Longacre - Longacre Jail and Sheriff’s Office - Mid-Day
Staelish regards Hel cooly, "Once, several years ago I was you. Now the ArchBaron has cast me aside because I apply the law with too much of an even hand. He has become too much of a coward to do his dirty work himself so he sent you. No doubt that is why he sent the lot of you yesterday to the Church to make your presence known to the townsfolk”.
She pauses, “I’m not worried about me, I’m worried about what the townspeople are in store for with the likes of you in charge. I hope you prove me wrong but somehow I doubt it”
That said she hefts her few personal items, hands Hel a set of keys, and steps out the door.
---
The Deputies remain quiet outside until the Ex-Sheriff reappears. The woman looks at her, "Sheriff?!"
Staelish frowns, "You all have a duty to perform. I suggest you get to it. Soon enough one of these characters will likely be your boss". She then begins to walk away from the Jail that for so long she was the face of.
Giving Castiel an expression of disgust at his mockery, Hel accepts the keys without ready comment. Standing there for a moment after Rhona Staelish walks out, Hel weighs the keys in her hand while she looks about the place. "This was the last thing, correct?" she asks the other two, purely rhetorically. "Alicarus, please compose an inventoried list of the weapons, armor, significant items, and any cash present, to be turned in to the Archbaron. Castiel, assist him - and don't pocket anything." She turns and, admittedly rather delayed, follows Rhona to the doorway, in which she stands to view the goings-on outside.
She may be right, Hel thinks to herself as she watches Staelish walk away from the job she's held - and the law she's balanced with compassion - for the last several years. But if the mayhem these Iomedaeans want to unleash is to be forestalled, compassion must take a back seat for a time.
"Fantastic," Cole mutters. "I have enough trouble to deal with without being expected to be the baron's enforcer too. This place keeps turning out to be more of a headache."
Castiel chuckled as Hel orders him about. Everything is a delightful joke recently. He shakes his head and goes about inventorying the lot, being painfully open about his movements, so as to avoid suspicion. As if I'd rob a place like this! There's hardly anything with stealing. Besides, I was a thief last century, frightfully boring, that. Well after the first few decades, any way.
Longacre - Longacre Jail and Sheriff’s Office - Mid-Day
Castiel and Ali see that the jail has three cabinets, two in the common room and one in the sheriff's office along with a lockbox. Staelish left keys on the desk so it is easy enough to open all locks.
As you begin to check the cabinets, you hear a disturbance from outside. Sounds like yelling by one of the Deputies.
---
As Staelish walks off in the noon day sun, the Deputies step to the side and begin arguing among themselves. One of the Deputies raises a crossbow and points it at Hel screaming, “This ain’t right. You can’t just throw out this town’s only justice. It ain’t right!”
Bolgart stands near the Deputies still looking pretty angry himself.
Cimri laughs, "Go ahead and shoot Curtwyn. You'll not kill her, just make her and by extension, the rest of us, really angry..."
"I wouldn't do that. I really wouldn't." Cole calmly steps forward and twists the deputy's arm, forcing him to drop the crossbow. "Or do the sheriff's deputies in this town murder people who deliver their ruler's decrees on a regular basis?
Longacre - Longacre Jail and Sheriff’s Office - Mid-Day
Initiative - Cole -
Initiative - Deputy -
As you approach the Deputy turns the Crossbow at you Cole and fires!
Crossbow Attack -
Crossbow Damage -
The bolt strikes Cole in the shoulder but he eats that and easily disarms the Deputy.
The other deputies begin to draw weapons, all but one.
Before the conflict can get worse, the female Deputy steps up and yell stop, {b]"STOP!"[/b]
The other Deputies look to her as she speaks, "Put down your weapons. We may not like this but he is right! We can't just attack them because we don't like what the ArchBaron decreed. That makes us lawbreakers, is that what you all want?"
