Anton considers the alchemists practical view of things. It is a position he cannot take himself, for it is devoid of emotion and sensitivity over the situation. But he cannot deny Dantrian's logic.
I know next to nothing about the Whispering Way and I'm as yet reluctant to mention them to the Judge. But I agree that knowledge of one's enemy can be as deadly as an arrow to the heart. I think Petros would want us to help, particularly if there was more to their relationship than the Judge is letting on as you suggest.
He sighs.
Whatever this creature has done it deserves to see justice in whatever form that takes and if it helps our cause in the long run then I can be patient. Let's accept her offer.
Dantrian nods curtly and moves to re-enter the room when Anton places a hand on his arm and stops him. He moves closer and lowers his voice.
He offers the alchemist his hand.
Tibideau craves excitement and the dangers inherent in this pursuit will keep him committed to the chase. B'yelka, on the other hand, remains lost and does not yet know who she is or who she wishes to be. She will stay with us if for no other reason than to define herself. Janos will pursue the Whispering Way because Kendra will ask him to and Drosil would stay the course if Anton only requested it of him. The others' committed involvement in this is plain.
Dantrian regards Anton flatly, his expression stoic as he scrutinizes the Desnan before him. Surely he sees all this. Why then this display? He is not prone to senseless babbling; there is always a point to his words, however impassioned it may be. Impassioned? Ah. That may be it. Perhaps he perceives our disagreements as personal slights? If so, then he is perhaps attempting to mend a proverbial fence. Curious. And highly unnecessary.
After a pair of short breaths, Dantrian takes Anton's proffered hand. "Of course, Anton. You need not have even asked."
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"Excellent, it's a deal then. Please report to the court clerks and register as volunteer defenders for the Beast and then meet with Barrister Gustav Kaple, to offer your assistance in gathering clues to help the Beast’s defense. You will need to wait until the morning, but I would get started quickly. The trial is already underway and time is of the essence. As for where you might find lodgings there are several reputable Inns in town, I'm sure you can find one to your liking."
Just as the judge in finishing there comes a knock on the door. An older manservant emerges from hiding in another wing of the house and goes to answer it. It's Kendra. The servant leads her into the sitting room where the judge and the Six are talking. Kendra nods and smiles to the judge, before addressing her friends.
"Hey guys, I found us some rooms. They aren't going to be cheap though, the city is so crowded I had to check three inns. We ended up at The Whispering Trident," she says, shaking her head bemusedly. "I guess that's supposed to be funny or something. Anyway, they are ready for us whenever. I was only able to get four rooms though..."
"Tibi can room with me." B'yelka blurts. "Unless he snores." Grinning, B'yelka turns to Kendra, "At least tell me it's a very good inn!"
Drosil holds up seven fingers, then ticks two down with pointed looks at Tibideau and B'yelka. "Anton and I can bunk up," - two more down - "and I'm sure you and Janos would like your own room..." - two more - "which leaves Dantrian in a room by himself." He grins broadly. "You'd be okay with that, right, Dantrian?"
"That sounds like a suitable arrangement, Drosil." He turns to Kendra and offers a slight bow, "Well done, Kendra. Thank you for your help." He turns back to the judge, "And thank you for your time and forthrightness, Madam Judge. We shall stop in at the clerk's office tomorrow morning. Good evening."
With that, Dantrian turns and follows the manservant to the door, letting Kendra lead the group to The Whispering Trident.
Janos lets out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He looks around with an embarrassed look of relief. For a moment he had thought he and Kendra would need to share with someone else. "What if it had been Dantrian! That would have been...well, uncomfortable. "
"Well lets see this inn. We're going to need to get an early start tomorrow. I think we've got some catching up to do." As they walk, Janos fills Kendra in on their agreement.
-Posted with Wayfinder
I think we should register immediately. And at least get a copy of the case notes, if nothing else just so that we know the details of the crimes.
Tibideau sighs histrionically as Dantrian walks out the door. "Oh, I was hoping to room with Dan! What delightful nighttime chatter I'll be missing!" He takes B'yelka's arm as they walk. "Let's pretend we're married! I can be a construction tycoon, and you are my marvelous prize acquired on a visit to Cheliax to work out my company's newest building contract! Mr. and Mrs.... Salamander! Philander! Gerrymander! Something with 'ander'!" His eyes bug out in mock alarm. "But the marriage definitely won't be consummated!"
The Whispering Trident is a nice enough inn. The ground level is mortared stone, while the second floor is timber framed with wattle and daub walls. The roof is shingled with dark brown clay tiles.
