The adults, a man and a woman, next to the fallen child turn to the tengu, "We are ever grateful for the healing that you have given our son…that monstrosity could have….", the woman chokes back tears, "…could have killed him…". The boy, whilst bloodied from the impact against the wall, has colour in his cheeks and is quickly regaining conciousness.
In the aftermath of the explosion, the crowd does not return…the plume of smoke issuing from the wrecked guardian serving as a warning beacon to the citizens that trouble is brewing...and to those appointed to keep the peace in Alkenstar, the Shieldmarshals, a sign that their attention is needed. A few minutes, at most, pass before the first of Alkenstar's wardens appear…badge in one hand and pistol in the other, a middle aged man with a demeanour that would best be described as surly, looks at the motley collection of individuals gathered in the square…
A tengu mounted on a unicorn…strangers, not to be trusted
A catperson wielding an oversized sword….I don't know him...
That gnome who deals with clockwork machinery…can't recall his name but almost certainly a mischief maker
…aaah, and the Major…..
"You….yes, You!!!!! ...Put down your weapons…and stand over there…", with a degree of self assuredness that borders on arrogance, he gestures you towards one of the market stalls and then moves to the citizens and their injured child.
Tychi gives the couple a half-bow. "We are pleased to have been of some small assistance, and we are happy that your son is alive and well." The Tengu says with a soft voice to the parents.
When the local 'protectors' appear, Tychi tilts his head, gives a small sound of amusement, and returns his weapon to his waist. He pats Nike on the neck, and walks toward the location indicated by the officer. "Ah, an bulaí áitiúil, Nike. Is dócha gur cheart dúinn a bheith eachtrannaigh beag go maith anois. Ná spit air le do thoil." He tells the unicorn, who snorts and follows along, after spearing a couple of apples on the tip of her horn.
Once they are on the other side of the square, as requested, Tychi hops lightly up into the saddle, without any apparent effort. Looking at the others, Tychi gives a mildly amused sound that seems like a cross between a hoot and a snort. "We are new to this city, is it against the law to render aid to those in trouble? If so, is claiming ignorance of such a foolish law allowed?" Tychi asks those who join him, again in a soft voice.
Nike snorts, knocking the apples off her horn so she can start munching on them as she eyes the loud mouthed human who ordered her around. Oddly, her horn remains pointed in his direction as she watches him move around.
Carran looks over the man with a certain distaste in his eyes, one eyebrow lifted at his commands.
A Shieldmarshal... they took their sweet time to get here. If a clockwork guardian goes out of line of its orders they should be keeping it in their sight, not come after it has been dealt with.
"What weapons are you talking about?" Carran says to the man, unimpressed by his demeanor.
"My sword is sheathed and I don't have an arrow on my bow. The major carries a shield, which is protection and no weapon. Come to think of it, none of us carries a weapon at this moment. As if we would harm a child..." he scoffs at the man.
Carran keeps his bow in hand and moves over ever so slowly to the stall, eyeing the man with a certain interest. His ears set to hear whatever the man speaks of concerning the construct.
Sizing up the shieldmarshal in a glance, the Major says "Alright, son, no need to get so worked up." and then moves out of the way.
Standing too distant from the conversation continuing around the injured child, you are unable to determine exactly what is being said; what is clear though is that the Shieldmarshal does not yet feel comfortable enough with the situation, nor with 'the strangers', to holster his weapon. In between exchanges with the childs' parents, he glares at you, his expression full of mistrust.
As the discussion continues, more and more of Alkenstar's lawmen arrive until, no later than five minutes after the Brass Guardian first went haywire, there are a total of ten Shieldmarshals in the square… and not one of them will engage you in conversation beyond requesting that "you stay exactly where you are…and no funny business….."
Tychi nods at the latest officer to request 'no funny business'. "As I have told the other officers, we are not bards, and are not in the 'business' of 'funny'. I was not aware that Alkenstar had outlawed comedy or entertainment." Tychi says patiently, letting his accent thicken until it is obviously foreign. "Although it does seem to make a certain amount of sense, now that I have met the locals. They do not seem to be very interested in comedy or funny." He nods sagely.
