** spoiler omitted **
Assuming Kressle is able to find such an officer and deal with finding a vantage point, Ricter will begin to observe the target building. He will briefly detect chaos on anyone who enters 36 Rostland lane in case Ilgruth has disguised himself. If he sees an aura he will act.
Kressle chuckles when you mention an officer.
Vaysh told me she gave you full authority to pursue Grigori. If you need a piece of parchment to wave in his face though, I can get something drawn up?
When the time to set out comes Ricter will suggest that the two of them approach the chosen stakeout spot through an enterence out of sight of the target building. Ilgruth will probably have men inside watching the surrounding streets after all. Once inside, the wait will begin.
Its a fledgeling kingdom, Hellknight. There is no court of law yet; the Statkari are trusted to pass fair judgement. I'll meet you at the house opposite then.
Ricter dons his armour and prepares for the coming night. He is certain he is about to meet the agents of chaos in battle and spends the afternoon drilling with his flail.
You find the building at the appointed time in the evening, and Kressle motions you inside the building opposite. It appears to be a small family shack but the inhabitants are not home. Peering through some moldy shutters, Kressle shows you a good view of number 36.
I persuaded the family to go out for a fine meal this evening, courtesy of my purse. Kressle explains.
You stake out the house opposite for about an hour, continually using Detect Chaos to keep your eye on the street outside. Kressle sees your occasional gestures and muttered words of power from time to time, but if she recognises what you are doing she shows no sign of it except from slight irritation. An hour in, luck appears to be on your side- you sense the familiar presence of chaos and you can see Ilgruth walking across the street, towards the door of number 36. At this hour, the streets here are not particularily crowded, especially as little traffic heads this far into the outskirts of town.
Shall we take him now while he is alone, Hellknight? Try and get hold of him, hes a tricksy bugger if its Grigori... Kressle whispers in excited anticipation.
As he sees his target approach down the road Ricter moves downstairs and unlatches the door. Crossing the room he begins to run, ponderous in his platemail but nigh unstoppable. He's moving at full speed by the time he hits the door and barges it open, bursting out into the street and straight at the lawbreaker. He attempts to grab Ilgruth...
...and smashes him into the wall of his hideout, one armoured forearm pinning the conspiritor's chest in place whilst a gauntleted fist grabs his sword arm.
Kressle follows your lead, attempting to pin the surprised man, who yelps in panic in response to the attack. The man begins to fight back, twisting and squirming from her grasp and eluding her attempt to pin him. No one on the streets has reacted to the attack yet, it has all happened too fast.
CMB (fail)
Ilgruth inititive
Kressle roars, as Ilgruth slips away from Ricter. The suddenly fearsome woman takes over where Ricter left off, wrestling Ilgruth up against the wall once more with just as much ferocity.
CMB (success)
Finally recovering enough of his senses to act, Ilgruth slips out of the grapple, drawing a fine looking rapier from his belt and flourishing it threateningly, Ilgruth says-
Who... who are you and what do you want with me? i'm just a humble citizen, please don't hurt me!
His voice is the perfect mix of fear and innocence, his face looking genuinelly confused and scared as his eyes flick between the two of you. He is clearly skilled in the arts of deception- had you not already heard his treacherous plans from his own mouth, you'd be convinced you have the wrong man. Kressle looks suddenly hesitant, however.
"Of course he looks scared and confused, we're not trying to arrest a barbarian here, Statkari!"
-6 to above CMB attempt, effective CMB 21
With practiced skill and ease, the man's rapier delicately pokes through one of the armour's joints near your collar and stabs you, blood running down your chest from the wound as you lunge for him. It does not stop you from initiating a grapple with him however.
Snapping out of it a little, Kressle still seems somewhat unsure. Seeing that you have been stabbed however, she continues to use non-lethal methods to try and take him down. Stepping towards the grapple with a set of masterworkmanacles drawn, she manages to just barely get him inside them despite his squirming.
Clearly trained to escape such a device, Ilgruth attempts to slip out of the manacles but finds them to be finely made and proofed against such a technique.
Escape Artist vs DC35.
His hands now tightly manacled, Ilgruth continues to shout for help; cries that are starting to attract some attention from the passers-by.
