At the words of the advisor, Roger sighs. "I am not sure how I can defend myself when there is no way to prove my words are correct and my accusers are wrong. I really would like to see who accused me. Or, if that fails, is there a way to prove my innocence through a trial, like combat or skill?"
Of course, you claim that you all did not know each other, and you claim you have no memory, but who is to vouch for this? Master Halfling, you had mentioned seeing your accusers. Well, that brings us to another matter. You were observed in this collaborative act of treason by…informants. These men, as I am sure you can imagine, would be useless to us if people knew who they were, is that not so? He beckons for the guard from your cell to come over to him, and whispers a question to him.
Xenor dismisses the guard and clears his throat once more. We cannot therefore show you our informants. However, I believe you may have already seen said informant. I cannot show him to you all now though, because he is no longer of this world. Yes. A man who I am now able to refer to as Dieter Stolzdorf was an informant of ours. He managed to send off a carrier pigeon as he discovered your plot, and he even managed to remain with you all, undiscovered. Truly a great spy, this man…but no more. Jailor, please repeat what you just said to me.
The guard returns and clears his own throat in a poor attempt at formality. Yes sir. I jus’ said that the other prisoner they was with…we ah…found ‘im dead this mornin’ in the cell.
Thank you, that will be all, my good man. Xenor dismisses the guard, who returns to his place in a cloud of pride.
Are you all still resolute in your assertions that you have done nothing wrong? Although the crimes you are now being accused of are severe, the ultimatum has not yet been passed and the sentence, whatever it may be, may yet be reduced or altered.
He looks severely at each one of you in turn.
You have failed in your attempt to pass this secret message. However, thankfully nobody has noticed you making eyes at her. Message check: The princess does not see you.
"Sir, the guard you just spoke to, who discovered the body of Dieter Stolzdorf, can also surely affirm that I was trying to check on his health and revive him as the guards entered the room. I wished the man no harm, for I did not know him. I cannot speak to what happened before I woke up, but I witnessed no hostility towards the man you say was the informant. If none of us wished ill upon him, how could he have died. It seems as though we may have been set up."
Voem resists the urge to lower his head, but instead keeps looking forward, willing to make eye contact with Xenor.
Perception
Noticing a brief exchange between Xenor and the guard, Voem ponders on what it may mean.
Knowing I have nothing more to add, and seeing that my attempts at diplomacy apparently went unnoticed I decide to say nothing more until I am asked or more information is presented.
Hearing this, Kale's mouth drops slightly open. He then quickly lowers his head, glancing around at the others as he does so.
"Reduced or altered....how?" Kale speaks just loud enough for the man to hear him.
Hearing Kale speak, Roger nods. "Yes, that is a good question. Reduced or altered how exactly?"
Voem glances at both Kale and Roger, nodding slightly as if to say he was wondering the same thing.
Stealth Check
Bluff Secret message to Princess Salami: "I love you, don't you recognize me?"
Voem purses his lips briefly while making eye contact as if to blow a kiss. Puppy dog eyes follow.
The princess sees your puppydog eyes and her own eyes narrow so much you think she has closed them entirely. She sends you back a message.
Princess Salomé's Bluff:
The message: I will kill you, traitor!
Xenor turns after much thought and adresses the Halfling. Master Halfling, as I am sure you are aware; a witness is of no use to either of us if he is deceased. However, there was another informant there that night. He will not be revealed to anybody, and for this reason he will not be visible to you. Xenor claps his hands together and an all-black sedan chair is carried in through the main doors of the courtroom. The black blinds have been pulled and nothing can be seen behind them. The sedan chair is brought to the front of the courtroom and set down. A large wooden chest is also brought in. Xenor replies to Roger and Kale. We will see what the other informant has to say about the matter.
Xenor turns to the sedan and speaks. Greetings, informant. There is no response.
Please describe what you observed happening yesternight in The Briny Boar at the hour of ten. There is no answer from the chair.
