All good questions. Castiel nods. there are several ballads where just that happens.
"There are? Their lyrics must be interesting indeed," Corven quips with a smile. The Archbaron's explanation is probably as good an answer as they will be getting, but he still awaits before signing in case there are more words on the matter from either party.
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"Swearing to the Queen is only right and proper, if nothing else you will be reaffirming your loyalties. As far as your allegiance to me, it will not interfere in any bond you have with your father, familial or magical Mr. Markov.
The binding will not slay any of you, it will simply prevent you from committing an overt act against the Queen and I.
I do not understand the hesitation, you all seemed quite eager to serve until you found out that serving comes with some limitation. Did Razelago err in his opinion of your group?"
Cimri clears her throat, "I am ready ArchBaron, what were the words again?"
The ArchBaron grins at her, "We will need to correct focus to ensure the oath is binding my dear. Cimri is willing my young, and perhaps not so young, friends are all of you?"
"Not reluctance, simply reasonable caution," Cole says. "Oaths made in haste and bound in blood have a tendency to end poorly. Surely a man of your stature understands a desire to understand the details when making pacts involving diabolic forces. And I do value my continued health." He shrugs. "But if it's as simple as you claim, then I believe I have no further concerns."
At the Archbaron's refusal to regard the request for exceptions written by the apothecary, Hel hesitates, then shrugs and goes back to her browsing, letting the Hellfire Compact and the debate about its efficacy flow over her - though not, exactly, past her. At Cimri's readiness, and the Archbaron's challenge, she turns back around and considers the man with the same flat, affectless expression that rests there most of the time.
As if I had loyalty to this Queen in the first place, she thinks to herself, or to this country. And yet ... "Oaths," she finally says out loud, "are taken and given with some reciprocity. I understand that Queen ... Abrogain? Sorry, Abrogail. That Queen Abrogail is not available to swear her response, but am I correct in assuming that you, as her local representative, and being sworn to her yourself, and considering that we'd be swearing to you, that you would have the usual responses? Support, honor, fealty, protection, that sort of thing, in exchange for our own? Don't mistake me, please - if this puts me into a position to turn the screws on the Iomedaeans, then I'm willing. But swearing a binding oath that prevents us from committing an overt act in exchange for leaving our backs open for the sacrificial blade doesn't make me feel very prized, if you see where I'm coming from. Your Honor." The latter is added not quite as an afterthought, but it's close.
"Hmm, well if there's no legal qualms given my father's position, then I'm quite alright with it." Pelleas gives a curt nod of his head and smiles, ready to be on with it. "Just had to make sure wouldn't be any problems, you understand; the law is the law, after all, and I would hate to inadvertently cause some sort of issue by swearing an oath or some such. However, you've got the right of it by my estimate, so I say we get to it."
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"The Oath will prevent you from taking an overtly dangerous act against the Queen or I. It will not, however, allow us to attack you rendering you helpless before us.
Asmodeus does not wish for slaves but partners, mutual benefits for both parties in contracts are the glue that binds Cheliax together. I get something by employing you, chiefly, your services. You get something from serving me, namely coin and status.
Now, I ask you all to swear the Oath so that we may move on..."
"I am convinced," Corven says simply as the debate goes on and some are beginning to agree to the terms as well, adding, "more or less." Stepping forward he takes his place alongside Cole and Pelleas, ready to swear his allegiance. "If for no other reason than the simple fact my patience is dwindling," he mutters under his breath.
This could be exciting. Let's begin.
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The Baron heads to a nearby alcove, revealing a golden stand gripping a chunk of black crystal that smolders like a gigantic, hellish ember, filling the room with a crimson glow the color of blood. "The stone is
an ember drawn from the forges of Phlegethon—one of the layers of Hell—that burns with hellfire. When you are ready, one at a time, to lay your hands upon the stone and recite the following:
“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.”
I shall begin", he places his hand upon the crystal, you see a brief grimace and the smell of burning flesh as he recites his own version of the oath.
“I swear my absolute allegiance to Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax.”
