The professor is stunned by Aleksander's news. "It can't be! How did this happen? Ah Petros, what did you get yourself into now? He always did have a penchant for the dark secrets best left undiscovered."
He covers his eyes for a moment before recovering his composure. "Books? Oh yes, the tomes he borrowed - histories of the occult."
He stares at the books for moment before remembering your presence. "But where are my manners? Please come into my office. What were your names again?"
Without waiting, he enters the building - beckoning for you to follow. "Yes, the beast did indeed steal something. One object to be precise."
You enter his spacious office where he motions for you to sit down in the wood chairs facing his desk. He brings out a picture of a jade, fang toothed octopus with demonic eyes. "This is a picture of the Seasage Effigy. It is curious that the beast would only steel this statuette. the Seasage Effigy is certainly a singular piece of art, but it is hardly valuable."
He motions to the books. "What would these books and our meeting have anything to do with the beast and this attack?"
He motions to the books. "What would these books and our meeting have anything to do with the beast and this attack?"
Govannon looks nervous and hedges a bit not wanting to talk of the hag.
"Well, the professor tasked us to return these texts to you, and here we find you in some distress from an attack that you say is odd. Could be nothing, but there seem to be a lot of odd things going on lately, and so I'm just being jumpy."
"Yeah, it's probably nothing."
He looks at the picture of the object.
"So you say the beast was caught. Did he have the effigy on him, or had he hidden it away somewhere already? If you have it back, I'm inclined to say it's nothing and just move on. We have other books to deliver you understand." he smiles weakly unsure of himself.
Professor Crowl shakes his head. "The beast was caught but the Seasage Effigy was never recovered. Frankly, it's quite baffling. It is a pity that the creature seems unable to explain its actions. Clearly, it has gone mad."
He then sighs and locks the books away in a desk drawer. "I'm afraid you will have to excuse me - I have to meet with the builders. The beast's senseless damage to the building is going to cost the university a fortune to repair!"
In the office "Just one last thing, is it at all possible that the demon depicted in the effigy is real?" After the Professors reply Caracotl will bow and exit with the rest.
After the group leaves. "The beast isn't the only thing in this city to have randomly gone mad. Aleksander and I experienced random madness as well. That and anyone else think too much damage was done here for something as stupid sounding and simple as an octopus statue? Why not just sneak in?"
|
As they walk away from the office Zelda appears to be deep in thought.
"Strange they caught the so called beast in the building did not find the effigy. How could he/she gotten rid of it? I think more may be going on then the people of this town are even considering.
I am beginning to wonder if this beast is simply an easy target because he is not smart and does not look right. When we have time, it may be wise to look into this a little bit more. What do you guys think?"
Govannon nods as the professor makes his leave. Busy man. he thinks as he walks away.
After the group leaves. "The beast isn't the only thing in this city to have randomly gone mad. Aleksander and I experienced random madness as well. That and anyone else think too much damage was done here for something as stupid sounding and simple as an octopus statue? Why not just sneak in?"
"Exactly. If theft is your goal, why make as much noise as you possibly can? Hell, it's like he was throwing thunderstones 'round yelling, 'stop me!' It doesn't make sense."
As they walk away from the office Zelda appears to be deep in thought.
"Strange they caught the so called beast in the building did not find the effigy. How could he/she gotten rid of it? I think more may be going on then the people of this town are even considering.
I am beginning to wonder if this beast is simply an easy target because he is not smart and does not look right. When we have time, it may be wise to look into this a little bit more. What do you guys think?"
"You bet Zelda. Something doesn't smell right here."
"We've one more book to deliver, but it's to Embreth Daramid, a judge at the Lepidstadt Courthouse. The Professor specifically requested it be delivered to his home, at night, with some discretion. Apparently it's not acceptable reading in these parts."
"So we have some time to kill. What say we do a little shopping? We don't have a lot of cash, but we've enough to buy a wand of cure light wounds, which we desperately need, and a bit besides. Not gonna make us wealthy, but it'll let me buy a bow at least so I'm not totally useless further than 5' away!" he chuckles.
