Still breathing normally.
Gur continues to climb, trusting his friends to hold off such weak aggressors.
Hey Gur, Why don't we just wait outside...I'm sure they will follow. This air is bad. Leeoli emits a loud cough. Judging his chances, Leeoli leaps at the other cylinder, then moves to attack.
Gur continues to climb, nearing the top of the ladder and the walkway above. As he does, he hears a snarl from up above. Looking up, he sees the slavering jaws of another of the pieced-together dogs that he'd fought from outside. He also hears a voice up there - the same voice that you heard outside.
Good girl...protect your master!
Dura, Daniel, and Zazaria move into the room.
Dura immediately begins to vomit at the stench, and Daniel mews and retreats back out. Zazaria looks at them in concern and quickly rips some strips from her robes, tying one over her mouth and nose before giving another to Dura.
Rufus cuts another creature in two, then looks to methodically move on to the next.
Leeoli leaps across the intervening space to land upon the nearest vat. He pinwheels his arms a bit to stabilize his footing, and then leans into his next attack, slashing across at the next poor fellow in line. He cuts open the robes to show scaly skin underneath, which immediately parts and bleeds.
Leeoli
Robed figures
Gur
Dura
New guy
Zazaria
Hound
The humanoids move about the planks and lips of the vats, making an attempt to hold off the efforts of Leeoli and Rufus.
Most of them are able to move around the vats, but one of them seems to waver, and then begins to fall! He falls onto the plank to the north of himself, and then tumbles onto the ground below.
The others move into position, hustling along in spite of the narrow footing. Still, they spend their time moving and can only seem to get into place.
The one closest to Leeoli swings with his club. Leeoli attempts to block, but the club pushes through his defenses and slams into the target.
Leeoli
Robed figures
Gur
Dura
New guy
Zazaria
Hound
Lepidstadt, your home at least currently, is a small city on the banks of the Lesser Moutray River, most famous for its univerity and the strange standing stones outside the city called the Spiral Cromlech. Recently renovated, Lepidstadt is a bustling, lively city of students and academics, with newly bricked streets, wide plazas, and grandiose structures built from imported wood and stone. Away from the university and city center, however, the narrow, winding streets of Lepidstadt show the signs of age, with dilapidated hovels, crumbling stone walls, and cramped courtyards.
You've been summoned to the home of an employer - presently and in the past - one Judge Embreth Daramid, who simply states that she has an important matter to discuss. You are ushered into her fine townhouse, its walls well appointed with local artwork, and led into a sitting room to await your appointment. You note, then, that you are not alone...
["Good afternoon Cassadia, I see the Judge has reached out to you as well." Silas says to the inquisitor.
"It has been a while. The last time I remember seeing you was when the Judge had me call back the spirit of that halfling gigalo that the guard found in that barrel of pickles."
"That was a sticky mess."
Leeoli thrusts, then quickly steps back, beckinging them to follow
A plain and disheveled mess in the shape of a woman pleasantly greets the staff in the judges home, recognizing a few from her previous visits and as she arrives in the sitting room, another familiar face awaits her.
Cassidia gives a small bow to Silas, a grim smirk on her face as he brings up the last time they had seen each other.
"Brother Silas. It is good to see you." She answers with her slight monotone. "Ah yes, the pickled spirit. That was unusual, even for Lepidstadt. I could not eat brined food for weeks.
"I would have never believed that a middle-aged half-orc woman could be so jealous of her halfling lover. It's truly strange times we fond ourselves in these days." Silas responds.
He stretches and twists his neck, creating audible pops, under the weight of his chainmail hauberk.
Gur sighs in exasperation, nothing is ever easy any more. Gur takes a deep breath and attempts to grab the beasts legs.
Gur tops the ladder and reaches up to try and grab the beast's legs. In response, it does as a hound will do, and bites. The bite lands on Gur's pauldron, but the hound can do little but wrench from side to side, trying to rip it off. It fails, and lets go, snarling in confusion.
