Anton looks at the others in growing horror. "They can get us all for importation. Even though I believe Grolik that he didn't do it, *they* apparently think he did, and we paid his way from the Shiv. Without his testimony that he's a thinking being with his own will, they could find us responsible for his alleged actions!" Playing the role of skeptic, testing the others' reasoning for flaws, the halfling begins to panic.
"Umm... I should go secure my notes right now." He pats his haversack, not mentioning that he gave the notes to Grolik the other day, and never asked for them back; at this point, the less any one of them knows, the better. He pulls out the rope of climbing and with a command, it levitates up from where he stands at the window to the roof of the inn. "I'll uh, be back after I find a good spot."
Anton climbs up onto the roof and "hides" the scroll tube with Larissa's old rough sketch of Smuggler's Shiv. Then he uses the rope to climb over to the roof of a neighboring building, and then again until he's diagonal from where he started, where he settles in to watch how they're approached. He could decide to suddenly return from an innocent nocturnal stroll... or not.
Nothing occurs that night, although Anton does notice a couple of city guards seems to be watching both the front and back of the Inn. That morning a platoon of city guards arrives.
A captain of the watch from his badges speaks up when directed to you, The government of Eleder would like to speak with you regarding the recent murders that have occurred in the city. Would you please come with us.
It is more of a statement than a demand or question...
Mihai smiles and smells the cup of tea in his hand. Most respectfully he answers "If the government wish speak with me... then they know where I am no? After all, if all of you were able to find me then it surely can be within their powers?"
"Can you be more specific, Captain? Are you not yourself a representative of the government of Eleder? Is there an individual that would seek an audience with us?"
The captains nose flares, he turns to the normally diplomatic Mihai, pausing to hear Tragershen's question, Yes, there are questions that an inquisitor has for you. If you prefer I can arrest all of you and we can see how that goes?
The guards behind the captain go from an easy stance to a cautious one...the rest of the tavern suddenly goes silent and most heads turn in your direction...several patrons look like they are getting ready to get up and head for the door.
An inquisitor is typically an investigator for the government who is also often the prosecutor aftre the investogation is complete.
Smiling and still genial "Your inquisitor is more than welcome to visit upon us here, where we will entertain him. Though I wonder if you were to arrest me... with what charge?"
This time the Captain smiles, Under Eledian law 243, Subsection 4, Part B. "Hindering the lawful investigation of a crime is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment and up to a 1000gp fine." If you ignore a summons from an inquisitor, that is grounds for arrest and prosecution under that law. Would you like to come with us or would you rather we arrest you.
The Captain appears to have lost his patience at this point. You also get the general sense that this Captain is probably some pompus ass that enjoys bossing people around.
Jask appears from the back of the room just as the Captain is making his last statement.
Is there a problem Captain? I am Jask, chief administrator to Minister Velespi. These men are friends of Sargava, if you don't mind why do you need to speak with them?
Captain, There have been murders in the city recently, strange murders. They may have a connection to the chief suspect and we wish to find out what they know. The minister can speak with the chief justice if he has any concerns Administrator Jask.
Jask walks over to your group, Give us a minute please Captain.
He nods his head in an annoyed manner, clearly not used to being interfered with, It will be fine, best to go with them and not cause an issue. I will speak to a few people and see what we can do, I am sure this is procedural. Jask seems to think of something at that moment.
I think I see where this could be coming from now. Please go with them, I will speak to some people and meet you later.
At Jask's recommendation, Tragershen says "Very well." He stands to go with the captain. "Please, captain, lead the way."
Still smiling and genial Mihai takes a sip of his tea before "I have done nothing to hinder you Captain... and neither have I yet been summoned." gesturing at the clear area before him "Have you a writ that proves the words that you speak? I merely wish to ensure that all that is done is appropriately ascribed and recorded." a fleck of steel showing in his voice for just a moment as he adds "I would hate to see your pretty badges taken from you..."
Nim is not sure what Mihai's play is, being totally unfamiliar with the intricacies of the law, both in general, and specifically here in Eleder. Coupling that with Nim's general discomfort with "civilization" and Nim is totally out of his element.
Regardless of his personal feelings, he slowly moves into a position directly behind Mihai, standing protectively over the seated cleric. Directing his comment at Mihai, Nim asks, Do they even know our names? The towering druid folds his arms in front of his chest and stares at the Captain awaiting his response to Mihai's query.
Corbius does not move from his seat as Mihai and the captain banter back and forth. When Nim moves in behind Mihai Corbius shifts his position sllightly so that he will not be constrained by the table if he were needing to stand quickly. He sets his drink on the table and rests his hand not on the table ready to draw his weapon if necessary.
