Ederion does not drop his glass, or get up from his seat. He does turn around in the chair to face the Dottari though, the rapier well in reach as he takes another sip - "Setrona is a well known and established barkeep. Surely there is some sort of mistake" - he smiles.
Aster looks back and forth at the soldiers, the barkeep and her new companions thinking. This has the great potential of going badly. Soldiers have orders, convincing them to go against them is hard, because they will have to answer for disobeying. Lying and getting out of there is the safest route but it will destroy her life here... better than being questioned at least. Fighting will mostly end up bad for all involved.
She turns her gaze to the guards, it all depends on them really. Do they look eager... bored... or regretful?
"Do you actually know anything about this... Torrent was it... Setrona? I mean you couldn't possibly could you? Unless a rumor spilled by a drunk patron or two. Maybe you can tell all the wild tales you've heard to these nice gentlemen over a free round? It would be much more pleasant here, don't you think?"
Ederion knows that unlike hellknights, the Dottari are required to procure legal documents before they arrest anyone. These documents must be signed by a Dottari of at least Duxotas (rank warden) status, or by the Lord-Mayor.
Hellknights of the rack are known to barge in and essentially kidnap their suspects without any paperwork or other justification. Sometimes people just go missing, having vanished in the dead of night.
The now ex-lictor of the order of the torrent is named Octavio Sabinus. He is Setrona's cousin, and only living relative. The two are known to bicker with one another, usually regarding Setrona trying to jump through legal loopholes to avoid paying as much in taxes. He's got quite the record of saving people while risking his life, one of the most famous involving a raid on a sex-trafficking ring. A real knight in shining black fish armor.
Aster can tell that these guards are prideful and agitated. The short joke and the assumption that they're hellknights really put them in a dour mood. There is also something else there... anxiety?
The lieutenant doesn't seem to pay attention to Aster's comment, focusing instead of Tarnagius' insult. His brow furrows and his eyes glower down at Tarnagius. Standing to his full height, he says. "Look here buddy, we're not Hellknights. See this symbol? We serve house Thrune as Dottari. Now if you'll just get back to your sweet mead and scones, the big boys have business to take care of."
Aster's comment does hit Setrona though. She gives Aster a weak, guilty smile, the kind of expression from someone who knows she's about to get in really big trouble.
Bazzle stands on his chair. When all eyes fall his way Bazzle begins to heap praise upon the nobility of the soldiers. His words are the height of compliments but the result bites at the underpinnings of what is going on. "This is the greatness of the Dottari who stand for us. Our true protectors. Our shields against the lawlessness of this age. Lessor men would not run to ground such an obvious scant possibility. True men of action are here that would not think the tedium of bureaucracy beneath them. We should thank Asmodeous that such men stand for us. Setrona as it is well known, is an honest business woman. A loyal citizen of Kintargo. Yet here they are looking to our security on the incredulous notion that she might some how know something of the Knights of the Torrent who have lost favor." He lets the weight of his words sink for a moment painting the situation as an unnecessary waste of time. "Job done lads and well done at that. But lets face it. We know there is nothing to learn here. There must be bigger fish."
Bazzle's elegant praise seems to do wonders on the guards, who beam with pride. The two officers in the back fist bump as Bazzle continues to praise.
The lieutenant smiles. "Thank you dear patron. Being a Dottari is a thankless job. That being said, I can't go against the orders of my superiors. However, since Setrona is an honest business woman, I'll go with your friend's idea of doing the investigation here. Save the torture for those who deserve it, eh?"
Bazzle looks toward the others hoping that concession helped. That was painful to say. I hoping keeping this one from the dungeon was worth the level of priase I just heaped on these idots. Perhaps on further reflection people will resent the intrusion over so small a matter.
Aster gives Bazzle a quick smile and nod, impressed by his glib tongue smoothing things over. And says a little prayer to both gods in hope Setrona can now pull off innocence.
"Can't say I understood half of what he said, but it felt convincing" - Ederion smiles and mumbles under his breath, while sipping yet again on his almost empty brandy.
The lieutenant smiles. "Thank you dear patron. Being a Dottari is a thankless job. That being said, I can't go against the orders of my superiors. However, since Setrona is an honest business woman, I'll go with your friend's idea of doing the investigation here. Save the torture for those who deserve it, eh?"
"Hear, hear" - he nods toward the men, lifting his glass, and waiting for Tarnagius's reaction, rapier still in easy reach.
Tarnagius sits down and looks at the dottari expectantly.
Setrona and the guards step away and enter a private room on the far end of the tavern.
For the next 15 minutes, all is silent within the Tooth and Nail. Patrons still nurse their drinks, but any sense of merriment is long gone. Near the end, a smack is heard from the back room, and a male voice shouts. It's only about 2 minutes later that the three guards exit the room. The lieutenant nods to Bazzle, then they leave the establishment. The back door is left open, and a gentle weeping can be heard within. Luculla opens the door to her shop again, though she looks around the area curiously.
The smack sounded like a slap
"WHERE IS HE!?"
"Well then. That sounded like they broke our agreement."
