"I agree that I acted hastly, I tried to apprehend a suspect with force when I should have done so in a different manner, but the fault is my own. If this court finds that I am guilty of this crime, it should be my crime alone, and not the crime of the group.
Aldon leans in to Ambrus, "Thanks for coming, I know your very busy and you must be pretty angry with me right now. But I still appreciate you being here."
The judge tapped his finger, a crack like a whip sounded.
"I see simple warnings cant be heeded, maybe thats your problem. I said no speeches. Accuser make your case."
Turnus made his case, giving accounts of their movements from the moment they entered. Dispite being strangely percise he made no mention of the methods used.
"A solid case. Defenders your reply."
The paladin rose clapping a fist to his chest before speaking.
"This group was contracted by the church of Iomedae to invistigate the disappearances in the docks. While it may seem their lack of judgement in this matter leaves something to be desired, we still wish to make use of their survices and request proper consideration."
With that he took his seat and said no more. Ambrus rose next, he ignored Aldon's earlier words keeping his face passive.
"Honored Judge, the accused are prepared to give proper conpensation. They do not deny their actions or the fact that they acted as attackers unprovoked. Absalom law, no the mindset of Absalom is not to judge others based on anything but their actions. Absalom is a city of freedom and understanding. It seems they are only truely guilty of lacking enlightenment on that. As it is their first offense and they are currently contracted out to a job, one I may add that aids the city itself. It would not be prudent to detain them. It is also Absalom law that contracts must be honored, this contract is also directly connected to a Trademaster. I only ask that all these things be taken into consideration."
The judge looks over his notes once more. Then taps his finger causing another magical crack to sound.
"After careful consideration of all the facts. I have judged the accused to be guilty of murder and assault. None the less the sentance will be a fine. They will also be under the supervision of the Varlokkur Turnus for a period of time to be determined at a later date. I do not want to see any of you in front of me again."
He taps his finger, the loudest crack yet rings thru out the room. The paladin rises and turns to the party.
"Your equipment is in the next room. The fine will be removed from your reward. Do not fail us again."
With that the paladin leaves without another word. Your unchained and lead into the next room where Bungo is waiting with all your gear. Turnus and Ambrus walked with all of you, but Ambrus face shows he is in a foul mood.
Aldon smiles at seeing Bungo, "Thought we lost you for good! Where you been? Honestly tell me you were kidnapped and not lounging in some tavern some where!" Aldon chuckles and then turns to Ambrus.
"Venture-Captain, I appreciate your efforts in speaking for me. I can promise you that this will be the last time I need your help. Next time I will just lock myself in jail!"
Aldon tries to catch the eyes of his group without alerting Turnus, he geatures that they all need to talk.
Venture Captain Ambrus gives him a look.
"Consider yourself unretired. You owe me an assignment and I have just the one for you."
He nods to the Varlokkur then leaves.
Aldon audibly sighs, he got out of the society because of all the politics, and now he was facing it all again. Only now he was indentured.
"Well that certainly could have gone worse. Perhaps our new minder has some ideas on the whole disappearance thing." Elbennon says to the group.
Before we even leave the courtroom, but after I am told the sentence:
"Why was Bungo taken, and who was that guy following us before the city's lead henchmen* showed up?"
*the teifling.
Aldon leans in close to Damien "A lot of things don't add up, it's been bothering me since we started. Lets head back to the inn and find a quiet place to talk"
Damien takes Aldon's advice, and walks off without a fuss no matter what answer he gets.
Bungo stops and looks each of the party in the eye as they exit the court room. We we will not speak of this again. It was an aberration and will not happen again
And since I was not convicted of crimes, I see no reason for my portion of the reward to suffer.
"Turnus, since we will be working together in the future, rather you will be following us, can you share what information you have on the disappearances please?" Elbennon says to Turnus. He ignores Bungo's command.
Aldon looks to Bungo and shakes his head slightly, "You know I was just convicted of murder..."
He turns to the rest of the group, "I'm guessing our best course of action right now is to head back to the inn and enjoy some of our psedo-freedom. Drinks are on me!"
Once we are back at the inn(in our rooms), but not at the bar.
I am actually going to change rooms.
"So we look into illegal things and get kidnapped/put in jail based on false or no charges by the "state" police. I am assuming that even false crimes have records. In short the "dead" person is probably really dead, and that death has been noted. I don't think it is a far stretch to assume they were one of the kidnapped people. I don't know much about Absalom law so the chances of getting a "speak with dead" spell cast may or may not be possible. Even then we have to find out how hard it is to get access to someone's criminal records so we can find out who they(us) killed. It should not be that hard to get access to our own, but these are strange times. Now we are not lawyers, and I thought about hiring one, but he would probably disappear also.