Like this but with a stone base
The wooden sign above the door depicts a lich whispering to a trident which it is holding in a tender caress like a lover. The common room is extremely crowded with people of middle and lower class background, all eating or drinking. Behind the bar is a pale, overweight, brunette, middle-aged human woman in a traditional Ustalavic dress or dirndl. She looks up distractedly as the group enters, then nods and smiles when she sees Kendra.
"That's Constanze , her and her husband Thorben run the inn. Our rooms are upstairs, at the end of the hall," Kendra says, giving each pair of roommates a key. "I'm rather tired, I think I'll go write in my journal and then get some sleep. I'll see you all in the morning." Kendra gives Janos a hug and a quick kiss before weaving her way through the throng and up the stairs.
"See you later, love. I think we have some things to discuss."
He turns back to the group. "A round of drinks to help us discuss our new task?" he nods to everyone and then goes to order some ales and wine.
"So how is this going to go? We just show up and announce ourselves as 'Defenders of the Beast?' I suppose we meet and talk to the Barrister."
We may be defenders in name but if it is proven beyond doubt that the Beast is guilty of these crimes, it deserves its fate. I intend to be objective and ensure justice is done.
I think it's probably a good idea to find out as much as we can about what this thing is supposed to have done and as soon as we can.
When the drinks arrive, Tibideau snaps up a charmingly dry red wine and joins the conversation. "I suppose we don't want to just show up shouting about how we're defending the beast, might not get us the best reputation!" He lowers his voice. "We can whisper it instead!" He slaps the empty space next to him on the bench and speaks curtly to B'yelka. "Wife! Get your red-haired you-know-what over here! This wine is passable!"
B'yelka guffaws at Tibideau's consumation joke, "That's true, we can't have that much pretty all at once!"
* * *
After dinner B'yelka is in a good mood, Finally! Food that doesn't sit in my stomach like a spoonful of gravel! The wine is good enough, and maybe she has had a glass too much. When Tibi teases and insists she sit next to him, she plays along, "Of course dearest. Where is my mind?" Sitting close to him, she takes his hand and holds it in her lap. The Diva leans close to Tibi Well, that's a nice cologne and whispers into his ear,
In reply to the plan, B'yelka sugests something obvious. "This Beast is a Monster, yes? He has terrified the town for so long it cannot remember feeling safe, no? Well, what if we were to be the investigators looking for proof of it's guilt, and *whoops* we find out he's innocent?" She turns to Anton and smiles, "My friend, your words frighten me. They remind me of something said at home: Punishment must be final! and the part about 'if they're guilty' always comes in a distant second." Hoping she has not wounded the paladin's ego, she continues, "Wouldn't it be better to assume he is innocent, until it can be proven otherwise? After all, punishment for crime, not punishment regardless of crime right?"
Tibideau blushes at B'yelka's whispering and responds,
He yelps when the Diva bites his ear. "You're mad!" he chuckles, picking up his wine and taking another sip. He puts his arm around her and looks around, letting his hand dangle over her shoulder lackadaisically. "I'm disappointed that this bar doesn't have any dishes named after an animal's private parts, like the one in Ravengro!"
He glances over at Anton, smirking boastfully. He SO wishes he was me right now.
Dantrian eats his meal in silence as discussion wends on parallel to what appears to be a table-side performance of a bawdy drama. It is obvious his thoughts and focus are turned inward, as Tibideau and B'yelka's antics haven't drawn any signs of frustration from the taciturn man.
Investigating the Beast of Leipstadt's case may prove exceedingly dangerous. How quickly would the mob turn on me and the others if the truth of my affliction is revealed at some point? A werew- hmmmpf. One as cursed as I endeavoring to see a golem acquited and freed? It would be our certain doom, no doubt.
"Perhaps you should ask the cook to see his parts!" Janos is grinning, evidently very amused by B'yelka and Tibi's loving interaction. An odd thought crosses his mind and the grin slips a bit. Kendra and I aren't like that, are we? That's ridiculous!
"We need more information about this Beast and what he's done. We have to figure out what is fact or fiction. Heck, we don't even know what the fiction is right now."
He glances around the crowded room. "B'yelka, Anton. Perhaps, you should see if you can work the room a bit. Maybe we can figure out what the Beast is supposed to have done."