The man's anger is apparent this time obviously having lost any patience he might have had, You have one last chance to get your ass out of that chair and come with us or I will slap you in irons and drag you there!
The man's hand goes to his sword as do the rest of his men but they are not drawn yet...
Cautious as ever, Aedalis had spent much of the conversation quietly putting distance between himself and the men demanding the group accompany them. He immediately cast Mage Armour as the men's sword's looked close to being drawn.
Jask makes an attempt to try and defuse the situation...Now gentlemen, I am sure no one is trying to hamper anyone's investigation...how about I accompany you there Mihai.
Turns to the captain, These men are not being arrested correct, just answering an official summons?
Yes! responds the man, his voice shaking a little from his anger and trying to contain it...
Nim stares cooly at the soldiers as their hands move to their weapons.
Shaking his head slowly he cautions, That would prove... unwise.
Nim speaks up to further try and defuse the situation before things get totally out of control. I believe Mihai's objection is based upon the fact that he has unequivocally and without exception denied any involvement with the suspect that you are surely here to question us about.
The rest of us will come along quietly if you leave Mihai out of it.
Besides, the one you really wish to speak to is Anton...
The Captain seems to have retained a little of his calm, for the moment, The summons is for the six adventurers that escaped from the Shiv. Aedalis, Anton, Corbrius, Mihai, Nim, Tragershen. You are them, or at least the owner over there says you are and you meet the descriptions we were given from the Pathfinders.
If Mihai decides to refuse the summons then he is hindering an investigation and is subject to arrest.
Would I be able to do my job if anyone who didn't want to speak with an investigator told me they were busy or felt they didn't want to speak with them? It is his choice, and is the same choice the rest of you have.
Why do you think they sent a Captain to speak with you...the government knows that adventurers such as yourselves can be dangerous and resistant to authority.
It is at this time that you seem to notice that these men are not armed as simple city guards. The Captain seems to be wearing Mithral Chainmail, the guards all in fine Breastplate with fairly fine clothes and weapons, all of at least MW quality.
You have two choices, you can come with us so you can answer some questions or this can degenerate into a fight. You may or may not win. If you win and kill any of my men, your government friend can not help you anymore and will prove effectively in our eyes that you had something to do with this. Well Mihai?
Anton stands with Tragershen, ready to follow the captain.
Well, it seems you do know our names... but that summons is oddly truncated. There were more than six of us that made it off of the Shiv. Are the others being similarly summoned?
Sending armed men to make a "request" leads one to question whether it really is just that.
We have peacefully answered numerous requests since arriving here in Eleder. Have we given any reason to believe that this would be any different? That we would resort to violence?
These are some of the reason we feel threatened by your behaviour Captain...
Are your so called laws so oppressive that failure to comply with a "request" results in immediate corporal punishment and presumption of guilt on all counts?
It seems to me "civilization" is being prematurely applied...
I am doing my job adventurer. No more no less. Feel free to complain to the inquisitor. I am sure the murdered folk would find your feeling a little threatened a minor inconvenience compared to their current situation. Let us go, this bantering gets neither of us anywhere.
The captain and his men escort you to the ministry of law. A rather impressive building if you like large statues, pillars, marble, and huge arches.
You are led through more armed guards until you reach an atechamber where you encounter more guards. The captain turns to you, leave your weapons here, they will be kept safe and returned to you, weapons are not allowed in a hearing room.
Before you object I am sure you have spells and other things at your disposal to defend yourselves.
The hearing room is rather sparse, other than the huge marble table taking up much of the room. A small man with a powerful bearing sits on the other side. I am inquisitor Heraclin. Please sit. The government of Eleder has questions for you. Is there someone that speaks for your group? Typically adventurers have someone in a leadership position.
After brief introductions, As you know there have been a number of murders that recently happened in the city. In order to rule you out as part of the murders I would like to cast a simple spell, it is called zone of truth. Are you willing to submit yourselves to this spell so we can rule you out as suspects?
Thank you for your cooperation. The spell will not allow you to speak a purposeful untruth. I will ask you a series of yes/no, it is much harder to deceive the spell with this type of questions, please answer to the best of your ability.
Do you know the beast named Grolik?
Did you bring the beast to Eleder?
Did the beast commit the murders of the merchant, Gayle Numer and adventurer Huro Alkar?
If no, did the beast Grolik assist in the murders?
If no did any of your group commit the murders?
Did you know that there were 2 other murders with the same signatures?
Anton surrenders all of his weapons without a word, even including his silver dagger, since any situation where he might need them in an Eleder hearing room is one he plans to avoid. Then things get off to a bad start -- again -- as Heraclin's first question is met with awkward silence. It was supposed to be an easy one, and yet they all look around at each other questioningly.