He had been sitting calmly, twirling his drink for a few moments, but then suddenly Ederion grabs his sword belt, stands up growling - "Gods damn this!" - and moves to the door behind which the interrogation is taking place - "What is going on in there?!" - he knocks on the door.
"You haven't shown us any of the proper documentation for this procedure upon an innocent citizen" - the elf presses on, now strapping the buckler to his arm - "This 'conversation' will have to stop now, unless you can show me the paperwork signed by someone at least Duxotas status, or by the Lord-Mayor himself!" - and finishes with a flat tone - "And I really hope that was not a slap I just heard"
Tarnagius sighs and follows Ederion.
Hope he knows how to use that thing.
The door remains closed, even after Ederion knocks hard. Anyone listening in on the conversation hears "... we're almost done. Now tell us where this shrine is, or else I'll send you to the real interrogator. And trust me, if you think pulling fingernails is bad, you've got no idea what she'll do to you."
Hearing the loud smack now thanks to her elven hearing was something she wished she hadn't heard. Of course she followed along and decided to help out.
"I agree. While you may be trying to keep the peace, I haven't seen any evidence of that right now. And my friend here is most correct. Plus: slapping a woman! I bet everyone in this room is just downright offended and outraged by such chauvinist behavior! Why I bet your own comrades here are just shocked by your uncouth actions! This just simply harassment! Would you have slapped her if the Queen herself was standing next to you!? I think not!"
Kethaera hoped to appeal to both the patrons as well as the guards themselves. Even bullies have limits. Usually. Maybe she could force them to back down and leave.
Aster jumps as Ederion attacks the door. Shuffling over as quick as she can, she has a sudden fear that this was no better than allowing them to take her away. What did you hear? she insists because apparently she stuffed scones in her ears.
The three artisans come out of hiding and peer over at the party, while Luculla opens her door slightly to observe. The well dressed gambler has his feet on the table, just watching the developments between drags.
A moment of silence hangs behind the door, before one of the guards says "You know, this is kind of Hellknight stuff. We're not really supposed to be doing this."
The other guards says "That woman sounds like my mother."
The lieutenant sighs and replies "Shut up, Servus. Let's just go. We're not going to get anything else now. She's got half a dozen armed friends."
The guards open up the door with sword in hand. The lieutenant gauges the group's position. "Step aside, citizens. We're heading home."
Anyone at the door can see that Setrona's got a new bruise on her cheek. She looks up at the party hopefully, but also with sadness.
"Is this who the Dottari are now?" says Rexandi bitterly. "You come in here without a warrant and smack up a defenseless little woman? You don't even pretend you're here to uphold the law anymore. You want people living in fear while you lord your authority over them? Is that what you signed on to do? To be bullies with badges?"
Cutting words, but the Dottari all stand firm. "Step aside, please. There is no need for further conflict."
Yes. Enough. she says simply, while resting a hand on Ederion's arm. We should see to the young woman, while these three men will be leaving.
Tarnagius lets them pass.
Kethaera let's them go by as well, feeling that she did a good job in 'putting the bullies in their place.'
[dice=perception]1d20+9
Aster jumps as Ederion attacks the door. Shuffling over as quick as she can, she has a sudden fear that this was no better than allowing them to take her away. What did you hear? she insists because apparently she stuffed scones in her ears.
"That was a slap, I am sure" - he replies in a grim tone.
-----
Yes. Enough. she says simply, while resting a hand on Ederion's arm. We should see to the young woman, while these three men will be leaving.
Ederion seems to calm down somewhat, but Aster can sense his arm tense, and close to the hilt of his sword - "Yes. You are probably right" - the elf adds, looking back at the bruised Setrona - "Then again, no hurries. I won't forget the name Servus anytime soon"
If the guards leave Aster slips into the room with Setrona. Giving her a sympathetic smile, she pulls out her other holy symbol, the rose of Milian. Keeping her back to the outside room, so only Setrona and any of her companions that followed her in can see it.
Saying a quick prayer, she brush the bruise away like it was nothing more than soot.
"Now young one, you've just seen one of my secrets. One that could get me in lots of trouble." referring to the practice of worshipping Milian. "Would you let us help you with yours?"
Tarnagius whispers to Ederion, arms crossed.
"You think they might be aliases? If they were acting without authorization I doubt they would announce themselves openly."
Once the Dottari leave , Ederion looks into the room still with the grim look in his face, but does not go inside, nodding as he witnesses the magic used by Aster.
Tarnagius whispers to Ederion, arms crossed.
"You think they might be aliases? If they were acting without authorization I doubt they would announce themselves openly."
"You are probably right, but we can hope otherwise, and maybe offer some slaps of our own in the near future?" - he grins back at the warrior - "There are many dark alleys around. What do you think?"
Could definitely use a fight. Nox's armor could use some breaking in.
"See, we were actually hoping to learn the same thing those brutes were asking about, so let's wait a few before we go chasing down dottari. It's definitely on the table, however."
As everyone steps aside, the guards walk out of the Tooth and Nail. A dull sense of relief washes over the onlookers, like one giant sigh.