Pelleas is the first to place his hand on the orb after the Archbaron, and while his flesh doesn't seem to burn in the slightest he still winces a bit as the crystal seems to wrench out a bit of his soul. "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," he says, reciting it much like the Archbaron had described. While he looks uncomfortable from the pain, the tiefling is either used to it or trying to keep up appearances by leaving his hand until the others finish their own oaths.
Cole sighs. This is going to come back to bite him one day. He can just feel it. He sets his hand on the infernal sphere and recites. “I swear my absolute allegiance to Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax.” He manages not to flinch as the sphere burns his hand, though he can't keep a pained look of his face.
"So be it then," Corven says with a sigh before approaching the stand and the crystal on. Placing his hand on the dark stone, he finally speaks the oath.
"I swear my absolute allegiance to Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax."
As his palm is burnt, the fire feeling... wrong somehow, he winces at the sensation but nothing more. It hurts, yes, but it is the smell he finds more unpleasant.
Alic had been quiet during the discussion of the oath and its nuances, puzzling over it himself for some time. His first and foremost allegiance was, of course, to the Midnight Lord, and nothing he swore could match or override that--certainly nothing that might be mystically binding. It was the exact and precise wording and effects, he knew, that would matter most with regards to an oath. Particularly the words, really. Cheliax is rather foolish that way. So bound up in legalities that it's the letter of the law that ends up mattering most, not the spirit of the thing. Blinded by your own obsession with sight.
Once the ArchBaron gives the final terms and wording of the oath, however, Alic only thinks for a short while before nodding. I can work with this. That in mind, he steps forward and deftly winds one length of chain about his arm, so it won't scrape along the stone or its alcove. "I swear my absolute allegiance to Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax." The burning brings a hiss and a smile to his face, and he withdraws his hand after a moment, turning it over to see the singed skin. "Titillating," he comments.
"Oh, and Archbaron Darellus Fex," Cole says quickly, before taking his hand from the orb. He doesn't sound like he particularly cares that he forgot that part.
"Oh yes, ArchBaron Darellus Fex as well. My apologies. Caught up in the moment." Alic smiles and shrugs.
As some of the others begin stepping forward to take the oath as the ArchBaron says, Alicarus lingers back, and clears his throat, hoping to politely and quietly gain Fex's attention. When he does so, he gives a smile and a deep bow, his chains sweeping across the floor.
"My deepest regrets, ArchBaron, and I hope you understand that I am truly dedicated to the pursuit of the law. I should certainly hope to serve you and the state of Cheliax, and offer you my allegiance as I can. But I hope you understand and can appreciate my own... 'absolute' allegiance, as you say, lies elsewhere." He gives another smile and shrugs. "I am a devoted servant of the Prince of Pain. I can offer you my true and binding allegiance and my word and bond. But I am not at liberty, I think, to swear so binding an oath with the knowledge I cannot uphold it."
He gestures to the surroundings. "Being that we are in a place of your law, however, I would certainly be interested in finding a solution to this conflict of interests. I'm quite trained in the law, so I would be happy to work with you in writing a contract to the effect of my service. Trust me when I say the repercussions should I break it would be..."
He thinks for a few moments and a look of passionate discovery takes his face. "Exquisite."
"Adding 'Excepting only my duties to Zon-Kuthon' should do it," says Hel, going up to the stone and nervously wiping her palms upon her hips. Though she's been distracted by the library, she's had half a mind on the proceedings - and because she is not one to court pain, doing this goes against almost everything she ... prefers. Finally, she places her left (blackened) palm against the Phlegethon Ember, hisses at the pain, then states, "I absolutely swear my allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax." With a muttered curse, she snatches her hand back off the ember, taking a step back and scowling down at the burn on her palm.
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Cimri takes the oath “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.” She pulls her hand away, "Damnit that burns..."
Castiel pauses as the Ripper begins to backpedal in his swearing of allegiance to the ArchBaron.
The ArchBaron frowns, "Very well. If you object I have no choice but to cut your pay in half. You will also be able to hold not positions within the government. You will essentially be the hired help of your friends..."