Anyone want the scrolls? They’re pretty minor, and so not worth much, but we might find a use for them… Detect Undead, Hide from Undead (x2), and Protection from Evil. We also have a few items to identify (see DM spoiler below).
New guys, this is the last distribution with the 'old' party to catch us up. From this point on everything is shared equally by everyone. So no need to contribute to the wand of curing, but you won't get any cash from the distribution either.
Oh, and we have two potions of lesser restoration. I consider those group item, but someone needs to carry them. Who'd like 'em?
And obviously, let me know if you want any changes anywhere. I'm just the guy with the pencil, I'm not making the decisions. We do that as a group.
- - -
Hand Axe of the Lopper
Flute with effect on malevolent spirits
We also have a Bronze War Medalion from the Shining Cruisade, a Taldan painting of Stavian I, and Noblewoman's silver hair clips. Can you give a value for each please?
- - -
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The professor raises and eye at Caracotl as he begins to refill his pipe. "The Seasage Effigy appears to be a religious relic of some sort. It was recovered during an archaeological dig near the town of Illmarsh. Likely it is an interpretation of one of the ancient gods that the indigenous peoples worshiped before these lands were civilized, but we can't be certain. It may indeed be a demon of sort - but it doesn't match any known demon that we are aware of."
Bronze War Medalion - 40gp
Painting of Stavion I - 100gp
Hair Clips - 35gp
Lopper's axe - +1 hand axe
Tarnished silver flute - 300 gp masterwork flute
"Yeah," Ali replies to Gov. "Something's not quite right. And a monster makes a convenient target for the masses..." Her voice trails off, her thoughts straying to the hag... and to herself.
'What am I?!' she wonders. 'You know very well what you are, child," a dark, haggard voice from the recesses of her mind replies. "Embrace your destiny...'
Snapping back to the present, Ali hears the professor speak of the effigy and his desire to take leave. "Illmarsh," she repeats aloud, but as if to herself. "Thank you, professor. I'm sorry we couldn't have met under better circumstances. Good luck with the builders."
After they begin their walk out of the university, Ali loudly whispers to her nearby friends. "The Piper of Illmarsh was also from... well, Illmarsh..."
"I'm all for checking this beast out, but you guys have another delivery to do right, a more under the table one? I'm not sneaky, but I can lend aid where needed. "
That evening, after completing your purchases, you travel across town to the address provided to you by Professor Lorrimor. Judge Daramid lives in a fine townhouse surrounded by art in the center of Lepidstadt. With some trepidation, you knock on the iron bound oaken door. A woman in her sixties, with gray hair pulled back tightly into a bun and icy blue eyes answers your summons. From her penetrating eyes and furrowed brow it is clear that Judge Daramid is a stern, no nonsense woman who appears to be all business. "Yes, how may I help you?"
We also distributed a whopping 761gp to everyone in the 'old' party. That's Aliseya, Govannon, Naught, and Zelda. Not a lot of cash, but enough to do a little shopping, so please track it on your own sheets. Let me know if any of you have questions!
- - -
Govannon takes the cash, the most he's seen in one place for quite some time, and immediately heads to a bowyers. He picks up a masterwork, composite (+3) longbow for 700gp, and a couple quivers of cold iron arrows (40) for 4gp. He pockets the rest against emergency (after he finds a place to get a hot shave and a bath if there's time).
He stands with the party, carrying the book, but lets one of the ladies answer the door - particularly once he gets a look at the judge. I don't think she'll like me much, he thinks.
Not wanting to make a bad impression, he stands straight and quiet and hopes for the best.
|
|
Zelda picks up a few items with the new found income
2 Alchemist fire 100gd
2 antiplague 100 gd
2 Antitoxin 100 gd
4 vermin repellent 20gp
Masterwork Thieves' Tools 100
Climbers Kit (+2 to climb) 80
1 Bandolier 5sp
Caltrops 1
10 Chalk 1 sp
Crowbar 2
for a total of 505 gp
Zelda walks up to the door. "Good evening madam we have been sent by Professor Lorrimor to speak with Judge Daramid. If you could be so kind we would be grateful if you would inform the honorable Judge Daramid we would like to speak with him."