"My friend, your words frighten me. They remind me of something said at home: Punishment must be final! and the part about 'if they're guilty' always comes in a distant second." Hoping she has not wounded the paladin's ego, she continues, "Wouldn't it be better to assume he is innocent, until it can be proven otherwise? After all, punishment for crime, not punishment regardless of crime right?"
Anton smiles at the bard;
You misunderstand my intent, sweet B'yelka. How can I presume this creature's innocence or guilt when I know nothing of it or the crimes it is accused of? he asks, almost whimsically. I intend to remain objective. If the evidence suggests it is innocent I will fight to my dying breath to see it freed. If the other, well... then I will defend it no longer. he takes a swig of ale.
But I intend to look into this creature's eyes, and though I will know nothing of it's guilt, I will know if there is evil in it's heart. A mouth will lie, but the eyes always tell the truth.
He finishes his ale and heads to the bar for another. Can I get anyone anything?
Once there, he catches the bar-keep's attention and takes out a small stack of coins to pay for the drinks.
So, this trial business... must be keeping you busy with all the visitors. They say this creature is all but certain to burn and yet some believe it has been capable of kindness as well. That seems odd, don't you think, my good man? What do you make of this whole affair?
Knowing that her worries are well founded B'yelka chooses to let Anton's comments go, "Of course Dear Friend." Just the Hellknights follow the same code. To the letter...
* * *
Acting on Janos' suggestion of getting some dirt on this town and it's terror of the Beast B'yelka starts circulating the room, playing the part of the slightly tipsy traveling noblewoman anxious to see this Beast put to the Fire. In a stage whisper that invites interruptions from the audience she asks one of the barmaids, "Is it true the Beast would steal a bride's dress before her husband could?"
Frustrated with her poor efforts in the Trident B'yelka snatches up Tibi, "Sorry Love, it's going to be a long night!" She half drags Tibideau around Lepidstadt on what amounts to a pub crawl. She insinuates herself into promising conversations, still playing the excited noble anxious for spectacle.
"Oh, dear girl, what kindness could such a mad Beast do? Did he polish some fop's shoes?" B'yelka winks at Tibi when the girl she is chatting with isn't looking.
"Oh no, who would care about that? I did hear of him rescuing a kitten from a tree once though. But is one kitten enough to atone for HUNDREDS OF MURDERS!? No. I don't think it is."
Tibideau tipsily follows B'yelka around, sharing brandy and imported tobacco with local gentlemen and delighting them with ridiculous fabrications about his life as a construction tycoon. All of them compliment his lovely but frazzled wife. "Oh, she's just EXTREMELY curious!" And intoxicated! I'd better not be holding any hair back later this evening!
Shaking his head and banishing his reverie with the motion, Dantrian at last notes half the table seems to be missing and off mingling with the townsfolk.
"Likely trolling for rumors. I would sooner trust the barrister and factual accounts over what might be shared by the impressionable, gossip-fueled mob. There is little further point to this." He rises then, and nods to those still at the table. "Good evening to you." Dantrian then retires for the night.
Not expecting violence, and hoping to avoid it if any should arise, Dantrian prepares a different variety of extracts for their investigations the following day.
HP: 31/31
AC: 15 (11 T / 14 FF)
CMD: 17
F/R/W: +5/+5/+1
Spontaneous Healing used: 0/10hp
Hero Points used: 1/4
Prepared Mutagen: Strength (darkvision) [ ]
Prepared 1st Level Extracts (3+1): comprehend languages [ ], keen senses [ ], deathwatch [ ], open [ ]
Prepared 2nd Level Extracts (1+1): ablative barrier [ ], levitate [ ]
-Ongoing Effects-
Hearing the information provided by Anton, Drosil asks the group to assist in finding the location of the prosecutor, Otto Heiger. "We don't know the character of this man. Once it's known that we're going to assist on the case, he may decide that he doesn't want to chance losing. Maybe even send someone after us. I'd like to get an idea as to what sort of man he is, amongst other things. Tonight, if possible."
I've found all I can hear I believe. And I agree it is useful to find out about Mr Heiger but I'm sure the defense can fill us in. I don't think I'd be much use in matters of subterfuge, that's your strong suit friend. I'm going to turn in.
Janos nods and follows Anton up to the rooms. "We'll have to see what B'yelka unearths tomorrow and speak to the Barrister about it."
He quietly slips into his room, hoping not to disturb Kendra's writing.
The next day, Anton wakes early as usual and bathes himself in the water yet unheated by the inn staff. Shivering so hard he can hear his teeth rattle he slips on a pair of soft leather trousers and thick cotton shirt beneath his armor and greatcoat.