It was difficult to spot but it was there- a flash of recognition and panic crossed Ilgruth's face for a moment when he spotted Kressle only for the look to turn into a worried grimace when he appeared to recognise your armour...
Ricter picks up his flail and gags Ilgruth. He turns to any who are listening to the prisoner's cries for help.
"By the laws of Kardas this man is under arrest on suspicion of invasion of government property. Do not attempt to intervene. Do not try to stand against juctice!"
He then turns to Kressle
"I will take him to your prison and guard him personally until the Guardians return. It will be interesting to see if this is his true visage."
The crowds back away at the fearsome proclamation. Kressle nods and directs you to the castle instead of the prison, explaining-
That f+@$ing Owlbear smashed up our prison good, its a ruin. Take him to the castle and have Sootscales sent for, he'll find a secure room. I'll join you in a while; i'm going to see what kind of operation the bastard had here. Good work, Ricter.
Ilgruth struggles continually against you while you drag him there, but manacled and gagged his ability to resist is limited. You are eventually accompanied by members of the local watch who assist you by firmly keeping passers by at a distance.
"Have Chief Sootscales sent for, a secure cell is needed immediately"
Ricter detects chaos on the prisoner one more time to check he hasn't been tricked whilst he waits for the Kobold to arrive.
** spoiler omitted **
Shall I arrrange forrr morrre guarrrrrrds? the kobold hisses, looking mighty pleased with you.
A pair of gloves that glow faintly.
A key.
Four potions.
A strange and exotic looking grey salve.
Four scrolls.
A backpack of masterwork quality.
A masterwork buckler.
A masterwork chain shirt.
A masterwork rapier that glows faintly.
A spell component pouch.
Forty platinum pieces.
Three hundred gold pieces.
You sit and chat around the fire for a while longer, then eventually set a watch pattern and finally rest after the fierce battle you endured.
Travelling through the Kamelands, night is beginning to fall as you crest another hill and can see the city of kardas before you, the castle jutting out above the other buildings like a beacon of civilisation- a symbol to all you have accomplished these past few years.
"Pretty well kitted out for a humble citizen, eh convict?"
Once the iron door is shut (does it have a view slit in it?) he turns to sootscale
"Send more guards if you wish, but I will personally watch this door until the Guardians return, for I understand they will be back within a day. I strongly suspect we have apprehended Gregori and he is magically disguised for subversives this well equipped are not common. I know what he has tried to do to your kingdom. I will not take any chances."
With that he turns to the door and begins his vigil, standing as still as his armour does on it's stand.
Gods, this stab wound hurts
Ilgruth attempts to respond but mumbles futilely against the gag. Kressle returns within an hour and a half, covered in dirt and spitting in disgust.
Every single worker down in the tunnels owed Ilgruth money and had been promised riches from the gold vein they were going for; about three dozen in all. They were digging deep, underneath the houses- and straight towards the castle. It looks like they got about halfway there. Theres no doubt in my mind that this is Grigori now; clearly he wanted covert access to the castle. I'm going to go inform Vaysh and get the tunnels filled in.
Malthir stops the Guardians just outside of SwordHaven. He pulls the Owlbear head out of the sack it was being carried in and mounts it upon his Lance. With his shield away and Libertator out lighting up the night, the Guardians enter the city, the defeat of the great beast obvious to all who gaze upon them.
Malthir asks Casimir to proclaim loudly the defeat of the Owlbear beast that had attacked their fair city as they ride through the streets towards the castle.
Eventually the Guardians stop near the city center a little distance from the ruined monument to their fallen friend in the background, letting a crowd gather before Malthir finally speaks...
Good people of Kardas again you have endured the unthinkable! We live in dangerous lands filled with dangerous beasts. We suffer, we die, but Kardas lives on. Kardas is more than any one man or women, more than the Statkari, more than the ruined buildings you see near us. It is the ideal that together we will build more than what we can alone. Hope, freedom, and prosperity...that is what be are all here for, what we sweat for, what we bleed for!
.
.
After speaking with a few of the city folk, Malthir then excuses himself to finish his ride to the castle, leaving the Owlbear head planted in the ground on a pike for the citizens to see...
The buzz at the guardians' return will doubtlessly reach the makeshift dungeon. Ricter ensures there are at least half a dozen guards watching the door - not to guard against escape, but to guard against traitors in their midst.