The woman stares coldly at Zelda before answering. "I am Judge Daramid. Yes, I've heard about what happened to Petros - dreadful! You're the ones he mentioned in his will then, eh?"
She pauses a moment, lost in thought. "I knew Petros for years. We met when we were both quite young. We were ... good friends."
She smiles at you then and you sense her warming to you. "Where are my manners - please come in. May I offer you coffee? What exactly did Petros tell you?"
During the day Caracotl joins some of the others on their shopping. Not personally picking up anything. If any particularly sunny spot is to found, like a park with stones and such, Caracotl will depart the others and sun himself. He will arrange a place to meet them later.
As Daramid invites them in Caracotl will say.
"I believe some of us are indeed the ones mentioned in the will. I believe Govannon here has the item you want." He bows deeply(well as deeply as a 2ft character can) as he says this.
Aliseya is pleased as pie to have the chance to go shopping. In and out of several apparel shops she goes, oohing and ahhing all along her way. When she meets back up with the others, she's now wearing a warmer-looking yet form-fitting fur-lined coat, and a new matching pair of fur-lined boots. It looks luxurious and rather expensive, yet matches her gypsy style as well.
Smiling ear to ear, she turns and poses for Zelda and Naught in particular. "So. Whaddya think?"
"Smooth." She compliments Gov on his shave, taking a brief feel.
...
As they approach the judge's townhouse, Aliseya smiles beside Zelda as her friend greets the judge. Her eyes light up at the offer of coffee.
"I'm Aliseya. But you can call me Ali. Well, the professor didn't tell us a lot. We, um, kinda found out about this," she retrieves the book intended for Daramid, "and some other stuff from his will."
She looks at Daramid knowingly, "I'm sure you understand he was a good man, investigating some not-so-good things going on. May I ask, were the two of you in recent contact about his investigations?"
Ali lets someone else take over, listening intently to not only the judge's responses, but her mannerisms and other cues as to her feelings about the late professor and his work.
"Smooth." She compliments Gov on his shave, taking a brief feel.
I must remember to shave more often. Govannon thinks as he gets some attention. He smiles.
As Daramid invites them in Caracotl will say.
"I believe some of us are indeed the ones mentioned in the will. I believe Govannon here has the item you want." He bows deeply(well as deeply as a 2ft character can) as he says this.
Nice bow. That little guy's got class. He considers bowing as well, but feels the moment is lost for him. Gotta remember that next time. he notes to himself.
"I'm Aliseya. But you can call me Ali. Well, the professor didn't tell us a lot. We, um, kinda found out about this," she retrieves the book intended for Daramid, "and some other stuff from his will."
She looks at Daramid knowingly, "I'm sure you understand he was a good man, investigating some not-so-good things going on. May I ask, were the two of you in recent contact about his investigations?"
Govannon hands the book to Aliseya when she holds her hand out for it. He then remains quiet, watching the whole thing. He does help himself to coffee, and any little treats that might accompany it. Not seeing anywhere to ash, he holds off rolling another cigarette.
Aleksander buys little but food, but he does take the time to shave his head and face.
At the judge's house, he does his best to be the portrait of respectability, as befits a meeting with such an arbiter of the law.
You sense that Lorrimor’s death has affected her more than she lets show. Perhaps their relationship was, at one time at least, more than
professional.
Judge Daramid leads you into an expansive study. A cozy fire burns in an ornate stone hearth. She motions you to have a seat on any of various pieces of over stuffed furniture in the room.
When Govannon produces the tome, Judge Daramid's eyes burn with fiery passion. After hesitating a second, she takes the book and holds it to her chest and closes her eyes. She then takes a deep breath and walks the book over to a safe. After securely locking away the tome she removes a leather bag. "Petros was wise to have you return the tome to me. It extremely dangerous for him to take it into the field."
