"If we confront him together, I doubt he will cause a problem. But if he tries to run, or fails to answer our questions, we can simply increase his punishment." Leontiana says simply.
"Let's be about the Empire's Business. Anyone who will be acting as the arresting offers, put on your sashes, and join me in entering the inn and confronting the innkeeper directly. Anyone who will be watching the exits for an attempt to run, move into position as quickly as possible," Kehlysch remarks in his reserved tone. He manner is not one of assuming command, but carrying a clear interest in getting on with their duties.
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"Let's be about the Empire's Business. Anyone who will be acting as the arresting offers, put on your sashes, and join me in entering the inn and confronting the innkeeper directly. Anyone who will be watching the exits for an attempt to run, move into position as quickly as possible," Kehlysch remarks in his reserved tone. He manner is not one of assuming command, but carrying a clear interest in getting on with their duties.
Indeed, says the wizard, confidence in the new member of the team clearly evident.
The Baron nods as the discussion evolves among his minions. He steeple hsi fingers and speaks, "You act in my stead, but I caution you against killing or permanently maiming any of the townsfolk out of hand. I would prefer to still have a town to rule and if you are too heavy-handed, you may run the risk of turning public opinion the wrong way. Remember, you represent the law of the land, and murder is , by definition, unlawful. "
The baron returns to his desk, "I have confidence that you will execute my will in these matters to the best of your abilities. Should you need to contact me, do so via Razelago, who will continue to reside at Ash House. Do wear you sashes as badges of your new, official authority!"
He then reaches down to the desk and picks up a delicate looking bell, ringing it once, twice, thrice.
A slave enters, and with the Baron's flick of his hand, nods and gestures for you all to follow him out of the office.
The Baron, picks up a parchment and begins to read it, one hand perches on his hip, his attention wholly occupied by the missive.
Leontiana bows and leaves. "Let's head to the inn." she says, as they step outside into the open air.
Throughout the introduction with the Baron, Cimri remains uncharacteristically quiet, as if intimidated by the power he represented. She willingly took up the hellfire Pact and tried to hide the disgust she felt when Razelago was revealed.
She nodded along with the strategy discussion, seemingly rattled by the newcomers' assertiveness.
At the Baron's quite dismissal, she finally speaks up, "Just to be certain, I'm still in charge..." It wasn't quite a question, more a statement to the room at large.
Razelago pipes up, "But of course, Cimri. You've proved an effective leader , I see no reason to change that now. Don't you agree, Baron?"
The Baron indicates his agreement with a flick of his parchment.
Cimri nods at Leontiana, "Yeah, the inn....Let's go."
Leontiana accepts the clarification of ranking without question, and allows Cimri to lead the way to the inn.
kehlysch gives a last respectful nod in the direction of his current employer, and follows suit.
Jagen gathers his things and heads out for their journey. He had just sworn an oath to the baron and had no intention of challenging the man's chosen leader.
Thus validated , Cimri throws back her shoulder and leads her infernal band out of the Baron's castle.
As she leads the band back into Longacre, she regales the newcomers with the tale of her and the Longacre loyalists' exploits; from collecting taxes from the tanner, watching a treasonous sermon at the temple, culminating with the humiliation of her aunt, the Sheriff, in that notable's own jail house!
The guards at the gate note the prominent sashes you all wear and open the gate with a nod.
As the group nears the The Last Stand Tavern, Cimri stops in the street and says, "We had a bit of a run-in with that blowhard Bolgart Caggan. He was so furious we posted the new Decree on his porch he flung stew at Jarithe here! So, watch out!" she laughs, leading the way on towards the tavern.
"It does seem we have our work cut out for us, although it sounds like you've made a good start. Caggan sounds like a troubelmaker though, so the sooner we make an example of him the better."
If there's no objections, Leontiana moves to head into the tavern.
"Indeed," replies Kehlysch, brandishing his sheathed sword cane like a cudgel, and entering the tavern as well.
Jagen takes note of Cimri's tales of the perfidy of Longacre's residents as he follows her into the tavern.
Standing there with her arms crossed, the tiefling woman stands waiting, "We shall persecute those that violate our laws and dare to ruin what order has been created in such a lawless world."
Battered shields and dull polearms decorate the walls of The Last Stand's taproom, overlooking the tavern's bar and tables. A small stage rises to the left of the bar, in full view of the room.
Sitting in small groups about the room, 10 villagers sit with their tankards and talk among themselves....or listen to the bard up on the stage.
The bard, currently singing a rather tedious ode to the Angel Knight, is curled over a cheery wood lute and does not notice your entry.
Behind the bar, the proprietor Bolgart Caggan is busy and likewise does not notice your enty.
A few nearby patrons recognize Jarithe from his previous encounter with Bolgart, snicker and ask him, "hope that stew didn't stain yer fineclothes...".
Moving among the patrons, two barmaids carry tankards too and fro...
Kehlysch looks around the common room, trying to assess potential threats once Cimri (presumedly) declares Caggan's arrest.
Leontiana enters the room, spear in hand, and looks sternly around the room, ready to quell any resistance.
"What is this terrible cacophony?" the tiefling hellspawn seemed to not take too kindly the music being played at such an establishment. To her, it sounded like the antithesis to her beliefs.
Cimri shares a glance with each of her crew, nods , then claps her hands together loudly, immediately gathering the attention of all attending.