He then makes his way up to the castle courtyard. Still fully armoured, he stands slightly apart from the Statkari and watches impassively as those he hopes to ally with make their triumphant return.
A small crowd has gathered for Malthir's proclamation- and while there are no cheers there is a deep sense of grim satisfaction and firm nodding from the citizenry at his words. Many of them seem to be in awe of the Guardian's trophy, the head of the Owlbear barely held upright by the pike in the ground. With his words and the Guardian's deeds, Malthir has finally silenced those who questioned the Guardian's ability to protect and rule.
Covered in road grime, dried blood, and exhausted from the road Malthir rides into the castle.
He has a short conversation with Vaysh who gives him and whomever else went with him up to the castle a very quick update on what has happened while they were gone.
He marches directly over to their "guest" flanked by any of the Guardians that are around that want to accompany him and removes his helm, extending his hand.
Welcome Ricter Vorsk. We have much to talk about, but first some business. I want you to take me to this prisoner of yours. They say you have possibly captured Grigori, enemy of Kardas?
That would be an impressive feat since you have only been here a few days. Tell me how you came to capture this man and why you think he is Grigori as we walk...
It seems he expects you to lead the way...
"It is an honour to meet you Baron Al Dagon. I am...somewhat surprised you know my name. It seems you know why I'm here, so by all means we'll clear up the pressing matters first. As a paladin of Iomedae you can root out evildoers even if they hide from mundane sight. My kind possess a similar gift, but instead of sensing those who would kill, maim and steal for their own selfish ends I can detect those who act without thought of consequences and erode the laws that all rely on for protection and prosperity."
He turns and begins to descend to the castle cellers. He still has not removed his helmet.
"It is with this talent that I spied a devout servant of chaos in a crowded bar. Using subterfuge..."
Ricter begins to explain the events that lead up to Ilgruth/Gregori's arrest. By the time he's finished they've reached the cell.
"I understand that for crimes this grave your kingdom has no clear set of laws and instead relies on the judgement of the guardians case-by-case. I do not presume to talk as your equal, Baron, but it is my oppinion that this one deserves death. I hasten to add that my order does not execute their foes as readily as most Hellknights. He may technically not have killed one of your citizens with his own hand - as far as we know - but there is nothing you can do to make him reform his ways. I know his kind well. Before we give such matters further thought, however..."
He opens the cell door
"We need to remove the disguise enchantment and prove it is indeed Gregori"
His crimes are indeed many, if it is Grigori then he does deserve to die, he has committed many crimes against us and the people of Kardas...
Lying in the corner of the room is a man none of the Guardians recognise, gagged and manacled.
Malthir turns to Casimir and Kip, Well you two, do you have any way to detect illusionary magic? I know we don't have the ability to remove it but we can at least tell if this person is using any illusionary magic on him/herself.
We might also determine if he has some type of magic on him that might help him deceive us.
Malthir stares at the man on the floor and activate his detect evil ability and observes the man for 30 seconds trying to determine his nature.
Malthir senses no evil auras. Equipment wise, the man has been utterly stripped of his belongings.
Malthir looks to Ricter, I sense nothing evil about this man Ricter, are you sure your senses were correct with this man?
Malthir will wait to see if someone acts on his suggestion.
He then looks back to Ricter...he seems to notice that you are still wearing your helmet and he shifts a little, through force of habit you notice the telltale signs of someone examining another like you do,
Rictor, please remove your helmet, I am unsued to addressing people when I can't see their faces...
he says a little annoyed.
Kalev is the last to enter the cell, having spoken briefly to some of the hunters who act as scouts and outriders to hear if there have been anything to report.
He looks at the prisoner, but makes no move to speak, assuming Malthir will be in charge of the conversation.
Kalev is the last to enter the cell, having spoken briefly to some of the hunters who act as scouts and outriders to hear if there have been anything to report.
He looks at the prisoner, but makes no move to speak, assuming Malthir will be in charge of the conversation.
Kip uses his ability to detect magic upon the prisoner...
Kip ascertains that there are three faint magical auras present on the man lying on the ground before you- a Transmutation spell, a Transmutation (polymorph) spell and a illusion (glamer) spell. He shares this knowledge with the group.