She then hands the leather bag to you. "Here is the reward promised in his will."
Within you find 600 platinum pieces.
She then prepares herself a cup of coffee and sits down to talk with you. "If Petros trusted you, I suppose I can also. The town of Lepidstat is in dire need of assistance. Would you be willing to help?"
"I have a feeling that we will be pulled into helping one way or another. I feel Petros is still acting in this world, myself and another of our group were recently housed in the Sanitarium." He is fine with admitting it about himself, but does not want to implicate Aleksander to a relative stranger."I remember having a psychotic break, but do not remember any specific aspect of it. Nor do I currently feel any lingering symptoms. I owe Petros a large debt, when I awoke with this group who happened to be on an errand for him, I knew this was time to repay it. I will assist you and the town." Caracotl will accept a cup of coffee and attempt to drink it fancy-like.
A light seems to subtly go off in Ali's head. As Judge Daramid speaks and leads them into the cozier setting, Ali wonders if she can see any resemblance between the judge and Kendra...
'Kendra... I hope you're alive and well.'
Pondering the judge's request, Ali is intrigued.
'Professor Lorrimor really trusted you. So I will trust you.'
She looks to her friends before responding. She nods in the affirmative to indicate her willingness to help, then turns back to the judge and asks, "What's going on?"
She then prepares herself a cup of coffee and sits down to talk with you. "If Petros trusted you, I suppose I can also. The town of Lepidstat is in dire need of assistance. Would you be willing to help?"
He listens to some of the others agree to help out, and wonders how that's going to help them solve their craziness problem. Still...
"Well, let's hear your story first I think. Seems like a few of us are interested anyway, but I'm not so sure. Then again, I don't really know what it is you want neither." he shifts his belt pouch one way, then another. Still no ashtray...
Judge Daramid stirs her coffee as she explains. " I believe there is a cancer in Lepidstadt, a darkness lurking behind the shadow of a scapegoat. For many years the people of Lepidstadt have laid all their ills at the door of a creature known as the Beast of Lepidstadt — murders, thefts, and terror have all been attributed to the Beast, but I know that many stories are exaggerations or simply untrue. I also know that some people have different stories to tell about the creature — about its kindness and humanity, of how it has rescued loved ones or helped those in distress. Now that the time has arrived for such kindness to be repaid, however, no one dares to step forward and challenge the Beast’s reputation."
"As a judge, I have a keen sense of justice and I fear that the Beast will not receive a fair trial. The people of Lepidstadt have blamed the Beast for too much and for too long, and they want it to pay for its crimes, whether those crimes are real or imagined. In addition, I have some concerns about the crime for which the Beast was finally apprehended — the break-in and theft at Lepidstadt University. I'm convinced that the Beast’s capture at the university was not all it appeared to be, for why would a creature that is intelligent knowingly enter the university, where it was certain to be trapped? However, to publicly announce my suspicions would put me at great risk, both professionally and politically. As one of the three justices presiding over the Beast’s trial, I am unable to openly
intervene, other than insisting that the Beast be properly defended in court."
"What I really need is a group of people without local bias to uncover the real truth about the Beast and its alleged crimes. The Beast’s legally appointed advocate, a barrister named Gustav Kaple, is hopelessly over his head and needs help — ideally someone to gather evidence about the Beast’s alleged crimes and stand up in court to be questioned by the prosecution. Such speakers must have bravery in spades and silver tongues to match, to ensure that if there is more to the Beast’s story, justice will be done. If the Beast is indeed guilty, then I can rest easier at night knowing that I gave it a fair trial."
She finishes her coffee and then looks each of you squarely in the eye. "Will you investigate the Beast of Lepidstadt? If you are willing to assist, I will double your bequest from the professor's will."
She brings out a second bag of platinum and lays it out on the table in front of you.
