| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Jerax loudly clops downstairs and takes his place back on the couch. "Fu<k the undead. I'm going to sleep."
"Huzzah, my friend." Dario says with a laugh, lounging on the ground beside the warm fireplace.
Fu<k the undead. I'm going to sleep
I'll quote you on that if it attacks in the night.
Alessandra stares into the fire.
If The Lady wills it, we will snuff those flames of disorder.
Regardless of rhe restless dead the night goes by without much happening. The storm rages on but a ruin that has withstood a century of such weather can withstand a century more and any further noise is drowned out in hammering rain and rolling thunder.
As usual, Cimri wakes up early and stirs you all from your sleep, "Razelago's back he's got work for us."
The towering tiefling grogily wakes at Cimri's nudging. The knight of Asmodeus walks over to the fireplace to find all his clothes and gear nice and dry. Jerax greets everyone nearby as he dresses for the day.
Pharice's eyes snap open at Cimri's prodding. He silently checks his crossbow, removes the bolt, and gets up to prepare for the meeting.
Alessandra gets up and, like Pharice, checks the tension of her weapon for the day to come. She is quick to get dressed and about.
Being on active duty gave her energy. Times had been rather calm before the employment.
As people stir and get up the stairs theres no evidence of last nights activities save the moved debris. The library appears as dark as ever with the lingering rain from last nights storm continuing to mist the town in a light drizzle. On the table before the blinds Razelago are several rolled parchments.
“Nothing more than an errand today, but one well suited to your skills. I met with the Archbaron last night.”Razelago’s silhouette inclines a hand towards the stack. “He has issued several new decrees that he’d like posted across town to inform the citizenry.”
Draco stirs slowly from his rest, grumbling the entire time as Rufus eagerly licks his master's face. Hoisting the finely made greatsword onto his back, he follows the others upstairs into the library that had commonly now become the meeting room with their mysterious employer. It seemed that their business with this figure was going well, as a new job laid on the table before them.
"Is that so?" Draco muttered, taking one of the rolled decrees and opening it up to look over what was written.
”Of course. Law and order must be observed and enforced. We are ready to serve the rightful ruler once again. What are these new decrees?” Lucien says
The towering tiefling stands dutifully behind the asmodean cleric, waiting orders.
Longacre’s western gate, known as the Castle Gate, is closed until further notice. All travel into and out of Longacre must employ the north or south gates and be officially sanctioned. Only the archbaron’s agents, sanctioned local businesses, or those displaying a writ of passage bearing the seal of House Fex, will be granted passage. All others must obtain a writ from the Longacre notary or do business elsewhere. Longacre citizens shall not congregate in groups numbering greater than six in private, or in numbers greater than twelve in public. Exceptions will be made only for families with more than six members or for individuals undertaking the natural course of their business. Gatherings for the purposes of celebration, education, or religion are not exempt from this order. A curfew is now in effect. From the hour after dusk to the hour before dawn, no citizen of Longacre is allowed upon the town’s streets without a writ of exception bearing the seal of House Fex. The archbaron’s agents and sanctioned local businesses are exempt from this order. Those seeking a writ of exception may apply at the Longacre Notary. Any persons found in violation of these mandates or any other laws and sanctions of Longacre will be considered seditious agents and are subject to questioning, imprisonment, and summary judgment by the Archbaron of Longacre and officials of the town government.
For the prosperity of Longacre, the protection of the Empire, and the glory of House Thrune,
Darellus Fex, Archbaron of Longacre
"Post these decrees at the notice post in the church square, the jail, the Last Stand Tavern, and the Castle Gate. And while you’re at the jail, stop by the sheriff’s office. The Archbaron has a second decree for you to deliver.” Razelago’s shadow tilts toward Cimri, who picks up a folded page from the table she takes a glance at it before Razelago's nex statement throws her normally valm and disinterested demeanor into one of total surprise. “One that dismisses Rhona Staelish as the sheriff of Longacre."
The towering tiefling's eyebrows arch wide. "Well, seems we have a full day ahead of us. Let us be off."
Lucien reads each decree in turn.
"Interesting, to say the least. I'm certain the Archbaron has his reasons for dismissing the sheriff, but someone has to uphold law and order, especially at this volatile time. Who is going to assume that responsibility?"
"Would that be you?", Alessandra asks Razelago, in extend to Lucien's question.
Razelago chuckles darkly, "And lose power? No. Staelish is popular with the people—because she’s soft. She’s never seen eye to eye with the archbaron. In these times, we need unity between our leaders and those who would enforce their will.”
“You have until noon today. Perform as reliably as you have in your last two tasks, and I’ll pay what we agreed upon for your first task. If this assignment goes smoothly, the Archbaron would like to meet with you. It sounds as though he might soon have some civil positions to fill.”
Alessandra looks at Cimri.
"You may get to throw your own aunt into jail. That doesn't happen every day.", she faintly smiles.
Back to Razelago,
"We'll be sure to be as efficient as possible.", she makes a polite nod, then heads for the door.
"You all coming?"
There is a slight amusement in her tone.
