Arkis speaks up in response to the questions, "There is no need to draw it. The symbol on Tiberious' armor is that of the Hellknight Order of the Gate. The Order of the Gate specializes in summoning, treating with, and destroying fiends from the Great Beyond, tasks that make even the other Hellknight orders nervous. If he says that they're on it, then we're going to have to be very careful. The Gate numbers more Signifiers (spellcasters) than any other single Order, and probably more than any other two or three Orders combined. En force, there are few Material forces which can best them, and those that can, would also have to contend with the thousands of other Hellknights which would be riding with them.
"Before you ask it, I do not know why neither he, nor his men, are currently wearing their armor. It is possible that they were undercover agents attempting to infiltrate the prisoner's cult, and if that is the case, were I to make an educated guess, I would assume that the wizard is a member of the Order of the Pyre on loan to the Gate to determine whether this is a fully fledged cult which needs to be exterminated. The Order of the Pyre is specifically designated to seek out superstition and witchcraft - destroying any chaotic cults that threaten the minds and souls of law-abiding citizens. This would certainly qualify and so I can only assume that we will see more of them soon, and not just within Fort Inevitable."
Finishing the background information, Arkis answers whatever questions Shaco and Kamali may have before unfurling his bedroll and resting before the - probably eventful - upcoming day...
Shaco takes a seat and takes time to process all of the sudden information that was provided. Tired and still flabbergasted by the grim situation that has occurred, Shaco states "I see the guards have set their rounds so we should be safe. Just as a precaution..." Shaco turns his head to Kamali and Skoll. "Perhaps Skoll could notify us should anything arise? Just a thought... Being ambushed now would probably spell out our doom, at least us, not too sure these guards care for us. Perhaps a plan when we reach the Fort? Any ideas?"
"My plan is to act as things may come, no use trying to prepare for something we have no knowledge of. The way I see it, our best bet is to stick together. An alliance will most likely keep us safer than not. Sköll will keep watch while we rest, were going to need all the strength we can get after all." and with that I lay on my side, still by the fire, taking one last look around before closing my eyes for the night. I trust Sköll will stay awake and alert us if an shenanigans may arise.
Morning arrives with no further interruption. As the caravan guard - now known to you as Hellknights - pack the few possessions that they used over the night and get the civilians out of their wagons in preparation for the final stint of the journey to Fort Inevitable, Tiberious calls all four of you around. "As all of you are new to the area, I do this one service for you in repayment for your actions against the goblins - as meager as your efforts might have been. The Fort does not recognize the right of any self-declared "adventurer" to kill “villains” and seize their belongings. That’s common banditry and will be punished as such. Alternatively, you do have the right to defend yourselves from those same actions.
"We would prefer that you bring those who might attack you to us, alive, but understand that this may not always be possible. If you wish to venture out on your own and believe that you may even potentially run afoul of other persons or beasts, each of you will need a Letter of Warrant obtained at the Citadel. You will have to get direct approval from the Lady Commander Audara Drovust, but this will authorize you to act on behalf of Fort Inevitable for the purpose of upholding our laws and regulations in the surrounding countryside."
With that declaration, and without waiting for any questions, Tiberious signals to his men to finish their preparations and be under way. The last bit of travel takes a two hours with not even another goblin attack to interrupt the monotony.
At about one hundred yards out from the gate, the Hellknights turn down a small side road, leaving you and the civilians to make the final walk on your own. As you approach the outer gate guards, you are able to take note of their armor: Each of the guards wear black full plate, cleaned and shined enough to appear nearly glossy, spikes on the armor seem to turn their more vulnerable parts into dangerous weapons, and each of them carries a pike representative of their Order.
The caravan leader steps up to greet the guards who, after a short conversation, waves him and the rest of the civilians through. One of the other guards gestures you four to one side, "Halt! State your names and business within Fort Inevitable and the Echo Wood!"
Arkis steps forward, knowing that he would be the smart choice to start relations with the government of Fort Inevitable on the best footing possible, "Hail, Sir Hellknight. My name is Arkis Vindell, Paladin of Iomedae. These are my travelling companions: Kamali Maka and her companion Sköll - Druid of the Hoarwood in Irrisen, Shaco - a Theoretic Alchemist on sabbatical from Lepidstadt University, and Zhoron - an Aberration hunter. We were part of the northbound caravan when it was attacked by goblins under the command of some sort of cultist. Maralictor Tiberious informed us that he and those currently under his command have the situation well in hand, but my companions agree with me in that we would like permission to conduct our own efforts against the cult which attacked us. Such a brazen disregard for honor and the safety of civilians can not go unpunished, and our diverse methods may yield information which would be unobtainable to the Maralictor and his Knights, and so we intend to seek an audience with the Lady Commander Audara Drovust to request for a Letter of Warrant to do so."