He heads downstairs for breakfast. Over a mug of tea and buttered toast he makes small talk with the early morning clientele, particularly about prosecutor Heiger.
Then, he waits a further half an hour for the others before heading toward the courthouse to get the registered.
Tibideau opens one eye and feels grateful to see a snoring B'yelka in the bed next to him. Ha! We'll see who snores! He pieces together their return to the hotel room after leaving the last tavern. He recalls meandering around, trying to find the hotel, puffing away on rolled tobacco cigarettes he acquired from the owner of the local distillery. Then, in a very unladylike fashion, his "wife" demanded a cigarette, which she smoked out of view of the street, forcing Tibideau to be her lookout. Finally, they made it back to the hotel, where she attempted to gather more information from the front desk person, until Tibideau convinced her that it was time to go to bed.
Tibideau slowly stands up, clutching his forehead as the first wave of a hangover washes over him. He stumbles over to a table on the other side of the room and pours himself a glass of water, gulps it down, then pours another. He grabs a second glass for B'yelka. Scratch that. Instead of the glass, he places the entire pitcher on her bedside table. He strokes her hair and whispers, "Darling, it's time for breakfast."
Anton just hears that Heiger is a successful prosecutor, and that people are happy he's going to put the beast to justice. Everyone is excited for the second day of the trial to begin.
Dantrian rises early in the morning, intent on getting an early start and hoping for a productive day. As he passes by Tibideau and B'yelka's room, he pauses for a moment. Frowning, he fishes two small pouches of alchemist's kindness from his supplies and loops them over the door handle to their room. Shaking his head, he then heads down for an early breakfast and is mildly surprised to see Anton already milling about chatting with other early risers.
Not one for social inquiries, Dantrian quietly orders a simple breakfast of fruit and toast as he waits for the others to wake and join them.
Morning Dantrian. I was about to set off to the court house, are the others stirring yet? I asked around about prosecutor Heiger although there was nothing that you wouldn't expect, such that he is good at his work - no surprise given the magnitude if this trial.
Anton orders another pot of tea as he waits for the alchemist to finish.
Janos steps lightly down the stairs to the common room. "Morning. I figured we would need an early start. We have a tall task ahead of us." He sits at the table and orders some tea and boiled eggs for himself as well.
B'yelka wakes to Reylond's soft caress and wishes she could open her eyes and see him again. In that moment between dream and life she remembers he is truly gone and a single tear falls from her eye to the pillow beneath her. Realizing it's Tibideau she freezes the tears and sits up, turning away quickly. "Good morning to you, too, Love." B'yelka gathers herself and pours a glass of water from the pitcher Tibi left out for her. She glances over to Tibi and smiles, "It's nothing. Just a memory of a dream." She moves to the vanity and gets ready-refusing to bow to the pain in her head and the grumbling in her stomach. "Since you are here, would you mind helping me? I think for today I need to wear the hard dress. What do you think?" She directs Tibi in the fittings and tyings of her gown. "And for you, nothing frivolous. You are a man of means and people will react to you as you portray yourself." She looks down at his obnoxious purple boots and says, "Definitely not those." Once they are both ready she leans close and kisses near his ear, so as to not smudge her lipstick. Whispering, "Thank you for being a true friend..."
Now armored against the world B'yelka comes downstairs. She puts the Kindness in a small pocket in on her sleeve thinking to put it in her morning drink. Mr Almaeus? Very kind for such a... well, it was sweet of him. She smiles as she walks down the stairs. Once downstairs she keeps up the facade of wife to Tibideau, waiting for him to seat her, allowing him to order for them both. "How are you lovely boys doing this morning?"
Dantrian nods to the stairs as Anton asks about the others, indicating Janos' arrival. "I trust that B'yelka and Tibideau will not be far behind and surely Drosil woke when you did, Anton. Enjoy your breakfast and the act of sitting while you can; there is no knowing where our investigations may take us or when the next time we will be able to enjoy an unhurried breakfast may be."
---
Dantrian nods as B'yelka and Tibideau arrive then continues to sip on some tea as he finishes off a not-quite-ripe-enough pear.
Drosil emerges from his room just in time to hear this last statement from Dantrian, and pulls up a chair next to Anton. "Surely we won't be running from one end of this city to the other in the search for clues to the Beast's innocence? I was hoping we'd be able to take a bit more time than that, what with the schedule we were keeping dealing with our issues in Ravengro."