Malthir draws Liberator from his sheathe and walks over to kneel in front of the gagged man, putting the blade into the ground between himself and the man,
So my magically disguised friend. I am wondering why I shouldn't just dispence justice now and execute you now for crimes against the realm.
The men you blackmailed into digging into the castle, obviously with some plot against the realm, has already damned you in my eyes and that in itself is treason with a punishment of death.
Of course you might have some magical spell to wisk you out of this cell if I take the gag off so I am thinking I may ask for the Guardians to vote now on your execution and pronounce sentence. We would then know your true face after that ad be able to ask your corpse any questions we might have.
Hmmmm....maybe I will give you one chance to commute this immediate sentence and possibly seek leniency. I am willing to wait it out for your magic to wear off to be sure, these things don't last forever you know, but I think that a man in your position might see some advantage to cooperating with us now, when one last chance is offered. If not then you are no use to us and a traitor to the realm.
Well my friend are you Grigori and do you have information that would interest us? Just shake your head yes or no...
This close, you realise that this is indeed Grigori. His height has been changed, he is a slighter build, but his eyes are burning with hatred and pride as he glares back at you, refusing to shake his head or nod it.
'Ilgruth' looks different to when you saw him an hour ago.
Malthir's eyes go wide for a second when he realizes who this really is and stands up before he submits to the urge to strike the man as hard as he can...
You disgust me, even with a chance to live your foul nature can't help but yearn for deception and mayhem, you had your chance at redemption and I want nothing more from you.
Turns and walks back towards the group sheathing Liberator, This is indeed Grigori, enemy of the realm.
You have brought us a great prize Ricter and earned a boon from Kardas and the Statkari, tomorrow we will meet and talk and I will hear your thoughts with a open mind.
Kalev, can you organize to have one of us here the entire night with the guards, I don't trust this snake not to attempt to escape?
Call for me when you need me, if you think you can get anything out of him before his execution tomorrow, feel free to try, but no torture!
Moving away from the cell containing Gregori, Ricter finally removes his helmet.
"Forgive my rudeness. I am well away that it is not polite behavior to keep one's face covered in safe surroundings, but I hail from Galt. I have seen first hand the value and secruity of anonymity, and prefer for my face to not be common knowledge. Of course, for men of your caliber I make an exception"
He gestures back at the cell
"So that is the true face of Gregori. Your magical sight didn't show him to be an evildoer eh? That is a fine example of why the Hellknights exist. A man doesn't have to be black-hearted to do great damage to fair cities and noble governments - he can just as easily be motivated by blind lust for change and revolution."
blood is now visibly seeping from between the joint at his sholder
"As you say, though, we can talk of such things more tomorrow. For now, where can I find relief from this minor wound?"
"Please," Fenna says softly when the Hellknight mentions his wound, "allow me. You have performed a great service for Kardas in bringing this man to us."
Intoning a prayer spoken in Azlanti, the gnome reaches out with a pale hand, "If it pleases you, Father of Humanity, I ask that you mend the wounds of this enemy of chaos, injured while bringing to justice one who works tirelessly against the spread of civilisation in these lands."
Turning to address Malthir, she casts a short look towards their prisoner. "A public accounting of his crimes before his execution may be best, it is a shame we were unable to find any solid evidence linking him to the recent attack."
"Please," Fenna says softly when the Hellknight mentions his wound, "allow me. You have performed a great service for Kardas in bringing this man to us."
Intoning a prayer spoken in Azlanti, the gnome reaches out with a pale hand, "If it pleases you, Father of Humanity, I ask that you mend the wounds of this enemy of chaos, injured while bringing to justice one who works tirelessly against the spread of civilisation in these lands."
Turning to address Malthir, she casts a short look towards their prisoner. "A public accounting of his crimes before his execution may be best, it is a shame we were unable to find any solid evidence linking him to the recent attack."
A good way to show the people that the enemies of the realm can not escape justice, as per usual Fenna your council is wise.
It wouldn't surprise me if he was involved somehow, maybe your divinations can help us in that regard? If not we should question his corpse.Looking at the other Guardians, [b]Are we all agreed, the man should be exectued tomorrow at noon for his treasonous crimes?
Assumes everyone is in agreement @ Fenna, Can you make the preparations as well as let the city folk know that the execution will take place? I know this is not a duty you particularly care for, but maybe your soft touch will make this sordid activity a little more bearable...