Nike meanwhile glares back at any two-leg foolish enough to look her way. Anyone who get's close enough to touch her get's spit at, or a horn pointed in their direction.
Figwidget speaks to Tychi briefly in Sylvan.
Don't worry too much about the Shieldmarshals. If the rumors are true, and there have been more incidents than this one we've just witnessed, they need the bluster to maintain their sense of control in a town that may be slipping out of their control. We should just play along.
Figwidget, familiar with the dour demeanor of the Shieldmarshals, stands up from the exploded clockwork and stands with the other three where directed. The red-haired gnome looks at all of them and he says, "I'm Figwidget, by the way, in case I haven't introduced myself to and you. I'm a local. Alchemist and clockwork tinkerer. Thank you for helping with that out of control Guardian!"
Nike tilts her head toward the gnome, and one great blue eye drops down to his height, a few inches from his nose as he speaks. The eye is as big as his fist. The great beast snorts when he's done, the unicorn scrapes her horn on the flagstones, sending fat sparks off the stone, scoring it deeply.
Tychi winces, and responds to Figwidget. "Nike, eagla orm, nach bhfuil an-othar le daoine. An smaoineamh ag imirt chomh maith cé go bhfuil siad ligean a bheith aici níos fearr é, go maith, tarcaisneach di, creidim. Tá mé breá breá ag imirt ar an leathcheann, cé go creidim go mbeadh Nike rá nach bhfuil sé ag imirt. Ba mhaith linn a dhéanamh go maith chun iad a mheath óna thabhairt di masla."
He pats the agitated unicorn reassuringly, and then speaks aloud in common. "I am called Tychi, by those being polite. And idiot, by Nike. Or 'stupid bird brain' or 'lousy Tengu' by those who are unenlightened. My companion is Nike. She is rather annoyed at the moment, if you had not yet washed dirt and dust out of your eyes from the fight to notice." He gives a small whistling trill of amusement. "It is we who are honored to have given any small assistance. The killing blow belong to yon warrior, not us." He nods at Carran. "Still, it is becoming obvious that we will be here awhile..."
Luke inclines his head to Tychi and says in a deadpan voice "it is good to officially meet you Tychi by those who are being polite" and then he cracks a lopsided grin to let you know that he got your joke from earlier.
turning to Carran, The major introduces himself and says "you must be the famous "weretiger" that prowls the city rooftops. I have heard about you from some of the guardsmen that reported to me, but we've never met. Well struck, at any rate."
looking towards the gnome, Luke says "nice to meet you Figwidget. might I ask what sort of wizard you are? not a necromancer, I hope."
looking over the group, The Major then says "looks like we're going to be here a while. can I buy all you a coffee?" without waiting for an answer, he walks back towards the café.
Tychi bows his head. "You show wisdom." He tells Luke, with a small hoot of amusement. "I would rather have tea, or fruit juice, if that is not too much of an imposition? Coffee is not good for Tengu. It makes us jittery."
Nike stamps a foot, and shakes her mane.
"Ah, and Nike would prefer an apple, or a carrot? Coffee is especially bad for Unicorns."
Carran turns to the others as they speak to each other, but when he is spoken about by Tyichi and later adressed by Luke he joins in on the conversation.
"Weretiger? Is that what they call me behind my back? No matter, as I guess catfolk may appear that way for some. I've heard about you as well, the name of Luke Rand has been dropped any a times during the night rounds. The pleasure was all mine with those blows, I have no love for the clockworks as you might've heard."
He turns to Figwidget with a raised brow.
"I've got nothing against their makers, mind you. Though a little more supervision from your tradesmen might be best."
He walks along over to Nike and Tychi, standing still by Nike's side and rummaging his pack for something while talking.