Gur attempts to grab the hound, but the creature skips back out of reach and Gur's hand simply lands on the deck of the upper floor.
Dura once again tries to enter the room, waving for Daniel to follow. This time, she covers her mouth and nose with the strip from Zazaria, and is able to enter the room. She rushes down the ladder and begins to run across to the tallest ladder, on which Gur currently climbs.
Daniel, however, is not able to enter...he begins once again to retch, as if working on a hairball.
From Gur's position, he sees a man approach along the walkway up top. This "man" is clothed in robes, but his hood is drawn back, revealing a face devoid of hair and even skin. The pink of raw muscle can be seen about his entire head. He has a belt across his body with multiple vials and a few empty slots. As he walks forward, he is drinking yet another one. He turns to yell behind him. Come on Grine, we have visitors!
Zazaria moves into the room, a strip of cloth around her mouth and nose. Seeing the frantic fight happening in the room of vats, she moves down the ladder and rushes over to follow Dura.
The hound moves in to bite at Gur once again. It learns from its mistake and instead takes a chunk out of Gur's upper arm.
Leeoli
Robed figures
Gur
Dura
New guy
Zazaria
Hound
I had thought we'd have one more; I certainly hope I don't have to repeat all of this. She waves a hand as if to banish that thought. Thank you for coming. I've summoned you here, as you've done work for me in the past, and to the good of Lepidstadt. Well, the city needs you again.
She sits across from you, straight-backed even though she sits on the edge of a plush sofa in which she could recline. If I may be candid...I believe there is a cancer in this city, a darkness lurking behind the shadow of a scapegoat. For many years, these good people have blamed a multitude of crimes on a creature you know as the Beast.
You have indeed heard of it - a terrifying large humanoid by reports, it a local legend that seems to have grown and become more tangible of late, up to its recent actual capture
Well, as you know, the Beast has been captured and the trial has begun. At the onset of it, I employed a few associates to investigate the scenes behind the Beast's crimes and, indeed, they have brought about enough evidence to aggravate the prosecution, if not to derail the case itself. Tomorrow is the last day before the verdict, and I fear that those who want to see the Beast burn are growing desperate.
My immediate concern is of the whispers my agents have heard of a riot...tonight perhaps. I need someone to guard the Beast from harm and try and maintain some control. Those that guard the Beast now could be among some who may want him dead. But, beyond that....there is something, or someone behind this, as well as other happenings in Ustalav. I need someone to assist my current employees in this endeavor, as they seek the truth behind this farce of a trial.
"Judge Daramid, I've never known you to stray from the truth. I will help as I can to uphold justice in the city. All who stand before the scales, either man or beast deserve to be judged fairly."
"But how will we protect the accused if his own guards plot against him."
Cassidia nods an acknowledgement to Daramid as she enters the sitting room to greet them but otherwise remains expressionless as she listens to the judge get to the heart of the matter - it was something she liked about the elder woman.
With the barest of frowns, Cassidia takes a moment to digest what is being asked of the two of them, nodding in agreement with Silas and speaking plainly. "As Brother Silas asks - how are we to protect the...beast? I have seen the frenzy outside - it seems all want it to burn. I can only assume your employees have something for us to work with." She says is what she hopes isn't a dismissive manner. Daramid might be used to her blunt way of speaking, but the judge still deserved respect.
My employees, temporary though they are, have been quite resourceful, and have cast doubt upon the trial quite effectively. Unfortunately, there are those that will not listen to reason in this case for whatever reason they may have. You will have to stay close to the Beast and watch and wait. In the best case, you will be paid for several hours of doing mostly nothing. In the worst case, you will have to protect the Beast and the defense should my fears come to light.
Now, another thing to consider - we do not want to simply bring in another "Beast" for the people to blame. If there is an "event", then you'll have to be careful to not make a bloody scene of this. Many of those that blame the Beast are innocent of any crime, but fear for their own and are misguided. You will need considerable discretion in this, should such a thing occur.
