her cluttered desk, stands up, and places it around Badriyah's neck. "May it protect you well."
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Blushing deeply, Badriyah solemnly accepts the magistrate's gift, surprise evident on her face. Her hand comes up to lightly brush the solid surface of the brooch as she slips into a deep, formal bow.
"I...I am truly honored by this gift, your trust, and your kind words your honor." Shes says. "I'm sure we will do our utmost as deputies to see your faith in us is well deserved as we try to discover the truth of these matters...and the evidence to back up that truth. " She adds, determination filling her youthful voice.
"May the blessing of Inheritor shine on you and her shield guard you well."
Taking a step back she waits for the magistrate to finish any paperwork they need, her hand occasionally straying to the brooch to ensure its reality while a smile dances in her eyes.
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Magistrate Tantriano eyes the six of you and draws up a hasty document, signing it, stamping it, and handing it to Badriyah.
"May the blessing of the Inheritor shine on your investigation. Who knows? She may be reunited with her long-lost great-great-grandson as a result," she quips with a wink. "Do be sure to return to me when you have your physical evidence." And with that, she dismisses you from her office.
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If you’re interested in bringing outlaws to justice, I can sign papers that would deputize you for a week, authorising you to hunt and collect bounties on pirates in the Tandak canals. How does that sound?
"That would certainly put my mind at ease. I feel quite regretful about acting outside of my station. This is a nation built on structure after all is it not?"
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Outside of the office Marcus looks at his friends. "Well... I must say that went well. I am in agreement... we shall speak with Adimare. The door shall remain a door. Unless it's a jar."
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You ask around and are directed to the chandlery, a business dedicated to resupplying naval vessels. At this mid-morning hour, the main reception area is fairly quiet, with only a small group of older sailors and a middle-aged man with carefully-styled auburn whiskers sharing the first of what will likely be many cups of port of the day around a round table. The well-dressed gentleman stands as your group approaches the table, holding a small sketch book and a charcoal nib in one hand.
"Welcome to the Ridonport Chandlery. May I help you good ladies and gentlemen?"
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The door shall remain a door. Unless it's a jar."[/b]
Lady Finley guffaws at the jest, and agrees that closing up the leads is an excellent idea. "Badriyah you are a treasure to the Society. Your words saved us much trouble with the Magistrate, and gained us aid and permission for our investigation."
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Badriyah staggers forward as her slight frame feels the impact of Lovissa's congratulations, but a wide smile stays plastered on her face until it splutters into a rough snort at the Kitsune's joke.
"Thanks all of you." She says grinning and still occasionally touching the magistrates gift. "I couldn't have done it without all of your support. Especially the nudge toward Iomedae." She adds with a quick wink at Giovanni.
Following the others into the chandlery, she returns the gentleman's greeting with a warm smile of her own. With a slight bow of her head she says, "Good morning to you sir. We're actually looking for Patrician Adimare. An associate of ours recommended we speak with him and said he is often found here."
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"Oh! How fortuitous." Badriyah says with a smile. "My name is Badriyah Hameedah and it is a pleasure to meet you." She adds with another nod of the head before gesturing to each of the others in turn. "And these are my fellow companions. Sir Giovanni, the Lady Lovissa of the line of Halenbane, Sir Marcus Vulpares Fantailler, Lady Finley, and the Lady Amelia."
Leaning in slightly to prevent outsiders from overhearing, Badriyah attempts to explain their presence at the chandlery. "The Lady Cincia Reviamo at the General Arnisant Museum recommended we speak with you about some delicate matters possibly involving the theft or smuggling of naval supplies and other river goods. Given your important role in navel trade and supply, she believed you might have some thoughts or information about who might be involved in such skullduggery or where we should starting digging."
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Adimare sniffs delicately. He then inclines his head towards the table from whence he came. "Would you excuse me, gentlemen?" The older men at the table don't seem to acknowledge his departure.
He brings you to a different table and speaks in a quieter voice. "You are correct in that we of the chandlery champion honest commerce, so these rumours of smuggling do haunt my soul, but alas, we are not the town watch, nor are we law-wielding officers, so might I suggest a constable or a magistrate with whom to bring these troubling reports? I would hate to see our fair town blighted by such brigandry."
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Marcus, having no idea what the man may be insinuating, thinks back on their briefing of the contacts.
"Well you see, we are in fact attempting to do just that... But a preponderance of evidence will be required for the sort of activity we're concerned with. You appear to spend time here speaking with some of the greatest sailors in our great nation, and it seemed probable that a man in your position may hear things that brought into a different context could aid our goal of rooting out such dishonorable... Hrmmn... Scum. Myess."
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He brings you to a different table and speaks in a quieter voice. "You are correct in that we of the chandlery champion honest commerce, so these rumours of smuggling do haunt my soul, but alas, we are not the town watch, nor are we law-wielding officers, so might I suggest a constable or a magistrate with whom to bring these troubling reports? I would hate to see our fair town blighted by such brigandry."
Nodding when Giovanni mentions their newly acquired status as deputies, Badriyah shows Adimare her writ with Magistrate Tarantio's signature as additional proof.
"You are in luck sir." She says with a smile. "The magistrate also wishes to put an end to these troubles, and just this very morning entrusted us to look into situation."
Quickly glancing at the sketchpad, Badriyah's eyes are immediately drawn back to the fine images captured by the patrician's artistic hand. "Oh! Those are lovely drawings." She says with genuine affection and interest. "I do a little sketching of my own, but no where near as lovely as these." She adds while pulling out her journal, ready to capture notes and share her drawings of the bridge.