Madeline nods in appreciation of Master Grafft's heartfelt comments to the Lady. Madeline waits politely for the conversation to allow herself to ask a question/voice an opinion.
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As Embreth Daramid listens to Vaghn, a look of sadness crosses her face. It lasts but a moment before she steels herself once again - her demeanor all business.
"I am touched Herr Vaghn. Should you prove capable in the task at hand, I give you my word that anything I learn about the Whispering Way or their activities I shall pass on to you and yours. I would loathe for the Professor - or any of his allies - to pass away in Pharasma's Realm in vain."
After receiving the book, Embreth Daramid's butler counts out 100 platinum pieces to each of you.
"As for the beast, I believe it was caught in the university. From what I hear, it broke into the department of antiquities. Which now that I think about it, is curious."
"As for the beast, I believe it was caught in the university. From what I hear, it broke into the department of antiquities."
"That's Professor Crowl's department. It is perhaps Pharasma's blessing that both path's - delivering the books and investigating the incident - lead us to this gentleman."
Despite the serious matters, Valen gives a small grin and jokes at Vaghn: "We are most fortunate as well to have an important member of the university to assist us then - right, Professor?"
Alexa continues to distrust the magistrate, but will follow the lead of her companions.
Valen looks pointedly at Vaghn and his chatty dagger, but says nothing else about it. I hope this dagger isn't going to cause us trouble.
There's is also a bit of surprise on his face at receiving the reward - having never seen so much coinage in his life.
"How much time do we have to get investigate the matter - before the trial starts, at least?}
Vaghn nods, grateful, but determined, at the Magistrate's assurances. His eyes go wide at the sight of so much coin, a sum far beyond anything he had ever sought to see, let alone own.
He then blinks in surprise at Valen's joke. "Oh, I don't think anyone there thinks me particularly important. I mean, I am liked well enough, I think, by both staff and students, but my subject of study is rather... well, let us say that they don't consider the subject of the arcane arts to be worth having a senior professor; Lepidstadt prides itself on being an academy of so-called natural sciences." He snorts. "As if magic is not one of the most natural things in all the world, the way it is everywhere, suffusing everything! Why Alexa here is as natural as one can get, and she is a potent spellcaster as well!" He realizes he is pontificating again, and looks a bit sheepish.
At Luckfire's comment he gives the dagger at his belt a look of consternation. "Oh, I don't think we're adventurers really. I mean, Herr Weehawk is indeed a mercenary, and the rest of us are just a group of disparate individuals brought together by tragedy to stop a group of... by the gods, we're adventurers, aren't we?"
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At the mention of remuneration, Embreth Daramid looks at Madeline with a bit of surprise.
"At the risk of being rude, I would like to point out that the butler is currently dispensing the coin you were promised by the late professor as we speak."
After speaking to Madeline, Embreth Daramid stops for a moment, collects herself, and turns to Valen. She says, "I am not sure about the exact date. Assuming you'll undertake this venture, you'll need to travel to the Lepidstadt Courthouse, register with the court clerks as volunteer defenders for the Beast and then meet with Barrister Gustav Kaple. Tell him you're interested in helping with the case, specifically to help gather clues to help him defend the Beast."
Then, she is suddenly serious.
"Whatever you do, do not mention - to anyone - that I am involved in any such way. My involvement would call my legal objectivity into question and I would deny any allegations to protect myself. I am interested in seeing justice done, but I can't do that when the city has already condemned this poor creature. If it is indeed guilty, I'll happily see to its execution personally. Otherwise, I would rather not let an innocent creature perish just to satisfy the blood-crazed fear of the mob. Let me repeat this; DO NOT mention my involvement to anyone."
She looks at each of you as she says this, letting her gaze fall on Madeline last.
Sense Motive:
Alexa also frowns at Madeline's comment.
She then turns to the Embreth.
We shall do as you ask. I cannot speak for my companions, but will do all in my power to keep you uninvolved in this matter so that you may make an impartial judgment.
She then looks over at Vaghn:
I do not use what did you call it "Arcane" powers. What limited powers I have come from nature itself. My magic is the magic of trees and animals, the magic of the earth, the sea and the sky. When I ask to be made more powerful, nature imbues me with the strength of a bull. This is not from some strange mystical magic, it is nature itself.
...rest of us are just a group of disparate individuals brought together by tragedy to stop a group of... by the gods, we're adventurers, aren't we?"
Well, I can guess, I suppose, but I'm going to avoid guessing for the time being. Because... Oh... nevermind."
Assuming you'll undertake this venture, you'll need to travel to the Lepidstadt Courthouse, register with the court clerks as volunteer defenders for the Beast and then meet with Barrister Gustav Kaple.
"Whatever you do, do not mention - to anyone - that I am involved in any such way.