"We do not know yet how large a window of time we will have to investigates the accused's innocence or guilt. We cannot even assume that our investigations will be limited to within the city. While I hope we will remain inside the city walls, it is well within the realm of posibility that some of the evidence we will need to corroborate originated in one or more of the outlying communities." He offers something like a shrug before taking another draw from his cup. "We will have a better understanding once we speak with the barrister, of course."
That's all true. Unfortunately, at least if the Punishing Man is anything to go by, the people are expecting a quick verdict - which is why I think we should get moving as soon as possible.
Tibideau saunters down to breakfast dressed in sensible brown leather boots, gray trousers, a blue shirt, and a brown leather jacket. He perches haughtily next to B'yelka, ordering them black coffee with fresh cream and fatty bacon and eggs. "Eat up, Red. For your health!" He winks and stuffs his face with the greasy food. He tips Dantrian's present into his coffee and nods at him in appreciation. He stays silent, but thanks his lucky stars that there are other people in the group to talk about important things so that he doesn't have to.
B'yelka pecks at her eggs. Between bites she does some explaining. In Azlant. "Όντας ένας άντρας σημαίνει ότι θα είναι αριστοτεχνική, δεν είναι ασήμαντες." Still smiling and obviously enjoying her breakfast and the company, she continues. "Ποτέ δεν θα πρέπει να ληφθεί σοβαρά υπόψη, όπως ο σύζυγός μου, αν αυτό είναι το πώς θα συμπεριφερθεί. Πώς ενοχλητικό για σας να είναι γνωστή ως κερατάς, χωρίς ποτέ να απολαύσετε τη σύζυγό σας;." WIth a quick flick of a knife she cuts off another bite of eggs and says, "Εκτός αυτού, δεν θα ήθελα να εξυπηρετήσει τα αυγά σας σε ένα πιάτο σαν αυτό." She finishes by blowing him a kiss and a wink.
After breakfast, she asks ever so sweetly, "Now Love, can you call us a carriage?"
Janos sips his tea quietly and munches on his boiled egg. The Ranger is in a pensive mood. The next few days they would help determine the fate of a creature, perhaps a dangerous and foul one. If they were correct, then the Beast would get justice. If not, then they would contribute to releasing a murderer or condemning an innocent. A heavy burden for a swamp rat. We had better do this right.
He drains the tea and pops the last bit of egg into his mouth. He stands. "Ready? Let's see this Barrister and how we can help."
Dantrian pushes the tin dish before him to the center of the table, "Indeed. Let us be on our way."
<< | | | >>
The group finishes up their morning meal, and makes their way to the courthouse. The courthouse is a large, squat building dominated by an enormous clock overlooks the town square. A huge figure of wood, roughly man-shaped, stands in the square in front of the building.
The Punishing Man is a gigantic, man-shaped conglomeration of cut timber standing over 30 feet tall. Convicted criminals are placed within the figure’s hollow chest cavity and the entire structure is then set on fire in a public ceremony. As the trial proceeds inside, eager workers pile more timber against the f igure’s legs and oil its wooden limbs, while children play games at its side and throw grass, flowers, and rubbish onto it.
Two armed guards are stationed outside the doors to the courthouse, they examine the Ravengro Six suspiciously as they enter, but make no move to stop them.
Inside ornate pillars support a balcony 15 feet above. Beneath the balcony, wide steps lead up to a huge, ironbound door. Printed public notices are posted on a wooden board next to the door. Presently, these notices detail the upcoming trial in long-winded legal language.
A clerk directs the heroes upstairs to the defense chamber. This small, simple office is for the use of the defense. It contains two chairs and a desk, with a writing set and paper. Barrister Gustav Kaple is in the Defense Chamber. Wearing his huge court wig, Gustav cuts an impressive figure. On second glance however he seems to be very stressed. His face is covered in beads of sweat, despite the room's cool temperature. He looks up upon hearing the group enter and says, "H...h....h...hello. H...h....h...how may I he..he..help you?" The man's stutter is brutal.
Leading the entourage into the office, B'yelka addresses the stammering barrister, "I am B'yelka Morfaine-LeClerc, and this is my husband, and our associates. We come newly from Ravengro and I think, Sir, the real question is 'How can we help you." She pauses for a half breath, then explains, [b]"We are called the Ravengro Six because of our experience in hunting down answers and skillful defense of the innocent. If you think you need help proving the Beast's innocence, then allow us to help you. I imagine the predeicament of defending the Beast has you very anxious. What better way to prove your worth as a Barrister then by winning this unwinnable case?"