Shaco bows his head, "Pleasure to meet you sir. We would like the opportunity to apprehend these villains and bring them here for jurisdiction, to have them answer for their misdeeds."
Quiet, I observe the situation at hand.
The guard in front of you stands silently for a moment and you are unsure whether you have made some social or legal faux pas already, but before you can get truly nervous he nods, apparently accepting your reasoning. "If you have never been here before, be warned: We do not tolerate the disregard for any law within our jurisdiction. The penalties for doing so are... severe and nobody is above the law." He levels a steely glare at Zhoron as he says this. "You may inquire at The Citadel for a Letter of Warrant - the large building built into the South Wall. Any other Knight can direct you there if you find yourself unable. You will also be able to obtain copies of the most questioned laws in the Citadel as well. Be on your way." He steps back into place and calls for the doors to be opened to you and the caravan civilians who are also standing by.
As you walk past them, one of the guards stops Kamali for a brief moment. "You will be held responsible for your pet's actions," he says, before waving you through with the rest.
Nobody in the streets even give you a second glance as you wander into the Fort. Nobody, that is, except other Hellknights. On the other hand, the standing guards seem to do nothing except stare suspiciously at civilians walking by. You can see a large fountain a few hundred feet down the street, and buildings lining the way. The cobblestone paths are as clean as can be expected in a wilderness environment. Passersby are dressed in everything from military regalia to beggars clothes - most likely refugees from some incident or another - and a few wearing slave collars out running errands for their current Holders. And from where you are standing, you have a clear view of The Citadel - a large, octagonal structure with a single entrance and a large set of guard stations in and around it.
A weapon display out front of a shop ahead catches the sun, along with my eye, Sköll and I wander over.
As Kamali wanders off, Shaco turns to Zhoron and Arkis and says "Well, looks like she's got plans of her own, why don't we check in with the Citadel regarding this warrant, then perhaps head over to the local tavern to gather any information about any strange things going on."
Zhoron says happily,
"That sounds like a plan I can work with Shaco, be sure to take the long way around! There's a Elven winery around here somewhere."
Zhoron walks with Shaco with his arms up around the back of his head relaxed and soaking up the sunshine, keeping an eye out for directions to Caerlin's Vineyard, keeping a note to visit later.
Your movements draw his attention away from his anvil for the briefest of instants before you hear him speak, "A moment, if you please, for me to finish this piece before it cools." Even as he says this, you understand that it was not an exaggeration when he asked for a moment, as he almost immediately dips the blade in the barrel of oil sitting next to him. The hiss of rapidly cooling metal persists for only a few seconds before he hangs the blade in a rack on the wall next to him.
He takes his gloves off as he makes his way into the shop proper and the better light allows you to see his features for the first time. He his big, bulky, and bald, but his beard is groomed well enough to make a dwarf proud, and the tips of two lower incisors poke through his lips. When he speaks, the low grumble, nearly a growl, is exactly what you'd expect. "Well, what can I do for you? I don't get many druids in these parts."
As you walk up, you notice that guards are stationed very similarly to their posts outside of what you now know is Juliver Gate. One steps forward and beckons you off to the side so as not to obstruct the walkway for others. "Visitors, we received word from the Gate that a group would be coming by to request for a Letter of Warrant. In an effort to streamline this process, we have scheduled a meeting with the Lady Commander for the first bell toll after sunrise so that she may explain to you the detail of the contract. I have here an unsigned copy for your perusal. Take your time reading it. If you feel that you will be unable to uphold your end of the contract, or cannot afford the Letter of Warrant, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can reschedule or cancel your appointment with the Lady Commander. Do you have any questions?"
He lays three wrapped cloth bundles on the countertop and unrolls them as he speaks. There before you are five full-bladed daggers. Masterfully crafted, the weapons are light, but sharp. The "blades" and the "hilts" are carved completely from a single bone, and balanced as if they were designed to be thrown.
"I think that's quite a penny that us travelors do not have on hand, we'll need maybe a ?week? to earn that kind of coin."
Is there a way for Zhoron to know how to make the most gold with the average amount of work? Are there any bounties on the goblins' ears or aberrations to hunt or something else surrounding the woods?
The guard stares impassively at you for a long moment before one of the other guards walks over to you. You can hear the amusement in his voice when he asks, "Did this a@*~*%@ tell you that it was fifty gold pieces per person for a Letter of Warrant?"