"Well met Tychi, your companion seems as grumpy as she's beautiful. No doubt that makes her an interesting companion as well. I am Carran by the way, apologies for the late introduction, I seem to get lost in my guard duties from now and then."
A sharp whistle comes from his mouth again, drawing the attention from Serlek up above as well as from a few Shieldmarshals. Serlek swoops down onto the glove with the meat in it, Carran narrowly holding it as the force behind Serlek is pretty strong. While he is munching, Carran strokes Serlek across his chest.
"This is my companion Serlek, he is my eyes from above while I'm done in the city, a long time friend if I've ever had one."
The Shieldmarshal closest to you almost drops his pistol in indignation as he watches Luke walk towards the café (the café itself stands completely empty following the panicked evacuation of the town square). "Sir!!!! SIR!!!!! …You have been asked to stay over here… You of all people should understand instruction… and the perils of ignoring them". There is an audible 'click' as the Shieldmarshal turns a lever on his weapon.
Meanwhile across the square, the first Shieldmarshal to have arrived appears to be finishing his discussions with the child (who has now regained conciousness) and his parents. Whilst you are still unable to determine the details of what is being said, there does appear to be a certain amount of pointing and gesturing towards you and, in particular, towards Figwidget. Moving away from the citizens, the Shieldmarshal gathers four of his colleagues (who have been standing guard at the junctions with the roads leading into the squares) and moving towards you, announces "I have just been told a very interesting story…a very interesting story indeed…"
"It seems to me that you are responsible for what happened here today…Eric over there", gesturing towards the child, "tells me that it was our gnome friend here that sent the Guardian into a frenzy…".
Nodding at his compatriots, the Shieldmarshall continues, "Persons know and persons unknown, you are to be placed under arrest for the crimes of sabotage, destruction of Town property, the causing of civil disorder and…", looking at the unicorn with no humour in his eyes at all, "…bringing an unlicenced fighting animal into Alkenstar".
In unison, the Shieldmarshals approach you with weapons drawn…
"You would be wise to cooperate"
"Alright, let's go see the council member that you work for, so they can ask us to investigate this....situation. Lord knows I had to do what you're doing now more than once back in the day. Although I would point out that calling a unicorn an animal is like calling a clockwork creature a person: it's a name that doesn't fit."
Carran lets Serlek fly away before the Shieldmarshalls come within reach.
I hate this part, damn Marshalls think they have all the authority over you, even when it's obvious what happened.
Carran shoulders his bow, takes a quick glance at the number of Shieldmarshalls around him, looking for a way of retreat and thinks the better of it... for now.
"As I'd seen it, the gnome fought alongside us to bring the construct down after it went crazy. If he was a saboteur, he would have been a poor one, getting caught in the open and fighting his own sabotage wouldn't you think? I'll give you the destruction of town property in the defence of its civilians, but causing civil disorder is more on the clockwork guardian than on us."
"Cuir glaoch orm ainmhithe arís, daonna, agus beidh mé tú a mharú." The voice carries across the square, as hauntingly beautiful as it is rich in tones. It is as if a dozen heartbroken angels were speaking in perfect harmony. Yet at the same time, the unicorn's horn drops to point directly at the lead shield marshall, making sure that one knows it will be the first to feel that point. "Ní bheidh mé a bheith srianta ag a leithéid de tú. Más mian leat a iarraidh orm ceisteanna, is féidir leat, ach tá mé aon capall ach ní bhíonn ach ar an leithead leat a ordú timpeall mar sclábhaí. Agus aon bréaga labhraíonn tú faoi mo tar éis rud ar bith eile seachas cúnamh beidh an buachaill a bheith an chúis do downfall dhéanamh."