Cole grimaces as the bolt buries itself in his shoulder, then forces the grimace into a slightly... wrong grin. "The former sheriff still has her head on straight at least. But please, keep going. I'm sure whoever replaces you will be happy to oversee your..." He frowns. "What's the punishment for assault with attempt to kill in this town? Is it execution, or do they just flog you bloody?"
Corven assumes a fighting stance and stands ready to charge one of the deputies to support the strix, but the woman's voice stops him, or at least slows him down. Being the new addition to the group, he is still not quite certain how slow or quick they are to fight, so he looks at Cole, being the one fired at, for a sign whether he should engage or not. Of course, he also watches the now armed deputies, because if this continues to escalate, then no signal will be needed.
"You know, I think that might be up to their discretion?" Pelleas says, his hand going to the hilt of his rapier as Cole finishes speaking. "Are you really such idiots that you think killing us will fix anything? Even if you succeed--a pitiful prospect for you, in all honesty--the Archbaron will just send a new lawmen into town to kill you, or Gods forbid my father gets word that you killed a Chelaxian nobleman. My older brother is a Hellknight of the Order of the Rack, do you think he'd take kindly to you trying to slaughter me?" Pelleas shakes his head and sighs. "I mean really, are the lot of you such fools? I'm surprised you haven't accidentally killed each other any time you load that crossbow if you are."
Watching the crossbow Curtwyn's aimed at her with the flat stare of a snake, Hel considers his (screamed) words. The sudden flurry of violence moves her very little, not even the possibility that it could have been her the bolt sunk into. Not likely, she thinks, but possible. "Release him, Cole," she says calmly, abstractedly. "You, Curtwyn. Go home for the day. If you can hold your temper tomorrow, you can come in to work. If you can't, then come find me, and you can take your frustrations out on me - if you can manage it." Her cold gaze doesn't change affect, flat and dispassionate and holding the cool malevolence of the child who hurts something just to see how the creature copes.
The gaze then shifts to the female deputy. "You. Your name is?" Once - if - the woman tells her, Hel continues. "Rhona Staelish was not dismissed for lack of capability, but for entirely justifiable concerns for order within the community, and for the safety of all. Her enforcement style is concilliatory, not firm. Strict observance of the Archbaron's decrees must be observed in order to ensure that unrest does not occur - because when unrest occurs, chaos erupts, people get hurt, things get destroyed. I could care less what happens to you and your fellow townsmen, but the Archbaron does not want this to happen to his people. Perhaps you agree with him that mayhem in the streets would be bad. As the Archbaron did not appoint a replacement for Mistress Staelish, I am going to state that from observation of the four of you under pressure, you," and she nods at the woman, "possess the dedication to the law to be the sheriff pro-tem until the Archbaron appoints a replacement - an appointment which, should he take my advice, would be yourself. If you will, take charge of your fellows," and here she nods at the two men, "and do your job, being especially mindful of Archbaron Fex's latest decrees."
Longacre - Longacre Jail and Sheriff’s Office - Mid-Day
The female Deputy responds by removing her vest, "Justify the actions any way you wish woman. We see quite clearly that a group of mostly unknown" she stares daggers at Cimri "thugs of the ArchBaron appeared and dismissed the one person in the city who was fair and balanced. You'll have to find some other Deputy than me to enforce these new unjust, unnecessary laws".
The rest of the Deputies follow suit, all removing their tabards and dropping their weapons marked as property of the Sheriff's office. As one they, along with Bolgart, move away from the building. Curtwyn does look back at Cole one more time but he says nothing.
The handful of townsfolk who were watching from the corners of buildings begin to fade away. Not many but certainly enough to spread the word of what took place here.
Cimri looks to Hel, "Are we done here? I think it's time to lock up the Office and report our progress to our contact now".
"Yes good luck with that," Cole says as the deputies resign en masse. Really, they thought that quitting their jobs and not being around to enforce the law anymore was going to help in some way? It's not like the archbaron was going to care. He likely didn't even know who they were. "Well, I guess I'm ready to go. No really reason to keep standing around here now that the entire office decided to quit. And I'm sure that our acquaintance will want to know that he needs to get an entirely new sheriff's department."
