The Lord Mayor
"We shall get you a pass to see the prisoner if you desire, even now, though the jail be closed the captain of the guard can take you there. Have no fear council shall be appointed unless the accused desires to represent himself."
"The lottery system is in place and the triad shall be elected after the notice goes out, of course I may sit upon the trial if I desire as the Lord Mayor."
Those who desire to visit Keygan in jail...let me know and that will be next, otherwise the trial is next....
"The Vanishing might still pose a threat, however it is my understanding that the way to Jziradune in secured by yourself, I am wieghing a public decree preventing entrance into the gnomish city till safety can be assured. You will understand if this matter be handled after the trial I am certain."
M Gnome Alchemist/ 6/ Init +0/ HP 54/54 // AC: 13/T:11/FF:13 - Percep: +13// F +6/R +5/W +4 /CMB +1 - CMD 11/ Speed 20/ Bombs 6/12
Minniwick would like to visit Keygan
"I do understand that your need to put off the decision about Jzadirune, even if I am not happy about it. I would like if you see fit to give our group permission to reenter Jzadirune. To both clean up any messes that may still lurk below and to ensure there are no traces of the Vanishing left."
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
M Gnome Alchemist/ 6/ Init +0/ HP 54/54 // AC: 13/T:11/FF:13 - Percep: +13// F +6/R +5/W +4 /CMB +1 - CMD 11/ Speed 20/ Bombs 6/12
"That was quick!" He makes his way to the buffet table. Muttering to himself "Best take a bit of a nibble I hear the food in those places are none to good" With a smile to the Mayor and Lord V. "Many thanks! OK I am ready to go see Keygan."
If I move the game forward and in your turn to post it seems the NPC is no longer there for you to interact with that is not the case!
If anyone wants to ask question(s) of the lord mayor, the sargent of the guard or any other recent NPC feel free to do so. It will be "assumed" to have occured back at the party, or on the way to the cells.
This can often happen because of the way I like to post. As an example one NPC guides you to a location. I will post the trip and what that NPC says, also the location and what is there, introducing the second NPC and how he/she might greet you. This is supposed to help PBP go smoother, but not at the expense of RPing!
Male Human Brawler 3 I AC 17 T 13 FF 14 l HP 40/40 l F +7 R +6 W +2 l Init +3 l Perc +1 I Action Points 1/6 I Att +6 I CMB +5/+7*/+9** I CMD 17/+19*
"Wha'dya wan'us t'say, for ye? They'll see a man who made'eh deal with'the dev'l. I dinna think'ye deserve t' hang, bu' yer under a slagpile fer certain."
M Gnome Alchemist/ 6/ Init +0/ HP 54/54 // AC: 13/T:11/FF:13 - Percep: +13// F +6/R +5/W +4 /CMB +1 - CMD 11/ Speed 20/ Bombs 6/12
After passing Keygen the food from the Mayor's house. "We never encounted anything that would have had the power to take your eidolon. How was it taken? What made you think that they could kill your eidolon? I do not want to believe that you helped them. I think we all want to help you, help us so we can."
"I think they were watching me in secret for some time, they came upon me and starbrow. I tried to dismiss starbrow but I was unable, they had dimesionally tied him to this plane. I know not if they could destroy him forever, yet they threatened to do just that!"
"I tried to tell you while you were at my shop and let you know what was happening!"
Keygan begins to sob heavily.....
Who is interested in the trial and who is wanting to get it over with?
Male Human Brawler 3 I AC 17 T 13 FF 14 l HP 40/40 l F +7 R +6 W +2 l Init +3 l Perc +1 I Action Points 1/6 I Att +6 I CMB +5/+7*/+9** I CMD 17/+19*
I'm fine either way. If we role-play the trial, Broccan isn't likely to say much unless directly addressed as he finds high-and-mighty types intimidating.
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
Broccan Dunchad wrote:
I'm fine either way. If we role-play the trial, Broccan isn't likely to say much unless directly addressed as he finds high-and-mighty types intimidating.
Ditto. Edrukk doesn't want to see the gnome punished for something that appears to be out of his control, but he's all too aware that he's as likely to get the gnome into more trouble than get him out if he testifies.
