Thod runs Carrion Crown - Trial of the Beast
Game Master Thod

Wren coos over the find and casts Detect Magic, waiting for it to be opened.

The strong box can't withstand the crowbar.

There are lots of letters in the box - most affected badly by the fire and burned.

Wren coos louder as the letters are revealed.

"Oh, I do love my stories. Let me take a look."

1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 Linguistics

"Some of these are badly burned, but I might be able to fix them over time."

Wren will relate the spoiler above.

"Hmmm... Well, I *could* try Mending them; they could be useful as evidence..."

"Indeed, Mr. Hastur, indeed."

Wren puts the letters back in the box.

"There doesn't appear to be much here. Mayhaps we should expand our search to the nearby terrain before we head back? We might discover a bit more?"

Wren will begin a measured search of the nearby terrain.

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Perception

The area around looks abandoned. Some tracks - seemingly from the Ghasts - lead towards this area. They might have been hunting here by night - but no remains of any bodies can be found. So if they got prey then it likely was small animals.

Nothing more of interest can be found.

[ooc]Please let me know about mending spells and other ideas. The work out here is done.[/occ]

"Well then, let's head back. I would like to be in town before dark - I am worried that something... unfortunate... might happen if we are not careful..."

On the way back to town, 'Aldous' will try Mending on the papers we discovered.

Aldous attempts to mend the papers make the remaining ones much more readable. Still - a lot of material seem to have burned away.

This box seem to have been a collection with blackmail material against Grine and Vorgstag. It seems that Doctor Brada and the alchemist had been dealings with each other. Doctor Brada supplying bodies and specimen to them.
But it seems they had fallen out over money.

Mending needs 'all pieces' which is interpretable for paper that is partly burned. I hope the above is a compromise how much mending will recover. It surely gives a lot more of information.

Fair enough; that works for me.

Wren nods at Mr. Hastur's suggestion.

"If you need any help from me, thingie, please let me know. I have quite the talent with magicks, as you well know since we are such good friends."

Wren is ready to return.

"It seems more than likely that Grine and Vorgstag had a vendetta against Doctor Brada. That is something we can confirm with the criminal we've captured already."

Galadan says little more on the journey back.

You arrive back in Lepidstadt just before the evening.

You manage to contact the members of the Crooked Kin and they confirm that they have heard displeasure on the streets about the Trial of The Beast.
This was supposed a big party. But first whispers have started that maybe the Beast is innocent. But for every single person who - thanks to your work - thinks that the Beast is innocent - there are three persons who think in this case it is best to take matters in their own hands.

The Crooked Kin volunteer to be your eyes in the crowd - but they state categorically that they won't take part in any fights as they stand out too much and might become victims if they get associated with the Beast - or you.

So far all is quite at the court house. You might reckon too quite - as no additional guards are anywhere to be seen.

Wren thanks all her good friends in the Crooked Kin, still somewhat mindful of her own invitation to join them.

I could join their flock...a peacock in the brood.

Wren smiles at the idea.

* * *

Wren stops short at the courthouse.

"Why is it so quiet, Galadan?" Wren chirps as she looks around the building.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Perception

"I would like to go speak to Stitches. No doubt he misses me and I want to boost his spirits before tomorrow. I fear that he might need out aid before this is over."

"Because, Mistress Wren, I would not be surprised if the people of this town took the matters of justice into their own hands. Even the guards have abandoned their posts to support the populace. Before this day is done, we will have to fight not only the misperceptions of the law, but also the misperceptions of the locals."

Galadan slowly shakes his head.

"Who can tell if such a challenge will be successful. We must be prepared, I fear, for Stitches to be attacked from any angle."

"I suggest we prepaire ourselves for what may come. I will stay at the entrance to attempt to hold anyone off or at least make them regret their actions. We should prepaire fall back points towards Stitches's cell to make that our final stand. Anywhere we can force a bottle neck should be where we engauge them."

'Aldous' raises an eyebrow.

"As much as I would love to indiscriminately slaughter townsfolk, how about we at least plan to try to defuse the situation before it moves to combat...?"

He then shrugs.

"If there is a mob, we could try shouting them down, before we just starting knocking them down..."

"The common folk are a generally superstitious lot..and they listen to the words of witches..I could try staring them down..if you will back me up"

The idea of the 5'2" Andrea staring down a mob might seem slightly absurd but her voice speaks with confidence and conviction

" I will stand with you my dear. If your words do not bring them to their senses, perhaps the sight of an Aldori Swordlord can lend a little more weight."