"No," Hel states bluntly to Cimri, stepping out into the street to begin collecting the vests, weapons, and anything else the deputies left behind. "There's a process to follow when someone turns something over, and we'll complete it before we leave. If you wish to go do so, you may, but with two or three more people writing, the inventory will go much more rapidly." With her burdens, she heads inside to put them away, then find pen and paper and assist with the scribing of the inventory, even handing Castiel the keys to open the lockbox once it becomes necessary - though at that point she'll stop and make sure The Laughing Man doesn't swipe any of the goods.
Only once the inventory is done will she be willing to lock up and return to the Ash House.
When Hel returns inside, Alicarus is already half finished with the inventory, having been working on it while things unfolded outside. He looks up as Hel enters, and gives her a kind smile. "A little excitement out there? I do hope no one was injured too badly." He returns to his list, double-checking the stock of bolts with a nod. "I believe Longacre is about to enter a period of learning and adaptation, whether its people wish to do so or not."
"A misunderstanding with Deputy Curtwyn about the differences in law," replies Hel, settling down companionably to speed things up. "No real harm done, though we are now out not only one sheriff, but also four deputies, who have resigned their posts. I am certain the Archbaron will adapt and appoint others; of such minor elements of chaos are orderly lives made." She writes for a bit, then a few minutes later adds, "Though I do hope Master Curtwyn comes to find me on the morrow."
"I have a feeling we'll be finding ourselves the law in Longacre soon, although how well that will work is anyone's guess." Pelleas snorts once, then turns to walk back to their benefactor. "We should go tell our patron of the news and everything that has happened; Longacre needs a new lawman whether it is us or not, and the Archbaron should be made aware of some of the questions people may come to him with. Speaking of which, didn't the apothecary desire that we come to retrieve a list of her concerns?"
With a bark of a laugh, Hel shakes her head. "I'd forgotten; thank you, Pelleas. It seems that having a loaded crossbow pointed at you has a deleterious effect whether it fires or not. I promised to go and do so, though to be honest company would not be unwelcome."
"I don't particularly mind going. We should probably stick together for now anyway. I'm sure that there are other... disgruntled citizens who might take things badly if they realize that the sheriff is no longer employed."
"Sounds like a good idea to me," Pelleas says, rolling his shoulders. "We'll pick up her missive and head back, sound good to everyone?"
Longacre - Ash House -
Cimri ignores Hel's comment and begins to gather the Deputies things from outside to place them inside.
Once the inventory is complete, the group heads back to the Ash House and their benefactor. The townsfolk that the group passes acknowledge them as they had not prior to this morning. Some with looks of approval others with dismay or even outright fear.
Once the town is left behind the trip to the Razelago's lair is quick enough, especially now that the route is so familiar.
The Office is at is has been each and every time you have entered. The figure of Razelago shifts ever so slightly as you all enter. "I take it your return here is as a result of your success in today's endeavors?"
Cimri responds, "All objectives were achieved. There was some bad blood from many but none of that blood was shed. I believe that the Sheriff..."
Razelago cuts her off, "I care not for the concern of the locals spare me their complaints. I am though impressed at the efficiency with which your group has accomplished this task.
As a result, I have increased your pay, you shall find it in the chest siting on my desk here. This time your pay is 150 gold not the 100 I promised you. In addition, I would ask your group to meet me at the Scarlet Crown, the Manor of the Archbaron Darellus Fex, tomorrow at dawn. I believe now is the time for you to meet the ArchBaron as he is looking forward to meeting all of you".
"I would like nothing more," Pelleas says, nodding in agreement. "I've never met the man myself, but my father had nothing but kind words to say about him; or rather, I'm sure he would have had kind words to say had he ever spoken of the man in my presence. Either way, it's an honor to meet with him in person after having done his work here in town." While his eyebrows arch when Razelago mentions the increase in pay, he doesn't reach for the chest himself. Not only does he have appearances to keep--however minor those might be--but he's more interested in hearing more about meeting Archbaron Fex.