We need help, and we don't know how far the corruption goes. That organisation has to answer to someone, and they have to have a way to check their members so that rogue agents don't get out of hand. We need information and we need backers. Who do any of you know?
PS:This can be global also.
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I will also cast legend lore later to get the names of organisations within the city. Since I am in the city, and only asking for name I should be able to use the "1d4 X 10 minutes" version.
Legend lore brings to your mind legends about an important person, place, or thing. If the person or thing is at hand, or if you are in the place in question, the casting time is only 1d4 × 10 minutes. If you have only detailed information on the person, place, or thing, the casting time is 1d10 days, and the resulting lore is less complete and specific (though it often provides enough information to help you find the person, place, or thing, thus allowing a better legend lore result next time). If you know only rumors, the casting time is 2d6 weeks, and the resulting lore is vague and incomplete (though it often directs you to more detailed information, thus allowing a better legend lore result next time).
Bungo, you are alive!! he grabs the little man and shakes him a little in glee, I was sure we would not find you...or if we did it would be your little corpse. Where have you been and what happened to you!
After any feedback from Bungo.
We should rest and start to look into this again. When they see we are not giving up they will probably move against us as well. As long as they start the fight...we can finish it!
Turnus gives the elf a look.
"Correction you work for me, I am charged with keeping track of your movements. Dispite that I do have other duties, you wont be seeing me on a regular basis. As for information, its connected to the state of the docks. That is all we currently know. Use a basic magical detection spell in the docks and you will understand."
With that he leaves.
Yes well, I suppose I am proof that it is better to be lucky than good. Fortunately, small slip up aside, I am good. Are we ready to get back to work?
"So Bungo what do you know?"
Aldon grabs a table away from any prying ears, he orders a round of drinks for everyone and pays for it with his gold. He sits down with everyone.
"So here is what we know. We were arrested and brought in, tried and convicted of murder, and yet who was our accuser? When we were first brought in, there was a report that someone witnessed us, and yet, we never met them, the law in Absalom states that during a trial, you must face your accuser, and yet we never knew who it was..."
Aldon takes a swig of his ale before continuing, "Secondly, we were arrested by a group who claims that they are trying to prevent the unlawful use of magic, and yet, we were convicted of a murder that was committed with no magic. There ain't nothing magical about my arrows. In fact, during the trial, they left that little tidbit out...."
Aldon looks to all of them, "My friends, we were set up, or at the very least, taken advantaged of..."
Absalom has laws against the use of some spells regardless of the situation. These are known as illegal spells, mostly spells who sole purpose is to deceive or conceal. Yet even the use of legal spells can become a crime dependent on the situation. Absalom does not approve of overusing magic. Only those who have been approved or locations that have been approved my make unrestricted use of magic. All Varlokkur are approved, locations such as the Arcanamirium grounds, and the Grand Lodge are approved locations as well.
"I believe I need to spend this evening rethinking my spell selections. Most of my magic is martial in nature, and this task clearly requires a more delicate touch. I'm not convinced this was a conspiracy on the part of the Varlokkur, and I think our next move might be visiting the other major churches in the city. It must be widely known that we are in the employ of Iomedae after that trial, so no point in trying to hide it anymore. We should also attempt some divination spells tomorrow." Elbennon suggests once back at the inn, and in a (hopefully) private location.
I think that we should also keep asking around. Between Aldon any myself I think we can get cooperation out of almost anyone. Once we have a place to look, I can slip in and take a look around. Or just let the rest of you in.
"I believe I need to spend this evening rethinking my spell selections. Most of my magic is martial in nature, and this task clearly requires a more delicate touch. I'm not convinced this was a conspiracy on the part of the Varlokkur, and I think our next move might be visiting the other major churches in the city. It must be widely known that we are in the employ of Iomedae after that trial, so no point in trying to hide it anymore. We should also attempt some divination spells tomorrow." Elbennon suggests once back at the inn, and in a (hopefully) private location.
"Then why were they following us and taking Bungo? Everything has a reason. I hope that guy does not really think I work for him. Nor is he touching my reward. The first thing I will do is get that crime off the books. I don't work for free. This is not a mission of altruism."
knowledge(local) to find out what I need to do to get information on crimes I was accused of to include the accuser, the victim, etc...
Taking 10 gives me a 17.
"I believe I need to spend this evening rethinking my spell selections. Most of my magic is martial in nature, and this task clearly requires a more delicate touch. I'm not convinced this was a conspiracy on the part of the Varlokkur, and I think our next move might be visiting the other major churches in the city. It must be widely known that we are in the employ of Iomedae after that trial, so no point in trying to hide it anymore. We should also attempt some divination spells tomorrow." Elbennon suggests once back at the inn, and in a (hopefully) private location.