Malthir leaves to spend some time with Vaysh and relay the latest news from here.
Fenna nods to Malthir, "I shall make the necessary preparations, though perhaps the other Statkari should be consulted also? Clearly allowing him to speak in his defence at a trial is far to dangerous given his propensity for escape, but all the evidence should be considered by the Statkari as a whole before a sentence is passed."
"Please grant me a small portion of your sight," Fenna whispers in Azlanti, a frown of doubt creasing her brow as she rests a tiny hand on the great winged eye hanging from her neck.
Moving away from the cell containing Gregori, Ricter finally removes his helmet.
"Forgive my rudeness. I am well away that it is not polite behavior to keep one's face covered in safe surroundings, but I hail from Galt. I have seen first hand the value and secruity of anonymity, and prefer for my face to not be common knowledge. Of course, for men of your caliber I make an exception"
He gestures back at the cell
"So that is the true face of Gregori. Your magical sight didn't show him to be an evildoer eh? That is a fine example of why the Hellknights exist. A man doesn't have to be black-hearted to do great damage to fair cities and noble governments - he can just as easily be motivated by blind lust for change and revolution."
blood is now visibly seeping from between the joint at his sholder
"As you say, though, we can talk of such things more tomorrow. For now, where can I find relief from this minor wound?"
Malthir seems to consider Ricter's words for a moment before responding,
Galt must be a hard place to seek such protection.Please remember though you are in Kardas and the GreenBelt. We seek not to intimidate our folk into fearing us but assure them that our hearts are open and kind. This may seem a little simple to one from such a place as Galt, I know from the scheming that takes place in Brevoy that this can be a difficult concept to believe in, but it is the honesty of our people that is our strength.
"It is my duty to foster relations between the Order of the Chain and your realm, baron. If you insist I reveal my face to your townsfolk I will do so. However, consider the advantages of having an agent of government able to walk truely unnoticed though your streets. Magister Bendybrook has just made the limitations of magical disguise abundantly clear."
I assume from Malthir's instructions to Kalev that the group has now left Gregori and moved out of the dungeon to somewhere more suitable for negotiations
"Now that Counciller Thistleswade has so kindly healed my wound, I see no reason not to immediately explain my exact reasons for being here. Lictor Uro Adom of the Order of the Chain has ruled that Galt is a threat to the stability of it's surrounding nations and could concievably become a threat to Cheliax. The Hellknights must act to pacify it's lawless towns, but we cannot simply march from Cheliax. We need a staging ground. There are exiled nobles on the Galtan boarder who would gladly host an invasion force but their estates are barren and small. For what we have planned we need a prosperous kingdom from which to purchase supplies and equipment and to host a major rallying ground."
Ricter's manners and tone have changed noticably now his helmet is off. He speaks faster and more casually, as if his intimidating armoured form is a character he plays. Either that, or the more personable demeanour he now shows is...
"From the lawful reputation of Iomedae's paladins, I reasoned you would be supportive of such an endevour. That said, you will of course want to know we bring to the table. I am here to assess what we can offer in return and prove the worth of my order to you and your fellows. Furthermore, this planned invasion will not be put in motion for some years yet. When the time comes, I'm sure your kingdom will be up to the task of supplying us. The question is, will you be willing to?"
Having said little since the owlbear cave, and having mostly stood quietly in the background upon return to Swordhaven, Kip waits for a pause in the conversation before clearing his throat and speaking.
I must say that having recently used my own anonymity to help defeat a grave threat to Kardas and the Statkari, I can see Ricter's point about remaining faceless. It does have its advantages to be sure. However, I am less inclined to have agents of the realm, especially those in positions of real power, remaining behind a veil of secrecy. Kip pauses for thought. But no matter. This is best discussed by those who are concerned with the intricacies of law and government... something that remains outside my concerns I am afraid. Kip smiles to himself.
Turning his thoughts to the prisoner, Kip continues, I must say that I am more than a little disappointed that Grigori was apprehended without an opportunity for me to pay him back for his little prank in the tavern. Splendid job by the way Master Vorsk! And kudos to Kressle as well! Kip nods and smiles.