The original guard gives a sigh of annoyance and resignation, "I was just having some fun. I would have told them in a minute..." Turning back to you three, "I was only joking. It's fifty gold pieces for a group. However, as we need three drops of fresh blood each in order to attune the writ to you, the entire group must be present for the appointment. Any persons found attempting to act in a manner which is prejudicial to the rule of law - including unlawfully taking the law into their own hands - will be targeted by the full might of Fort Inevitable."
Kamali follows Sköll to the Citadel - the direction of the wind meant that Sköll was able to find the group without following their original path around the entire fort - and manages to catch the guard's response, though she does not know the conversation so far.
Both guards shake their heads negatively and the second guard responds, "We do not. However we will allow you to make a deal with one of our contracted devils - the collateral of your souls against the warrant and a predetermined amount of time to gather the funds. No provision for killing the devils that come after you if you attempt to renege; in that case, the contract falls back to the Order of the Pike in its entirety."
Disliking what I have just heard, I whisper to Shaco, "What's going on". to figure out how the conversation got this dark. A deal with the Devil is never a good idea.
"Uh, Shaco's decided in our best interest to gamble his soul away for the sake of our earning 50 gold to pay for the warrant allowing us to bring 'do badders' to the knights for punishment, because we dont have 50 gold between us to buy it outright. What a nice guy he is!"
With an exaggerated gasp of fear, I attempt to find a way to make that unnecessary and ask, "Collectively, how many gold pieces do you all have? I may have enough to make up the difference."
Arkis glances down and around not sure why his companions seem to be so concerned about money "I will gladly pay 35 gold towards our endeavor." He slips the coins out of his purse and looks expectantly at the others.
"I've only 5 gold pieces... Well, lets at least go to the local tavern and gather some information about anything strange going on around here. If what Arkis told us is true about that symbol, I doubt this is the first occurrence. It'd probably be a good idea to take a look at this contract regarding their rules and regulations. We might accidentally step out of line..." Shaco grimaces the though of being bound by contract, but he shrugs it off. It's either their way, imminent death, or enslavement from the looks of it.
With a nod I respond, "Agreed. Great idea, we should definitely sit down and go over this contract together so we all are aware of what we are getting into. Those of us who agree and would like to move forward will contribute to the cost of the contract and those who do not contribute will not be included. I have enough coins to pay the remaining amount, if needed. I saw a Tavern near the fountain over this way." I turn and head toward the Tavern I saw just next door to Tsador’s Arms.
As Kamali walks off, Shaco turns to the guards and asks: "Any recommendations where one can quench their thirst?"
Shaco then trails towards Kamali "Hey YOU! With the Wolf! I didn't catch your name..." Or perhaps I forgot..." Shaco mumbled.
The Hellknights are becoming visibly agitated with the group of adventurers chatting amongst themselves and are turning to return to their posts when Shaco asks his question. "There are two in the city: MY colleagues and I tend to prefer The Red Shield, and because of that, The Helmed Lady tends to do better on the patronage of, well everyone else. Is there anything else we can do for you?" The guards watch Shaco chase after Kamali and mutter "I guess not," before returning to their posts, leaving Arkis and Zhoron standing off to the side of The Citadel.
Having no particular business in the city more important than the task at hand, Arkis quetly return his money to its proper place then turns and follows Kamali and Shaco.
"Take my 3gp, I'm in, no matter what I need the payback and I'll guard this party 'til the end...probably"
You make your way to The Helmed Lady without incident, although the patrolling Hellknights seem to give to a glare of disgust. You pass by a leather shop, a commodities store, a temple to Abadar, the God of Commerce, and an old, dilapidated house. The building looks so out of place compared to the rest of the well maintained fort.
It is not quite midday at this point, but the The Helmed Lady is already beginning to fill up with patrons. The atmosphere inside is relaxed; very few of the patrons have weapons at all, and the ones who do, do not have them set within easy reach. You do draw a couple of curious stares as you enter, but nobody is curious enough yet to attempt to find out more information directly from you.
If you go to the bar, an elderly female dwarf greets you amicably, "Well hello there strangers! Welcome to The Helmed Lady. Owner and operator, Kagnin Alemaster, at your service. If you're here for lunch, it'll be a silver and five coppers per plate, and another silver for ale or mead. Feel free to sit anywhere that's not already taken."
Arkis enters The Helmed Lady and approaches the dwarf.
"Good afternoon I am Arkis Vindell. We have just arrived in town and I, for one, am quite hungry. I would very much like to try the house special." Arkis looks at his new companions, waiting to hear their answer...