She wrings her hands in frustration. I will have to hire you through the defense - in essence, you would work for him - Barrister Gustav Kaple. I'd ask that you don't speak of my involvement, for it would cast a shadow over the Beast's defense and perhaps undo all of the work that my associates have done.
"If you say this is in the cause of justice, then I will do all I can. Should we introduce ourselves to Barrister Kaple or will you help with that?" Silas replies to the Judge.
Cassidia stays silent as she processes Daramid's request - she felt it was a given that the judge was likely telling them just enough to still maintain deniability - and while she couldn't find fault with what was being asked she did have suspicions. She always had suspicions.
"Quite the tangled web you weave, your honor." Cassidia hopes she sounds complimentary. "Should we leave now? I can't imagine a delay to keep the beast from burning will last."
"Sounds reasonable. Give us the note for Barrister Kaple and we'll be on our way." Silas tells the judge.
She hands over the letter addressed to the Barrister, and you're on your way.
You make your way to the Lepidstadt Courthouse - a large, squat building dominated by an enormous clock that overlooks the town square. A huge figure of wood, roughly man-shaped, stands in the square in front of the building.
You come to the main entrance, where ornate pillars support a balcony fifteen 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 ongoing trial in a long-winded legal language.
You enter, and find a large open room that looks to provide access to other areas. A heavy iron trapdoor sits in the floor. Behind a sturdy desk facing the doorway is a young guardsman, who is idly filling out forms. He looks up. Yes, may I help you?
"Good afternoon. We have business with Barrister Kaple. Could you please direct us to where we may find him?" Silas addresses the guard.
Cassidia holds up the official letter for the guard to see, but does not offer it to him. She hopes the official seal would help convince the doorman of their legitimate business.
You know that you must seek out Daramid, but you find the city of Lepidstadt in such a state that you don't want to leave the Kin. You've found, of late, there to be a carnival atmosphere here in the city of Lepidstadt. The trial of the Beast of Lepidstadt has already commenced, and things don't look good for the creature. A huge pyre in the shape of a man - Lepidstadt's famous Punishing Man - has been erected in the main circle outside of the courthouse, and locals eagerly add fuel to the effigy in preparation for the Beast's execution.
Lepidstadt, your home at least currently, is a small city on the banks of the Lesser Moutray River, most famous for its univerity and the strange standing stones outside the city called the Spiral Cromlech. Recently renovated, Lepidstadt is a bustling, lively city of students and academics, with newly bricked streets, wide plazas, and grandiose structures built from imported wood and stone. Away from the university and city center, however, the narrow, winding streets of Lepidstadt show the signs of age, with dilapidated hovels, crumbling stone walls, and cramped courtyards.
The morning after you arrive, Kaleb Hesse, the Ringmaster, calls you into his tent. He stands, leaning back against a desk that had been placed there in their temporary camp just within the city parade grounds. An albino man with red eyes and long, white hair that hangs below his knees, he wears his customary tall red top hat, even in here. His long red coat with gold buckles lies to the side, cast over the desk, and he wears only a white shirt with red suspenders.
Smaranda, the state of this city has me worried...have you seen this madness?
"Madness, Ringmaster? I didn't go into the city." She clasps her hands together in front of her, her fingers twitching and rubbing over one another. Her gaze drifts to one side as she raises one hand to absently touch a small scar on her temple. "People don't like it when they see me."
Rufus once again gags down the smell, his body doing its best to fight off the effects. He swallows back his bile, and moves along the plank then around the lip of the vat.
Getting into range of the next assailant, he swings mightily at the robed creature. His blade swings through, and hurls the creature off of the lip of the vat, to tumble lifelessly to the ground below.
Leeoli lashes out, scoring a wicked hit on the robed fellow before him. The man grunts in pain, then growls low and deep, and moves forward to attack in return.
The other takes a step to the north to face Rufus.
Both of the humanoids slip en route to their targets, and wildly swing about with their arms as they fall from the lip of the vat. Both fail, and fall to the ground below with thuds.