Aliseya always had a soft spot for the villainous monsters told of while sitting around many a campfire. The tales she'd heard, she'd always wondered why people were so quick to judge, to talk about others behind their backs, so quick to blame, or simply to shriek in horror just because someone had an unusual appearance.
Judge Daramid confirmed her own suspicions: something was very fishy about the tales spun by the masses about this so-called Beast. An innocent person might be put to death if nobody helps.
Sipping the last of her coffee, it suddenly begins to dawn on Ali just how much money the judge just gave them. Her eyes widen. Platinum... she can't remember seeing a coin quite like that in her life. Is that worth more than gold or less?
'Either way, that much of it'll buy me a reeeally nice dress. Or a diamond necklace. Diamonds...'
The wealth was very appealing. But even if it were far less, her heart would draw her to find out about this Beast for herself. It was the right thing to do.
'Fool girl.' The familiar, grating, harsh voice beckons her from within once more. 'We must find Mother, not waste precious time...'
Ali appears to shudder a moment, looking past her own shoulder as if to see something that is not there. 'Stop that! All day long, you're, like, really creeping me out...'
With a sigh, she looks to her friends, wondering what they want to do.
Govannon eyes the pouch of platinum on the table. Having a judge owe you a favor isn't bad either eh Gov?
"I can't speak for the group, but I'll do my part. Not one with words though. Uh, er, not that perceptive either so I don't know how much help I'll be invetigatin'." he stumbles a bit over his words, "But I know a thing or two, and I'll do what I can to help!"
He stands up from his chair, looks around, and sits back down again, slurping his coffee, fiddling with the spoon until the clatter of the plate gets noticeably loud, then he sits quietly again.
"As I already said I believe the professor and my Goddess want me on to travel this path, but I'm glad to see I won't be alone." He gives a full smile and a nod to the others.
Judge Daramid nods and smiles at you. "Very well, then. Lepidstat owes you a debt of gratitude. I recommend that you proceed first thing tomorrow to the courthouse and register with the clerk of courts as volunteer defenders of the Beast. Please meet with Barrister Gustav Kaple at once and offer your assistance."
With that she dismisses you with a nod.
|
|
"Thank you so much for the information. What I have heard so far about the beast has distrubed me greatly. I keep wondering how the beast took an items that was not found on him or anywhere near him. It seems very strange to me." Zelda continues to look troubled about the events.
"Register at the court house. I guess I can do that. Maybe we can learn what this creature is actually being accused of. Thank you for your time Judge. I hope we meet again under better circumstances."
She then gets up to leave the judges home.
Aleksander nods, some of his owns unease and suspicions finding resonance with the judge's thoughts. Very well. Even 'beasts' deserve the protection of the law. If there is something else afoot, we should ferret it out.
Govannon nods and heads out into the streets again. Once there, he portions out the bags load so everyone would have some scratch.
Govannon quickly lights a smoke, with shaky hands, and suggest the group visit the pub and get a good night sleep in, then go shopping. "We should check in with the barrister and the court early tomorrow to be sure, but there are one or two things I'd like to get just in case. You never know what's around the corner."
If we make it to the morning without being picked up and put back in the insane asylum, Govannon will purchase, or order, a few minor items.
Potiion of Cure Light Wounds (1) (50gp)
Potion of Fly (5) (750gp)
Potion of Touch of the Sea (3) (75gp) (normal caster level 1)
Scroll of Glitterdust (3) (150gp)
Snapleaf (750gp)
Looks good. The snap leaf is handy - I'll have to keep that in mind.
You return to the Rusty Grog and rent three rooms for the night. The evening passes without incident.
The following morning you make your way to the Lepidstatd Courthouse. You find a large, squat building dominated by an enormous clock that overlooks the town square. The courthouse is built of dark stone, with walls of reinforced masonry. The building is three stories high,
with narrow, open windows only a foot wide. Across from the courthouse stands the the huge man-shaped figure of wood that you saw earlier - the punishing man.
