Dot!
Dot
Donning on your fresh, crisp, and new Edgewatch uniforms and gear, and all being assigned to the same patrol unit—you are summoned into Lieutenant Grospek Lavarsus’s office for your first briefing.
As you walk toward the office, the new recruits no doubt notice some of the unit’s established members giving them sympathetic looks.
A middle aged man with long white hair bound tightly into a bun walks confidently towards the briefing room. He holds a clipboard with a report in one hand. His uniform sports a tiny ink stain on the front that he’s yet to notice. On his right hand he wears a silvery ring, that anyone familiar with metallurgy would notice is made of adamantite. He nods politely to his unit and says in greeting, ”Cadet.”
A well-built elf approaches the group, a shortbow slung over one shoulder. If you were going by stereotypes, he seems far to strong to be part of the delicate race of elves. However, he does seem to be put together in the precise fashion that one would expect of an elf, with everything in its place.
He glances at each of you in turn, then nods. "This seems adequate. Shall we?"
The elf motions towards the Lieutenant's office and begins walking in that direction. He pauses, turns his head to the side and almost as an afterthought says, "Oh yeah. Name's Ono. Nice to meet you."
Following Watanabe Ren into the conference room is a human in his early 30’s with a mild build and somber demeanor. His black cloak is up, casting his face in shadows. A significant great axe is slung on his back. Father Emmett Slade reporting for duty. I’ve served Absalom previously in the Executioners’ Guild as a spiritual counselor and legal adviser to our team of axemen. With hard work and perseverance in this new role, I hope to weed out the vile and guilty and keep my old comrades swinging their axes. I also intend to keep you healthy along the way through the blessings of Damerrich and through frequent sharing of wellness tips.
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“Ono probably knows this, but you should try to eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables.”
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Watanabe was used to weird unsolicited advice having had to closely work with the professor's and students of the Arcanamirium. He responds to Slade, "Quite. It is rather hard to find good onigiri or sukiyaki in Absalom. What would you recommend precisely? " Watanabe glanced as the other cadets filtered in not quite sure how to break the ice.
Strutting into the room, wearing a breastplate and carrying her steel shield and rapier, she nods at the other cadets.
Hello gentlemen.
A flash of blue silk heralds the arrival of the gentleman adventurer whom none dare cross! The diminutive kobold leaps to his chair, posing dramatically with with his azure cape swept across his body. Moonstone eyes ensconced among gleaming white scales regard you all, and a soft draconic accent adds further exotic flair to his introduction. "It is a pleasure to meet you all. Together we shall work miracles, provide succor to the hopeless, and strike fear into the hearts of the lawless and criminal elements of our shining bastion of civilization, our jewel of the inner sea. It is I, Officer Faktar. You have no doubt heard tales of my exploits within the Lotus Guard, charming my way into the very heart of infamous crime lord Jombozi's operation to topple it from the inside! Now my incredible skill shall grace the humble citizens of Edgewatch. I am eager to get started."
Approaching the door to the lieutenant's office, each of you feel appropriately buoyant being personally selected by your former precincts for this most assuredly prestigious position in the Edgewatch!
You enter....
The lieutenant rises from behind his desk, glaring out from beneath brooding brows as he silently studies his new agents. After a long moment, he shakes his head, muttering “unbelievable.” as he pulls his well-chewed cigar from his mouth and gestures disdainfully. “This year’s Radiant Festival is the most ambitious peacetime undertaking the city’s seen. The Edgewatch is responsible for the safety of thousands. I told the council I needed the best of the best. And instead they send me you—a bunch of rookies so green you’ve practically got gills. Did you pin those badges on yourself, or did Sergeant Ollo have to do it for you?” He sighs and sits.
“Abadar only knows what sin I committed to deserve you. But we work with what we’re given. You do what you’re told, learn from the veterans, and maybe you’ll come out of this proper guards. But if I catch you shirking work or tarnishing the reputation of this precinct, I’ll bounce you out of here so hard you’ll land in Absalom Harbor. Clear?” He doesn’t wait for an answer, instead snatching up a scrap of paper from his desk and holding it out. “Here’s your first assignment. A bunch of dung-heeled wannabe adventurers are smashing up the Tipsy Tengu. Clean it up—book ’em or fine ’em, just don’t kill anyone.” He shuffles through some more papers on his desk before looking up pointedly. “Well? You want me to hold your hand on the way there? Get going. Dismissed.”
Quarter built to cater to foreign officials and dignitaries
during the daylight hours and opening its doors to
more common visitors in the evening. Its owner is an
Absalomian named Belberry Breckenridge (N female
halfling innkeeper 2).
Watanabe stands at attention for the beratement. In all honesty he's had worse. He says, "Sir, yes sir," as loud as he feels comfortable, which might be slightly less loud as the lieutenant wants. He pauses for a second to collect his thoughts once outside the office and thinks about where he's supposed to go.
