"With every good law how ever well intentioned there will be questions. I suggest that you take them to the Office of the Baron since my answers would be guesses, educated but still guesses and I think you would prefer honesty." The woman smiles at the calm lady with respect.
While several of the townsfolk with her, about a dozen, immediately get upset and start complaining about the injustice of a curfew and being treated like prisoneers, the woman keeps her head. She calmly approaches you. "I have a couple questions about the decree. Will those who break the curfew to see to a medical emergency...
"Good morning, Doctor," Marcellus says. Doctor Rohalendi is one of the few people in Longacre Marcellus actually respects. The severe woman's exterior hides a genuine passion for her life's work, and her nonmagical medical treatments were one of the few things that, while unable to halt the chronic pain of his wounds, alleviated them at times when the divine magic of Iomedae had been unable to help.
"While I wish I had the Archbaron's ear on the details of enforcement of these new edicts, I am confident he will act with good judgment and discretion. These decrees are intended to root out seditious agents and protect the town from the spreading of rebellious talk and ideas. I would advise our fellow countrymen to strive to not 'push the envelope,' however. Our lord and protector is wise, but even the Archbaron cannot read our thoughts. The appearance of rebelliousness in one's actions might bring a swift retribution, even if one's intentions were pure."
Glad that his companions took care of things, Vicenzo remained silent, inwardly smiling at the situation.
He wanted to explain something to the doctor but decided against it. People needed to look out for themselves. That is what he always had to do.
He looked about, "Our job is done here. Ready to go to the next place?"
Doctor Rohalendi listens to Marcellus words without any emotional response, even if he avoided to directly answer her questions. She then nods to you and prepares herself to leave the square along with many of the other unhappy townsfolk.
Leaving the Church Square behind, you move west and then south to arrive at the Longacre Jail and the sheriff's office. With its unevenly mortared stones and barred windows, this squat structure looks like a miniature fortress. Despite the row of horseshoes hung beneath its sign, nothing can make the plain word "Jail" look welcoming. Two wooden pillories stand empty in front of the building.
"Well, so far so good but we did save the best for last."
He looked at his companions, "Let me remind you that we are dealing with what passes for law. Up until today anyways. And that said 'lawkeeper' is armed and has deputies so let's take this slow."
He once more steeled his mind but let either Anarxos or Marcellus take the lead, "Gents, it's your show..."
Marcellus grins. "If the Sheriff wants to show her true colors and initiate violence, I will relish it. But we're not here to force her to resign. We're just messengers. I'll ask the Archbaron when we meet what he wants done with her - for now, we're just the bearers of the good news."
Marcellus heads towards the office. "Let's take the direct approach." He marches right up to the door and knocks heavily three times with his mailed fist, decree in hand.
"Come in!" You hear right after Marcellus knocks. Inside, a large common room contains three desks and a table with four chairs. Two doors exit the common room to the north, opening onto a narrow hallway with two jail cells. To the west of the common room, a waist-high railing separates the sheriff’s office from the rest of the jail. You find Rhona Staelish inside, enjoying a cup of tea with her five deputies, good-naturedly chatting over the small annoyances of their week.
|
Anarxos enters the room, nodding at the Sheriff and assembled deputies. "Good morning Sheriff. Deputies Ballenry, Skape, Casada, Figgs and Hoppings, a good day to you as well. We are the bearers of some important news, issued by the Archbaron Fex himself. First, this new decree, which we are ordered to nail outside the jail. Drastic measures indeed, but necessary ones. After all the ruckus caused by the Fifth Knight, I guess it was to be expected. You'll note it's effective immediately."
Allowing some time for the information contained in the decree to sink in the lawpeople's minds, Anarxos then resumes. "The second news concerns you, Sheriff. You are, as of now, no longer the Longacre Sheriff, for the Archbaron discharges you. You would be well advised to comply swiftly."
Sheriff Staelish takes both the decree and the letter from Anarxos and read them thoroughly three times before passing them to her deputies, mumbling to herself. "...too much of a coward to do his dirty work himself..." The former sheriff then removes her black vest, embroidered with the symbol of Cheliax, and slaps her ebon-handled longsword on her former desk.
