“Ah, the old send-a-monstrosity-sewn-from-corpses-as-a-distraction-while-you-steal-the-a ncient-idol trick. Does that book of yours explain how to control a golem?”
"This one seemed anything but mindless. When the guards found it, it was in a blind fury..." he shrugs. "I know the control of golems is intrinsic to the act of creating them... the magic of life binds them to their creator's will. And besides, the act of creating one destroys the manual in the process. The ashes of the book are part of the final step of creation. So we know this one had yet to be used. And shan't ever be used, for that matter."
"As for the effigy, I'm sure you'd know it if you saw it. Like I said, ancient, tentacle-ridden creature, carved from a horrid greenish stone. Non-magical, ancient," he makes vague gestures. "No matter, it is gone, and your books are delivered; your errand complete... Unless there is something else I can do for you?"
"Th' late Professor also bade us speak with Embreth Daramid once we'd returned th' tomes; where might we be finding her?"
"Judge Daramid? She lives somewhere near the courthouse, I'm sure. She's one of the three presiding over the Beast's trial. Law and Order in this town being held in regard as they are, I'm sure it'll be quite the spectacle."
The man goes to his desk, and after some adjustments, produces a plump purse of coins that he hands to Heck.
"For the return of the manual, I'm sure this Alendru charged you no small fee."
600 platinum
Sour Heck hefts the purse critically. “Maybe not mindless, but not that smart either, if it’s stealing old cursed statues instead of the coins you keep in your desk. Almost no bartenders accept cursed statues.”
“We’re off to the judge’s, then. Is the library open to the public? I ask because my friend and I might like to return to do research later, not because I plan to toss the place looking for more loose coin.”
"I doubt a flesh golem would feel much need for a refreshing drink," Eolise says, perfectly deadpan. "Unless the bars in this city serve formaldehyde, that is."
“They do, in fact,” says Sour Heck. “Don’t ever order the cheapest beer on the menu.”
"I never do," Eloise says, grinning good-naturedly. "I usually go for the nearest monastery's brown ale, or for red wine."
The professor grins at Heck.
"That was mostly to be wages for these lot. But they're not moving quite quick enough, so they're being docked." he raises his voice at the end, catching the students' attentions and receiving more than one slightly panicked glance. Crowl winks broadly. "Don't worry, I had no intention of paying them either way. Give the Judge my best, please."
It doesn't take long to find the judge's residence. Her apartments are, in fact, but a block from the courthouse. The doorbell is quickly answered by a sharply dressed man, who peers down his nose imperiously at the ramshackle group before him. Considering the nothing-short-of-remarkable size of said nose, it takes him quite a while to do so.
"Yes? he says, the word drawn out just a bit to far to denote anything other than annoyance.
"We are here with regards to the estate of the late Professor Lorrimor, to see the right honourable judge," Eloise says, affecting a Chelaxian aristocratic accent, her expression slightly cool.
On the way to the judge’s house, Sour Heck shares out the purse, giving each Hawthorn Society member a hundred platinum coins.
“It seems we’re moving up in the world. With this much money, we can expect to be robbed and murdered by a much higher class of cutthroat.”
"Meaning I'll get to beat up better-dressed people, and the Watch won't try to arrest me for it? Score," Eloise quips back.
"Maybe they'll even have a reward posted, so we can get paid for being mugged."
“Speaking of getting paid...assuming the judge actually gives us old Lorry’s bequest instead of having us arrested for his murder or public scurrilousness, The Hawthorn Society is about to wrap up all its fixed business. What then? If we’re going to go looking for the Whispering Way and get ourselves killed before they have a chance to murder us, might be we could pick up some clues in Lepidstadt. That library might have more hard facts than Lorry’s private collection did, and we might consult with Lorry’s old colleagues. Alternately, there’s a grand old Pharasman cathedral in town--we could make inquiries with the church, or save time and just jump right into the inquisition’s dungeons.”
"All fine ideas," Eloise says, nodding. "I'd like to find out more about this 'Beast', too. Flesh golems are usually the creations of necromancers, so there might be a clue there."
The servant vanishes after a curt nod, and a moment later returns.
"Her Honor will see you, please follow me."
The party is lead through a well-decorated, though not-quite-lavish townhouse, to a sitting room.
Sitting at the head of a small coffee table sits Judge Daramid. The is tall, and sits with perfect posture. Despite prominent age[lines and gray hair, tied back in a tight knot on her head, she seems to have yielded little to age. She stands as the group enters and introduces herself to each in turn. Her ice-blue eyes make a quick and severe assessment of each in turn
"I am Embreth Daramid. I have been told you are here on business related to the death of Petr... Professor Lorrimor?" Her voice is iron, direct, and hardly emotive. She seems to catch herself ever so slightly on the name, however.