A single bored guard lets you into the court house. You find Stiches downstairs - guarded by another guard.

You are told a third guard is somewhere on patrol in the house.

Please let me know what information you want for a defence plan. The whole courthouse is relative big - too much to describe here quickly. It makes it easier for me if I have an idea what general plan you have.

Is there a convenient way to get up on the roof? That might be a relatively safe place from which to harangue a mob...

Wren will seek to check on Stitches and see how he is doing.

"Stitches! How are you? You look lovely!" Wren will straighten and fluff any feathers and readjust the brooch that Wren gave him yesterday(?!).

Wren will spend several minutes listening and speaking to Stitches in attempt to cheer him up (if he's sad or worried).

* * *

Is our worry that the townsfolk might make an attempt on Stitches? Is our primary response to protect or save Stitches when they attack? Wren wants to know how to best prepare.

Thod, how high is the courtroom? Are there any high windows?

"As a follower of Pharasma, I am sure I will have some words to spare for the townsfolk should they not feel compelled to listen to the guidance and traditions of their elders."

Why do you think I got the Enthrall spell.

Galadan frowns sternly as he regards their options.

"Most people here are followers of Pharasma, if they follow a deity at all. While she does not interfere in legal affairs, normally, I think she might yet hold a grudge against those who decide to use legal proceedings then act rashly in opposition to them."

[ooc]Wren if we defend anything it will be the cell block rtaher than the building..a narrow space where the mob can only come at us in small numbers.hopefully we'll be able to charm enchant and berate them sufficiently to stop that particular event from happening.[ooc]

"Our combined efforts will probably be required anyway.."

"If we can find a narrow halway I should be able to hold them back for awhile."Kevin frowns then continues. "If your speaches do not work of course."

"Speeches, Kevin?! If you *insist*. I'm honored that you wish me to speak to them! They probably don't love me the way you all do, but I'm happy to address them anyway."

Her favors me.. Wren gives a brief but pitying look to Andrea.

Wren, now understanding the plan a bit better, opens her spellbook and memorizes "OwlsSlumber".

Thod, how long has it been since the ghoulish encounter?

The courthouse has a total of 4 levels. The main entrance is on the ground floor. It is slightly raised as some stairs lead up to a wide double door.
Top floor:
Two smaller doors in the west wing lead to two spiral staircases. They go up to the top floor - which only consists of the public gallery. These doors are locked. You would need a rope from the gallery to get into the Courtroom and into the proper building. A possible entrance for a thief - not likely for a mob.

Second floor: The courtroom, offices and a balcony which is above the stairs to the entrance door. A small door (locked) leads to the balcony. Again - likely a thiefs entrance - not suitable for a mob.

Ground floor: This contains the entrance and the baracks as well as stairs up to the courtroom. A wide stair case leads down from the baracks main room to the cellar.

The cellar: only contains cells. There is a stairway from the baracks. This is the likely route for a mob if it overpowers the guards. A spiral staircase leads from the cellar to an office on the first floor - bypassing the ground floor - next to the court room to bring up a prisoner without having to bring him through the whole building.

I hope this gives a general idea. The ghoulish encounter was yesterday.

"I believe, given the architecture of the courthouse, that the actual courtroom may be the most secure of the rooms, at least from a mob. We will have others to protect as well, including the judges themselves."

Galadan pauses to consider his words carefully.

"Like most of you, I am hoping we can prevent unnecessary bloodshed by bringing them to reason, should they feel required to act. But if we cannot, I think it best to identify the leaders of the mob quickly and act with decisiveness."

Game night coming up - I will try to give more info tomorrow but hope what I posted helps for a start.

2Aldous - the roof is difficult to get at and only would give you advantage to spot the mob - or a save place to use missile - before they enter. But once in - you have trouble to intercept them. You have the Crooked Kin for early warning and it is unlikely that a mob will sneak up on you.

Does Wren get any reaction to talking to Stitches? Does he have anything to report?

Wren is happy to plan to stay with Stitches should any attacks happen (to soothe him) but is happy to go elsewhere, with the party, as needed.

Stiches is glad to see Wren again. He tries to hug her - but the chains won't let him do that. The guards seem not to care much about him and he stoically endures it.

No news here. He is in chains - so unless you ask him something specific ...

"Have the justices yet arrived? Or the barristers? They should be informed of the possibility of a mob."

Wren will coo and coddle over Stitches for as much time as she has. The back of her mind will be upon keeping him safe and getting him out of there.