While Rhona Staelish isn't pleased about the archbaron's decrees, her deputies are far more troubled, and grow even more so when they learn that Sheriff Staelish is being dismissed from her post. "There is no way we are going to comply to this absurd!..." deputy Ballenry started but was interrupted by Rhona. "Yes you are. Unfortunately this decrees are the law..." She then turns her attention to you. "I'm not worried about me, I'm worried about what the townspeople are in store for with thugs like you in charge." She retrieves her personal crossbow, as well as a few effects from her desk, keeping her frustration bottled the best she could, and then leaves quietly soon after, refusing to make eye contact with Cimri the entire time.
Staelish's deputies, on the other hand, aren't willing to give up quite so easily. Deputy Curtwyn draws and loads his crossbow. "This ain't right. You can't just throw out this town's only justice. It ain't right!" Most of the others seems to share similar sentiments but deputy Ertha moves between you and intercedes before things erupt into violence. "You heard the Sheriff... put down your weapons and lets get out of here." She then takes off her own vest and throws it to the floor. One by one, Staelish's deputies resign, leaving the jail to you.
Vicenzo steeled himself for the violence he was sure was coming, especially after the deputies lifted their weapons. But it never came and they left. Sure they were mumbling and cursing but so what? They left. And they had completed their job. Easiest money he'd ever made.
He wanted to clap Marcellus and Anarxos for a job well done but resigned himself to a nod in their direction. There was still some things to do and there would be time later to congratulate them properly.
he asked, "So we close up this place and head back to the Ash House to tell Razalengo? Or do some of you want to stay here for a little while?"
He smiled at Marcellus, "What do you think, Marcellus? Do you like your new work space?"
Ahreni, after witnessing the chilli issues at the tavern, walks slowly to the jail arriving just in time to see Staelish and her deputies leave the building. She is reminded of her own pariah status in town by a number of unpleasant looks and a murmur or two of "Vagabond". An idea forming in her head she turns and hurries back to Ash House, knowing that the next part of her plan requires a little explanation.
Marcellus grins at Vicenzo, pleased to hear the man's support. He knew it wasn't official yet, but in his mind his imminent appointment as Sheriff was a sure thing. "Why don't we have a look around, shall we? I'm sure Razelago would be pleased if we turned up any evidence that the... former Sheriff wasn't as loyal as she claimed."
Marcellus begins lookong through drawers and any other storage spaces in the office.
|
|
Anarxos has a hard time wiping off a smug look off his face as the deputies and sheriff leave. However he looks a tad disappointed, as if he has expected them to resist. He soon forgets this idea by reminding himself on how he despises unnecessary violence and helps Marcellus with his task. "Excellent idea. I'm curious to see her records."
Melani looks around at Cimri. "So you and the sheriff are good friends? She seemed to be particularly disappointed in you, more so than the likes of us who she barely noticed except to insult." whispers the woman in Cimri's ear.
Cimri raises and eyebrow, a little embarrassed, mostly because with her association with the sheriff and not because of your deeds. "Yeah... my name is Cimri Staelish. Rhona is my aunt but don't hold that against me... I hate that b@!@!."
The jail contains three cabinets, two in the common room and one in the sheriff's office. The cabinets are locked, but with a quick search Anarxos finds a ring of keys in the former sheriff's vest, and hold an assortment of weapons and armor: three suits of leather armor, four light wooden shields, six clubs, four light crossbows and 40 bolts, four longswords, and six saps, as well as six potions of cure light wounds clearly marked with the symbol of Iomedae and two potions of remove disease. One of the cabinets also holds a key etched with the word "pillory," which unlocks the sturdy padlocks on the pillories in front of the jail.
