"Good thinking. And everyone be ready to strike if it appears again in range!"
Mila nods tensely. She has no idea how to fight something that they can't see like this and is torn between trying to heal their injured versus readying to attack. Park and Rajuna's ideas to wait til they can see it seem born of experience, so she nods grimly, nocks an arrow, and... waits.
As Zhandar's mist unfurls across the ground around you, the group waits in the cold air of the Ustalav night for the spider to reappear. A few seconds pass, then a minute. Soon it's been a few minutes, and the spider with an elf face has not shown back up.
The mist spell dissipates finally, dropping down into the ground slowly over the last bit of its duration. You exit the 'protection' of the mist expecting to be jumped by the spider immediately after, but it doesn't come.
You are alone in the marsh, the only sound being the whispering of the wind through the trees and the reeds.
Unfortunately, you also find Aleece, her broken and battered body lying half-submerged in the bog a few yards past the spider's 'nest'. She had obviously died hours ago, almost certainly from the spider's venom.
Park keeps his dagger ready and watches as the mist slowly clears. The spider was more dangerous than anything he wanted to face at the moment.... "Let's bring the body back. They should be allowed to conduct whatever sort of rites they believe in. Small consolation, but at least they'll know."
Raj quickly collects the victims’ good, all the while keeping a sharp eye out for the spider. He wraps the girl in his burnoose and gathers her up. ”Let’s go quick.”
Mila has trouble believing the threat is truly gone, but the seconds dragon and on and on with no further attack and there's only so long you can keep tension on a bowstring. Finally she sighs, and they go about a more thorough search.
The half-elf can't help a small gasp at the sight of the woman they were sent to rescue. "Oh no. Oh... her poor sisters...."
She swallows thickly, brushes at her eyes with her shirtsleeve. She cannot help but think of Ivgeny... another doomed, stupid rescue mission...
After Raj has bundled the poor woman's body into his cloak, she looks around at the others. "Can we give her sisters a little somethin', for the cost of burial if nothin' else? --actually, hang on, I've got enough gold to spare. I'll see to that."
Mila re-nocks a arrow. "Right, let's get outta this damn swamp and back to 'em, even if we got bad news. That damn spider thing shows up again, 'm shootin' it right in its creepy face."
Raj struggles finding a way to carry the body by himself, but he'd rather everyone else have a chance to defend themselves when... well, can a spider start or stop playing 'possum'? "I don't mind helping out with the funeral, burial, or what have you."
Zhandar shakes her head. "That could easily have been one of us, if we had not been wise enough to remain in a group. Of course we will help them. Isn't that right, Fingers?" The monkey screeches and shakes his head. "Fingers can hold a shovel," she suggests, teasing the little creature."We should also warn them that the creature may still be active, and help them post watches on the rest of the way to Lepistadt. It harms us none, and will help them greatly."
Rajuna trudges along cautiously, watching his steps over the boggy ground while lugging a body. "For group safety - more theirs than ours - we might want to join our wagon to their caravan tonight. Or try to get everyone rolling to Lepidstadt. We could get there by midnight, I think. Staying anywhere near that spider's hunting ground is asking for trouble."
Heading back to Kaleb with Aleece’s body takes a little bit longer than the trip into the bog in the first place, but the spider does not make another appearance. Seems like you’ve done enough damage to drive it off!
Kaleb and the other performers are obviously distraught to hear of Aleece’s fate, but at the very least they are grateful to have closure. ”Was hoping you would find her just dozing somewhere under a tree all peaceful, but I suppose that’s asking for too much around these parts.” he says glumly, frowning. ”Well, as promised. One magical dagger.” he nods, presenting the dagger to the closest member and letting them take it. ”Got it as payment for a private show in some backwater town farther south, lady who gave it to us said it is real good against those strange shapeshifting types.”
”Listen, we uh, don’t usually take in strangers and outsiders…but on special occasions we like to make exceptions. Would you like to join up with our posse for the remainder of the trip to Lepistadt? Shouldn’t be for more than a few hours at our pace, and sticking together in groups out in these marshes is always better than not, in my humble opinion.”