"Don't you worry, Stitches. We'll get you free. Just a few more days and we'll move on to someplace safe."

Not sure what we're supposed to do next. Set up a 'wait for the mob' spot?

Andrea nods at Galadans remark about dealing with the leaders swiftly..

"A couple of Lightning Bolts should gain their attention admirably I believe,however it might be wise to have ourselves appointed as officers of the court ,to prevent any nasty legal repercussions for our actions"

A guard moves towards Galadan: "No worry - Thomas has just been outside. It is a calm evening - no soul to be seen. You surely don't want to disturb the judges that late at night."

There seems to be no way to convince the guard. The more you try to convince them - the more they get angry - like a small child.

Your best hope is to wait and pray that the guards are right. But you realize that after all - you have been right all the time along. A member of the Crooked Kin arrives to give you some bleak information.

"We've been trying to have an eye on happenings around. It seems a group has gathered close to the market place and is on it's way. They carry torches and chant - burn Beast burn.
Some of them surely must have drunk a lot of alcohol. They are on their way here and I reckon they will be here in 5 to 10 minutes.
We tried to talk to them - but only a few were listening. We had to stop when it became to dangerous for us. Still - I hope at least a dozen of the mob got convinced to rather stay away or go elsewhere."

"Well then," 'Aldous' comments dryly, "We should make ready to meet with the disgruntled townsfolk."

Wren nods seriously during the report from the Crooked Kin.

"Do you wish to speak with them? I do not know them yet, but assuredly they will love me the way you all do, my good friends."

'Aldous' raises an eyebrow.

"Wren, I recommend that you *don't* speak with them."

"I have to concur with Aldous. Mistress Wren, your verbal assistance will not be required this time. But we thank you for your volunteerism." With a gruff and otherwise toneless voice, Galadan addresses the star-crossed feathermage.

Wren seems confused.

"Well, if you don't want me to speak with them, how may I assist in protecting Stitches?"

The member of the Crooked Kin looks nervous.

"They will be here in a moment - do you need me any more.

Galadan looks towards the performer.

"No. I think that will be all. Go and see that your people are protected. If you can do anything non-combat related to distract the mob, it would be appreciated. I am sure that not all of their members are set on having blood and some would enjoy a free performance. Anything we can do to restore sanity to the town would be a good thing, all points considered."

Galadan hands 5 platinum pieces to the performer.

After the performer has left, he turns to Andrea.

"I am hoping that Aldous, master of prose and verbology can diffuse the crowd, but if he does not, and I am forced to intervene with a more forceful hand, I am wondering, Andrea if you might be willing to use up one of your lightning strikes to, how shall I say this..., make a point."

Wren nods along with Galadan's plan.

I'll just help Aldous. People will be happy to know that I'm behind him.

Wren is ready to aid in Galadan's plan, Thod. However you want to set it up, let's get it on. :)

'Aldous' nods.

"Very well. I will see what I can do..."

When the mob approaches, I will cast Evolution Surge, Lesser to grant 'Aldous' a +8 racial bonus on Diplomacy checks.

"Maybe your people can go alert the watch as to what is about to happen here. If they don't want to save the accused make sure they understand that they are needed to save the towns folk from us.

Andrea smiles as Galadan Outlines his plan..

"I'll need to get up to an upper story..and I think the pyre itself would make an appropriate target..don't you?"

A group of around 40-50 townspeople appears on the courtyard in front of the court building. You see at least 7 or 8 torches carried by the mob. Some of them have a club in their hands - some just swing their fists.

The advance seems rather slow.

Townsperson 1 "Burn the Beast, burn him.

Townsperson 2 "We want justice, now.

Townsperson 3 "Out of our way.

Townsperson 4 "Hand over the Beast and nothing will happen to you.

2 guards approach you and look in horror at the mob which outnumbers the guards manyfold.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Kevin grins at the others as he slowly draws his dueling sword. "They came with a plan, they have a ram."

Intimidate:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 Perception

Wren looks at Mr. Hastur and Galadan and remember that they are saving her words for when they really need her and so she keeps quiet, despite knowing how much everyone loves her and wants her to talk.

"Mr. Hastur, now might be a good time to address the crowd."

Wren seeks to stand in a spot wherein she can see over the crowd, but is definitely behind Kevin and those who wish to speak.

I will not have these brutes touching my feathers!

Galadan looks out over the crowd, an expressionless and potentially bored frown on his face. He turns towards Aldous, expecting him to step forward and address the crowd at any minute.