"It can teleport, so be careful!" Sonny then calls out to Sarenrae to assist them.
Looking carefully at his enemy Caesare trys to discern his opponent.
Studying her moves he starts to attack
"Annoying creature, is there any way to stop it's teleportation?"
Xerice asks and whips the creature again.
Ezechias puts Zanu's spell to good use and wounds the creature gravely. Sonny casts a spell of blessing, while Xerice whips the thing, the whip just missing the humanoid face!
Taking advantage of his sudden insight, Caesare swings at the spidery beast, hitting it solidly!
It hisses and bites at Ezechias! It connects, dealing and injecting poison into the holy warrior! , however the tough warrior steels himself and is able to fight it off! With this, the spider spits out words that sound foul in its mouth and disappears!
You wait, steeled for the return of the thing, but minutes pass and it does not return, apparently wounded enough to flee from your assault. In his enlarged state, however, Caesare can see a small glint of metal just under a tree to the north. Examining this, you can see a cache of discarded items and bones culled from meals the phase spider has enjoyed in the past. You find a potion of fox’s cunning, a magnifying glass with a gold handle (worth 100 gp), a small wooden box containing a set of brass weights, a walnut traveling case with a pair of superior locks and their keys sealed in wax, and a jar of pickled garlic cloves among the unsettling skeletal body parts left behind. Examination of the box with the brass weights reveals a cleverly hidden false bottom, in which rests three silver ingots, each worth 10 gp.
Gathering the spoils and the body of the dead girl, you head back to the carnival. Upon seeing you coming out of the swamp holding the body, the two other girls scream and begin to cry, fleeing into their wagon to mourn their sister. The ringmaster bows his head, holding his hat and shakes his head sadly. "We feared for the worst. But, please, thank you for bringing her back to us for a proper burial. If there are holy ones among you?"
A small ceremony is organized and you bury the body of Aleece on a small hill that rises above the swampy marsh, where a willow tree covers the grave site. The entire carnival attends and mourns. The sun is nearly set as you return to the caravan. The ringmaster, Kaleb, takes you aside.
"Thank you. Thank you for helping us to give her a proper rest. I'd like to offer you this," He pulls out a dagger in a sheath and hands it to you. "In thanks for risking your lives. We are headed to Lepidstadt to perform. You are welcome to travel with us as long as you wish. We have a wagon we use for storage that could be cleared for you, should you wish?"
The dagger, when you examine it, is of excellent make, with a long blade decorated with images of wolves etched in it. It is a +1 humanoid (shape-changer) bane dagger.
Telling the others of this foul beast, Caesare nevertheless feels saddened that they could not at least avenge the girl. "You have my thanks, Sir, this is indeed a beautiful gift."
Who would have thought this would have come in handy so soon.
Calling upon the powers of the Wardens badge Cireth calls upon his power of fire, and blasts the area where he was the spider disappear.
The flames seem to waver as the strange outline of the phase spider fills the area! There is a moment as the outline writhes in the flame, then falls to the ground. When the flames end, there is no way to see what happened!
Looking around Caesare will try to befriend as many as possible, even as he is not the most charming. He will also try to find out more about the life of a wandering circus.
The band is truly a family, which becomes apparent the longer you spend with them. They bicker, they tease, but they truly care for each other and the death of Aleece hits them hard. That night, they don't speak much, but gradually the following morning, while you enjoy breakfast with them, they begin to open up. Their life is itinerant, spending a few days here, then traveling there. They do tell some amusing stories, including a long one involving the bearded lady, Lidia and one besotted young mayor's son. It culminates in a chase involving the whole hamlet and three drunken boarhounds and ends up in a lake.
Finally the caravan is loaded up and ready to go. The ringmaster asks, "Will you be traveling with us?"
Xerice just hops in the cart and takes a rest. Good finally some rest.
She uses create water to clear the mud off her boots then sets them to dry while she takes a nap.
"We'll gladly travel with you as we are heading to the same place. An easier journey is always welcome and our presence should make it a safer one for you too."