He tries to make light of their loss for words. "A spokesperson is a brilliant idea! However, I doubt that you want to wait while we debate who can speak for us all, and under what circumstances, and to what extent. So I guess you can treat me like a leader, until they say that I'm not." The inquisitor's next question is easier, at least for Anton. "Yes, we agree to the spell." He answers the subsequent questions in order. "Yes, yes, no, no, no, no."
Nim had placed his weapons upon the table with the confidence of a man who didn't need them to be dangerous.
He followed the others into the room, thoroughly unimpressed with, or intimidated by, the grandeur of the building or its plentiful guards.
Expressing a preference to stand, he positioned himself close to Mihai. Nim looked expectantly at Mihai when the inquisitor asked for a party spokesman and arched an eyebrow when Anton spoke up instead.
At the inquisitor's last question, Nim simply stated, Do as you wish, I have nothing to hide.
Nim's answers differed from those of Anton's,
Yes I know the one called Grolik.
No, I did not bring him to Eleder.
I cannot answer yes or no. I don't know if he did or did not commit these murders.
Again, I cannot answer yes or no. I don't know if he was involved in the murders, in any capacity.
I can only speak for myself, and the answer is no, I did not commit these murders.
Yes I am aware there have been other murders.
Nim adds his own unsolicited remark, I have had meaningful no contact with the creature in question since we left the Shiv.
Nim looks at the inquisitor, Does the zone of truth include yourself?
Corbius carefully places his weapons on the table. The rapier being the last removed. I will be very unhappy if anything happens to my sword while it is in your possession. His expression flat carrying the weight of a promise rather than a threat. With that he follows the others into the room.
Corbius shrugs at Anton's assuming of the leadership role but does not argue with his approval of the zone of truth.
His answers to the questions are.
Yes I know of Grolik.
No I did not help him leave the Shiv.
I have no idea if he committed these crimes.
I have no idea who he has been associating with let alone helping. I have little intrest in the beast.
I did not commit these murders!
I have been told that there have been other murders.
I also have had no contact with the beast since returning from the Shiv!
I assume if we answer your questions we are free to leave?
Anton's curiosity about the content of Nim's and Corbius's answers is swamped by his bafflement (bordering on indignation) at their length; it would never occur to the talkative ex-slave to say more than absolutely necessary to an authority figure inquiring about an infraction of any kind. The Molthuni halfling keeps his face carefully schooled in a neutral expression, holding his questions for his friends for a more private time.
Aedalis submitted to the spell and his answers mirrored his smaller companion's exactly- Yes, yes, no, no, no, no.
Mihai does not sit, instead leaning against a wall where the inquisitor needs either crane his neck or move his own chair. Frowning at Anton he shakes his head "You will cast no art upon my person, and I will answer none of your questions until you give me reason to think that you are trustworthy and fair... Thus far you have sent men with swords when a boy with a letter woulda suffice. Encased me in stone and sought to force words from my mouth with high art and magical coercement, where instead words could be more genially exchanged over tea in an Inns private room. And still I have been shown NOTHING that legitemises your acts or actions nor makes me believe you have cause or backing of this government..." spitting on the floor and grimacing at Heraclin "Either begin by treating me equal, or chain me without cause or reason." passively extending his arms with wrists together.
As the party answers his questions he makes notes. He seems methodical but doesn't ask follow-up questions for the moment.
His eyes arch at Mihai's refusal, but he doesn't respond to it.
An odd group. No central leader, one rebellious man while the others assist in the investigation of murders. Some seem to almost help the creature get here while others refused...
I believe that you are not involved in the murders, although you are not sure if the beast is involved. As for you... meaning Mihai,
You arguement is flawed Mihai, yet has some grounds. We send men with swords because you are suspects in a murder investigation. If you were involved in this would you respond to a letter or run...that makes no sense and is not within the procedures of this investigation.
We normally don't use magic on people, but there have been FIVE murders in the city...yes FIVE in a matter of two weeks. That means that there are three murders that the city doesn't know about, otherwise there could be a lot of concern in the city, maybe even panic. You have been asking about the murders, so obviously you care about them.
Yes I talked with the cleric who allowed you to see the bodies. All this refusal to cooperate actually points the finger at you. Yet I don't actually believe you are involved.
Why don't I believe it...it is too convenient, too easy. A tip comes forward, a tip that the six of you smuggled a beast into Eleder. It doesn't mention the others that came with you, the first mistake. Then the murders suddenly start with the marking of the beast named Grolik, that you brought into the city. Murders that will sow further anger on the streets towards adventurers and their pets. I have spoken with the Pathfinders. The beast seems cunning. Why kill so obviously when doing it the country-side...it could do it for months before it would be discovered if at all, second mistake.