Tychi winces as the lead shieldmarshal insults Nike directly. Then he winces further as the unicorn actually speaks. "Aye, I truly wish you had not said that, sirrah. As you can see, your charge is aborted in it's utterance, for one cannot license Nike as an animal, given she is not one. And, if I might point out, killing the one who saved the boy will do nothing for your reputation as good upstanding officers. Not to mention, of course, the cavalier and paladin orders who will take umbrage to your killing a unicorn for healing a child. I would be loath to be in the shoes of, nor near one such as that." He doesn't mention that the lead shieldmarshall will almost certainly die, if no others do, should things come to a head. "I am, of course, most willing to answer questions, but I'm afraid that I must decline to be arrested on trumped up charges. I'm afraid that Tengu are generally never released from such trumped up charges. And of course, Nike would never allow herself to be locked up. Your story comes from a boy who was badly wounded, and likely has a very poor memory of what happened. As to the destruction of public property, the public property in question attacked us as we went to render medical aid to the boy, we were of course, entirely within our rights to defend ourselves from it." Tychi says, his voice soft, but filled with iron. "So, if you wish us to answer questions, we will. But I'm afraid the entire disarm and be your slave thing will not be happening, my apologies."
(Before the shieldmarshal arrives...)
Figwidget says to Major Luke Rand, "I'm actually not a wizard at all. I'm more of a naturalist, a natural philosopher. I do experiment with the arcane, but through the art of alchemy. In between that and experiments with clockwork, I like to understand how the world works through the physical interactions of materials in the world. Arcane energies run through everything, but wizards are... more mystical than I am, I would say."
(In response to the shieldmarshal's accusation.)
Figwidget blinks twice. "Me??? I saw it acting strangely, and wanted to see if I could figure out what was going."
Nodding thanks to Carran, he says, "And I helped put down the Guardian when it had run amuck. You are most mistaken."
Taken aback by the unicorn talking, the lead Shieldmarshal can surely feel his authority over the 'situation' being undermined
"We can dispense with restraints…but you will surely answer these charges…not to me...but to the authorities", the grizzled lawman, gestures along Hammer Avenue, to the East. "Now, if you would be so good as to follow me?"
You have little time to respond to the Shieldmarshall before you are made aware that you are being watched….
The catperson's kestrel is the first to see the new arrivals and lets out a piercing shriek to Carran. Looking to the sky you can see, silhoutted against the smog of the day, two winged brass constructs, each the size of a small bird of a prey, flitting and hovering. As far as you can tell, from a distance, these constructs are not armed…they hover in place, apparently suveying the Town Square, for less than a minute and then move, at speed, out of sight towards the south.
…and then, that noise again…the noise of heavy metallic footsteps on stone…the noise of an approaching Brass Guardian…in fact, the noise of several Brass Guardians…
The grouped Shieldmarshals tense and, as one, turn to the south, weapons ready…towards the increasingly loud marching.
Tychi shrugs. "Ah well, it would appear that there are more bits of public property coming. Seeing as how we are being arrested for damaging the last bit of public property to come stomping into the square, it would behoove us to stand here quietly, and let the marshall's handle these new bits of public property."
Nike just shakes her head, making it plain she has no interest in being escorted anywhere by the humans.
Tychi chucks Nike's reins. "You said we had to report to the east to give our reports?" He asks the shieldmarshal, edging Nike toward Hammer Street. "Well, we'll just leave you to handle the latest issue then, since you object to our help, and go deal with giving our statements."
At the sound of more of the guardians coming, Carran makes use of climbing the roof of the nearest building and looking out and alerting anyone when he can see them approach.
Retrieving his bow as he finishes his climb, he notches an arrow onto it for good measure.
Turning to the lead Shieldmarshal, The Major asks simply "Did you summon those clockworks? because if so, you've severely overestimated the situation at hand. No one is resisting arrest."
GM: what does Figwidget know about Brass Guardians, in terms of abilities and defenses?
The gnome says, "Uh oh... it's starting to look like these rogue clockwork may not just have gone rogue, but may be operating together. Let's get ready to defend ourselves."
He quaffs his infusion of Cure Serious Wounds, healing points of damage to himself.