Miss Canella thinks for a moment.
The Tipsy Tengu is a new mid-tier tavern in the Precipice
Quarter built to cater to foreign officials and dignitaries
during the daylight hours and opening its doors to
more common visitors in the evening. Its owner is an
Absalomian named Belberry Breckenridge (N female
halfling innkeeper 2).
She smiles.
Faktar gives a sweeping bow (with cape flourish) as they are dismissed. So, we are to round up miscreants. All in a day's work! And you say, Miss Canella, that this Breckenridge lady is neutral. Unaligned with any of the local gangs, then? And she is an innkeeper....too? What else does she do? Is she running drugs out of the place, is that what is causing the trouble? Perhaps I go in, in disguise! I insinuate myself with these ne'er-do-wells, set them at ease, and then** The Kobold slams his fist on his shield. "You strike! We arrest them all, and then we all have a drink or three."
She taps her heels against the floor. The 5'6 Catfolk wearing a green and dark blue surcoat over her breatplate giggles.
We don't know if she is selling drugs, but the boss said adventures are making trouble.
"He did, yes. I was speculating, if she is supplying the drugs, or they come expecting drugs and she fails to supply, that could be the trouble right there. You said she was an innkeeper too, what else is it that she does?"
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Watanabe coughs as the kobold starts jumping to conclusions, "The more likely scenario is that Ms. Breckenridge is a victim here. Perhaps Cadet Canella merely meant the establishment was a combination tavern and inn. The only way we will find out is if we make our way to the Tipsy Tengu before these drug addled adventurers decide to do more than property damage." Watanabe makes his way out of the guard house and to the tavern walking swiftly but short of a run.
Having only nodded at the end of the briefing, Ono observes the interactions of the group, then breaks his silence to address the party.
"It seems that we can continue to speculate upon Ms. Breckenridge's wrongdoings -- or perhaps lack there of -- or we can go take a look for ourselves. That said, I believe the dragon whelp may be on to something, employing a bit of subtlety."
Ono looks into the distance, fiddles with a wisp of his fine hair, and ponders the situation for a moment. A slight grin creeps across his face as he seems to remember something from his past.
"There are more times than I can count that a bit of reconnaissance tipped the scales in my favor. Lets go take a look... a quiet look, and then we can decide how best to proceed. Sound good to you all, or does anyone have a better plan?"
Ono folds his arms and waits for an answer.
Ono, that sounds good to me. I think I will have a cup of tea while we are there.
Miss Canella looks around.
Maybe we should go catch up with our wizard
The catfolk takes off after Ren.
Ono nods, and follows along as well.
This ought to be interesting at the very least. he thinks to himself.
"You flatter me, sir Ono, in comparing me to the might of dragon-kind, but I am in fact an incredibly humble kobold. And you speak sense! Let us away!"
Faktar takes off after Watanabe as fast as his stubby little legs will carry him.
Father Slade takes off after the others looking forward to his first chance in the field to assess and administer justice. He yells ahead to Ono "I LIKE THE IDEA OF US EMPLOYING STEALTH TO SCOUT THINGS OUT!"
The newly formed Agents of Edgewatch guard take off for the Tipsy Tengu Tavern. The pouring rain seems to be driving them forward. A strong biting wind pushing and pulling at their newly acquired official attire. A crackle of lightning brightens the darkness just long enough to show the polished glint of each Officer's badge.
Upon arriving at the Tipsy Tengu Tavern, our Agents begin to survey the exterior of the building. Another lightning strike flashes enough to notice that there seems to be about a dozen horses tied up outside. The wind muffles any sounds from within.
Both Father Emmett and Ono notice that 2 of the horses seem to be of better stock, than the rest. Also, 4 of the remaining horses seem to be heavily geared for adventuring.
Do our Cadets...err...Agents go into the Tipsy Tengu Tavern?
"Comrades, is there anything else you would like to do out here before we head in? Otherwise, I am ready to head in and sort things out." Father Emmett has his greataxe ready.
Ono puts one finger to his lips, motioning for silence. He deftly slips over to the window with incredible grace and speed, careful to remain out of sight of any who may be looking out from within.
He then glances inside, hoping to get a read on the situation that the party has been tasked with resolving.
I'm ready whenever you guys are. Let's have some fun.
Ono also notices that the window shutters are closed. There are flashes of light peeping through a bit. The driving rain, the rumble of thunder, and the biting wind providing enough of a warrant to step inside...
Faktar strides in the front door confidently. But quietly.
Ono will follow.
I guess we’re flying blind this time... interesting indeed. he thinks to himself as he steps through door.
Father Emmett also follows. He muses to himself as he carries his greataxe...