Despite her stern politeness, it would seem that the late professor's passing weighs very heavily upon this woman.
"Indeed, your honour," Eloise says, nodding politely to the older woman. "You were mentioned in his last will and testament, and so we have come to you."
The woman nods, gravely. Though she seems to do everything with a similar mien.
"You have a book for me." She locks eyes with Eloise. There is no question, nor doubt.
"Aye-sai," Eloise says, nodding equally gravely. "That we do."
Soon enough - unless the rest of the party objects - Eloise is handing over the book in question.
"I feel you should know," she says, "we have strong reasons to believe Professor Lorrimor was murdered by those usually not spoken of aloud."
Peredur does not object. He stands wordlessly, listening to the judge respectfully.
Talia, too, speaks no objections, but carefully watches Embreth for a reaction to Eloise's words.
Iesha quietly studies the woman.
"I see, " Embreth says as she takes the book from Eloise, glancing briefly at the lock. She gazes at the book for a few long moments, her fingers caressing the silver rimmed edges almost imperceptibly. Eventually, she looks back up at Eloise and continues with ", and what leads you to believe that?".
Peredur glances at the others before looking back at the judge. "It's much we learned at Harrowstone Prison, look you, where th' Professor was slain. Th' unquiet dead of th' prison were bedeviling Ravengro, but we were able to put them to rest. Th' spirits there had been roused when th' ones we don't speak of aloud bound th' Warden's shade and took it. 'Twas when th' Professor discovered them that they killed him. We have his diary, where he wrote of his suspicions."
She looks directly at Peredur as she says "Have you any proof of this, other than diary?"
The half-elf pauses, thinking back on what befell the party in Harrowstone. "Th' diary, and th' word of a spirit who claimed to be th' ghost of th' Warden's wife. She's passed on, though, so she may not be called to testify. So in truth we have naught but...what's that term? Circumstantial evidence, aye. Say, instead, that someone unknown bound th' Warden's soul, as shown by th' markings on th' prison. Th' ghosts of th' prisoners, lacking his strong hand to control them, began to take revenge on th' people of Ravengro. We stopped them, aye, but never did we see aught to identify those Eloise spoke of." He looks at the others. "Unless I were after forgetting anything?"
"Someone who we were told spoke only in whispers," Eloise adds. "Which is pretty strange. Also, the Professor left plenty of clues in his research, and he was a man of unimpeccable intellect."
The Chelish Magus crosses her arms and frowns.
“Do we need proof to go looking for a murderer? Seems like we’ll find proof when we find the killer. But, Judge, if you think this is a fool’s errand and we’ll never find the necromancers who killed old Lorry...” The bard shakes his head. “No, that’s just too good to be true. Even if we don't find them, they're sure to find us. In the middle of the night. With daggers. Unless someone else murders us first, which come to think of it sounds pretty likely.”
"Unless someone else tries, you mean," Eloise says, a dangerous grin on her face as she pats the hilt of her sword. "I look forward to the chance to meet those whispering necromancers."
"That he was, that he was[b]," nods Embreth at Eloise's comment about the Professor.
"[b]Well, no, you don't need proof to look, young cynic," she says, turning to Sour Heck, "but it helps to know you're on the right trail. I'm sure you have many truths in hand, but it is likely impossible to see all ends. What will you do if you are right? What justice could be given? What punishment for the crime?"
"It seems to me your clearest order of business for the moment is the fulfillment of the Professor's last wishes. I trust you have seen to that? Do you have a copy of his will?"
"Aye, that we have. He charged us to see that his daughter were safe for a month, to convey some of his books to Professor Crowl, and to carry th' one book to yourself. We've done all of these.
"To your first question--th' ones who did this, they worked to some end. 'Tis certain that th' end to which they work is naught that my patron--" He taps the wooden spiral he wears. "--would favor, so even were I not bound to seek them out to work justice for th' Professor's murder I would yet oppose them."
Iesha nods. "I suspect their aim is one Shelyn would oppose as well. Not to mention that stealing the warden's soul separated two lovers who stayed loyal even beyond death. I would honor her by finding those necromantic thieves and freeing him."
Peredur nods in agreement at his fellow half-elf's words.
Talia smiles at as Iesha speaks, nodding in turn. "I concur with my companion's thoughts on the matter. I'd hate to think of these...people...running around and committing more murders and causing more strife. I would join them in this venture."
Eloise just grins, her hand still on her black sword's hilt. Ridiculously, she winks at the others...
"Very well, you all seem resigned to this cause of action, and I can only wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of it. I can see that you have fulfilled your obligations to the Professor regarding his will, and are entitled to the stipend that he mentioned in it." she says, handing the purple book that she had been caressing to her servant whom quickly exits the room with it.
"Since you seem dedicated to causes of justice, and since the late Professor seemed inclinded to trust you, I believe I will extend a similar trust myself. I would like to entice you to perform a task for me -- one that will require bravery and a clear head, and of course, a dedication to purpose."