In addition, a lockbox sits behind the sheriff's desk, once more opened with the sheriff's keys. The lockbox contains an assortment of weapons and contraband confiscated over the years. Inside is a wand of shocking grasp (16 charges), a masterwork bronze scizore decorated with a sculpted skeletal lion, 11 vials (one of them different from the others), a collection of 17 pornographic Taldan quartos containing scripts for two-performer "plays" (including "Her Highness's Tea Service" and "The Guardsman's Fine Salute"), seven skull-shaped onyxes, and a pouch containing 10 crowns (pp) and a bill of ownership for a "Halfling, male, 20 years, service-trained. Missing toe on left foot. Responds to the name 'Ardin.'"
|
|
Anarxos thoroughly and methodically browses through the many findings he made, his mind set not to leave anything out. More like an accountant than a plundered, he sets everything on the Sheriff's desk before making an inventory of it. The nobleman raises an eyebrow quizzically as he glances through the scripts, then inspects the vials with great interest, gazing through them to check for thickness, clearness and color. He then carefully puts them down on the desk with a satisfied look. On the inventory, he writes down:
Confiscated goods:
(...)
Poison, Blue whinnis, 1 dose
Drug, Pesh, 10 doses
(...)
Once he's done, he gives a quick accounting of what was found to his companions. "I believe the Sheriff's supplies come with the office, hence they shouldn't be touched until a new Sheriff is appointed. The confiscated goods, on the other hand, could prove useful to us in service of this town, and wouldn't be helpful to the new Sheriff, whoever he turns out to be."
Vicenzo watched and learned how Anarxos handled the alchemical items. This was something he was always interested in but never had any formal training on. Perhaps Anarxos wouldn't mind sharing what he knew.
He nodded, "So everything for the sheriff's use, including the potions, remains? Are you sure?"
tag?
He then looked at the confiscated items, "But these are ours, right? I'd like one of those skull onyxes. Oh and I also want to read those quartos. For instructional purposes of course. I need to know what the rabble reads."
He looked around some more, "If we're done here, I think we can lock it up and head back to the Ash House. I would however find out what the plans are for the new sheriff."
"Agreed. We've determined what Staelish was keeping here. Let's return to Razelago... and soon, the Archbaron." Marcellus grins wickedly as he leaves the office.
You leave the jail behind and walks towards the North Gate since you have just now closed the Castle Gate. Following the main street, you pass besides the Arch and Lark before leaving Longacre. About 200 feet from the North Gate and halfway to the Ash House, Marcellus and Vicenzo notice a couple people hidden 40 feet away behind some bushes and trees.
Once they are spotted, the group of men steps outside of their hiding spot to bar your way, quickly moving towards you with saps in hands. You recognize them as the former junior deputies.
________________________________
Junior Deputies
Vicenzo - up
Marcellus - up
Round 1
Anarxos - up
Junior Deputies
Vicenzo
Marcellus
Melani
|
|
Anarxos is a bit taken aback by the deputies' attempt at his life, yet he cannot help but gloat.
Do I smell desperation?
As always, the Historian prefers to fight with words over weapons. His wit crackles like a whip, biting the ego of the young former deputies.
"Deputy Ballenry & friends, how nice to see you again. You realize your feeble attempt at a show of arms only underlines your pathetic and desperate behavior, right? Run to your mother, you fool."
Vicenzo was livid, "You know you are all breaking the law. Assault is a serious crime that will be punished!"
He started belching, "And you don't want to mess with me. I'll send you all into your worst nightmares each and every night. LEAVE NOW!"
His eye became swollen, a sickly purple as he unleashed his slumber hex.
Marcellus laughs cruelly. "So now you show your true colors. Working with the rebels, are you? Stand down or die. Last warning." Marcellus steps foward and draws his wicked, lethal flail with the practiced confidence of a seasoned warrior. "Or you can just go ahead and make my day," he says, his face splitting into a sadistic grin.
It appears that Marcellus challenge only pushed the former deputies towards violence. Vicenzo attempted to send some sort of malady towards Saster but the man resisted... meanwhile Anarxos successfully demoralize Ashen Ballenry.
Despite being talked down, Ashen moved forward with determination, trying to strike at Marcellus with his sap. Unfortunately for him his shaking hands managed only to glance over Marcellus' old armor. Berta moved behind Ashen reaching Anarxos but in her eagerness to inflict some pain she misses the historian entirely. Avoiding Marcellus reach, Curtwyn moves towards Melani but, just like Ashen, he is unable to breach through his enemy's armor. Ertha takes advantage of Ashen's positioning and flanks Marcellus, hitting him across his chin. Saster then sprints in Vicenzo's direction and almost trips over a log before reaching him and missing his blow spectacularly.