The next six days of the journey go slower than you would go alone, but you feel glad for the company. The road meanders through small hamlets, where villagers would close their windows against you and make subtle signs against evil, but seem to brighten at the sight of the carnival, opening their doors and providing your band with food and drink. The carnival members themselves warm to you quickly and you discover that the giant Ulfen man, Trollblood, is actually an accomplished poet and that the Bearded Lady, Lidia, collects spices from around the world and puts them to use in delightful soups and stews. 'Prince Zar, the Human Caterpillar,' the Mwangi man with no arms and legs is a former Chelish slave who possesses a magnificent baritone and sings songs that make tears come to your eyes.
All in all, the band is quite charming and friendly and it's almost with a heavy heart that you arrive in Lepidstadt.
Lepidstadt is a small city on the banks of the Lesser Moutray River, most famous for its university 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 its age, with dilapidated hovels, crumbling stone walls, and cramped courtyards. There is a carnival atmosphere in the town, which causes the ringmaster, Kaleb Hesse, to grin until he sees a strange sight: a huge pyre in the shape of a giant man. Hesse mutters to you all in a low voice. "The Punishing Man. They only build that when a very public execution is to occur. I wonder who the lucky victim is."
A hawker presses flyers into your hands as you move into the city, advertising the trial and execution (presumed guilty much?) of someone called the Beast. Hesse reads this without emotion, then bids you farewell with genuine sadness in his eyes. "If you should have need of us, we'll be setting up just outside the city gates. You are always welcome in our camp!"
Enjoying the moment with the troupe and spending quite some time with Trollblood and Prince Zar Caesare is quite unhappy to leave the troupe.
Seeing the Punishing Man, his inquisitive mind leaps to the fray and he wonders what atrocities such a captial punishment deserves.
As soon as the good byes are said he adresses the others."I would like to meet the judge. Maybe we can learn more about the crimes that happened here. I admit... I am curious!"
"Let's start with getting our money. Poor Sonny still needs some spell casting before is back to his old strength."
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Enjoying the moment with the troupe and spending quite some time with Trollblood and Prince Zar Caesare is quite unhappy to leave the troupe.
Seeing the Punishing Man, his inquisitive mind leaps to the fray and he wonders what atrocities such a captial punishment deserves.
As soon as the good byes are said he adresses the others."I would like to meet the judge. Maybe we can learn more about the crimes that happened here. I admit... I am curious!"
I agree with him.
After asking around, you discover that Judge Embreth Daramid lives near the courthouse itself. You find the home, a stately older townhouse facing the courthouse easily enough. When you knock, an older woman in simply black robes answers. Upon hearing your mission, she sighs deeply and invites you inside.
"I am Embreth Daramid and I am quite saddened to hear of Petro's passing. He was a dear friend and ally for many years." She invites you to a sitting room, where she brings out tea and cookies for you to eat.
"What brings you to me, then?"
"Going to see the judge sounds good to me, then we can deliver the other books to the university. If I remember correctly we need to do both to collect the money."
It turns out Mother Grimburrow was able to cast the two restorations I needed. If we could subtract 2560gp from the pooled loot and then split it 6 ways. Sonny won't take a share this time round to make up for the restorations. The only loot i have interest in is the Ring of Prot +1. But I'm probably not 1st in line for that. I will hold on to the wand of lesser restoration and the healer's kits. I'll give the wand of hold person to Xerice. That's much more her thing after all. :)
I think you may have focused on your wand of bon... hold person
"Yes it's a pity.
So, what's all the fuss about in the town with that burning man to be?"
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Madame Judge, the passing of the professor was felt in the soul of some many people. We follow the last will of the professor and deliver a book to you. Rest assured that he was very adamant about his wishes and that you were very very well regarded by him!"
She smiles, a rare sight. "That is kind of you, young man. He was a dear friend. But, a book, you say? May I see it?"