Leeoli
Robed figures
Gur
Dura
New guy
Zazaria
Hound
From what I've heard, two of the three cases laid at the feet of this Beast have been mostly disproved by the defense, and many are concerned that the case will end without a successful prosecution. I fear, as do the rest of the crew, that the people will be taking the justice into their own hands.
He sighs, and rubs his eyes as if tired. I almost see this "Beast" as one of us, Smaranda - someone misunderstood for what he looks like, or how he talks. He has never been accepted, and the people had made him out to be a horror that he is not. I only wish that he could have a fair trial, but if my contacts are right, he may not get it.
"Thank you, my son." Silas says to the guard.
He steps forward, picks up the quill, dips it in ink, and signs the register.
Then he steps forward, out of the way, and lets Cassidia sign as well.
After she signs, he proceeds he up the stairs to find the Barrister's office according to the guard's directions.
Once they arrive, he knocks and waits for a response.
Cassidia pauses briefly at the register and makes a face, then simply signs her known name. An alias would only cause trouble down the line.
She follows a pace behind Silas, the letter still carefully held in her hands as the two wait patiently once Silas knocks on the door they were guided to.
Gustav motions to the two chairs before sitting behind the desk. He has to lean somewhat comically to look past his wig...though it seems like it would be perfectly reasonable to move it or move his chair.
W...w...welcome. I'm Barrister Gustav Kap...p..ple. What c..can I do for you?
I have a contact that can get you in there to see the Beast, though you'll be watched, under the premise that you're with the prosecution. I know, I know....the web we weave...but there it is. What do you think?
[spoiler=Smaranda]Smaranda considers for a moment. The thought of going into the city causes her unease, but she thinks back of her days on the streets, hungry, frightened and alone. How it would have felt to have someone care whether she lived or die, someone to check in on her, nevermind defend her or help her. It would have made a world of difference, that's for sure. And now, now that she has the semblance of a family, people who accept her and view her with warmth, if not love - she cannot turn her back on someone who is as wretched as she herself was but a few years ago.
Smaranda hesitates, then nods. Hesitates again.
"I will not lie. Am very bad at it. But I will go and see. If there is something I can do, I will do it."
Gur continues attempting to grab the beast as its slavering jaws snap at his grip.
Rufus crouches into a defensive stance, only to watch his assailant tumble off of the precarious walkway. He wonders briefly what effects the chemicals would have on skin. Perhaps they would test it after...
Silas steps over to the offered chair and sits down heavily in his armor.
He extends his hand and offers to shake the barrister's hand.
"Greetings, my name is Brother Silas, of holy Pharasma's church, and this is my associate Cassidia Tomanasile." gesturing to the inquisitor.
"We have come to help ensure that your client gets a fair trial and that other parties don't try to take justice into their own hands." Silas tells the man.
"This note should help explain the situation." he finishes, offering the Judge's note.
Cassidia takes a seat next to Silas and nods once in greeting when introduced, comfortable with letting the priest speak and hoping the letter will explain details that are possibly best left unspoken.
You find Trollblood in his tent, the ugly Ulfen man of nearly 8 feet hefting comically large circus dumbbells. He gives you a warm smile when you come in, and places his dumbbell down with apparent ease. Ah, Smaranda, I have heard you may come to see me. I have things for you, yes? Come, come! He excitedly takes you to a corner of the tent where a large chest is buried under various outfits that he wears during performances. He mutters apologies as he moves them aside, then opens the lid with a creak.
Inside, you see various items of note, several appearing that they'd be worth a good deal of coin. He takes out an amulet, a belt pouch that can be cleverly hidden on the inside of your waistband that holds shuriken, and an exquisite starknife. You like, yes?
The f...first charge against Charlie...err, um...the B...Beast was of the killing of t...ten people in Morast. The d...defense was able to find that the Beast should have had wounds from a Caiman but did not, that th...th....the Beast had an extract that allowed it t...to see in the dark...when it had no n...need for one, and they found a strange face that th...the real killer may have used.