Tychi shakes his head. "No, friend Figwidget. The local constabulary have made it plain we are not allowed, within the law, to damage city property, even in self defense. Until and unless that changes, they will have to deal with the clockworks. It is their city, and their laws, we cannot ignore or violate them just because they are going to get themselves killed." Tychi sounds sad, as if he's gone through this before.
For once, the great rangy beast seems to be in agreement, as she snorts and and nods her head.
Figwidget shrugs. "If you insist. Do as you must. But, at least this decade, this city is my home. If things are going amiss here, I want to learn and find out about it... and I want to defend it. The Shieldmarshals will not object if they see clockwork amuck and we help them put it down. That is what I, at least, shall do."
Tychi shakes his head and whistles sadly. "But, they have already seen and objected. For that is exactly what has already happened. But you are correct, it is your choice what you do. But know that they will arrest you for it. Their pride cannot allow them to acknowledge they need help, not from someone they have already accused of causing trouble and arrested. I speak from sad experience."
The atmosphere becomes unbearably tense with the sound of the approaching Brass Guardians. The Shieldmarshals completely ignore you and adopt defensive positions around the square...
...crash...clunk...crash...clunk...crash...clunk...
The lead Shieldmarshal shouts to his colleagues,"If these are hostile, take them down!!!!"
...crash...clunk...
Until, around the corner of Hammer Avenue, three Brass Guardians stride into view...
"On my command..." Pistols and muskets are aimed towards the new arrivals. "HOLD!!!!!"
Beyond the rising panic, you see (as has the lead Shieldmarshal), that these clockwork machines are tethered by chain and, having reached their destination, stand perfectly still...passive...
"Shieldmarshall!!!!...would you please appraise me of the current situation?", striding into view from behind the guardians, a lady in ministerial robes immediately takes authority of the situation.
"The saboteurs...attend to the saboteurs...", the Shieldmarshal barks orders at his charges and, pistol holstered at last, strides towards the minister. Facing away from you, you are unable to hear exactly what is being said; although, once again, there is a certain amount of pointing towards Figwidget.
Tychi pats Nike's neck. "Ah, the plot thickens. This will either be the enlightened local noble, who slaps down the idiot first responder, and points out that punishing people who help keep citizens alive is a stupid way to run a city..." The bird says, his voice mildly amused. Nike snorts, sounding like she thinks that is something that should be mucked out of her stall.
"...or it's the even more monumentally stupid local noble, puffed up on her own pride, who shall determine that nothing is wrong until her own machines turn on her and chop her into bits. At which point, it shall be too late to save her from her own pride." The tengu sighs. "As of this morning, prideful noble tallies 38, while wise noble has only 6 occurances."
Figwidget sighs. "It sounds like they're so eager to find somebody to blame for what happens that they're not interested in figuring out what really happened."
Turning to the others, he says, "I predict they are going to try to imprison me so that they can show that 'something is being done'. I would much rather provide my expertise to them in helping figure out what is going wrong with the clockwork-- if indeed the rumors are correct and what we witnessed today wasn't the first incident. In any event, I hope to figure it out myself, and if it looks like I am about to be incarcerated, I may take some... ill-advise steps to avoid incarceration. Before I do that, I am going to wait and see if the minister is more willing to listen to reason than these shieldmarshals. I recognize her as Eliza Baratella; she's extremely intelligent, and there is a good chance she will be more reasonable than they have been."
He waits to see what the newly-arrived minister says before doing anything. However, to be ready, he retrieves a potion of invisibility from his backpack and holds it in his left hand, his left hand in a pocket.
Luke turns to the group and says quietly "actually, I'm pretty sure he works for her, or is at least in her corner, politically speaking. She's going to make a show of reprimanding him, then ask us to work for her; just remember that whoever does the negotiating, you should probably get hazard pay for us."
Carran easily jumps down the roof again and joins up with the rest.
"Seems like a false call, just a noble approaching with her guardians. Figwidget is right, that's Eliza Baratella alright. Let's hope she has a better eye of judgment than these overeager Marshalls."