Raj hesitates… bothered by accepting ‘payment’ when they failed to bring the girl back alive. After a moment, he takes the dagger with a nod of thanks and puts it away . ”I think traveling together is a good idea. And if we have to stop for any reason, no one goes alone anywhere. Do you need help with… Aleece’s arrangements?” It was the most delicate way the thief could think to ask about what they planned to do with the girl’s body.
"Seems a good idea, Mister Kaleb," Mila says, her usual good spirit subdued. "I'd feel better if you had us to see you safe to town. 'm so sorry for Aleece. I'd like to put in some coins to see she's buried proper, whether in Lepidstadt or... or by the road, whatever you folk feel is best."
Zhandar's mood is subdued and somber. She returns to her normal size before they reach the circle of wagons, and instinctively keeps her head bowed out of respect (or fear). However, anyone watching her carefully might note that she is constantly scanning the area and the people nearby to see if she detects any potential trouble. She does her best to avoid the animals, though the monkey riding on her shoulder (and occasionally on her head between her horns) is conspicuous.
Park accepts the somber tone but brightens up when they mention traveling together.
"I agree, this area seems dangerous. We'd be happy to join with your caravan. Do you happen to have any musicians in your troupe? I'm a Bard so of course always interested in new music, and stories."
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Do you need help with… Aleece’s arrangements?
I'd like to put in some coins to see she's buried proper, whether in Lepidstadt or... or by the road, whatever you folk feel is best.
The ringleader shakes his head somewhat uncomfortably before motioning to two of the other members of the troupe (a nearly 7 foot tall woman with a beard down to her waist and an 8 foot tall shockingly Ulfen man with large muscles) who move over to take Aleece's body from you and move away with it.
"Ah, no thank you. I appreciate the thought but we have a tradition as it were, all of us burn on pyres after...expiration. Death is something we're all familiar with, as the mutants and freaks our troupe is made of are all aware of how often it visits us. Your concern is much valued, however."
We'd be happy to join with your caravan. Do you happen to have any musicians in your troupe?
Kaleb claps his hands together, elated, seemingly forgetting the dark topic he was discussing only seconds ago. Strange folk, these.
"Delightful! I'll have the troupe finish up our...business...here, and then we'll be on the way immediately. We do not have any bards or the like, but we always appreciate a good song! Perhaps this calls for a small campfire song session?" he says, performing a small little jig in front of the group and making his way towards the center of the wagon circle.
Park joins Kaleb in his celebration. He knows that Rajuna seems to have some distrust of the man. But he seems sincere. "A campfire song session sounds like fun. But later, once we're safe."
The caravan master nods his head, clearly understanding and not offended. "Of course, of course, my apologies. Got ahead of myself." he replies, bowing a little bit. "We'll be packed up and ready to move on to Lepidstadt within fifteen minutes. We have some leftover soup and bread if you're hungry, before we go."
He then excuses himself and moves to go assist the rest of his troupe in putting away what little they had unpacked while waiting for Aleece. Within the promised fifteen minutes, they are indeed ready and make their departure from their impromptu camping spot.
The walls of Lepidstadt are within sight a couple of hours before midnight, and even outside of the city you can feel the excitement of the populace. Something has stirred them up, and you imagine you know why. The Crooked Kin give their farewell here, splitting off from your group to make their own path into the city.
Upon your arrival in the city proper, you find an almost carnival atmosphere in the city. The trial of the Beast of Lepidstadt has already commenced, and things don’t look good for the creature from what you can see and hear from the crowded streets. A huge pyre in the shape of a man—Lepidstadt’s famous Punishing Man—has been erected in the main circle outside the courthouse, and locals eagerly add fuel to the effigy in preparation for the Beast’s execution.
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.
Park checks with the caravan master to see where they'll be camped. If they have the chance he still wants to get together to enjoy their company and music.
Entering Lepidstadt holds mixed feelings for Park. It was home for many years, and the buildings haven't changed. The feel of the city is different though. The Trial of the Beast sounds wrong. Didn't this "Beast" have a name? Calling it/him/her "the Beast of Lepidstadt" pretty well showed that the decision had already been made for the trial!