Jerax tries to stifle a grin. "After you, Miss Venci."
Pharice nods, sparing a moment for concerned study of Cimri. Family can be a trigger of weakness and it wouldn’t be good if he gad to put their patron’s liaison down due to a momentary pang of familial obligation.
"Civil positions?" Draco says, muttering a little bit to himself. Civilians were always a pain to deal with. The pay had been good though so far so there was no reason to go and give up the coin. He would grab one of the decrees and place it into his bag, giving a quick whistle to let Rufus know that they were about to go.
"Right. Let's go round up an aunt." A cheeky grin spread across his face as he nudged Cimri. "She should be proud. You're getting into law enforcement."
"I agree the jail should be our first stop. We don't want to risk any public confrontations with the sheriff if she takes it upon herself to question our authority." Lucien says, as he gathers his gear.
As an afterthought, he shoots a glance at Cimri.
"Considering your family relations, do you want to sit this part of our assignment out? "
Cimri looks up at Lucien as if seeing him for the first time before she loks back at the letterm A slow smile creeps across her face before she responds, "No, lets do her last. It's a second notice anyway and I want to cherish the memory. If she wants to take it out into the street I'll happily throw her off her fuxking high horse and into the mud in front of everyone in this s%@+ hole town. And it'll be my legal duty to do so."
Cimri’s respons triggers a look of approval from Lucien. Putting the law before personal sentiments is something every cleric of Asmodeus can respect.
”All right then. You can have the honor of presenting her with the notice personally.” he says with a cold smile.
"Sounds fair enough then. Let us go hang up the decrees at the closest post. Then we'll give your aunt the good news." Draco says, exiting the room with his dog in tow. Time was ticking away and the mercenary wanted his pay before noon arrived.
Acquiescing to Cimri's desire to satiate familial sadism the group takes up the notices and make their way into a drizzly, dreary town. The first stop is the church square where a notice post sprouting from a dirt patch is shielded from the rain by a round copper top with a woman shaped archer serving as a weather vane capping it off. Numerous postings sit here including older decrees, advertisements, pleas for assistance, and other miscellaneous postings.
"Hmm." Jerax pondered, looking at the Archbaron's tax notice. "Is it me, Reverend Servinus? Or does it appear the Archbaron knows jack sh|t about asmodean taxation principles?"
Lucien appears to be too focused on the task at hand and possible hostile reactions that he fails to take notice of his surroundings.
”I’m certain the Archbaron has given careful consideration to both the teachings of Asmodeus and the nessecities of rulership when crafting these proclamations, Jerax. In any event, it’s not our place to question our lawful liege.”
Draco grimaces a little at the number of decrees that were about the increased rate of taxation. It appeared that the general amount had been going higher and higher, enough so that it encouraged the townsfolk to find other means of supporting themselves. A taxed citizenry was a volatile one. It meant that they were certainly putting open targets on their back.
"It is a strange strategy for sure, Jerax." Draco says softly as he takes the newest decree and begins to nail it to the post. Rufus calmly lays by the mercenary's feet as he does so.
"I'd say you are correct, Jerax. If i recall a lecture right, overtaxjng invites protests and rebellion.
Kindles for such as the Reclamation, per chance?", she lets the question hang for a moment.
”He should be reported. If the Archbaron is corrupt and using his office for selfish gain to the detriment of society, his noble superiors should remove him and replace him with a more civic-minded noble. That’s how the system works.”
While the group co siders the archbarons economic policies several people around the square meander over to look at the new notice posted up. The reaction is immediate outrage and anxiety. Several of the townsfolk protest about being treated like prisoners, while another complains bitterly about how everyone will be ruined by the severely restricted trade and ridiculous taxes.
One woman in particular bearing a black parasol and a severe demeanor turns to you and gets your attention, "Excuse me, I have questions about this decree if you would answer them?"
"We are but the people paid for the labor of hanging these, but we will try helping you with the answers if we can."
Remember, daughter, an inquisitor is both to be feared and respected. But a part of respect comes from treating others with it as well. Stay civil, where appropriate, and let reason and posture work for you.
Yes, mother.
Alessandra keeps an open stance on this. She doesn't rest a hand on her weapon, aiming to give off a civil, if professional, outward appearance.
[ooc]anyone else wish to contribute before I move on?[/b]
Jerax stood next to Alessandra, arms crossed, awaiting the Karen's questions.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Like the lady said, we're just the messengers. I'm sure some of the more...enlightened folk...might be able to help you." Draco says, giving a nod of support to Alessandra. His tone was calm, disarming. He rather not deal with an angry mob of peasants. No one liked angry mobs.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Indeed, Our role here is merely as the extended hand of the Archbaron himself. However, I am well versed in matters of the law and will answer you questions if I can."
The woman seems unfazed by the groups answers and starts asking her questions, "Will those breaking curfew to seek emergency medical assistance be arrested?"
"I am not a spokesperson for the Archbaron, so my words should not be taken as fact. I would think asking for a supervised escort to lead you through the curfew, would not be unreasonable."
"That said, specific details would best be discussed at the local official's office. It is, after all, my own estimate on the matter."