M Gnome Alchemist/ 6/ Init +0/ HP 54/54 // AC: 13/T:11/FF:13 - Percep: +13// F +6/R +5/W +4 /CMB +1 - CMD 11/ Speed 20/ Bombs 6/12
A narritive for the trial is fine by me. I am not sure that Minniwick would be a good witness either. He feels sorry for Keygan but does not feel like he did everything he could to protect Cauldron and Jzadirune.
The large auditorium is packed with concerned citizens, survivors of the ordeal, and families of people who were not so lucky as to be rescued. The Lord Mayor himself sits upon the Bench, Lord Vhalantru sits also (this being the only time you have seen the man sober) and Jenya of the Temple.
The occasion is solemn as everyone is in hushed tones muttering in the gallery. Two guards escort a shackled Keygan to the desk on the right hand side in front of the tribunal.
The Lord mayor speaks.”My fellow citizens we prevailed through a dark time in our history and as such can take pride in the people of Cauldron, in brave heroes, in concerned citizens, in the proper authority of the nobility, and in ensuring that no one is above the law or that the law turns away without giving justice its’ due course. For this reason and many others this tribunal has been called. Through lottery we have chosen those upon the tribunal such that the fairness and outcome can not be questioned.”
”Will the accused please rise and enter his plea before the tribunal.”
Keygan stands not more than about 4 foot tall, shackled at the hands around the waist and on his ankles. ”I turned myself in and reported all that I was forced to do, I plead not guilty.”
The lord mayor ”Your plea is accepted.”
The trial continues and at times you find yourselves nodding off.
The Lord Mayor lets each of you answer the following questions...
"Do you believe this man is innocent, guilty, guilty due to duress, innocent and under duress?"
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
Kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping....
The populace generally refers to those who did not return (sold to underdark slavers) as the lost. No one knows if any of them are living or dead so he has only been charged with kidnapping.....
Male Human Brawler 3 I AC 17 T 13 FF 14 l HP 40/40 l F +7 R +6 W +2 l Init +3 l Perc +1 I Action Points 1/6 I Att +6 I CMB +5/+7*/+9** I CMD 17/+19*
"Well...er...yer lorships, 'e 'ad these righ'nasty fellas comin' up from un'er 'is shop. Ann'e tried t' warn us 'bout it when we
wus 'ere'n not them. If 'e were tryin' t'help 'em, makes sense tha' 'e wouda' led us in'ta trap...uh...bu' 'e didn't...
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
The dwarf stands where directed and brings his hands together in front of him. Other than to move his head to look at the seated judges and the accused, he does not move from the spot until he's said his piece.
"L'rd May'r, L'rd V'lanteru, Lady Jen'ya. Ah be Edrukk, son o' Thorvir, master smith, present t' speak me thoughts 'n th' matter afore ye."
"'n me mind, th' gnome Keygan m'be guilty o' somethin', but 't 's no' kidnappin'. Ah dinnae believe 'at 'e was 'nvolved 'n th' takin' o' th' lost folk 'ny more 'n th' grocer down th' street."
He fixes the accused with a look, "'owever, 'e did know 'at somethin' not right be goin' on."
Returning his gaze to the panel of judges, he continues, "Th' kidnappers 'eld someone dear t' 'im -- 'nother kidnappin', if'n ye will -- t' 'ssure 'is silence. 's Master Dunchad 'as told ye, th' accused tried t' aid me friends 'n not th' kidnappers 'en we came t' 'is store. Moreover, we did find 'is kidnapped ally 'n th' gnomish city below 'n 'e verified th' tale Keygan told 's above. Als', 'is friend, known 's Starbrow, aided 's 't a critical point 'n 'r efforts t' rescue th' lost souls."
"L'rds, Lady, Ah believe 'at th' kidnappin' 'ould 'ave 'appened even if'n Keygan th' gnome 'ere n' present. Some other 'ould 'ave been used by th' evil folk 'at did 'is. Ah believe 'at 't least part o' 'r success 'n savin' 'oo we did 's due t' Keygan 'n t' Starbrow. Ah believe th' accused be a victim o' a different sort 'n all 'is 'n 'en 'e finally 'ad a chance t' do right by aidin' 's, 'e did so. Ah dinnae know 'at more ye c'n ask o' yer citizens."