He looks to Luke with a smile that says: No way am I gonna do the talking here.
Eliza and the Shieldmarshal examine the wrecked Brass Guardian together…you can see the minister wincing at the extent of the damage caused to the clockwork machine…and from her very deliberate examination, it would appear to you that she is looking for something very specific within the machine and when, after less than a minute of examination, she seems to find it, her discussion with the Shieldmarshal becomes quite heated rather quickly. As the volume of the discussion increases you are able to make out the final points that are being discussed.
The shieldmarshal, rather sheepishly, "….just doing my job, Ma'am…"
Eliza; "…well do it better in future then, investigate all of the relevant facts before arresting people you just don't know in future….", looking back at the wreckage and pointing at something in its innards, "there is no way that the gnome could have done…that…"
Looking at his feet, the Shieldmarshal mumbles something along the lines of "I'm not an engineer Ma'am…" and then, turning to his men, "Okay men, they're free to go…"
The assembled shieldmarshals, as a man, holster their weapons and return to standing sentry at the entrance to the Town Square.
The minister strides over to you, "On behalf of Alkenstar, it falls to me to apologise for the over zealous behaviour of the Shieldmarshals…they are on edge and, frankly, looking for someone to blame in all of this…", catching herself, "My apologies, allow me to introduce myself, I am Minister Baratella and, in my capacity as Government and also as Councillor of the Brass Guild, I thankyou for the service you have provided us with. The last guardian that ran amok killed several citizens and, one Shieldmarshal, before it was rendered inert…you have undoubtedly saved many lives today …and….I wonder…."
Eliza appears lost in thought for a moment and then, "Would you do me the honour of visiting the Brass Guild this evening? There may be a small matter that you could attend to…"
"It would be my honor, Minister."
Nike snorts when the woman is finished, then looks over her shoulder at her rider. The Tengu nods at the unicorn, and enigmatically comments. "38 and 7.. or a silvertongued 39 and 6..." The unicorn releases another snort, this time of amusement, and bobs her head.
Tychi has a small exchange with Nike, and then looks to the woman. He bows in the saddle. "Your most gracious apology is accepted by both myself and Nike. I am Tychi, a lone wanderer. My companion is Nike, a follower of Andoletta."
Figwidget bows. "Figwdget at your service, Minister Bartella, and it's an honor to meet you in person. If there have been other Brass Guardians running amuck as this one has, I fully understand why the Shieldmarshals might be on edge. As a tinkerer in clockwork myself, I find the idea that our creations might begin to act without our direction... horrifying."
After a pause, the gnome adds, "If you don't mind my asking, you found something in the wreckage of the Brass Guardian that you seemed to be looking for. Are you at liberty to tell us anything about that? And, yes, of course, I would be honored to visit you at the Brass Guild this evening."
Carran bows slightly as the Minister approaches, he doesn't like to, but he knows his manners.
"My name is Carran Minister, an honorary guard of the walls as some would say it. Can you enlighten us what it is we could help you with?"
Eliza Baratella nods upon hearing each of your names; if she has previously been aware of you either arriving in or living in Alkenstar, she certainly doesn't reveal it.
Responding to Figwidget and to Carran, "I would rather not talk about this matter in a public place…it would be better that where people may overhear what needs to be said. Come to the Brass Guild at sundown this evening and I will answer all of your questions….as best as I am able.". She smiles apologetically and takes your leave, "Until tonight then…". Turning on her heel, she walks over to the stationary Brass Guardians and, after a few short utterances, they reactivate…and move towards the destroyed Machine, collecting items of debris as they approach.
Throughout your talk, you can't help but notice that several of the Shieldmarshals keep taking glances at your discussion with Minister Baratella.
Tychi will be happy to make chit-chat with the others singled out for the invite, and will even ask if anyone knows the way to the Brass Guild. Once the owners of the stalls start filing back into the square, he'll watch for the owner of the fruit/vegetable stand that Nike ate apples and carrots from. When said owner re-appears, they will excuse themselves, trot over, and Tychi will give the owner several coppers to pay for what Nike ate.