________________________________
Anarxos
Junior Deputies
Vicenzo - up
Marcellus - up
Melani - up
Round 2
Anarxos - up
Junior Deputies
Vicenzo
Marcellus
Melani
The blow to Marcellus's chin, for all appearances, only makes the man angrier. His wide-eyed stare fixates on the deputy who struck him, and he whips the heavy spiked flail directly at Ertha's head.
He steps back toward the others, preventing the deputies from surrounding him.
"You fool!"
Vicenzo dry heaved as he moved back. "It's not too late to run."
He burped loudly and laughed, "Or maybe it is. Marcellus gonna kill you all."
His stomach convulsed violently and he spit out a greenish gob of... something from his mouth. The gob grew larger and completely covered the deputy.
______________
Vicenzo spits a thick and green gob at Saster who manages to keep his stomach from throwing up and also avoids the sticky goo to lock him in place. Marcellus hits Ertha in the middle of her chest, the sound of the air leaving her lungs, her ribs breaking, and her scream of pain can be clearly heard. Melani moves back before chanting and gesturing towards the men in front of her... his pupils turn into small dots, giving him a maddened appearance. With a quick move, Anaxos pierces Berta's left eye, causing a lot of blood to run along her face... the woman screams in pain, touching her ruined face.
Emboldened by Ertha's strike, Ashen follows Marcellus, switching his sap for a club and then striking him on his back. The partially blind woman attacks Anarxos with a club but misses him entirely, probably thanks to the pain she feels. Curtwyn, the man with the maddened face, turns away from Melani and steps towards Ertha, striking her with his club! The already hurt woman falls into the ground, unconscious. "What have you done, Curtwyn? Are you out of your mind?" Saster, still covered in goo yells. "I... I don't know... oh Ertha... what have I done?" Saster then moves away from Anarxos and towards his fallen companion.
Eye Patch for You Triple damage and 1d2 Con drain. -4 Spot, Search and ranged attacks until healed.
________________________________
Anarxos
Junior Deputies [Berta 5 dmg, 2 Con drain, grazed (-1)/Ertha 16 dmg, unconscious]
Vicenzo - up
Marcellus - up
Melani - up
Round 3
Anarxos - up
Junior Deputies
Vicenzo
Marcellus
Melani
Cursing that his target was not immobilized, Vicenzo backed up to get more distance between himself and any danger.
He then burped and cast forth another his nightmare hex. This time, his 'evil' brand started glistening with a sick red hue.
"Nightmares for you!"
____________
"Stay close," barks Marcellus, frustrated that he has twice now been flanked by these thugs. He unleashes a mighty blow at Ashen, then steps backwards towards the group.
Vicenzo overcomes Berta's mind and sends her into a restless sleep, making her fall into the ground. Marcellus unleashes his rage upon Ashel, striking his forehead with his flail and making him drop unconscious instantly. Melani draws her crossbow and loads it, while Anarxos once more demoralize the former deputies.
Saster, still covered in Vicenzo's goo, drops to his knees. "No more! Please spare us! We'll leave town, I promise... you'll never hear or see any of us again!" Meanwhile Curtwyn grabs Ertha and moves north, fleeing from you.
|
|
Keeping the deputies at the tip of his rapier, Anarxos employs an authoritative tone.
"Very well. Take your fellow former deputy and run like a coward. Wherever you go, you will stay on the path of the Law, and you will never attempt to go against the Archbaron or the authorities again, else we'll find you, and make you wish you hadn't been born. No leave my sight before I change my mind."
Vicenzo was panting; his scar a livid purple. His bloodshot eyes seemed about to pop out. It was his curse to look different, but it was also where his power came from so the man stoically accepted his fate.
Calming down some, he nodded, "Thank you for that. I would have surely died if not for you. I owe you."
tag?
He turned to Anarxos, "Do you think they'll be gone? They may go back to town but if they do, what will they say? I think the law is squarely on our side here."
tag?