Speaking slowly, Edrukk produces what might be his most understandable statement in Common to date: "Ah feel Keygan th' gnome was under duress 'n is innocent of th' crimes 'e be accused of."
M Gnome Alchemist/ 6/ Init +0/ HP 54/54 // AC: 13/T:11/FF:13 - Percep: +13// F +6/R +5/W +4 /CMB +1 - CMD 11/ Speed 20/ Bombs 6/12
Holding his hat in his hands, "Keygan may be guilty of being manipulated, gullible," His voice rising. "Not being willing to put himself on the line for his fellow Gnome and a great deal of other things." He gets it back under control, "But, he is not guilty of kidnapping." innocent and under duress
A sudden muttering occurs at the back of the courtroom near the back doors, a group of adventurers come into the room, the bailiff goes back to speak with one of them. He quickly returns to the judges and whispers to them in hushed tones.
The Lord Mayor listens intently for a few minutes.
He waves the group away with his hand and they leave immediately.
The lord Mayor ”The Stormblades have been working as usual to secure the safety of Cauldron and the citizens within. They are truly Champions of Cauldron. They have ensured the safety of all and have collapsed the hidden tunnel that allowed the dark ones into our city, so now at last the kidnappings are at an end!”
”There will be no further interruptions of this proceeding.”
M Gnome Alchemist/ 6/ Init +0/ HP 54/54 // AC: 13/T:11/FF:13 - Percep: +13// F +6/R +5/W +4 /CMB +1 - CMD 11/ Speed 20/ Bombs 6/12
Minniwick looks very distressed at this news and will try and speak with these "Stormblades" KN: Local 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20 about how they collapsed the tunnel.
Did they find another entrance? Did they approach from the underdark? Do they owe him a new shop because they collapsed it along with the entrance?
Local group adventurers that are the sons and daughters of local nobles
They are approximately the same level as you and are the "hometown" heroes and competetion, likely they did this since you obtained the reward and rescued the orphans....
Spoiler:
They have left and you will not be certain what happened til after you return to the shop....
Male Human Druid 3 / Wizard (Foresight School) 3 / Mystic Theurge 2
"If it honor yer lordships I beleive tha keygan not only spoke with us in his shop but did his best tah warn us there was others there awatchin him. I admits at first I thoughts he was invitin Erine intah tha back room fer a bit o fun, but then once did see an battle tha dark ones right in his shop. Three reasons seems tah me he is not guilty first tha dark ones had a guard upon him, second they had captured starbrow who we freed in Jzidirune, and lastly he was trying tah let us know tha dark ones was there awatchin him."
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
KenderKin wrote:
Erine is up!
I will assume Erine is too overcome to testify if no post, either by the trial or Sanstrees comments.
Erine indicated (before she left for a planned absence) that she would not be drawing any attention to her by anyone in an official capacity. I assume testifying before the lords is the last thing she wants to do. I would be surprised if she's even standing with the rest of the party, to be honest.
Female Gnome Witch 6 (Ward currently on Nobody, Hero Points: 1, Hit Points: 50/54)
My absence is deplorable (internet and flu both decided they hate me), but in this case it fits. Eddrukk and Kender are right. Erine is going to do her best to ditch the proceedings. If she cannot:
Erine takes the stand. She wears her hood down over her eyes. She says nothing.
Male Human Cleric/2 Fighter/1 HP: 36/55 AC10/T10/FF10 Conditions:
Canvy cares neither way about Keygan, but decides to back up his company of adventurers. "It's like me friends said, my lord, would you not act the same, if someone kidnapped your dearest son or daughter. Would you not bend to their will so save your dearest. Tis what happened here, what crimes were committed were from those we punished with our sword."
"All the witnesses are recused and the triad shall deliberate upon the perponderance of the evidence. The accussed shall remain in custody."
The return to the shop
You return to Keygan’s former locksmith shop and find to your surprise the door is smashed apart, the grandfather clock against the wall is also smashed and the area beyond it is filled with rubble.
A small bag of gold sits on the table nearby holding a piece of parchment down.
The Bag
Spoiler:
300 gold coins
The Note
Spoiler:
Sorry about the mess loves, but twas the only and best way to ensure the safety and security of Cauldron and the citizenry at large.