Each of you see a holy symbol of Asmodeus appear on the hand which you placed upon the stone as the swelling begins to recede.
Alic shrugs. "Harsh terms, milord, but understandable nonetheless. If this is your wish and you cannot be swayed, I understand. I hope my friends won't see me as mere hired help, however. I can be so much more than that, after all." He casts a smile to the others, his eyes gleaming with barely bridled mirth.
"Surely the oath could be amended, couldn't it? It's not as if the Midnight Lord and Asmodeus are at odds, after all; our alliance with Nidal--as fair-weather as some believe it may be, my father included, you know--has stood for some time, and it stands to reason such an addendum as that wouldn't be such an issue. Asmodeus and indeed the Chelish people understand the strength that such an oath or any contract holds, and I feel it shows his potential dedication to the law in Longacre that he so carefully examines the wording of our compact." Pelleas seems almost normal when he goes on about the law and Alic's potential role in Longacre, his noble upbringing taking hold as he prattles on. "My point, Archbaron, is that I would not think exempting his duties to Zon-Kuthon would be particularly damning. After all, our first duty lies with the Lord of Hell, does it not?"
Castiel smiles. It's all rather exciting, isn't it? Like the start of a famous epic. Very well. I so solemnly swear my absolute allegiance to Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax. He touches the stone and hisses at it burns him. Was that really necessary?
"Don't forget the ArchBaron," Alic remarks at Castiel's oath. Although he'd tried not to show it, a slight twinge crossed his face when Pelleas called his god by name; he doesn't speak to that, though, merely turning back and spreading his hands.
"As far as the connection between my Lord and Asmodeus, the alliance between their earthly domains is sound, but there are theological differences, concerns in terms of interest and positions on metaphysical issues. Such is part of my concern with the base oath--to attempt to truly serve the Midnight Lord while owing allegiance to the servants of Asmodeus could lead to trouble."
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The ArchBaron appears to be getting a bit upset at the group, "Let me explain to you the purpose of the Oath. It is there to ensure Loyalty to Cheliax, the Queen, and myself. It will place you in a position to think twice about betraying those to whom you swear that Loyalty.
The worship of the Midnight Lord is not what is at issue. What is at issue is whether in that service, you will place his, or anyone else's needs above those of the Empire.
If you do not swear the full Oath, you shall receive but half pay and not be entitled to any positions in the Government of Cheliax or this city. I will give each of you who have not sworn full fealty the chance to do so. If you do not, you will be asked to leave while the rest of us conduct the balance of the meeting ourselves. Should your employers choose to fill you in on all details that will be their prerogative. Is that clear enough?!"
Though she frowns down at the Asmodean symbol on her now-tender palm, Hel's eyes soon drift away to the library once again. As the Archbaron rants - okay, maybe 'testily snarls'? - she manages to drag her attention back. "What? I don't ... do I have to swear again? Why??" She seems genuinely puzzled.
Castiel grimaces and touches his hand to the stone again. “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.
He pulls his hand away, shaking the pain out of it. Does that suffice?
1 out of 8
"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."
Corven repeats the oath, the throbbing pain in his hand doubling as he does. He grinds his teeth against both it and some unpleasant retort or another, at the same time wondering if perhaps some day the vow will not prevent him from... having words with the Archbaron.
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The ArchBaron smiles widely, "You swore your allegiance in full the first time around Hel. No further Oaths do you need to swear".
He looks expectantly at Alicarus, "Well my friend what will it be. Servant or Master?"
Alic pauses, but then gives a smile and a deep bow. "My condolences, my liege, but I think the issue goes deeper than may be first apparent. Worship may not itself be the issue, but I can assure you his needs come first in my mind." He stands and gives a sad frown. "I'm sorry that such a conflict of interest is present, but I hope you understand. And I hope my colleagues do as well. I am deeply invested in seeing law in Longacre, and in Cheliax as a whole. But I must find a balance between that desire, and my faith."