Valen nods at the last part of her explanation to acknowledge her request. Adding: "Sounds like we have several tasks ahead of us then - seeing the university and Professor Crowl; and also speaking with Herr Kaple concerning the Beast."
Valen thinks for a moment, and then asks: "Forgive my ignorance, Dame Daramid, as I am new to your city. Could you make any suggestions on secure quarters we might use while we are within the city?"
"Ahh.. well then. I am sorry for my presumption," he adds sheepishly.
Goddess, I really do sound like an adventurer - asking for the nearest inn like I was in Pathfinder Journal tale.
Valen does look slightly uncertain at having so much money, and nods at the suggestion. "Ahh, thank you. That thought did cross my mind - as being a stranger to your fair city limits my knowledge."
Alexa cocks her eyebrow at the magister's comment:
Is this city so unsafe that we should deposit our money with the Abadarians? Really, I just think that after several days on the road and more than a few attacks from dark forces, that my companions would like a soft bed in a hotel unlikely to be invaded by forces beholden to the Whispering Tyrant.
Not wanting to offend the magistrate, Valen attempts to deflect the conversation:"Ah, it's no worry - not being from Lepidstadt, I was simply wanting to make sure we didn't choose an inn of questionable reputation. I'm sure Vaghn knows of a few places that would suit our needs."
"Oh, well, I've, um, I've actually never stayed at an inn here in Lepidstadt. I always stayed at my quarters at the University, or before that there was the orphanage. Still, I've heard of most of the major businesses in the city, it should not be at all difficult to find a good one. Either way, I'll probably deposit my money with the Abadarans though; not that I think it will be stolen, but because I'm afraid I'm not very good with the stuff, and if I don't stow it I'll probably spend it on something I shouldn't..."
Alexa begins to giggle at Vaghn's comment:
That is why the great outdoors is so nice. There is little or nothing to spend your money on, so there is no need to have money.
Courthouse is fine. Alexa will let the more charismatic members of the party talk, but will be prepared to kick anyone in the shin should they start to reveal secrets regarding the magistrate or anything else we do not want said. She is not a great orator, but she is very good at reading people and knowing when NOT to say something.
Not sure how RGM would play this. In a tabletop game, I could just kick someone under the table or give them a dirty look, with pbp it is a little more difficult to stop someone in mid-phrase. I guess, just assume that I would attempt to cut anyone off who began to mention the magistrate or any other secret we are suppose to keep.
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After getting your morning breakfast, your group heads to the Lepistadt Courthouse:
A large, squat building dominated by an enormous clock overlooks the town square. A huge figure of wood, roughly man-shaped, stands in the square in front of the building.
When you walk up, a pair of guards nod at you. One says, "Mam, Sirs? Can we help you find something or someone?"
Weehawk appears to be visibly nervous at the courthouse...in an attempt to cover this he gestures to the man-shaped wood figure..
What be dat ting over dere? He asks one of the guards..
Madeline nods in polite greetings to the guards replying,
"Indeed. We are here in regards to business with Master Kaple." She informs them succinctly.
Vaghn gives the wooden man a grimace and answers Weehawk's question offhandedly. "A brutal method of execution."
Then, to the guards, in response to Madeline's statement, "But first, I believe, we have to register. Are there any clerks about with whom we may file some paperwork?"
Alexa looks at Weehawk:
I could probably make it into a nicer shape. Not sure if they would appreciate it though.
Madeline nods, briefly touching the brim of her hat in acknowledgment to the guards.
Once inside, she of course removes her hat, holding it in one hand while her eyes adjust to the darker interior of the building. She absently brushes a strand of hair back under the scarf which holds her tresses in place as she looks around.
Smith follows his Mistress into the large building. After a stern glance form her he too removes his hat, holding the tri-corn in one leather gloved hand. He scratches absently at the white silk scarf which keeps his long, pale strands of hair away from his face as he too looks about the interior of the building.
Madeline nods, offering a slight smile to the clerk. She looks to her companions though, herself being foreign, she awaits their actions.
Vaghn gives the guard a smile and nod and thanks and heads in behind Madeline and Smith. At the clerk's question, he removes his hat and smiles. "Good day to you. I am Professor Vaghn der Grafft of the University. My associates and I would like to register as volunteer defenders for the case of Lepidstadt vs the Beast, to assist Barrister Kaple, of course."
Alexa nods in agreement at Vaghn's introduction.
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The guard, upon hearing "defenders" and "Barrister Kaple" gives you a little laugh. He then shows you the clerk of court's desk. There, a small, mousy lady is sipping her tea. When you introduce yourself, she quietly nods and pulls out a quill and ink. She takes each of your names and a gold apiece in fees. Once you've registered, she gives you directions to the defense chambers to meet Barrister Kaple.
Barrister Kaple is a tall, almost imposing man who proudly wears his court wig. When you enter, he looks up from a desk and asks "How can I help you?"