They will then return to anyone from the small group still standing around. "If I might ask your indulgence again? We are unfamiliar with your city. How does one tell the true poor here from the ones who are actually thieves who hide themselves behind victim's clothes? Also, it is unlikely, but is there a temple or shrine of Andoletta within the city? Or perhaps even just a few followers you know of?"
Tychi - The overwhelming sensation that you get from the Shieldmarshals, who repeatedly look at you from their positions guarding the square, is one of suspicion....Whether this is due to you being a stranger in Alkenstar, due to the annulment of your arrest or down to something else entirely...who knows?
Tychi leans down to speak in a softer voice to any of the former arrestees who are still hanging around. His voice wouldn't carry more than 5 feet. "I feel I should warn you, in my experience, those who are law officers of low level who arrest people with no evidence, such as happened today, are very unlikely to take a public reprimand well. Rather than admit they made a mistake, they prefer to try to prove their instincts were correct by finding or fabricating evidence against those they feel embarrassed them. I suggest that we leave, and avoid the officers until such time as someone else can gain their ire. It is a sad thing that those purportedly sworn to uphold the law instead use it as a club to beat those whom they feel threaten their pride." He makes a sad noise. "I am new to this city, if any know of a good inn I might safely stay in with a good stable area that will tolerate one who is grumpy, I would be willing to buy a round of whatever you wish to drink to be led there, and also learn more of this city. Some place the marshall's are not known to frequent might be best."
Luke will go and get coffees for whoever is hanging around, plus tea for Tychi and both a carrot and an apple for Nike; all of which he will pass around except for Nike's. his, he will set on the ground in front of him to avoid being bitten. Hearing the tail end of Tychi's rant, Luke will say "actually, in my experience most guardsmen are honest, hardworking people who are doing their best dealing with impossible situations that they have no way of being trained for. There is always the occasional bad seed, I suppose, but they tend to be the exception rather than the rule."
"As for an inn, I have always been fond of Maggie's. It has an actual name, but anyone who knows about it simply calls it Maggie's, for the owner. Their food is good and not super expensive, but Maggie doesn't take kindly to shenanigans."
Tychi holds up a hand. "Friend Major Luke Rand Retired, I did not say most guardsmen were like that. I said that most guardsmen who arrest people without evidence, usually based on their species, are like that." He tilts his head. "Perhaps you did not hear all my comment, since you were returning. In any event, I am not usually disposed to shenanigans, and thus your 'Maggie' would be acceptable. If you lead the way, I shall be happy to pay for lunch for all."
Nike munches the apple slowly.
"Maggie's? That is a nice place to eat Major Rand, though a simple 'weretiger' like me doesn't come there very often. I thank you in advance there Tychi, not many people are that generous to strangers they've just met."
"I guess the exceptions are usually the most power-hungry, the good ones are those that are intent on keeping the peace, not rise to power."
Figwidget says, "I haven't figured out how to tell the honest poor from the thieving poor. I guess if I really wanted to know, I'd set loose a small clockwork spy to follow them around...."
"If any of you are interested, you could come back by my house, and I'll serve you some drinks, and a small meal, before tonight's meeting. I should warn you, I'm a clockwork tinkerer, so I have a couple of clockwork creations stomping about my house. I don't have a living butler..... However, last time I checked-- which was just a couple of hours ago-- they were still loyal and obedient."
Nike drops her big blue eye down to Figwidget's level, and snorts meaningfully. Her giant shaggy frame would make 10 of Figwidget.
Figwidget looks up at Nike. "Hmmm? Oh, I'm pretty sure you'll fit. We can always bash out the doorframe, and I can put on a new door later, if necessary."
After a pause, he adds a few words in Sylvan.