With that, he gives another bow, and retreats from the room as the ArchBaron has suggested. Outside, he finds a nice spot to lay out his chains and kneel down to meditate and wait.
Well.. this is interesting.
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The ArchBaron shakes his head. Once Alicarus leaves he turns to the rest of the group, "He is a subordinate at this point, no position of any authority should be given to him nor do I welcome him back here to the Scarlet Crown. Not because I dislike him, I respect his conviction but he is now a security risk. You all understand I am sure".
Before any of you can respond a familiar voice - Razelago’s — drifts from behind a curtain on the opposite side of the room. “I told you they’d be up to the vow,” Razelago says. “Well, enough of them were anyway. I suspect they are eager to get to work. Which is good, considering what I’ve just uncovered.”
Archbaron Fex impatiently crosses to the alcove, pulling back the curtain. “There’s no need for your dramatics any longer, Razelago,” he says.
Inside the alcove sit a stool and writing desk heaped with pages. Clinging to the desk, almost unbalancing it, is a bloated fly’s abdomen of monstrous proportions from which sprouts the chubby upper body of a human infant. A neck hidden by fatty folds swivels and a pair of black, compound eyes squint against the light. Insectile mouthparts flex enthusiastically between pudgy lips and Razelago’s voice issues forth: “As you say, My Lord.”
"Holy S$*@!" exclaims Cimri.
Castiel peers at the creature. Interesting. A devil. Is it your familiar?
"He's certainly... different, whatever he is," Cole says, eyeing the fly creature curiously. "And it seems that he has something important to tell us."
"Hmm, I should have figured." Pelleas seems nonplussed at the appearance of the devil, or at least he isn't disturbed. "What have you discovered that's of such pressing importance?"
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Razelago shakes its head at Castiel, "No. I am a loyal servant to the ArchBaron no more and no less".
He then turns to Cole, "This Angel Knight doesn’t appear to be just some fiction concocted by an overzealous priestess. A talentless local minstrel named Riley Kels claims to have met her, and has even composed a series of ballads in her honor. While the amateur’s singing is crime enough, he performed these songs at The Last Stand Tavern last night—which incidentally broke the new curfew and sanctions against gathering.
If it pleases Your Lordship, our friends here should arrest The Last Stand’s owner, Bolgart Caggan, for defying the new law. I suggest pillorying him in front of the jail as an example to others. Additionally, see what you can find out about the Angel Knight from Kels.”
Cimri speaks, "So I am the new Sheriff?"
The ArchBaron shakes his head no, "My guards can take of such mundane duties. Instead you will all be Special Agents. Your authority is limited only by your imaginations. I give you leave to enforce the laws of Longacre as you see fit. You shall be answerable only to me".
"So our first task as your special agents is to arrest a bartender who's too stubborn for his own good and interrogate a second rate hack to find out what he knows about a mysterious knight who may be a threat to your reign. This town is far more interesting than the last one I passed through. Any other orders your grace, or should we get to it?"
Despite being once more drawn away from the topic of the day - you know, doing the Archbaron's work, finding good guys, and killing Iomedaeans - the black-haired woman eventually turns back towards her new liege to perform a quick mental review of what had just been said. But then she sees Razelago, and her reaction is one of instantaneous revulsion, her expression and whole-body shudder reactions that she simply cannot hide. Flies are filthy, and she stares at the disgusting thing with the same sort of instinctive but impersonal aversion people show towards feces and other such foulness. Though her right hand rubs at the side of her trews as if trying to scrub off the idea of having even philosophically shaken hands with him, her left hand keeps flexing into and out of a fist; it's pretty clear the young woman is ready to give the accuser devil a whack on the head if he gets any closer.
It takes a few long and hard moments for her to finally participate; those closest might hear her mutter "Can he go back behind the screen?" under her breath. Keeping her eyes on Razelago the same way someone with an allergy might keep their eyes on a wasp, Hel suggests, "Some of us should take Mister Caggan to the stocks; that's sure to cause a fuss. While everyone's looking there, the others can snatch Kels and cart him off ... somewhere private."