Once through the doors, I scan the room looking for a secluded place to review the contract, while also taking note of our surroundings. I spot an empty booth tucked back in a dark corner and motion Sköll to head over, he saves our place. I walk to the bar and take a spot near Arkis, "I too would appreciate a good meal, no drink for me though, thank you" as the Dwarf moves on I turn to Arkis, "My wolf has saved us a spot in the back to review the contract. I am going to join him." I walk to the booth and take a seat awaiting the others as well as my meal.
Shaco enters as Arkis is conversing with the Elderly dwarf that, he takes a good look around and after Kamali's request, Shaco asks: "Perhaps just water for now" Shaco pondered at the thought of what he observed when coming in, how all the patrons appeared to have a good time, and how the bar had differ from what he had expected. Shaco walked toward Kamali and took a seat next to her. "Might I share some of the food with you?"
I continue to scan the room, not being able to shake my first observation that no one is drinking water. This could be a just a coincidence, we are in a pub after all. But just to be safe I respond to Shaco, "When it comes, its yours." I pull todays rations, along with my waterskin, from my backpack and split them between myself and Sköll.
Zhoron smiles pleasantly at the smell of good food and dwarven ale"That's 1gp less and a full belly for me Miss Alemaster, I'll take 2 of the Ale and 2 of the house special, 'ere ya go Shaco please quench your appetite!"As we move to sit down, Zhoron openly makes a point to sit next to the wolf or Kamali with no ill intentions, and nods with a serious look when taking his place.
Each of you make your way to the table and behind you, you can hear snippets of conversation break out including several tables beginning to speculate about the newcomers. In the midst of all of the mutterings and conversations, you get the feeling that all of the town will know of your arrival before the end of the day - it's not often that an Elf, a Demon-born, and an Angelkin arrive, much less in the company of a Human Paladin.
After no more than ten minutes, a barmaid walks out from the kitchen hidden in another room behind the wall behind the bar. She brings with her four plates of perfectly grilled beef cuts and some vegetables on the side and two ales - both of which she hands to Zhoron. As she is settling the table, she addresses Shaco with her eyes slightly averted, as if she is afraid to look any of you in the eyes, "'m sorry milord, but we're not to serve water at the moment. Might I get you another drink?"
Arkis accepts his food and then leans over the table his voice raised just over the din of the tavern "So our options are to pool 50 gold together and attune the writ with drops of blood OR we may make a deal with one of the Hellknights' contracted devils. This would levy our souls against the Letter of Warrant, but gives us time to gather funds, if necessary. I would much rather pay for the Warrant outright. Towards that end I will contribute 35 gold and Shaco has offered 5. How do you two"He glances at Kamali, then Zhoron"wish to proceed?"
"I have 2 gp for the contract, I will defend the party with my blades.
Um, by the way, Arkis, whats the deal with this contract? Do we get magic power or the ability to mame when we purchase it and how long does it last? I wouldn't mind putting some coin in my hands and soon but I'm not really wanting to sign up with a blood pact or something. Hey that reminds me, what did you think of that owner lady? I wonder how old she is? I think dwarves live as..."Zhoron goes on and on for about 15 minutes as long as Arkis is patient with him, keeps asking questions until Arkis isn't paying attention any longer.
Curious as to the statement about not serving water, Shaco asked "Huh, why so?"
"If not, I'll pass for now." Shaco delights at the thought of food, he can't actually remember the last time he had a decent meal. Shaco decides to wait for the food and keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
I look back at Arkis and respond, "Rather than paying for the majority of the contract on your own, why don't we split the remainder of the cost? That would be 22 gold from me, and 21 gold from you, 5 has been offered from Shaco, and 2 has been offered by Zhoron. This will, of course, mean that each of them owes us a favor in the future."
I notice that Zhoron is blabbering on with no apparent reason, and I worry that he might be plotting something. I decide to phish for information, "Why are you blabbering?"
"Tis not safe, milord. Strange illnesses overcome any who drink the water. T'were a whole string of folks killed afore the Lady Commander caught on and warned ev'rybody." She leans in before she continues, as if she's afraid she will be overheard, "There're some who claim it were the Lady Commander herself who poisoned the water. After all, scared people are more likely to accede to strange demands from those in power."
Distracted by the constant chatter in the area, Shaco did not hear the last statement made, Shaco whispered "May I take a sample of the water? I am an alchemist, perhaps I can confirm if it is indeed poisoned?"
Arkis gives Zhoron just enough attention as to be polite, but soon loses complete interest in his rambling and is glad when Kamali cuts him off.
"I agree. Let's split the cost as you say Kamali"