"Let's get this wagon where it needs to go. We've got some books to deliver and a report to give, and a bit of money to collect. And maybe we can find out what's going on. This looks almost like a party!"
Having been on the blade-end of the legal system, Rajuna casts a baleful eye on the Punishing Man and the festive atmosphere.
”It’s gotta be gettin’ on toward midnight. We should find a place to bed down until morning. We can take care of our business then. Ms. Lorrimor, Park, this is more your town than mine. Should we head to the University?”
"There are a lot of people I'd like to see. But you are right, tomorrow."
"Over by the University, and maybe look up Embreth Daramid? The professor's friend, he's the one we need to see about the books and his man that was killed trying to collect the taxes. And he's a judge. He can possibly tell us about this.... beast, and the trial."
"But for now maybe he could tell us where to park?"
Mila is as wide-eyed as any country rube (which she undeniably is) when they enter the city. It is the biggest settlement she has ever been on-- while Lepidstadt is not a shadow on distant Absalom, to Mila it might as well be that legendary city. She stares at everything, nearly tripping over her feet more than once as she can't take her eyes off the buildings, the people, the crowds....
She runs into Rajuna's back when the group stops to discuss their plans, her eyes fixed on the edge of the roofs around them. "--oof! Sorry, Raj--"
"Uh, yeah, whatever you all think is... good... there's so many people..."
She runs into Rajuna's back when the group stops to discuss their plans, her eyes fixed on the edge of the roofs around them. "--oof! Sorry, Raj--"
Rajuna is amused not offended. He gives her a sidelong glance and a quirked smile. "If you wanna get that close, buy me dinner first."
Zhandar walks behind the others, as is her wont, trying to remain as far from the animals pulling the wagon as she can while still keeping it in sight. Once in the city she keeps closer to the shadows and keeps her hood up. She has been to Lepidstadt before, but only to the university and only for a few days as she tried to locate Professor Lorrimor, before she learned he had died. Like Mila she is less familiar with cities, and she immediately finds the streets and alleys oppressive and dangerous. She smirks at the flirty way the others are treating each other, which helps to take her mind off of recent unpleasantness, and she hustles forward when they begin to discuss their plans. "We don't want to get mixed up in this business with the Beast, surely," she says. "I've seen the beginnings of an angry mob before and it's not pretty. I'm sure the judge'll want this delivery as soon as possible, and might be able to advise us on where to go from there."
With it being so close to midnight, you are sure that anyone as old as the judge is almost certainly asleep by now, or at least in the final preparations of getting ready to do so.
Regardless of that assumption however, it seems as if that she has decided to reach out to you first. A hurried messenger stops only long enough to drop two letters into the hands of whoever is closest before scurrying off into the night to continue delivering their load.
The first letter, when opened, proves to be a simple invitation from Judge Daramid on plain white stationary with her judicial seal at the bottom. It is hastily written, and implores you visit her at once, even at this late hour.
The second letter is of a similar make to the first letter you received way back in Ravengro, an unadorned black envelope with two letters inked on the front in that familiar silvery ink: D.H..
Another battle fought, another nest of vermin burned away. You truly are tireless in your crusade, though I wonder—how much satisfaction did this particular victory bring you? Did the clash of steel and spell against rotting zealots feel fulfilling? Did the stench of their decaying faith make your efforts seem righteous?
Oh, don’t be surprised. Word travels fast, even in places you think it shouldn’t. I know what you did. I know of the slaughtered cultists, of the desperate villagers who will now sleep easier, and of poor Elias, who—tragically—has been beyond saving for quite some time.
I must admit, I almost envy you. It must be such a thrill to stumble into these little horrors, to snuff out festering evils and think, for a moment, that you are making the world a better place. But tell me—have you ever wondered who is setting the pieces before you?
This was not your fight, and yet you fought it. This was not your town, and yet you bled for it. You chase ghosts, silencing the wailing dead, but in doing so, you make way for something else. Something greater.
I do hope you keep going. I so enjoy watching you carve a path forward—especially since I already know where it leads.