"Is someone in your circle suffering from bad health, then?"
The woman seems to be perfectly sincere in her questions and doesn't even register an emotional response to Allessandras partial deflection. Though the people around her seem dissatisfied with the non answers.
"I'm a doctor and ill-fortune does not care for the decress of our lord. I would need to know the risks should I or a patient of mine need immediate attention. Who would my patients need to see for a supervised escort in the dead of night should one become injured or sick? While speaking of that half of Longacre is related in some form or another what does "family" mean within the context of these decrees?"
Half of Lonacre is one big family? Yuck...
"As i said, miss, that is only my own thought on the matter. And during a curfew, there would be people walking their rounds, wouldn't there?
And doctors keep the populace healthy, such an occupation should be helped if it is needed."
Alessandra keeps as calm a pose as possible, while inside she'd rather stuff an old sweaty sock in the woman's mouth and walk away.
"I can understand your concern, but we can only answer on what we ourselves have been informed of, and what we 'think' could happen."
She hopes Lucien could work some law speech that can sway the rabble.
"You would want to seek out the sheriff or one of the deputies for escort. If one is not available for some reason, the sick or injured would need to wait or assess the risk. If illness is regular, a writ of exemption would need to be written. You could apply for one for your business, ma'am." Draco said, speaking up and drawing some of the crowd's ire away from Alessandra. He stands up a little straighter, stepping out to draw in more of their "Family counts towards your closest blood and those in the same home. Not your cousins or in-laws."
"That would be my belief, of course. Like my compatriot here said, we are but the agents of the Baron. Your elected officials will have more information." Draco hated this part; dealing with civilians. The orders were plain and easy to understand but everyone was always looking to wriggle under the rules. It'd be easier to pommel strike a fool and just put them in their place.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Lucien takes a moment to carefully study and contemplate the legal text of the decree before adding his answer to the discussion.
"The decree is quite clear on this. From the hour after dusk to the hour before dawn, no citizen of Longacre is allowed upon the town’s streets without a writ of exception bearing the seal of House Fex. The archbaron’s agents and sanctioned local businesses are exempt from this order. Those seeking a writ of exception may apply at the Longacre Notary. So, anyone experiencing a medical emergency should seek out the notary for a writ of exemption. In addition, as a healer I would expect that you yourself will qualify for such an exemption and be permitted to make house calls." he says with perfect civility before adding.
"Of course, anyone feigning illness as an excuse to visit an outlawed temple or attend a religious gathering will have to answer to the proper authorities and faces the consequences of their deceit. But I'm certain that won't be relevant for you or your patients, doctor...?" he adds, framing the last word as a question to prompt an introduction from the black-clad bystander.
"Rohalendi" ,the docotr says pressing forward into her questioning, "how would someone from outside town receive a writ of passage if they're not allowed to visit the notary? Also is a group gathering at the tavern to assist in its operation within the "natural course of business?""
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Well, Doctor Rohalendi, I'm afraid that in these troubling times, with violent religious fanatics roaming the countryside and threatening the lawful rule of our proud nation and the peace of this town, outside visitors may have to accept certain inconveniences in the sake of security. As for the taverns, any employees of sanctioned businesses are of course permitted to be on the premises. But again, the same caution applies as before. Any attempt to abuse this to circumvent the law will be severely punished."
While speaking, Lucien carefully studies both Rohalendi and the surrounding crowd to get a read on their motivations and reactions.
Sensing that continuing this discussion in front of a large gathering is not in the groups best interest, he aims to isolate the inquisitive stranger.
"Now, I'm terribly sorry, but we have more of these decrees to post throughout the town, and really must carry on with our official duties. If you wish to apply for an permit to conduct your business as a healer after curfew, we can escort you to the office of the notary. Any further questions you might have can be answered there."
Seeing the crowd gather, Pharice slips back a bit and be ensures his cloak is free from his bolt case.
The doctor is a rock who listens carefully but betrays no reaction. The crowd itself is mixed, some seeing rationality and reason, and others not being so easily placated.
She shakes her head at Lycien's offer. "No, I will see to it for myself. I will take up no more of your time. Good day."
With that she takes her leave and the crowd simply mills about muttering amongst themselves about the posting.
Alessandra was slightly disappointed the doctor didn't show emotion of setback. Then again, a defiance such as hers was....respectable, in a way. But even such a thing can last only so long.
"Well, that was relatively painless." Jerax commented. "Let's change that and head to the sherrif's office? You ready, Cimri?" The towering tiefling nodded at the rogue.
Draco lets out a soft whistle and gives a shrug for a moment.
"Well, that could've gone worse right. I think, if Cimri wants to go relieve her aunt last, there is the tavern and then the castle gates themselves yeah? We'll hit the tavern next? I'm sure it is close." Draco says quietly. He was glad to have such confident speakers with them, dealing with civilians was always such a pain in the ass.
"Sounds like a good route, Draco. Just as long as you all remember that we're to post the decree OUTSIDE the tavern, not partake of the services." Lucien says with a humorous jab at the group members who went drinking last night.