A couple seconds after Saster surrenders, Berta wakes up from her hex induced nightmare. "Wha...what is going on?" She is clearly confused, having missed both Saster's surrender and Curtwyn's retreat. "Berta, help me carry Ashel, we are leaving, for good... come, please." Still feeling the pain in her eye and the sting in her pride, Berta lingers for a couple more seconds before doing as Saster said, not even looking behind.
"I hate to say this but yes, I am... Rhona is out and she didn't even tried to fight... we did what we had to do and we ended up with both Ashel and Ertha almost dead... I'm tired of fighting a lost battle, I'm tired of everything! I..." They are too distant to hear the rest.
Cimri stands with her arms crossed as she sees the deputies leaving. "I'm really torn between letting them leave and sending an arrow to kiss them... they were always a pain in the ass for me. But I believe you did the right thing... after all we are on the 'right' side of the law this time and they seem a too small fish to risk our position. So, let's get back to Razelago?" Just a couple more minutes and you find yourselves back to the Ash House.
Ahreni is waiting in the sitting room, perched on the arm of the sofa, angel helmet in hand - unconsciously replicating the scene from yesterday. She looks up as the rest of the group come in. "Did it go well? The sign at the Rusty Huntsman is still up. They moaned but didn't do anything." She pauses for a moment, looking from face to face. "I think you need to arrest me." She holds up both hands in a gesture for calm. "It sounds like the Archbaron is going to be putting the town into our hands if he's fired the Sheriff, it's the only logical course of action. Which means that any subversive elements in the town are going to want to strike against us. I've been able to avoid being associated with the rest of you so far but that can't last. So let's turn that to our advantage. I've got this" She holds up the helmet. "and we can use it. If I start wearing it and appearing in public places I can try and turn the crowd, point them towards Iomedae's teachings on law rather than crusading. Then if you lot can break up something and arrest me then that should hopefully crush the local spirit and sticks me firmly in jail. Then I become a target of resistance, if anyone tries a jail break or something similar then we know who the dangerous folk in town are and I might just get taken to this Angel Knight we heard about. Even if it doesn't work no-one here likes me much so you'll get points for cleaning up the streets."
Ahreni, now finished, looks around. "So, what do you think?"
Vicenzo is happy to see everything was Ok after their little encounter. Noting none of his companions were hurt, he only had to wait a certain amount of time before the swelling in his eye or other 'cosmetic' features returned to normal. Their ugly normal.
He quickly explained to Ahreni what had occurred and then weighed in on her proposal, "Maybe. I mean we don't know what's going to happen with the sheriff position just yet. What would happen if someone else was in charge and didn't understand your proposed ruse?"
He looked to see what the others said but added, "How about we meet with Razelengo first and then the Archbaron before making any such decisions?"
tag?
Marcellus glares fearsomely at the retreating deputies as they scamper. "When I'm Sheriff, I won't show such mercy," he says after they're gone. "But for now, we are not the law. Not yet." He grins. "Soon."
"Ambitious yet risky," he comments. "I agree. We should meet with the Archbaron first before committing to anything."
Those b~$%@es! Where do they get off attacking the lawful representatives of the government. They better be grateful we let them leave. I just hope we do not regret it.
|
|
During his way back to the Ash House, Anarxos couldn't help but gloat in his mind at the naive deputies, and shares his thoughts with his companions. "Those fools, what were they hoping for? Hope is a lure, and it sealed their fate. One can only imagine that it was generated by so many years of lax laws and "let live" policies. That changes now, with us."
The Historian ponders Ahreni's plan for a minute or two, hearing what his companions think of it. Stroking his beard in the most irritating manner, he chooses to remain neutral but open-minded. "An interesting plan, or rather it would be if you were one of them and that they knew you beforehand. That being said, you never know with these goody-two-shoes. They might just as well feel compassionate and fall for it. Vicenzo's right, let's hear what Razelago has in mind, and we'll see how this plays out. Regardless, a most clever plan Ahreni."
I'be been thinking of a plan myself. We still have those masterwork tanner's tools with initials carved into them. What if they were found in one of the now departed deputy sheriff's homes, or some other interesting place? It was unfortunate that our first mission included a casualty but since we have a dead body I am loth to not get gain from it. Perhaps Ahreni could arrange to have the tools placed where they might be found and do the most good.