Six heavily armed and armored guards greet you as you enter the courthouse and direct you to the clerk of courts. After an hour of paperwork, you are finally ushered in to see Barrister Gustav Kaple.
Gustav sits at his desk writing notes. A huge court wig sits on the desk next to him. He looks up at you with annoyance. "Yes, what do you want?"
|
|
On the way to the inn the group passes a quaint little magic shop.
oh just a sec, I do believe they may have just the ring I am looking for.
She announces as she rushes in.
It seems to us this beast is far to easy as scapegoat instead of the criminal. We are here to help you. If he is not guilty of these crimes we want to make sure the correct judgement is reached. I believe you could use some assistance and we are offering to help.
Govannon once again keeps his peace, letting the ladies do the talking. Good heads on their shoulders that lot. he smiles.
He hopes Gustav's demeanor is due to overwork, and not a deep character flaw. It would suck working for someone that hostile, he thinks.
He waits to be invited for coffee again. He starts to wonder if there will be a platinum bag of wealth at the end of this meeting too, but he somehow doubts it.
Hanging back with Govannon, Aleks merely nods when Zelda speaks.
Gustav lets out a loud sigh of frustration. "Help with what? The beast is clearly guilty. He hasn't a chance! The prosecution has three rock solid crimes they can attribute to him!"
The barrister now starts counting on his fingers. "First, the murder of ten citizens in Morast a year ago. Second, the heinous slaying of six children in Hergstag. Third, the arson attack four months ago at the Sanctuary on Karb Isle, which resulted in the deaths of Doctor Brada and his patients and the blinding of the doctor’s assistant, Karl. I'm afraid the beast's luck ran out when he got caught at the university. Now he's going to burn!"
He looks at you with scorn while shaking his head. "And you say you want to help? Well, be my guest, but you're wasting your time."
Caracotl clears his throat, touches his holy symbol and then his chest. Using bit of luck on himself.
"Yes we wish to serve as his guard, defenders if you will, To make sure the beast gets it's day in court. We've seen the anger in the streets, some might think it would be better to just execute him without a trial, we want that trial at the least."
After a cup of coffee perks her up in the morning, Aliseya invites anyone interested to join her as she performs her seance. Anyone who joins finds themselves seated in a meditation circle holding hands. The scent of incense and lit candles add to the ambiance of Ali's inn room, and she eventually rises with a smile. "Professor Lorrimor's connection with me will now be greatly strengthened for the day."
...
When Zelda mentions the magic shop, Alieya's eyes light up as she notices some enhanced jewelry in he window. She joins her, enthusiastically ogling several fine rings. A silver ring with an embedded diamond particularly catches her eye. With a sudden intake of air, she tries it on.
...
When Gustav shows his apparent frustration with Zelda, Ali steps forward. Her usual charming and beautiful self, she speaks to the barrister with an air of both pleasant cooperativeness and rather confident intellect.
"Well of course we understand the case is quite convincing Barrister Kuple. What my associate here means to say is that we want to review the case with an extra degree of scrutiny. We shall review the case impartially as the law requires, endeavoring to ensure that the guilty party, or parties, whomever it may be, does indeed not get away with these most heinous crimes. As you are well aware good sir, circumstances do not always appear to be what they seem to be. So it is absolutely vital that every defendant be given a fair trial, to ensure that the innocent are not wrongly convicted... and that the guilty are rightfully found as such."
Ali seems rather unusually studious in her demeanor and attitude. Professor-like, even...
Govannon doesn't like this lawyer, and he tries to hide it from his face. He thinks about offering to help this guy with legwork too, but it seems clear he also thinks the beast is guilty, and isn't going to do much to defend him.
He waits for some sort of official appointment, but is ready to find the door and get to work happy that they at least have a catalogue of crimes to work with.