"Then why were they following us and taking Bungo? Everything has a reason. I hope that guy does not really think I work for him. Nor is he touching my reward. The first thing I will do is get that crime off the books. I don't work for free. This is not a mission of altruism."
knowledge(local) to find out what I need to do to get information on crimes I was accused of to include the accuser, the victim, etc...
Taking 10 gives me a 17.
"I confess, I do not understand your logic Damien. While it may be useful for us to know the identity of our accusers, I'm not sure why you think we're not guilty of a crime. We were accomplices to Aldon's murder. The Varlokkur was correct. The only unfortunate thing was that we got caught so easily. Attempting to rid myself of a criminal record I legitimately earned is not something I'm interested in spending my time on. We simply can't behave as if we're off in the wilderness. I admit this is a new feeling for me, but I am going to accept it out of survival instinct. There are greater forces than us at work here."
And once again, it is good to be lucky. I have no criminal record.
Aldon nods, "I agree with Elbennon, I think we should continue on course and investigate the original reason for our hiring, the disapperances. Bungo, would you be able to led us back to where you were recused?"
No, at the time I had the mental faculties of a tavern stool. I doubt that anything or anybody is left. Paladins busted in and broke up the joint. I doubt anything is left or any body has gone back. I think we should try and find out if the Paladins have any prisoners we can question.
@Damien
Records are kept about crimes, those involved, and even the trial. But they can only be accessed by law officials with permission. They are closed the public. This is for the safety of witnesses and to prevent reprisals. Even attempting to gain this information is considered a criminal act. It would take a law official's request to start the process of gaining permission, the process normally takes weeks.
"I confess, I do not understand your logic Damien. While it may be useful for us to know the identity of our accusers, I'm not sure why you think we're not guilty of a crime. We were accomplices to Aldon's murder. The Varlokkur was correct. The only unfortunate thing was that we got caught so easily. Attempting to rid myself of a criminal record I legitimately earned is not something I'm interested in spending my time on. We simply can't behave as if we're off in the wilderness. I admit this is a new feeling for me, but I am going to accept it out of survival instinct. There are greater forces than us at work here."
"I believe I need to spend this evening rethinking my spell selections. Most of my magic is martial in nature, and this task clearly requires a more delicate touch. I'm not convinced this was a conspiracy on the part of the Varlokkur, and I think our next move might be visiting the other major churches in the city. It must be widely known that we are in the employ of Iomedae after that trial, so no point in trying to hide it anymore. We should also attempt some divination spells tomorrow." Elbennon suggests once back at the inn, and in a (hopefully) private location.
"Then why were they following us and taking Bungo? Everything has a reason. I hope that guy does not really think I work for him. Nor is he touching my reward. The first thing I will do is get that crime off the books. I don't work for free. This is not a mission of altruism."
knowledge(local) to find out what I need to do to get information on crimes I was accused of to include the accuser, the victim, etc...
Taking 10 gives me a 17.
"That man never died. He even attacked you in return."
No, at the time I had the mental faculties of a tavern stool. I doubt that anything or anybody is left. Paladins busted in and broke up the joint. I doubt anything is left or any body has gone back. I think we should try and find out if the Paladins have any prisoners we can question.
"I think we should go back anyway. There may be clues there. Visiting the paladin is also a good idea."
@Damien
** spoiler omitted **
No, at the time I had the mental faculties of a tavern stool. I doubt that anything or anybody is left. Paladins busted in and broke up the joint. I doubt anything is left or any body has gone back. I think we should try and find out if the Paladins have any prisoners we can question."I think we should go back anyway. There may be clues there. Visiting the paladin is also a good idea."
Agreed, holy warriors are good fighters, but like me they don't have the keenest eyes. Let's go check.
Then maybe we should get good days rest and go see priests.
knowledge local 17(took 10) to see if I can think of any organisations that might want to help us find the missing people.
The city has many organizations that could do with out the kidnappings in the docks for a number of reasons. Some that come to mind are the Varlokkur, dock trademaster's, dock district council, the Arcanamirium, the Guild of Wonders, the College of Mysteries, the Vault of Abadar, the Grand Lodge, Ogrekin Hall, Cayden's Hall, the Pleasure Salon of Calistria, and the Temple of the Shining Star.
The night goes by without incident. When you awake the tavern is mostly empty with only a few quiet patrons recovering from last night. The smell of cooking meat and fresh juice fills the place.
Kal is the type of humanoid that believes in eat all you can vs. all you can eat...he enjoys a huge breakfast betting that it could be a long day...