"I'm sure you've heard of the upcoming trial of the Beast. As I sit on a panel of three judges assigned to try this case, I must maintain at least a semblance of impartiality. But I believe the true facts in this case will not come to light without some expert outside help. I'm afraid the barrister assigned to the defense of the Beast, Gustav Kaple, is in over his head. I would like you to gather as many facts as you can about this case and be prepared to provide testimony about them at trial"
Without waiting for any responses, she continues, "Before you answer, I will tell you that I will double the Professor's bequest to each of you if you commit to this charge and vow to keep me out of your investigations -- any hint of collaboration would put my legal objectivity into question."
"One more thing", she says in a somewhat more subdued tone, "I have long suspected that there is a cancer in Lepidstadt. A darkness which manipulates and pulls strings from the shadows. I fear that this dark force may be behind this beast and is using it as a scapegoat. I can not fully prepare you for what you may uncover should you take this task."
"No one can fully prepare another for what the world, and even the wider universe, will throw at us," Eloise says, shrugging. "Though kindly parents may try, with their children."
The Magus mulls over the offer. "An odd thing, this... Potentially, our investigation might end up clearing this 'Beast' in the eyes of the court." The Chelishwoman grins insouciantly. "Such tasty irony. And a great evil to unmask, and all. Sounds like fun!"
Peredur nods. "Aye, I'll take your offer as well. This seems a fine place, and I'm after wanting it kept that way.
"But one question I have, though. Of the five of us, 'tis only Sour Heck and Talia who call Ustalav home; Iesha, Eloise, and I are outlanders. It's thinking I am that questions from the likes of us may not be taken well, but you know Lepidstadt better than I. What problems do you foresee for us? Might the Pharasmins here aid us?"
"Any shrines of Milani hereabouts, perhaps?" Eloise adds.
“You want to hire us to investigate the Beast’s crimes? We get paid whether or not it is convicted?”
Embreth responds, "Yes, indeed your investigations and testimony may clear the beast. I am after the truth here, and as I said, I'm afraid the barrister is overhwhelmed. And yes," she continues, looking at Sour Heck, "you'll get paid regardless of the outcome of the trial."
"As for avoiding problems, I can only suggest that you try as best you can to minimize your appearance as outsiders. Or, failing that, be as diplomatic as possible when conversing with the locals. As you can imagine, folks here aren't the most welcoming lot. They are superstitious -- as I'm sure you'll see -- so perhaps that could be used to your advantage?"
"As for the Pharasmins, you'll have to ask them yourselves -- you might inquire at the cathedral, Gravecharge, and ask for Father Eswayne. But if you're going to take up this duty, I need you first to go to the courthouse, and register as volunteer defenders. Then meet with Barrister Gustav"
"As for shrines of Milani, I'm afraid I'm not aware of any." she says as she turns last to Eloise.
Peredur stands to go, then pauses. "This darkness you were speaking of--think you that 'tis they who were after th' statue that went missing from th' library?"
Talia smiles at Embreth. "I'll offer what aid I can in this endeavor, and seek what truth can be found with my companions. Do you know where Barrister Gustav might be, if not at the courthouse?"
Sour Heck seems to be having a mild fit of some kind; a casual observer might think he had accidentally swallowed a bug. Those who know him better might recognize that he’s making the heroic effort not to blurt out something mordant. “Yes I too will work for you,” he manages to croak, and heads for the door. “And I know just where to start looking.”
"Let's get going," Eloise says, still grinning. "Time's a-wasting!"
"I agree. Justice leads to redemption. I will help this 'Beast'. Does it have another name?"
"I do not know if anyone is behind the theft at the museum, but it does strike me as odd behavior for this creature. There are plenty of stories about the good deeds it has done, and its capture during its misdeed seems too obvious -- too staged. I dare not say this publicly, of course, for political reasons as well as professional."
"As for the barrister's whereabouts, you should inquire about him at the courthouse. The day is getting quite long, so you may or may not find him still in office. In either case, I will arrange for lodging while you are conducting your investigations at an inn called Gorlak's, which is located near the university"
"As for another name, I'm afraid its only moniker is The Beast of Lepidstadt or, simply The Beast. If was ever given a name by its creator, none have spoken it that I know of."
"Would it be possible to... question this creature?" Eloise asks. "And to talk to reliable witnesses as to its past deeds?"
Embreth turns to Eloise and responds with, "Why, of course you will be able to speak with the Beast. See the barrister first and he will arrange it, I'm sure. And I fully expect you to talk to witnesses during your investigations. Whether they are reliable or not will be something we'll have to discern, won't we?"
"Can you recommend any witnesses?" Eloise asks. "Men and women who have proven to be of good character and reliable memory?"