"It will be interesting to finally meet our employer." Cole absently runs his fingers over the edge of his wings. "And the bonus if much appreciated as well."
An as always, Hel does what she's done each and every time she's entered once she was introduced to the krenshar - she greets it. "Good morrow once more, Gaurig," she says courteously to the panther-like creature. "I hope you are well. I would think it boring to remain here so constantly, but I would also presume that to be the nature of the task, mm?" Again a courteous nod, one that possesses something of the nature of the bow to it, before she turns her attention to the interplay between Cimri and Razelago.
Her expression tightens in a faint expression of displeasure at Razelago's cavalier dismissal of the citizenry's concerns, but if they are to meet the Archbaron, then those concerns and requests are as easily brought to him as to his agent. Likely even better, as it is the Archbaron's people and they, like cattle, must be properly tended so that they might continue to provide for the Archbaron.
It isn't 'good'; it's enlightened self-interest.
I agree, I'm eager to meet our employer. Any extra pay that comes our wa would be most appreciated.
Although not in the man's employ as much as the others, Corven has to admit he is at the very least curious what the one issuing their orders is like face to face. And the coin is certainly welcome. It is not like he has need of much in the way of weapons or armor, but spending cash is always useful to have around. Still, he cannot help but look forward to the opportunity to use his abilities and skills. And talking and diplomacy are not exactly the traits he excels at.
"Perhaps the next assignment will be a bit more challenging. And in a different way than the last," he mutters softly, mostly to himself.
Longacre - Ash House -
Razelago responds, "Excellent. Than I shall see you all tomorrow".
You all notice that while much of the citizens ignore you as they would any other strangers, some do notice you and either go out of their way to be nice to you or avoid you as if you were dangerous.
---
Longacre - Scarlet Crown -
Scarlet Crown, the manorial home of Archbaron Darellus Fex lies southeast of Longacre on the outskirts of town. All of you along with Cimri slowly gather along that road to make your way to the meeting.
Sharp gables and tall, narrow windows lend the archbaron’s manor an abbeylike quality, as though this were more a place for study and solemnity than leisure and laughter. A motif of rampant stags with antlers bloody from battle repeats among iron rooftop finials and on a crest above the stone entrance, suggesting the source of the manor’s name.
Beneath the stags, a pair of grim guards keeps watch. Despite their grim visages once your group arrives the guards allow you in without hesitation.
Several guards patrol the grounds and stroll atop the rooftop terrace, crossbows in hand, and halfling slaves scurry about the grounds. At the manor’s door, a halfling butler greets you all, "Welcome. Welcome. The Baron is looking forward to meeting with you all!" He escorts you up to the second floor and a large set of double doors engraved with motifs honoring Asmodeus.
The archbaron’s office is appointed in midnight ebony and crimson satin. Towering bookshelves, glassy-eyed taxidermic creatures, and curtained alcoves line the walls. At the far end of the room, a large desk and throne-like chair sit beneath a coat of arms displaying battling, bloodyhorned stags. Behind the desk, a wide window overlooks the manor grounds. Sitting at the desk is a spare-looking man with slick salt-and-pepper hair.
He stands up as you all enter, “So you’re the agents Razelago has recommended? I can’t say you’re what I expected—but that might be a boon in the days to come. I am Darellus Fex, Archbaron of Longacre. Razelago tells me you’re the ones who reported our local priestess’s... lack of patriotism. As such, I thought you might be well suited putting an end to the threats to Longacre and the rule of law—my rule. If you’re amenable, of course.”
Cole tucks his gold under his wings and departs, absently bidding the rest of the group farewell as he walks back to his apartment. He sighs absently as the people either attempt to brown nose or ignore him entirely. What idiocy. Are all humans either opportunistic fools or stubborn louts? He locks his door for the night and finally lets his wings unfurl before getting comfortable to get some sleep.