Back to the others, I do have many concerns in regards to this whole affair. Are we certain that this man is indeed Grigori? Yes he looks like him, but he has far from confessed or confirmed his identity. The same magic that can disguise a man, can be used to make one man look like the man we seek. What if this man is not Grigori, but one meant to lead us to believe that he is? Without further investigation, research and perhaps the employment of additional magics, I don't think we can say with absolute certainty we have the right man.
Running his hand through his shaggy hair while speaking and realizing he is indeed quite dirty his time in the wilderness, Kip pauses before continuing, There are spells that would allow us to dispel any lingering affects, other magic to compel him to reveal the truth and so on. This of course will take time. And with a meeting with the noose scheduled for tomorrow, I am afraid that we may miss the opportunity to learn the complete truth.
Taking out a handkerchief and wiping his grubby hands and face, Kip adds, I know that you are want to dispense justice quickly for his crimes, Malthir, but to what real end? Nobody save us now that he has been apprehended. Why not bask in the victory over the owlbear... let the people of Kardas celebrate, while we take the time to fully investigate this man? I know that you can speak to his corpse, but I doubt it will be a forthcoming as the living man compelled by other means.
There are so many questions that need answers... surely we can wait a day or two... perhaps longer if needed? Hanging the right man for his crimes without fully knowing the motives behind his actions, is one thing, but hanging the wrong man is something completely else. I mean, do we hang men for digging illegal mines in Kardas?
Realizing he has said more than he intended too, Kip pauses. I am in need of a hot bath and a good meal. Or two good meals!
How are we to proceed in this matter of the prisoner?
Kalev ponders Kip's words. I must agree with fellow Kip. Though I want nothing more than to see Grigori brought to justice, we must be certain it is him, not someone made to look like him. That would be a devious ploy not only to get us to lower our guard but also something that could be brought against us later. However, I agree that we should post a guard during the night. If I may be excused for a couple of hours, I will take the brunt of the night. Also, I've been told by one of the hunters that a group of loggers has entered the Narlmarches. As this area is outside our influence, I do worry for their safety, but we must attend to more pressing matters first.
Ricter, I appreciate you being enthusiastic about your cause, but this discussion is something better left for fresh minds. We will speak more of this later. As I have said, you have done much for the kingdom so the Statkari will listen to your proposal with an open mind.
@ Kip and Kalev, following a long sigh, Kip...Kalev...you are of course correct. I had hoped that his magic would wear out quickly enough for us to be sure it is him. Let us see what tomorrow may bring. Fenna, let's hold off on the formal statement and hanging until we are sure of whom we have. Let's ask Jhod to join us as well from Veirkirche if he isn't already here.
What about Ilya, does he have the ability to dispel the magic that is on this man? If so wake him and ask him to prepare himself to do so early in the morning. Once we are sure we can make some better decisions about him.
Be sure of this though, we need to make this happen quickly, Grigori is too dangerous a man to hold in a storage room for more than a day or so. He could also have allies or other agents about that might try to help him as well. If it is not Grigori, then what is it? A man magically controlled by him? Seems a bit of a stretch but we will see tomorrow. Maybe between Kip, Fenna, and Casimir you can examine him in enough detail to determine the nature of the magic that is on him? If you think you can lets do it now and be done with it.
Looking at the few castle guards about, I want your word that this will stay with you only! The less people that know about this the better until we can hang this scum.
Casimir does not immediatly join the others in the dungeon. Instead, he converses with his wife, learning her version of the events that have transpired and her opinion of this man Richter.
He joins the others in time to hear the exchange between Kip, Kalev and Malthir.
"I am with Kip and Kalev on this, Malthir. I am convinced that Grigori is not alone in this, and I would know the identity of our enemies. Once we know everything he does, I'm all for taking his head off.
Malthir returns the next morning after a summons to the Guardians and the Statkari...after peering into the room to look at Grigori again,
So in there sits Grigori, enemy of Kardas.
What do you recommend to get him to talk. I have already tried to reason with him, offering possible leniency in exchange for his cooperation. He has refused. The only other options I see are torture or magical compulsion. Neither are good choice, but he will not be tortured.
I don't think a simple charm would be enough on someone like Grigori, he know this magic too well. I don't really see many options. First you should make sure there are no other magics about him and then I would like to hear any suggestions. If you don't have a solution then we should move ahead with the execution.
Kip, Fenna, Cas, can you take a look at this possesions and make sure there is nothing there that can help us?