I'be been thinking of a plan myself. We still have those masterwork tanner's tools with initials carved into them. What if they were found in one of the now departed deputy sheriff's homes, or some other interesting place? It was unfortunate that our first mission included a casualty but since we have a dead body I am loth to not get gain from it. Perhaps Ahreni could arrange to have the tools placed where they might be found and do the most good.
Vicenzo liked this new proposal even better, "Now there's a good idea. We could even plant this evidence on the sheriff or how about one of the Iomedaens?"
He started laughing, "Or how about we trash someone's place and leave the winged angel helmet or another of their 'calling cards' for everyone to see?"
At the Ash House's parlor you find once more the 'reward chest' closed and inside there are six crimson pouches, one for each of you and for Cimri, containing 150 sails (gp). Razelago waits for you in his office once more.
Once he hears about your report, you notice him nodding through the folding paper screens. "I must say I'm impressed... impressed and thankful. You have now completed three tasks for me, all of them with a higher degree of success than I have anticipated... originally I was looking for simple thugs, hired muscle, but you have surpassed my expectations and as such I should properly reward you. Speaking about rewards, I have two for you: first, I've increased your payment as you might have already noticed, and secondly, as promised, I've convinced Archbaron Fex to enlist you to his services... I'm thus inviting you to meet him at Scarlet Crown, his manor, tomorrow at dawn. He mentioned he has a proposal for you. Until then, I have no more tasks for you." Razelago once more crosses his arms in his clear sign that he has finished to tell you what he wanted.
|
|
Anarxos intervenes as he hears Melani's idea. "I like that idea, but we shouldn't make this a farce either. It needs to be plausible. The deputies I could see framed. The Sheriff or the Iomedaeans, as much as I would like it, less so. Is there anyone fitting the bill of being at odds with Louslik, and being a royal pain? We have a great idea, now let's make this work. People need to buy that story."
"You humble us, Razelago." says the nobleman, somehow revelling in the compliment made. "We look forward to meeting the Archbaron tomorrow and listen to his proposal, which I'm sure will get our attention. I have, however, a question for you. I know you don't like to speak about yourself, yet many of us are curious as to who you are. I propose we play a guessing game. If you agree to do so, you could allow each of us a question about yourself answerable by yes or no, which you would answer truthfully, of course. We could even set up an ante of sorts, if you'd like - how about it?" playfully proposes Anarxos, now confident they have reached a level of good faith with one another to eventually learn who would be their mysterious employer.
When Razelago expresses his surprise at the groups success Melani's face darkens and she has to speak up. I advise that you raise your expectations of us Razelago, We are no mere thugs. I for one am a chosen vessel of my lord Asmodeus will and am in his favor. Expect great things.
When dismissed she gets up to leave and moves to the door.
Milani likes the idea of the guessing game but doubts Razelago will go for it. She hesitates at the doorway in case he takes the bait.
Vicenzo bows and tries to keep a straight face when Razalengo confirms that the Archbaron wants to interview him and potentially hire him.
The Archbaron! if only those fools in Halmyris could see me now.
He cleared his throat, "excuse my ignorance but is there a certain protocol to be followed that we should be aware of? We obviously want to make a good impression on the Archbaron."
tag?
Vicenzo looked smug, "The Archbaron eh? We've done well." he does his best to comb his unruly hair, "Do you think I should cover up my... scars? I mean I don't want him to think I'm contagious or anything."
tag?
Vicenzo, you aren't contagious are you? Melanie asks with some concern.
Vicenzo, you aren't contagious are you? Melanie asks with some concern.
"You mean my bubbly personality?"
Vicenzo was slowly learning to use his wits when confronted with such questions.
He scoffed, "No, my scars have been there as long as I can remember. Sometimes they flare up as if they were fresh but no, I'm not contagious as far as I know. My mom spent her whole life with me and she never caught anything from me that I know of."
He added, "But that brings me to my last question. If they do look... contagious then I can put some make up on to disguise them. Should I do that when meeting the Archbaron?"