He wakes early and puts a little extra effort into his human guise for the morning, at least trying to look a bit less sickly and scrawny. With his usual disguise in place, Cole leaves to meet with the group at the Archbaron's manor. It's certainly an ostentatious display for a house, with a great deal of red and black. While he could appreciate a sense of drama, perhaps Fex was trying just a little bit too hard. He does however keep his mouth shut when they actually meet the baron, letting one of his more... verbose allies greet the man properly.
Alicarus spends the rest of the day at his home, for the most part--he swings by a store to purchase a second kit for medical supplies, and buys some treats for his congregation. The afternoon and evening pass as he speaks with the children and continues tending to Sarilla's leg.
The next day, Alicarus meets with the others and walks to Scarlet Crown, dressed in his full regalia once more. The opulence of the manor and its overbearing grimness remind him of Nidal, and he frowns as he casts his gaze about. Maintaining the appearance of control is one thing, but think of how much effort went into this. Surely it holds some beauty, but how might that time and gold have helped the people instead? He casts such thoughts from his mind, knowing this meeting isn't to discuss ancient politics and budgeting.
In the office, he dips into a low, sweeping bow before the Archbaron, his chains rustling with metallic clinks as he does so. When he stands, a thin line of blood has begun from one of the fresher rings in an eyebrow, rolling around his eye and delicately following the lines of his cheek. "My most humble greetings, Lord Fex. Keeping the law is one of the finest pursuits any person might possess. It would be my honor to uphold order and justice in Longacre."
This sounds interesting. I'm in. Castiel smiles and gives a formal bow to the archbaron. My lord, I would be honored to uphold your lawful rule in this village.
"I suppose I don't really have any better options." And given how rowdy the local church was getting, he might actually be able to carry out his... activities and have them be legal. The very thought almost made him grin. Almost.
"Order is a fine goal to work towards," Corven says simply. And then adds with a shrug and a smile, "And as Castiel said, it also sounds interesting, which is usually a good thing compared to the alternative."
Pelleas shows a remarkable amount of composure walking through the house compared to his somewhat scattered personality normally. He takes care to make his clothing look presentable and eventually he even looks somewhat noble. When they approach the Archbaron he gives a curt bow; while his father is of higher political standing than Fex, Pelleas--as the third child--is decisively not. Regardless, he is in the man's employ and he felt it was worth being as respectful as possible.
"Archbaron Fex, it is an honor to meet with you. My name is Pelleas Markov, third child of Count Lucius Markov."
Longacre - Scarlet Crown -
Cimri grins, "I think you will find us much more interestedin keeping in line with your ideals than the previous group who was enforcing the laws of your city".
The ArchBaron chuckles in agreement and grins wickedly, "And how delicious that her less than favored family will be taking her place!"
"Markov you say? A delight to meet one of such fine breeding Pelleas. I think that this can be the beginning of a mutually beneficial alliance!
I am happy that you are all so enthusiastic, articulate and clearly intelligent.
I would indeed like to make your band de facto representatives of the imperial government. In return, I offer each of you a salary of 150 gp per week. Razelago has paid you handsomely thus far but I am unwilling to negotiate on the weekly pay. Of course, merit based bonuses are not out of the question. I also grant you all rights to whatever salvage or loot you may come to while in my service.
Is this agreeable? If so we can turn to more specific requirements of the position".
"I won't speak for the others, but I believe that sounds amenable to me. I will admit that despite my father's station I myself have little clout myself; I am his youngest son, and admittedly not the most courtly of my siblings. Still, it is an honor to work with you and I'm sure my father will view this much as we do, as a mutually beneficial arrangement." Pelleas's manners are genuine, but clearly quite forced.
In town, Hel is not unaware of the shift in the way people pay attention to her; she makes a mental note of those who are going out of their way to be sycophantic (either spineless suck-ups or people with skeletons in their closets) as well as those who avoid her (who may well be at least thinking about planning bad things - or, again, people with skeletons in their closets).