With deepest amusement,
Death's Herald"
Rajuna reads both letters, relatively stone-faced, before handing them off to the next teammate. "It looks like we were expected. Let's go visit the Judge." While he wasn't terribly familiar with Lepidstadt, he made a point of knowing where the halls of justice were in every town just so he could steer clear of them.
He hops up into the wagon's seat and nudges the animals in the right direction.
The judge's house is a surprisingly small affair for such an obviously important member of the justice system, pointing her to being a judge of the more honest kind. Which makes sense when you think about the mission she assigned you and the fact that she was good friends with the professor. That doesn't stop her from having a front parlor room complete with a butler, however, proving that even she has a few comforts not available to the lower classes.
Said butler answers the door and welcomes you into the aforementioned parlor room to wait a few minutes. The waiting room is sparsely furnished, only a handful of rather plain chairs marking it as anything other than a room to store coats. A few moments into the wait, the butler returns with a small tray of pastries and a water pitcher. "It's not much but the best I could manage at such a late hour, you understand." he says politely before excusing himself once more.
Within half an hour you are sat before Judge Daramid, a frail-looking older woman with long white hair tied up in a bun behind her head. She isn't wearing her judge robes but instead a comfortable nightgown.
"Welcome to Lepidstadt! I am sorry your first impression of our grand city is this insufferable nonsense." Her voice is gravelly, clearly displaying her age, yet somehow also extremely calming.
Park reads the letter with a grim face. He hesitates, then hands it along for the others. "The supposed Death's Herald? If he, or she is wasting magic to watch us I hope he's enjoying the show. And we'll just have to keep beating his minions until we meet him and destroy him...."
Park smiles to the butler and takes one of the pastries when brought. "Thank you sir. We we're expecting anything at this hour. This is excellent."
He stands as the judge enters the room. He is impressed with her voice. Has she had voice training or is it natural? "Thank you for receiving us at this late hour. And indeed the 'nonsense' is strange. I spent my early years at the temple of Pharasma and then some time at the University. It seemed very strange to see. If you don't mind my asking, what is it all about?"
Mila shakes her head at the creepy letter, confused enough, though the others explain it isn't the first such missive they've gotten.
"They're tryin' to scare us," she mutters. "I don't take kindly to that..."
***
The judge's house may be modest compared to others in Lepidstadt, but it's quite enough for Mila's sensibilities. A BUTLER. She's never been somewhere where there was a BUTLER before. She sits as still and straight as possible, worried she might somehow get muck of the road onto the furniture, and meekly accepts her pastries and water with a mumbled thank you.
Should she bow to the judge? Park gets to his feet, so she gets to hers too, and manages an awkward half-bow, then stands there shifting her weight from foot to foot and feeling awkward. Mama's life skills had been varied and useful, but they hadn't said anything about how to handle yourself with a fancy judge in a fancy house in fancy Lepidstadt. She decides it is much better to let Park do the talking.... he's so good at it.
Raj eats a couple pastries quickly before the judge shows up. He doesn’t want to talk around food. When she appears, he offers Daramid a respectful nod. ” ’Preciate the hospitality, ma’am, sincerely. The hour is late and I’d rather not keep you up longer than necessary. So, I’ll come to the bad news directly… with no offense meant.” He pulls the tax-man’s mace from his pack and sets it down gently on a table. ”I’m sad to say, Elias Kyle is dead. We have the tax money and some other evidence. It looks like Kyle, in the course of his duties, tripped over a cult of Urgathoa with some worship of Ghlaunder as well… an’ it cost him his life. We did the cult in… save a couple novices who didn’t seem to know what was goin’ on and the brother of their leader who fled the night before we went to work on the rest of them. With your help, we’d like to give his description and particulars so the constabulary can keep a wary eye out for him.”
Park breaks in after Rajuna to add, "It might be a good idea as well to speak with the Church of Desna to see if they could send someone there. The Urgathoans were masquerading as Desna clergy. Maybe valid clergy could set them right."
"No offense taken. Het Aaru Muut, favored is brevity." she replies, smiling genuinely as he explains the situation in Shadowbrook.