It was a good idea for me to wear my polyester robes in the rain. It doesn't retain moisture against my skin the way my cotton robes would. Like everyone says, Father Emmett hates damp and chafing. I wonder if the Tipsy Tengu has hot cider.
The interior of the Tipsy Tengu is a raucous mess of tipped-over chairs and spilled drinks. A motley group of drunken adventurers is the clear cause of the chaos, including a dwarven bruiser wearing a horned helmet, a sloppy elf in robes, an armored human worshipper of Cayden Cailean, and a leather-clad halfling.
“Ah, there you are!”
A well-dressed man with an ornate cane and bold blue eyes leaps to his feet from where he was seated next to the door.
“The city’s finest, come to deliver us from churls and belligerents!”
He lowers his voice conspiratorially and adds,
“Honestly, I’d never allow their sort into my hotel, but poor Belberry thought they’d add flavor, and they certainly have.”
He sticks out his hand to shake.
“Hendrid Pratchett, proprietor of the Dreaming Palace. This is my associate, Ralso.”
He nods to a hard-looking halforc woman.
“We thought we’d come down and enjoy a quiet night of dinner and drinks before the opening-day festivities tomorrow. So much for rest and relaxation, though, eh?”
A cup suddenly smashes the man in the face as one of the adventurers howls with laughter. He clutches his bleeding nose and steps aside. “Right then. I’ll let you be about it.”
Watanabe furrows his brow seeing the destruction wrought by the group. He nods to Hendrid and Ralso as he walks by them and says, ”Citizen. Please remain nearby, we will take your statement soon.” Watanabe assesses the drunken belligerents, looking for weapons, spell components, or anything else that might be dangerous. He keeps the whisper of a spell in the back of his mind.
Watanabe addresses the group, ”By order of the Edgewatch you are under arrest for drunk and disorderly conduct.” He then looks at the person who threw the cup, ”You are additionally under arrest for assault. Drop any weapons, spell components, or holy symbols you have on the ground and keep your hands where I can see them.”
Following Watanabe's lead, Father Slade steps forward authoritatively. He casts Word of Truth and an image appears over his head showing the holy symbol of Damerrich, a dove perched on an axe. Father Slade says "We are authorized Agents of Edgewatch, here to restore order to this establishment. The four of you need to stand down to avoid further violence."
Ono steps up, standing a few feet back from his companions.
”I feel it fair to notify you that any transgressions made against an officer of Absalom is held as a transgression against Absalom herself. It would be best for all of us to take a walk over to the Edgewatch office where we can discuss this further, and find a satisfactory resolution. How would you like to proceed?”
Ono subtly tenses for the potential physical encounter, ready to draw his bow if need be, but maintains a calm, and almost amicable exterior appearance.
Now I understand the bean bag arrows included in the general provisions, he thinks to himself. Probably a good call.
Faktar strides toward the rowdies, hopping up to the nearby table. "I hope you brought a notebook for all that. The party is over, please come with us and we will get you sobered up."
Miss Canella steps in with her fellow cadets.
Gentlemen, please follow us. We will get this all settled
at our office.
make an impression
Miss Canella smiles at the armored human worshipper of Cayden Cailean.
The newly made officers of the Edgewatch enter the Tipsy Tengu. Surveying the violent, loud, hostile drunken adventurers, the Agents fan out to cover the common room. The remaining patron seem to fade away into the shadows...
Approaching the four, Miss Canella and Father Emmett begin to speak with words of milk and honey! The drunken human cleric of Cayden Cailean does glance up from his mug. His blue eyes focused on the pair, as they entreat him to desist. He does seem to be listening; appearing a bit embarrassed by his actions.
The 3 remaining boisterous bullies seem to be less than excited by the appearance of the fuzz!
They loudly ask what sort of bartender calls the guards on celebrating heroes and they begin accusing our Agents of
“...hiding behind a badge because you can’t hack it in a fair fight.”
The 3 do appear on the verge of hostility...
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Watanabe gives them an eyeroll as he gives a final warning, "Easy way or hard way. Your choice."
Father Slade turns his attention to the dwarven bruiser.
“My dwarven friend, please, let’s talk about this peacefully and avoid any misunderstandings.”
"My friend, we can all be spared the cuts and bruises and broken bones of finding that out if you come with us peacefully. You may even be welcome back here at some point in the future, that's for the bartender to decide."
The mouthy Halfling stops short when our Wizard begins to offer an ultimatum. He does still grumble under his breathe, but he seems to be a bit cowed.
Then our flashy kobold directs a less severe (although still authoritative) offer toward the Halfling; causing him to blink in confusion.
The dwarf and the sloppy drunk female elf slam down another mug of grog, before they both erupt into hostilities!
Watanabe says, "I have had enough of you. Sleep."
Ono draws his bow, knocks a bean bag arrow, and readies an Action to fire at any of the ruffians that take an aggressive action toward the heroic Agents of Edgewatch!