We are sending over a few people to clean up and get you a new door.
Male Human Cleric/2 Fighter/1 HP: 36/55 AC10/T10/FF10 Conditions:
"Me thinks someone wants to go to jail. Vandals, with the cheek to leave a note and some stuff." Canvy picks up the bag, shakes it and listens to the rattling of the money, before emptying it onto the table. "Edruuk, what's that note say?" as Canvy piles the coins into stacks of 25gp each. "So that's how much each then, or do you want me to keep it all for the time being?"
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
"'at's no 'r money, Canvy. It be Minniwick's shop 'n 't 's t' pay fer 'is damages."
Male Human Cleric/2 Fighter/1 HP: 36/55 AC10/T10/FF10 Conditions:
"What! you mean they left the money to repair the damage. what strange vandals these are? Any clue in the note as to who did it?" as Canvy takes the note from Edruuk.
M Gnome Alchemist/ 6/ Init +0/ HP 54/54 // AC: 13/T:11/FF:13 - Percep: +13// F +6/R +5/W +4 /CMB +1 - CMD 11/ Speed 20/ Bombs 6/12
Going very red in the face The little &%$%$^& parents were not even born when I was kicked out of my home. The Zookwinkles have lived in Jzadirune for six hund... starting to vibrate and sputter I am going to rip their &(%%$* out of their mouths and shove it down their *%$^*(. Canvy, you can keep every gold in that bag if you promise to help make those spoiled little stuck up *&#$bags pay in a most painful way for doing this. I will keep the note. mutters...get this checked out find out who wrote it and send some bad Ju-Ju their way.
Bad timing but we are moving this week. I will have limited time and access to the internet. I will check in as I can till then Minniwick will be on the path of vengence. He will try the law but he has no faith in the MAN (CG) I do not expect much to come of that path. He will not attack them directly...yet. He we try to wring them for the value of the clock and full repairs as the gold and a lot of valuable alchemy supplies were stolen when they left his home open after smashing in his door (again CG).
Male Human Cleric/2 Fighter/1 HP: 36/55 AC10/T10/FF10 Conditions:
"Well that's most generous of you Minniewick, consider their punishment will be utmost in my mind. So, what did they call themselves...I shall meet out the justice of my mother upon the heads of the wretches and leave their entrails as an offering to the gods." he continues, as he scoops all the gold into his bag. "Now, did they leave anything else, a clue, anything?"
Pray for guidance. Perception 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 1 = 15 to find more clues as to the vandals.
Dwarven Warpriest of Gorum| AC 20, T 11, F 19| HP 78/99| F 8 R 4 W 9, +2 vs poison, spells, spell-like abilities| Init +1| Perc +5| Fervor 6/7| Blessing 7/7| Sacred weapon 7/7| armor 7/7
Edrukk listens and shakes his head. "Ah'll 'ave n' part o' 'is."
Male Human Brawler 3 I AC 17 T 13 FF 14 l HP 40/40 l F +7 R +6 W +2 l Init +3 l Perc +1 I Action Points 1/6 I Att +6 I CMB +5/+7*/+9** I CMD 17/+19*
Broccan seems genuinely perplexed by everyone's anger, but realizes he's obviously in the minority. He scratches the back of his head and mutters to himself.
"I mean, they paid for the damages. More'n any mine boss e'vr did when I was a kid'n Wolfstone. If they want'd sum'n, they took't, no ask'n, no paym'nt...
The lord mayor approaches Minniwick's shop later in the evening once the sentence upon Keygan is passed.
He must replace all locks in Cauldron that he built, he can no longer have a business in Cauldron and he must pay restitution, this through seizure of goods and property.
The lord mayor
"A moment of your time, my cousin the local Baron Althon, of Blasingdell, has been having a difficult time and has requested assistance, I would rather not give it, but I must."
"Can you travel to Blasingdell and help my cousin Althon in his problems with Orcs. It also seems there is a fallen Dwarven stranghold the orcs act from."
"The reports of the Droll has raised concerns that we may face a force of part dwarf part troll fighters an divination magic points toward the fallen dwarven hold as a likely source of such a creature."
"Is there something I can do here for you while you are gone?"