"Ah, of course. I had nearly forgotten the matter I sent you on, with all of this other business sweeping me away all the time. It is regrettable that you could not find him alive, but what is done is done." she seems truly sad to hear about Elias' fate, and perhaps was even his friend. "I will ensure the Desnan church knows about this, and I am sure they'll send their own priests to clear things up. So many small cults springing up around these past few years, makes for dark times."
"I see you brought the books with you, good. I was extremely saddened to hear of the professor's death, he was a good friend and mentor. I only require the one book, however, and I have your payment right here. I expect, of course, for you to deliver the other three to Dr. Crowl at the university tomorrow however. Do not make me regret this trust." she says, waving her hand towards four rich purple coin purses over on a side table.
"I appreciate a job well done from competent agents. Should you wish to investigate these troublesome matters and earn a little bit of extra coin from my personal treasury, I'd like to hire you on to help out a little bit more."
"As a judge, I have a keen sense of justice, and I fear the Beast will not receive a fair trial. The people of Lepidstadt have blamed the Beast for too much and for too long, and they want it to pay for its crimes, whether those crimes are real or imagined. In addition, I have some concerns about the crime for which the Beast was finally apprehended—the break-in and theft at Lepidstadt University. I am also convinced that the Beast’s capture at the university was not all it appeared to be, for why would a creature that is intelligent knowingly enter the university, where it was certain to be trapped? However, to publicly announce my suspicions could obviously put me at great risk, both professionally and politically. As one of the three justices presiding over the Beast’s trial, I am unable to openly intervene, other than insisting that the Beast be properly defended in court."
"To that end, what I really need is a group of people without local bias to uncover the real truth about the Beast and its alleged crimes. The Beast’s legally appointed advocate, a barrister named Gustav Kaple, is hopelessly over his head and needs help—ideally someone to gather evidence about the Beast’s alleged crimes and stand up in court to be questioned by the prosecution. Such speakers must have bravery in spades and silver tongues to match, to ensure that if there is more to the Beast’s story, justice will be done. If the Beast is indeed guilty, then I can at least rest easier at night knowing that I gave it a fair trial."
"I would like you to be that unbiased investigator group, and will offer each of you a further one hundred platinum pieces beyond the two hundred in that bag if you investigate the Beast of Lepidstadt on my behalf while expressly keeping my name out of the equation, as any hint of collaboration in your investigations would put my and your legal objectivity into question. I, of course, would deny any involvement in such matters, but if you do get to the bottom of things here regardless of outcome, I will be very grateful indeed."
Mila listens in silence, mostly, occasionally chewing her lower lip. She has no idea what the 'het muut' the judge said has to do with anything but isn't going to highlight her ignorance.
Her brows draw slowly together at all the explanation of the Beast not getting a fair trial.... the town stirred up... and so forth. When the judge seems to have concluded, Mila hesitantly raises her hand.
"Um.... I'm... not from here, ma'am," she says awkwardly. "Could you maybe.... tell me a bit more about... who or what the 'beast' is? I mean... this is a creature? That they've got captured? I ain't never heard of it before today."
(So much for not highlighting her ignorance.)
"Of course we'll take the books to Dr. Crowl. I spent enough time at the University to get to his office. And if you want us to investigate the 'Beast' for this trial, we'll do our best with that."
He pauses for the details and scowls at some of it. "I wondered about the carnival attitude out there. Someone, or some group, is obviously riling up the people. Usually there wouldn't be such a party-like group waiting for the trial of a criminal unless it was some creature that had earned a reputation for mayhem and destruction across the countryside!" He pauses for a moment, thinking. "And you may be right about the 'cancer', the darkness lurking. And it may be linked to us. We have.... a watcher, possibly a puppet-master in the shadows behind our activities." He gets the latest note out to show her. "We believe the Professor's death, and the activities in the destroyed prison, and likely the town of Shadowbrook, to be linked. Orchestrated by some individual, or group, for some purpose that we don't understand, yet. And if they are behind this manipulation of the courts for the Beast? Then we are definitely wanting to investigate it."