The barrister sighs and seems to relax a bit as Caracotl, Aliseya and Zelda make a case for the Beast and for justice. "Yes, I suppose you're right. I must confess that I've had a bit of bad luck with my previous defendants - the last six have all hung! Not my fault of course, but I'm certainly grateful for any help that I can get. Now then, what are your names and how do you propose that we defend the beast? Speaking of which, would you like to meet him?"
|
|
" We would love to meet him. I think that would be very helpful, but first things first. Can you tell us everything you know about each crime? Oh I am Zelda Lamplighter, this is Govannon Gittins, Caracotl,
Aleksander Albus and Aliseya Belododia."
Zelda indicates each of her friends to the barrister.
When Govannon is introduced he nods. The barrister seems perhaps just over worked, and Govannon is glad he held his tongue earlier rather than berate the man. Still, he's unsure if he likes him.
"Yes, let's meet this creature and learn from his lips what we might do to save him." he says, even now unsure if the 'beast' is a man or some aberrant creature. He chews on his tongue a little and flicks his fingers while he waits.
As they go to meet the beast Caracotl asks "Soo when you say your last clients were hung. Do you mean found guilty or hung extra-judicially?"
The barrister frowns at Caracotl, "I'm afraid my clients were found guilty and were hung. To be fair, they all deserved it."
Gustav nods at Zelda, "I've interviewed the main witnesses from each of the three cases and I believe that their stories are very plausible. I, like you, wish to see justice done, however, I am certain that without evidence in its favor, the Beast will surely be convicted."
He now looks you each in the eye. "If you are to help our client, you must find evidence that proves his evidence. My role in court is to present evidence, cross examine witnesses, and clear the Beast of any wrongdoing. But I will need you to investigate the crimes and gather what evidence you can."
"I am very concerned about time. The trial has already commenced, and preliminary evidence has been presented to the three justices. The trial begins in earnest tomorrow, however, as the majority of the evidence for the three crimes will be presented over the next three days. You must act fast if you hope to find evidence in support of the Beast’s innocence. I suggest that you investigate the events in Morast first, as that evidence will be presented tomorrow. You can then investigate the other two crimes over the following two nights."
"Now, without further adieu, let me introduce you to our illustrious client."
The barrister escorts you down into the courthouse's cellar jail. After passing several checkpoints, you are ushered through an armored door into a large room with a huge iron cage in the middle. Within the cage, a towering abomination sits in an iron chair, bound with no less than a dozen sets of manacles. Stitching holds together this grotesque patchwork of flesh and bone, beast and man, though the wires are so taut they look as though they may fly apart at any moment. Its mouth is twisted in a permanent sneer, and a shock of lank, dark hair clings to its scalp. The creature slumps in its chair, a despondent expression upon its monstrous face.
Barrister Kaple trembles as he approaches the cage, "I present - the Beast of Lepidstadt!"
Quiet the whole time, Aleks comes alive a bit as they approach the beast. He knew a little of being taken for a monster, though never to the degree it was true for the beast. Nevertheless, he moves forward from the rest, stopping short of the cage, and concentrates; stretching out his perceptions toward the creature.
Govannon is fascinated by the creature, and the twitching in his hands stills as he looks in surprise at their strange client.
Learning little, if anything, he cautiously approaches the creature, drawn by it's hideous nature. He looks to the lawyer, "Does he have a name other than his title?"
He then looks at the creature, and tries speaking to him directly, "Do you have a name? Can you speak?"
The creature looks up at Govannon. "Yes, I can speak. I have no other name but the beast. The Beast of Lepistadt they call me. Will you please release me? I'm scared."
Aliseya is a bit hesitant at first. Though empathetic towards those scorned by society and skeptical about the capacity of the masses to form accurate opinions, she nonetheless cannot be certain about this so-called Beast's nature (both literally and morally). And... he is friggin scary looking. And yet...
'He's scared? Some so-called Beast... is he more the frightened simpleton type, I wonder?'
Muttering only a brief prayer to Desna, she observes the Beast with cautious silence as the others speak with it. She looks for cues in tone, in expression, in body language, discerning his honesty, his emotional state, his maturity, and any other revelations about him she can.