I believe you may have a powerful enemy, trying to use you for their purposes, whatever they are.
Mihai, answer the questions and let me rule you out. If you force my hand I will have to detain you for no reason other than the legal procedings of the court. Is that worth your pride?
This may have been easier if this creature would have stepped forward, but it sounds like this is not in it's nature. Maybe whoever is behind this was counting on this...
Do you have any questions for me, I will answer if I can.
I could include myself in the zone, but you would have no way of proving it to yourselves that it was working. You would again have to trust my word but you seem disinclined to trust Someone such as myself. I seek the truth and little else.
@ Corbrius yes you are free to leave. .. except for your friend who seems to wish to not clear himself.
I think you speak to my friend's point... we are required to "trust" your word... but you force compulsion magic upon those that do not wish it rather than extend them the same courtesy. Why is our word not good enough alone? Have we given reason to distrust our word?
It is true our group is quite disparate, but that is also a strength at times. Non of us are beholden to any other. That is why some helped Grolick get off of the Shiv and others did not. It is also the reason some of us sought to determine if he was responsible for the murders. We saw it as our duty to right a potential wrong, even if that wrong was through inaction by some of us.
Mihai has been the most vocal opponent to bringing Grolik to Eleder... and has been instrumental in our own investigations into the murders.
I will vouch for Mihai. I can say without reservation that Mihai has had nothing to do with these murders. And should this be proven incorrect, I offer my own life as forfeit.
Now you can accept that and we can move on, allowing us to assist you in your investigation... or you can throw Mihai in a cell due to "procedure"... to no real benefit... and lose our assistance.
One of the problems with people in authority is that they can say nice things in order to get you to say what they want, and then change their minds. Anton considers what he can do without relaxing his guard. Perhaps some careful words...
"I'm sorry that I was unable to convince Grolik to even hear your questions, let alone answer them. He and Mihai are proud and independent people. However, I am confident that neither one had anything to do with this." Heh. Someday, he will thank me. Or at least forgive me.
"My only questions for you would be if you could tell us more about the other three murders, and if we could have some kind of mandate to investigate. I am very disturbed by the theory that it was a deliberate frame job, and not just coincidences ground by the rumor mill." Since that's what I had assumed.
He considers his next words very carefully indeed. "I would like to have the right to defend the innocent, and to prove that we are. But while we've fought things you can't imagine, and come out on top... we're not guardsmen. We have no practice at bringing them in for trial." If you know what I mean...
Aedalis raised an eyebrow at the conversation, and in particular the talk of putting Mihai in a cell.
Tragershen won't resist the spell, and will simply answer (slowly, calmly and methodically), "Yes. No. No. No. No. No."
Heraclin seems ready to say something more when another guard enters the room and summons him out.
He returns a few minutes later, You are free to go, including you Mihai. he turns and walks out.
Jask is waiting for you outside of the room. Here are your weapons, let's go. Jask returns with you to the Inn. You shouldn't be bothered again.
The next several days are quiet for the group, although there is a quiet simmering going on the streets and there are several attacks against foreigners.
Anton is delighted to pick up his other potion of reduce person. Being small is a real advantage, so being smaller is probably more of one.
You inform Jask of your decision, a broad smiles comes across his face, The government is a strong group to ally with, they have a lot to offer. I will set up a meeting for tomorrow to formalize things.
It doesn't take long for Jask to return. We meet tomorrow at noon. Here is the address. Jask looks around.
Things could get dangerous for you now. I would suggest speaking to no one, finding a more secure place to stay, and sticking together for the moment. See you tomorrow.
The address is in an upscale district. We can retcon anything you want to do before the meeting.
Nothing occurs until the meeting. The group packs up and goes to the address. It is a nice warehouse in a residential district. You are greeted by Jask, Rotilius, a small contingent of guards and the Lady Daugustana. She steps forward and offers her hand, Mihai immediately steps in and plays the part of the interested diplomat.
What they offered:
*500gp each + mundane equipment for the trip. Horses, rations, anything up to 125 gp per person you can assume you can take as part of their equipping.
*1000gp reward once Saventhi-Yhi is found.
*A troup of 6 colonial legionnaires will accompany you to protect your camp and mounts and help on watches. They are not adventurers but are more powerful than regular men-at-arms.
*Legal agreement for rights to explore the city and claim wealth found by each group and each group's ability to keep that wealth.
*Legal agreement that each group will work to further the aims of each other and do nothing that will harm the other group or it's interests.
*Nobles title and a property outside the city. You willhave several properties to choose from.
Lady Daugustana is extremely pleased that you have chosen the government over the other factions and compliments you often. You sense you have a strong ally in the city now.
We can extend some protection to you if you wish. How can we help? You can settle any arrangements with General Rotilius.