"After we deliver the other books to Dr. Crowl I think we need to meet with his defender, Gustav Kaple. He can lay out what he knows about the case, the accusers, and details of the supposed crimes. And if possible I think we should meet with the Beast. Maybe if we explain that we are on his side and he can trust us he can give us his side of the story. Where he was and what he was doing when the crimes happened, and if there are any witnesses. We might need to track them down and convince them to testify. ??"
"How much time do we have? With the mob out there I doubt that there's much and not likely to have any chance of a delay. And of course there will also be whatever roadblocks the 'darkness' can throw in front of us."
Rajuna listens to the judge without comment, except for the occasional nod.
”And if you want us to investigate the 'Beast' for this trial, we'll do our best with that.”
Raj shakes his head. ”Don’t say that again. We’re curious about the inconsistent stories about the ‘Beast’, decided to investigate on our own, and are goin’ to offer Gustav Kaple our help. That’s our truth.”
He looks to the judge, ”It’s best if we only see you in court, Your Honor. However, if a meeting is critical, name an hour of the night when your butler might anticipate a visitor at the back door. And before we leave, I’d enjoy a moment to take in the evening air in your backyard.”
Zhandar frowns as the judge inserts a cryptic phrase into her speech, but though it sounds familiar she can't place it.
Her stony expression softens as the judge explains what is happening with the Beast in town. She speaks up when things get quiet. "Thank you, your honor. It's not for me to decide, and of course I'll go along with what these fine folks I travel with want to do, but speaking for myself I have some familiarity with what a riled up angry crowd can do, and I'd like to find out exactly what the truth is for my own peace of mind. My involvement isn't going to make us more friends with the locals, but I think that was unlikely in any case."
"Could you maybe.... tell me a bit more about... who or what the 'beast' is? I mean... this is a creature? That they've got captured? I ain't never heard of it before today."
The judge nods understanding before answering. ”It is indeed a ‘creature’. Made of flesh sheets stitched together by some horrible creator presumably and imbued with a semblance of awareness, the Beast is allegedly a terrible monster that everyone believes is the cause of most of Lepidstadt’s crime in one way or another. It’s currently being held in a jail cell at the courthouse, but you can go visit it and his defense counsel tomorrow morning.”
Daramid is extremely disturbed to learn of the strange ‘shadow’ Park describes, her reaction to both the recent letter and the information of the professor’s death being intentional darkening her face with regret and rage. ”If what you say is true, then we cannot take any risks in ensuring they are found out and justice correctly meted out. I wish I could be of more direct aid, but alas. I am sure you understand.”
”How much time do we have?”
”Thankfully I have been successful in ensuring the rule of law is enforced with regards to the Beast’s trial. It will get all the rightful protections in court that any sentient member of the town would get. The trial officially starts tomorrow evening after supper, and you should ensure you go visit the Beast’s counsel and the Beast itself at the courthouse before that happens. Gustav will have the particulars on the crimes it is accused of, and any evidence or plans he has.”
”However, if a meeting is critical, name an hour of the night when your butler might anticipate a visitor at the back door. And before we leave, I’d enjoy a moment to take in the evening air in your backyard.”
”Of course, a wise decision. I’ll have him wait at the back door around two o’ clock in the morning, but only for half an hour. If you need to speak to me, that is the best time to do so. It’s not like I’d be sleeping anyway, with all the work I’ve had to do lately.” she grumbles, running her hands through her hair in frustration. ”Of course, of course. Do whatever it takes, whatever you need.” she says to Rajuna's request to head to the back yard.
” My involvement isn't going to make us more friends with the locals, but I think that was unlikely in any case."
”We aren’t strangers to the more exotic races around, I’ll admit that easily. In normal times you might face some problems with the more bold members of the public. But now? I mean this in the best of ways, but you’re likely not very high on their priority list. For now, anyway, that is a good thing. It’ll allow your group to stay somewhat unnoticed as long as you don’t draw undue attention to yourselves.”
Park hears the description and just wonders…. ”So, the Beast is a construct? But…. Some how it has awareness? You mean it’s capable of free thinking? Making decisions? I didn’t think that was possible! Well, we’ll have to see it, I mean him, tomorrow.”