Setrona looks up at Aster with hope in her eyes. As she rubs her hand over the now healed cheek, she says. "I could. You've saved me from those brutes. But what would you want with my cousin? I don't want to put him in anymore danger."
"You know what that thing she wears means? We're... looking to fix things here."
Hope. Aster says quietly after Tarnagius. We want to give him hope. It is what we all need in times like these, don't we? she smiles warmly to the girl.
"But does that mean you'll destroy the Hellknights? Because my cousin isn't like the rack or the scourge. The torrent have good hearts... just strict ones."
Could definitely use a fight. Nox's armor could use some breaking in.
"See, we were actually hoping to learn the same thing those brutes were asking about, so let's wait a few before we go chasing down dottari. It's definitely on the table, however."
"Deal" - Ederion agrees, then leans on the door frame listening to the conversation.
"You know what that thing she wears means? We're... looking to fix things here."
And smiles when he hears Tarn's reasoning - "So that is the business we need to address..."
"Well, we could really use some hope." Says Setrona. "Have you ever heard of Saint Senex? She was a saint of Gozreh who delved into the ocean to bring back drowned sailors. There's a shrine to her on the West coast of Argo isle. Octavio was on good terms there, and probably went into hiding. I don't know for sure if he's there, but that would be my best guess. I'd want to go myself, but getting out of the city is nearly impossible unless you're a travelling merchant with the right paperwork."
She thinks for just a second before taking off a ring. "Here take this. It's my family's old signet ring. Octavio's a little paranoid, so maybe it's best if you have some proof that I helped."
Wouldn't do for her to get caught and interrogated again.
"Do you have a place to stay and hide out? I don't suggest staying where those... characters can find you again, and we can offer you a place to stay if you don't have somewhere to go."
The shrine is more of a religion check, or perhaps a survival check if you figure you've explored Argo isle in depth.
Argo isle is the island that the southern part of Kintargo is located on. The Yolubilis river splits the city in two. Most of the isle around the city is either farmland or marsh/forest. The marsh is known to hide many dangerous creatures, typically beasts or magical beasts.
Setrona shakes her head. "I was always offered a bunk in the castle, but well, the rack owns that now. I could use a place to hide, if just for a little while."
"All right. Gather your essentials and close shop for a while, I doubt they're going to give you more than a few hours before they come back with 30 of them after that little exchange."
He hands her his cloak.
"You'll want to avoid being recognized too."
We'll discover our new temporary home together then she gives Setrona one last smile and then rises from her kneeling position. She nods at Tarnagius's logic. We should set a look out then as Setrona collects her things. I'll go inform her customers that the bar will be closing due to government involvement.
Tarnagius heads into the kitchens, looking for a back door.
We should set a look out then as Setrona collects her things. I'll go inform her customers that the bar will be closing due to government involvement.
"I'll keep watch out front" - Ederion nods - "Let me know when we are leaving the premises, and I'll come back inside" - grabs his things, and moves outside, finding a quiet place in the shadows to stand guard.
While Setrona grabs her essentials, Aster kindly closes up shop for her. Luculla is very sad about these developments, but understands the situation. She'll be putting up a sign for Setrona where the tooth post is. Ederion keeps watch while nearly blending into the shadows, while Tarnagius finds a back door near the kitchens. About 5 minutes later, Setrona returns with as much as she can stuff into her backpack. She's wearing more casual clothes now, but even with Tarngius' cloak she still very much looks like Setrona. Tarnagius spots a dagger semi-concealed at her lower back, and sees nervousness in her expression and posture.
Tarnagius holds a brief meeting inside before they leave.
"We'll attract a lot of attention if we walk as a group. Ederion, stay hidden and see if you can spot anyone following us. Rexandi, Bazzle, go a little ways ahead and keep us from walking into an ambush. Diva, Ester, stay with us."
He looks to Luculla.
"They might question you too. You can come with us if you'd like, or I'd recommend finding a place to hide."
Back in the house, Ederion listens to the plan, and nods in agreement - as they leave he stays back and waits.
Once they reach the limit of his vision, and if there are no causes for alarm, Ederion follows after them from afar.
As the others attend to business. Bazzle slams a glass down. "So it would seem the Dottari are the type to cross town on a beuracratic errand and rough up respectable citizens. I fear for the safety of Kintargo." He puts a hand to his forhead in feigned helplessness. His intent clear at least to the rest of the ravens. His once high praise now turns bitter in light of their actions.
"A very good plan." she agrees "One moment if we could..." she grabs a hat someone left, plops it on Setrona's head. It is way too large for her making her look like a kid. "hmmm... and carry this..." she hands the woman her thick wooden shield. "Yes. Follow behind Tarnagius, keep your head down and you'll look like his teenage son carrying his stuff... hopefully."
"If any of you know the direction of the nearest Dottari precinct, we could avoid going in that direction." thinking they would head there to get reinforcements.
"Indeed. Things are going downhill for everyone. We need to continue to build up support."
Kethaera began to help Ederion keep an eye out for trouble.
"So you are the 'Diva'?" - Ederion smiles and asks as they wait.