"Would you particularly perturbed if his inn were to burn down? I only ask because my concoctions can be... volatile. If not, it may behoove us to try and get him out of there without a fight. I understand that might be possible--and I imagine I wouldn't really help matters--but it's probably our best bet. We an interrogate the minstrel once we've got the chance."
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Cimri seems disappointed by the response of the ArchBaron but does not say anything about her disappointment at least not in any way past her body language.
The ArchBaron responds to Pelleas and Cole, "You may extract the information as you deem fit. I would prefer you not murder or permanently maim these local staples. As you handled the Tanner is as you should attempt to handle this situation.
I would hate for a popular local spot to be destroyed entirely. Even if the man dies, another can step in and run the place, taxes cannot be paid by the dead or those with no business to make coin".
Razelago sighs at Hel's response to his appearance. He does not hide himself though he does not approach either as he speaks, "Remember, you represent the law of the land and murder is by definition unlawful. We seek compliance not abject fear, act too heavy handed and public opinion will turn against us, that we do not want".
The ArchBaron picks up the thread of the conversation, "Razelago will continue to be your contact and you shall visit hi at the Ash House when you need he or I. The sashes that Razelago provided you with shall be the Badges of your station, wear them as you perform your duties. Remember, Alicarus is not to wear one as he does not represent me. Though none of you are the Sheriff, you may feel free to use the facilities to imprison or interrogate, rest, or to utilize the resources therein". The ArchBaron steps back to his desk and pulls on a rope, you hear a gong from far away.
"My servants shall show you the way out..." At that moment as slave enters the room to escort you all out.
"Hmm, right then. I suppose I'll just make sure not to go tossing around any bombs." Pelleas straightens his coat and follows the servants out of the Archbaron's chambers, standing with Alicarus while the others filter out. "It seems we're to deal with the owner of the tavern, he's been... breaking the decrees. That, and some minstrel has been causing a fuss. We're to wear the sashes we were given when we're about doing the Crown's work--well, we were instructed not to have you wear one, given the circumstances--but that's what we're up to." Tapping his foot for a moment, Pelleas remembers something else.
"Ah, we ought to stop by the apothecary and tell her we've approved her request for an exemption. That ought to help ease tensions a bit."
Agreed. Some of us should explore the streets to get the feel of the people.
"I'm not much for talking, but I'm decent at listening in. After we visit the apothecary to tell her the news, I can lurk around town a bit collecting gossip. You can head to the tavern and deal with things there and I can meet you later. Perhaps at the sheriff's offices, since it seems like we'll be using them for a while."
Alic nods at Pelleas's description of their mission, and agrees to accompany the group. "Even if the Archbaron doesn't believe I work for him, I am hopeful to help bring order to Longacre and maintain it." He smiles and gestures down the street. "Shall we?"
So Alicarus rejoins the party, and follows along behind them on their way to the apothecary... until they turn a corner, and he's no longer with them.
As the party rounds a corner, Alicarus slips off, taking a side road away from their route and using back alleys to make his way directly for the inn. He's certain the others have all the best at heart and are fully capable, but a large group of armed folk coming in, newly appointed as lawbringers, is liable to raise a fuss. If a single man acting in the best interest of the community soothes things over? So much the better.
"So, I am assuming tavern owner firat, minstrel second," Corven remarks simply. "If it is anything like when we... informed people of the new rules, it should go smoothly enough."
He pauses for a moment before continuing. "And if not..." He lets the sentence unfinished save for a thin smile and a shrug.
Castiel takes out his harp. I can speak with the people.
Longacre -
Tiefling, Strix and Aasimar don their sashes and simply walk about the city heading to the Apothecary Shop. They find the front door open. A citizen sits at the counter visiting with Rohalendi.
He looks up with a bit of a start, "Can I help you gentlemen?"
Longacre -
The female members of the ArchBaron's Enforcers seek out the home of the Bard.
Longacre -
The remaining two members of the ArchBaron's Enforcers head over to the Last Stand. You see people milling about heading and heading out of the place. Business appears normal.