"Ok, you lot...disperse! You've assembled in numbers too great for our Lord's proclamation. 'Tis not your fault, but the proprietor's. Come gently, Bolgart and we won't have to hurt ya." she proclaims loudly.
On the stage, the bard's music comes to a surprised and jangly end, as his head rises quickly.
Cimri points at the bard, "You....don't move a muscle!'
Bolgart looks up from his work at the bar, scowling, "Don't you come in here threatening my busines! Get out or I'll make you!"
Cimri strides across to the bar and begins to argue with Bolgart, their words becoming more heated by the moment.
The customers , not sure what's happening, begin to stir and murmur among themselves, some beginning to grow agitated.
"Citizens, disperse now and you will not share in their punishment. This is your last warning," Kehlysh says in a tone of deadly earnestness.
"We're not afraid to get out hands dirty." Leontiana adds, then adjusts her sash as she notices it has become a bit crumpled.
"Law abiding citizen of Cheliax have nothing to fear in regards to our presence here. We ask you to disperse or face the consequences as fit by our most righteous law," the Tiefling calls out, a smile on her face as shines, "Halt your reckless actions and we shall do only as the law requires."
While a few of the patrons had begun to scowl and mutter among themselves at the groups appearance and declaration,but the terse and threatening statements quickly quelled any rebellious thoughts.
As the patrons begin to meekly file out, Bolgart's attention flickers between Cimri and the backs of his fleeing comrades.
He quickly sized up your group and comes to the realization that this was a fight he wouldn't win. His shoulders slumping in defeat, he glares a Cimri, "You won't get away with this."
"Sure....sure." she responds, grabbing a pair of manacles from her bag, "Get these on...it's the pillory for you."
Reluctantly, the barkeeps allows Cimri to shackle his hands together, shaking his head at the two servers, both of whom clutched heavy flagons as if they wanted to go to war with them.
Scowling both retreated behind the bar, glaring at the group.
Leading the barkeep to the door by the shackles, Cimri orders , "Interview the singer, see what he knows about the Angel Knight. See you at the jail."
Kehlysch nods his head to Cimri in acknowledgement. "I suggest you cooperate, Minstrel. Resistance will not end well for you," he says to the performer.
As the barkeep is led away, Leontiana strides over to the minstrel.
"Well, Mister Kels," she addresses him. "The word is that you have met this so-called Angel Knight. I am sure that it is very beneficial for the veracity of your work that you have some first hand information. We, are more interested in the parts that are not in your songs. I am sure that you wouldn't like to end up like the good proprietor here, so could you please tell us about your meetings with them."
The minstrel clutches his lute to his chest, intimidated by the stern words and looks from the group.
"I don't know much, " he says, gulping, "I'll admit I was impressed by Knight Allamar's proclamation...but my inspiration for my songs didn't come until dawn a couple of days ago."
For a moment ,his eyes glaze over and a slight smile comes to his mouth as if remembering. Then with a start he remembers who he was talking to , and continues his story, "I came across a woman in winged plate armor at dawn, atop a hill 2 miles outside of town. She was praying, and when the dawn light reflected upon her sculpted helm, I mistook her for an angel. I dropped to my knees when she approached, and she helped me up and told me to not be afraid. She said her name was Lencia Visserene. Then she left." he says, his voice filling with awe and reverance, "I was so inspired I spend the rest of that day composing ballads about her..."
His voice trails off, "uh....that's all I know..."
"Your confession is noted," Kehlysch replies to the bard. "You are under arrest. Come with us. Resistance will be futile and fatal."
”This angel came to you, told you not to be afraid and then just left? That's not how these stories usually go,” Jagen said skeptically. ”She asked nothing of you and told you nothing? What really happened?”
"Where is this hill?" Leontiana questions. "Which direction did she go when she left?
"An angel, here in Cheliax. How dare the heavens set foot here," the Inquisitor speaks with disgust, sneering towards them, "There is no angel, and if there is one, they shall not stand for long."
The bard's voice quakes as he answers Jagen, "I swear , it happened as I said...I have no reason to lie!". He then turns to Leontiana, "Just south of town....she just strode off into the woods...I don't remember which direction."
Luccinus sees the two barmaids scowling at the interrogation, all of the patrons have left the tavern. Through the windows, he can see some of them gathers in pairs or trios watching the tavern...
Leontiana stares appraisingly at the minstrel. "You have ample reason to lie." she replies. "The knight moves against Cheliax. We shall check and see if your words are true. I hope for your sake that they are."
She looks to the others to see if they have nay further questions.
"A 'divine' figure walked away from you into the woods. And you believed in them? You are lying or spread subversion among the Queen's subjects with no regard for the truth. This is singularly unimpressive."
You are fairly certain he's telling the truth.
The bard holds up his hands, exclaiming, "It's true, I swear. It happened just as I told you! "
While a few of the people outside are a bit agitated , none appear capable or willing to gather more in protest.
Jagen sighs at the minstrels protestations. ”And that is the essence of your crime. You were taken in by an obvious charlatan and spread falsehoods and discontent among the subjects of the Crown. It is amazing that you fail to comprehend the situation.”
Kehlysch seizes the minstrel by the upper part of his arm. ”You and the barkeep are coming with us. Any further protestations will be the last words you utter.”