Turning the book over, Judge Daramid looks solemn. "He did leave compensation for you all; have you delivered his other books to the University yet?" She pauses, as if considering something weighty. "Perhaps there is another matter you may help me with. You seem competent and Petro was not one to trust his affairs to just anyone. I need someone to investigate a matter of some importance. You may have noticed the pyres built outside? I am a Judge on a trial of some notoriety, that of the so-called "Beast of Lepidstadt." I believe there is something fouler afoot in Lepidstadt, and I fear this "Beast" may be a scapegoat for something darker. You see, the beast is... well, it's best for you to see for yourselves. Suffice it to say that many crimes: murders, thefts, terror, have all been attributed to it, but I hear rumors of other tales: tales of mercy and kindness as well. But with the cry for blood, no one will step forward to confirm those tales."
She stops and sips her tea.
"This troubles me. I believe in justice. I believe a person, any person, deserves a fair trial and I fear this Beast may not get one. His defender, bless his heart, is a local barrister named Gustav Kaple. Kaple knows the law, but he's over his head. Under such pressure, I fear he may not be equal to the task. What he needs, what I believe justice requires, are fair and impartial agents to investigate this matter and report their findings of guilt or innocence. Of course, as judge, I cannot be seen to be involved with this. If you agree, I will not be able to speak with you or help you in any way until the matter is resolved. But I will provide you with funds: I will double the reward Petros left for you of 100 platinum each."
She looks intently at each of you. "Will you help in this matter?"
Leaning forward Caesare smiles like a happy puppy."Of course I, well we will help you. I used to work as an investigator in leipstedt. Mainly infedelity, but now and then more interesting work. Nevertheless any background info would be highly appreciated. Maybe you have some documents, some witness reports... "
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Ezechias nods gravely as he hears the Judge's words.
"How can I ignore a plea for justice? You have my sword and my eyes, Judge Daramid, and while the latter will prove necessary, I fear we may need the former before we see the end of this somber story.
"Moreover, Sarenrae teaches us that no creature is beyond help or redemption. We shall hear this "Beast" out, and make up our own minds, free of constraint or fear. Where can we find this creature, and his lawyer?"
The Judge sighs deeply. "Gustav is currently at the courthouse. Head there and register with the court clerks as volunteer defenders, then see Gustav. He'll be downstairs, where the Beast is being held. He will grant you access to the evidence files. Of course, please tell no one that I sent you or even that you spoke with me. Since I am putting my trust in you, I will give you the bequest from Petros now; you'll probably wish to visit the University after you speak to Gustav. You may deliver Petros' books then. Any questions?" After answering your questions, she heads into another room and returns with a sack of platinum coins, with 100 for each of you. She tells you she will offer you the fee for investigation once the trial is completed.
"As much as I burn to move to the courthouse toute suite, I intend to deliver the books first. Finish one task, so that you have an open mind to the next. Also, although the professor would understand, half an hour more or less to start the investigation will not matter. What is the name of the beast?"
"It has no name, as near as anyone can tell. And I would urge you to wait for the University, unless you fancy two trips to the same place."
"Thanks for the friendly hint. If no one has anything more to say... I think it is time to solve a crime." With a huge smile and a Tally--ho Caesare springs into action.
"I guess for curiosity's sake we can go check it out." The reward helps as well.. Xerice says with a smile.
You take your leave of the Judge, heading toward the 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.
Heading inside, you see a sign for the Clerk's office. You step inside to find a thin balding man in a black suit. He leans over his desk, glasses perched upon his nose. The room smells of old scrolls and stale brandy. He asks your business, and as the Judge suggested, you state that you are volunteer defenders. He nods and pulls out a scroll, asking your names and home-cities. He fills the scroll out, then gives each of you a scroll marked with the official seal of Lepidstadt denoting you as valid agents of the court. When you ask about Gustav Kable, he tells you that his office is upstairs.
You notice a dozen guards in and around the courthouse as you go up. They all look tired and slightly jumpy, starting at noises and jumping at shadows, but they also seem puffed up and proud. You find Kaple in a small office located off the main courtroom, which is now quiet.