Mila makes a face at 'skin sheets stitched together' but doesn't otherwise react. Seems best just to sip her tea.
Her mama, she muses, might just put arrows in it without asking any questions. She is learning the world outside the village is big indeed.
Zhandar nods soberly, trying to hide her sharp teeth as she speaks. "Do you have a suggestion for where we should stay while we are here? Ideally someplace with a room big enough for me to use as a preparation chamber for my various potions, mixtures and unguents. I am not sure how much time we will have to do any alchemical brewing, but it would certainly improve our chances if we can squeeze in time amidst our investigation."
"So, the Beast is a construct? But…. Some how it has awareness? You mean it’s capable of free thinking? Making decisions? I didn’t think that was possible!
The judge nods, seemingly understanding of the confusion of the situation. "We didn't think it was possible at first, but the Beast can in fact even speak. Rudimentary words and sentences at best, but it's speech and conversation nonetheless."
Do you have a suggestion for where we should stay while we are here?
"There are a handful of options, depending on what you're looking for. First, the Silver Stoat. It's the regular tavern and inn where most visitors to town spend their coin. Then there's the Scholar's Rest, right outside the university grounds. It's a popular spot for out of town academics and students who wish to enjoy a night on the town." she says knowingly, looking to Park. "And the last choice I'd recommend is the Sleepless Eye, a lesser patronized and much quieter inn used by the adventurous types, or those looking to keep a low profile. I'll leave the choice up to you, there are benefits to each."
I am not sure how much time we will have to do any alchemical brewing
"I am not exactly well known in the field of alchemy, but the trial has actually already commenced and preliminary evidence has been presented to the three justices, me included." she says, shaking her head disappointingly. "The trial will begin in earnest tomorrow evening, however, as the majority of evidence will be presented over the next three days. You will have to hurry if you wish to aid Barrister Kaple in his investigations. He will be at the courthouse early tomorrow morning, before dawn, so I suggest you get a few hours of sleep and then go visit him as soon as you are able."
With the conversation winding down, Raj excuses himself to check the back door and backyard for the best ways to get into the yard unseen. He checks the entire fence line.
Park grins at mention of the Scholar's rest, but then considers the options seriously. "The Sleepless Eye would probably be the best choice for a quiet night of sleep. But we also have to consider Kendra and the wagon with all of her stuff. It might be better for us to just camp with it one more night. Then arrangements can be made for her while we meet with the Barrister and the Beast."
"If he talks, actual conversation, does he have a name that he prefers? I wouldn't want to start a conversation with an insult."
Raj is able to find a suitable place to hop the fence and head into the Judge's backyard from some hedges behind the house; you'd be hidden from the sight of all but the most determined nosy neighbor.
If he talks, actual conversation, does he have a name that he prefers?
"That, I do not know." Daramid says, almost regretfully. "You will have to ask Kaple that on the morrow. If anyone would know, it'd be him." she says, before standing.
"Now, unless you have any further pressing questions, I shall leave you to it. You shouldn't be spotted leaving through the front door at this late hour, but I would not begrudge your wariness were you to leave through the back hedges your friend found. I look forward to seeing you after your investigations and hope that we can finally, truly, put this matter of the Beast to rest one way or the other." with that she waves a hand towards the butler, who had been standing silently beside the door to her office. He opens the door to the parlor, indicating that your time here is at an end.
Rajuna has never found it wise to test a judge's patience. "Let's go to the Sleepless Eye." He starts herding the group out the back door. Once they are out and the wagon is rolling he says, "Likely we aren't the first wagon to stop at the Sleepless Eye. We can probably get a berth for the wagon. Some folks can get rooms tonight. Me, and whoever else wants, can stay with the wagon tonight."
Zhandar grimaces slightly at the accelerated timetable, but nods to demonstrate her understanding as well as indicate a farewell to the judge. She follows the others out the back door with a pondering expression. "If no one objects to sharing with me," she says cautiously, "I would prefer to sleep in a bed tonight, but since I won't be able to do any brewing, I don't need or want a room all to myself."