Tychi bobs his head. "She does indeed understand what we are saying. She is just not very talkative." He stops, and tilts his head, blinking. "Well, unless she is angry with you. Then she's rather talkative, but most of it usually involves threats of violence, opinion's about your parentage, disparaging remarks about your intelligence, or a combination of all the above." The tengu blinks again, and then thumps Nike on the shoulder. "You are not a very nice unicorn."
Nike rolls her eyes, and throws her head back, thumping Tychi in the chest hard enough to make the tengu gasp for breath. The unicorn let's out a pealing whinny sounding amused.
The day passes without further event; making your way to the guild in the dim evening light, you notice that the streets seem less busy than usual...
Arriving at the Brass Guild at the appointed time, you find that a small crowd has gathered in the street around the premises. Placards decrying the use of the Brass Guardians and promoting a vision of 'Alkenstar Law upheld by REAL people' are held aloft by people within the crowd and, every so often, one of the citizens shouts something derogatory about the clockwork machines, the Brass Guild and Eliza Baratella. There is a significant presence of Shieldmarshals surveying the scene and the protest remains peaceful. Upon seeing your arrival, a guild member (a midde aged man dressed in mechanics overalls) ushers you into the building, "Eliza said that you would be coming…please….follow me…."
The man leads you through a number of dimly lit storerooms until you arrive at a heavy iron door, he knocks at the door and, from within, a female voice invites you in….
Accompanied into the room, you find yourself in a large workshop; around the walls of the room are positioned several large items of machinery (lifting equipment and various items relating to the maintenance of clockwork devices) but the main feature of the room are the four oversized workbenches…each of which holds a large quantity of wrecked clockwork machinery…destroyed Brass Guardians. Eliza Baratella, who has swapped her ministerial garb for more practical mechanics clothing, is stood next to one of the tables and beckons you over.
"Thankyou once again for your actions earlier today and for coming here this evening. I apologies for my evasiveness earlier but what I have to say is gravely concerning and cannot be made public." Looking at you to confirm that you understand the confidential nature of this discussion she continues, "The Brass Guardians have been a cornerstone of law and order here in Alkenstar for many years…these, and what they represent, are what distinguish us from the savages that roam the wastes beyond these city walls…yet, it would appear that someone wishes to change the balance of things here…". Pointing into the innards of the Brass Guardian, "Our clockwork machines leave the guild in perfect working order, they are maintained impeccably and, simply, do not fail….but look here….". Eliza picks out two or three areas within the machine that, even to the untrained eye, seem unusual…whereas the majority of the machine is comprised of pristine brass, copper and steel, the areas identified appear to be corroded…and then, in front of your eyes, the corroded metal liquifies and disappears into the wreckage…
Turning back to you…"Sabotage gentlemen…no two ways about it…Whoever’s behind this is powerful, most likely someone in the government who sees me or my creations as a threat. But I can’t go around flinging accusations of sabotage and treason without evidence, nor do I know if I can trust the authorities here to investigate. You, on the other hand, are neutral parties."
"I’ve got a good sense of where you can start looking. When the first Brass Guardians started raging in the streets, we looked closely at their serial numbers to determine where they’d come from. In every case, the clockworks had originally been positioned in the city’s western quarters, closest to the Karggat Hills. I sent Arvanor, my assistant, to follow a series of tracks left by a guardian leaving the city’s western gates. Those tracks led north and west into the Karggat Hills, and into a mine some fifty miles away. Arvanor reported back that he was headed into the mines to investigate further, and no one has heard from him since. That was two months ago. And since then, the Brass Guardians’ attacks have only increased in frequency and intensity."
“I have secured transportation for you on the guild’s private airship, under the pretense that you are trapsmiths we’ve hired to help protect our facilities in Martel. You won’t go to Martel, however; instead, the pilot has been instructed to take you directly to the Karggat Mine. Please find out who’s behind this sabotage of the Brass Guardians and bring me evidence to put an end to the plot. The guild and I have significant resources with which to reward you, and time is of the essence.”