----
On the morrow, Hel is not especially prepared, groomed, or anything; she is as she is, which is to say particularly careful about her cleanliness, but otherwise generally uncaring about how other people see her. In general, so long as she is comfortable, armed, and at liberty, what other people think can go hang; this, granted, goes by the wayside when it comes to deliberate social situations (such as a society party or formal affair), but in her day-to-day life, she dresses as she likes - simply.
As she approaches the archbaron's manor with the others, though, she can't help but try to memorize the place - the layout, the placement and routes of the guards, entries, possible exits. Scarlet Crown may not be the most dangerous place for her to have ever entered, but it may be close to it in more ways than one. Still, she nods courteously to the halfling (the Chelish attitude towards owning them - slavery in general, actually - is not something she's used to) and, once they get into the Archbaron's office, she absentmindedly goes immediately over to his bookshelves to begin persuing them. Not that she misses what he says, or even fails to take it in, but -- books!! Exclude the taxidermy, the coat-of-arms, the self-important desk and chair, and the room is very much like the home in which she was raised.
Frowning as she browses - she has personal issues with the man's categorization methodology - she eventually replies, "That's fine." A moment's hesitation, and then with some reluctance she peels herself away from the tomes, fishing in the folds of her loose clothing to retrieve the questions and request for exception written by the apothecary, which causes her to step closer. "A Doctor Rohalendi has some questions in regards to your last decrees, Your Honor, and requests a specific exception for herself, and a general exception for relatives, in regards to medical emergencies." She offers him the several sheets the physician has scribed.
"As long as the Church of Iomedae is causing trouble for your rule, I see little better way to handle the problem than to enforce your authority." The monetary compensation is helpful, but ultimately it's just a bonus on top of the chance to put the servants of the divine b*tch down.
Casetiel smiles at the salary. That is a hefty sum. I think being your agents will be most rewarding work.
Longacre - Scarlet Crown -
The ArchBaron smiles at Hel, "Keep them, you'll need them more than I. Assuming the rest of your friends are in agreement, it will not be my final decision..." He eyes Corven and Alicarus.
Alic cocks his head and smiles at the ArchBaron. "My apologies, my lord. I thought my earlier words held true and spoke for my agreement. It would be my honor to uphold the law in this town."
Longacre - Scarlet Crown -
Corven pipes in, "I second what Alicarus stated, my interest is unwavering".
The ArchBaron grins, "Excellent. The the last matter to attend to should be easy, Queen Abrogail has decreed that in this time of national crisis, all agents of the crown must reaffirm their loyalty to their lord, House Thrune, and Cheliax by swearing the Hellfire Compact. If you’re to serve in the queen’s name, I must insist.”
"I don't swear anything to Hell until I read the fine print," Cole says pointedly. "What does this compact include?"
Corven does not speak, but his thin smile and a little nod do show that his own thoughts and Cole's words apparently align. He may be in agreement, but if his growing up within the Asmodean church has taught him anything is that contracts are a serious matter.
I agree. I would much rather read the compact before I swear to anything. There are many stories of those who were to hasty in their oaths and deals. Faustius Goetheanus comes to mind.
"Only a fool signs a contract without having read it," Pelleas says, grinning. "I doubt there'd be a problem with it, but regardless it will be nice to know the letter of what we're agreeing to."
Longacre - Scarlet Crown -
The ArchBaron frowns, "The Compact language is quite simple, 'I swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax'.. If it makes you feel more, confident, I too will swear my allegiance yet again to the Queen as you swear your allegiance to myself and the Queen".
"Hmm, I'm not quite sure of the legal ramifactions of swearing allegiance to you, given my father's position and stature. I also, perhaps somewhat unfortunately, haven't the faintest idea of how to figure that out; my sister is well-versed in the letter of laws, not I. However, I imagine you might have an idea as to that; if you're certain it won't cause any problems within the nobility and all that, then I will trust your judgment. I just... well, I doubt my father would appreciate me creating a scandal out here in Longacre."
"How spiritual binding is it?" Cole asks. "Does my soul get torn out if I break it? Do devils hunt me down if I refuse to bow properly?"