The s.second case was in Hergstag, w...w...where the Beast was blamed for killing children. We p...proved that the Beast could not have made entry to take th...the children, and even interrogated a d...deceased child through divine magic. My associates b...battled an undead creature there and b...barely escaped!
I fear that the r...raising of the ch...child has brought the p..prosecution to a p...point where they will take j...justice upon themselves. He sighs again and shakes his head. W...what do you suggest...we do?
Gur stifles back bile at the stench in the room, and moves up to grab the hound around its front quarters. As he wraps it up, the hound snaps its jaws at his assailant's torso.
Dura rushes over and begins climbing.
Gur, hold on, I'm coming!
The skinless man on the top walkway watches with interest as Gur snatches up his hideous pet. Good sir, I do believe you and your friends are trespassing here. I hope you know that if there's anything left of you when I'm finished, those parts will end up in my laboratory.
With that, he looks over the edge, and hurls a vial down at Dura. Dura slips to her right around the edge of the ladder, and the vial shatters on the edge of the nearest vat. Zazaria lets out a small yelp as the fire from the vial splashes over the ground at her feet. She skips back to avoid it.
The hound backs away on its powerful haunches, attempting to get away from Gur, but the mighty orc holds fast, his arms wrapped around the hound.
Leeoli
Robed figures
Gur
Dura
New guy
Zazaria
Hound
Rufus can hear the ensuing battle above, but before he can help with that there's another chymically deformed body in the way...
He lunges forward and, with surgical precision, plunges the tip his sword into where he estimates the worker's lung should be.
She smiles back at him, a thinning of the lips that might make some uneasy, but those who have been around her for a while will know it for what it is. Following the Ulfen man, her eyes go wide as he opens the chest and offers the items to her.
"F-for me?"
She had never owned anything more than the clothes on her back and maybe a ratty blanket. Her fortunes had improved a little with the Crooked Kin - she had a good blanket, a piece of soap that smelled of lavender, the scarf she had gotten from Lidia, the other scarf, this one from S'jeer, and a knapsack to hold it all! But this...
She reaches out gingerly, stopping and looking at Trollblood for permission before taking the amulet in one hand. She runs the fingers of the other hand over its design, tracing its patterns, turning it to look at the back of it, scarcely believing that she is allowed to hold such a precious item.
"I can take this? Wear it?" At the strongman's nod, she hesitantly puts the leather cord over her neck, letting the amulet fall on her bony chest and squinting to look at it, before it occurs to her that she should conceal it, and she slips it under her shirt. She takes the rest of the items, clasping the pouch on her belt.
Gur wrenches the beast as he uses it to attempt to pull himself up.
"It sounds as if you are doing an admirable job counselor." Silas tells the lawyer."[/b] Silas tells the counselor.
"If others are determined to try to take justice into their own hands, then I believe Cassidia and I will have to remind them forcefully that this is foremost a house of law." Silas says forcefully.
"Cassidia and I will watch over your client until the conclusion of the trial. If there is trouble, we will start by trying to persuade anyone on taking justice into their to stand aside. If they refuse to be persuaded by words, then we will persuade them by force." he says, lifting his heavy mace to show it to the counselor.
"Do you agree Cassidia?" Silas asks his companion.
Leeoli moves across the planks while holding his breath then leaps to the ground thrusting his rapier as he fell.
Cassidia carefully watches Barrister Gustav as she listens to the stuttering man explain the position he is in, and that despite his best efforts (And Daramids behind-the-secenes work) an innocent being faced a gruesome death. A fact that many seemed willing to ignore for convenience, perhaps to placate the populace. Ustalav was notorious in its distrust of strangers within and without.
This would be difficult.
She glances at Silas and nods once before facing Gustav again. "I do not have a specific suggestion. I agree with Brother Silas, by word or deed will we protect your client, but there is only so much we can achieve standing guard. There must be someone you are worried will attempt something, yes?" She inquires and carefully watches Gustav while the man answers.
I w...will say this...these are not b..bad people...they are just afraid. You s...say you will use f...force...you won't k...k...kill anyone, will you? That would h..hurt our case.