Kaple is a balding man wearing slightly threadbare clothes, hunched over a desk and pouring over scrolls, while mumbling to himself. He jumps when you knock, then rushes over to the door.
"M-m-m-may I h-h-help you?" He stutters.
Walking proudly forward Caesare puts on his best legal face and adresses the warden."Well met Sir Kaple, we are here to help defend the beast. As you might know, it would be against ustlavan law, especially the law of defense of the accused, given to us by the great Ustla the second, to let anyone stand trial without at least a defender, if the accused so desires. I happen to know that so far no one stepped forward, but I would at least give it, be it as beastly as it is, to not stand infront of pharasmas throne saying that the law in ustalav is not a just one!"
Xerice eyes the defender and tsk's loudly, a disappointing look on her face. "Poor boy, he is way in over his head. Go ahead, cough up the information you have so far. We'll save your hide and do the job for you."
The defender looks confused by Caesare, offended by Xerice and slightly mollified by Ezechias. He shakes his head to clear it and holds out his hand to shake Ezechias'. He stutters slightly as he says "Pleased to meet you. If you are to aid me, then I should get you caught up. Have you met the defendant yet?" Upon hearing that you have not, he nods, "Well, I'll take you down there shortly. The Beast is accused of three crimes: the murder of 10 citizens of the village of Morast a year ago; the slaying of six children in the farming community of Hergstag 7 months ago; and the arson attack 4 months ago at the Sanctuary on Karb Isle, which resulted in the deaths of Doctor Brada and his patients and the blinding of the doctor’s assistant, Karl. I have interviewed the witnesses and found them plausible. What we need is evidence of innocence; the concern is time. The trial has already begun, preliminary evidence has been given to the Tribunal. We begin in earnest tomorrow, with evidence from the village of Morast. If you are to begin an investigation, I suggest you start there, as it will be presented tomorrow. If you find anything, you can bring it to the trial tomorrow and present it." He looks at Ezechias with obvious humility in his eyes. "I am decent at the law, but my stutter makes it difficult to be taken seriously. If you find anything, it would be best for you to present it and for me to advise you on any legal aspects."
"If you have questions, ask away. If not, let's head downstairs." Gustav leads you to the basement, where a stone room holding several jail cells waits. A spiral staircase in the center of the room leads upward, but the only occupant of this floor is the Beast.
A towering abomination sits in an iron chair, bound with no less than a dozen sets of manacles. Stitching holds together this grotesque patchwork of flesh and bone, beast and man, though the wires are so taut they look as though they may fly apart at any moment. Its mouth is twisted in a permanent sneer, and a shock of lank, dark hair clings to its scalp. The creature slumps in its chair, a despondent expression upon its monstrous face.
Gustav clears his throat and says in a shaking voice. "Beast? These folks are here to help aid in your defense. They might need to ask you questions. Please answer them as you have me."
The Beast rumbles deep in his throat and the noise causes the floor to vibrate. "Alright." it rumbles.
"I am Sonny Wright of Sarenrae. Do you have a name or do you call yourself beast?"
After getting a reply Sonny asks a few questions waiting for an answer after each.
"If we are to help we need to find the truth of what happened. Were you in Morast a year ago?
Did you kill 10 citizens in Morast?
Did you see what did happen to them?"
The Beast simply stares at you, Sonny when you ask what he calls himself. To the other questions he mumbles "Didn't do it. Didn't do it."
OMG he looks like my old mother in law. In real life
"Please look me in the eyes. Please. I want to see if you are innocent. I know that for many your body speaks loudly, but I know, we know that looks can be deceiving. We want to help you. Have you ever been to Morast. And.. please allow me to measure your body. They will try to show evidence, I will try to find the truth!"
The Beast simply mumbles again, "I didn't do it."
"Well we are obviously not getting much out of this one. It seems to be too stupid to properly deny the act that I think it would be too stupid to enact those things without getting himself caught sooner.
Gustav, did you get anything else out of him or will he just repeat 'I didn't do it.'?"