The scratching of a quill on parchment can be heard. After what feels like an age, a black-gloved hand holding a sheet of parchment bursts abruptly out through the blinds. Xenor walks over and takes the parchment and straightens it, then passes it to the herald. In a clear voice, the herald begins to read what is written.
Eleven men sat ‘round a table for ten, it was dark and the men knew naught of last man.
The eleventh looked on from the shadows at men whose shadows threw shadows as they skritched with their pens.
“Skritch skritch” went the pens “But to what wicked ends?” Asked eleven as seven laid plans for the men.
“We will lie, said eight, we will set our best bait then we’ll hate while we wait ‘til we end lord of late.”
“Aethys? High Lord?” Asked man number four as he pattered with patterned feet far from the floor.
“Yes, little one!” said man number one with a scratch to his nose with the side of his thumb.
“We’ll be free!” Said three through his fleas and old sleaze, “We will kill him and plunder and rob as we please!”
“And my father?” asked five, with his glowering eyes, “Will the sun shine again and his story survive?”
“Not just you,” said two, “for my father died too, and I had my revenge but I’ll help you there, too!”
“It’s so slick! It’s so sick!” Said six twisting two sticks and his hands how they burned as they mixed and they mixed!
Said nine, “That is fine simply drink up your wine and leave soon or I’ll not have the presence of mind.”
“So men!” Said ten with a flourish of pen “We will strike as the fox on the poor helpless hen! And when he is dead, oh when, oh when! We will flee with his daughter and gold for all ten! That’s the end, that’s the end! When we’ve gotten ours, men! There’s no honor today there was no honor then! So let’s go, let’s prepare and if speak it you dare we will hunt you and punt you and tear out your hair! For no person or beast can hold off our great feast…that’s my consolation, I worry the least!”
But eleven knew more. He shut the door. And he shut all their eyes as they fell to the floor, saying “What have you done? Now your races are run! Will you ever again walk free in the sun? I think not, sorry sot.” and with that, it was done.
The herald promptly sits down, exhausted. The courtroom is silent.
Xenor turns back to you. Please excuse the methods of an informer, and explain. It seems that you were all in fact in the Briny Boar yesternight, and you were in fact all involved in treason. Unless you have more to say?
It appears to me that, despite such a motley gang, you possess the strength together to be very dangerous. He bends down and opens the chest, and removes some small items. A man who knows of plants, remedies, and…poisons…can be very dangerous. He says, holding up several vials of dark liquid to the light. You are a cleric of death, is this untrue? Among your possessions we found many dangerous plants and your holy symbol… And a Halfling who can sneak about and who carries … He pulls a dagger you recognize as Rishmu’s out and examines it closely a blade with the mark of a long-hunted assassin… Then there’s the orc. Powerful enough to crush most men, but he plays the role of the good and holy paladin, yes? And the Elf. You know, the blood leaves a trail… He says, plucking Connor’s bloody knife from within the chest as well. I believe I am beginning to see how this unlikely coalition formed… He says, disdain and anger creeping into his tone.
Connor's face tightens in fear and surprise. Becoming defensive, he lashes out.
"The blood on my blade was shed in Alior! It does not concern your affairs. I bring to quarrel to your land; I seek peace and a new beginning, not treason!"
"I am a cleric of healing and life first and foremost, the only reason I learned about things that deal death is so that I could better learn how to heal them! Again, I do not know of my cell mates but I am a goodly man. You present accusations and blame us for things that I know nothing about, I have no reason to hate your lord i knew him not before today."
I turn directly to the Lord and his daughter.
"I implore you princess, lord. See that my words ring with truth. I do not plot and deceive, no good comes from that. In the situation we are in we do not even have a way to defend ourselves truly. This is mock court, nothing more!"
Arvind rises, anger in his voice, "If this were not so serious, this whole episode would be laughable. To think I would consider the idea of using the tools of evil to perform such a heinous task is unthinkable. By the light of Sarenrae, it would be against all I stand for, and the idea of assassinating the supreme champion of law in the land. It's ridiculous!" he slams his fist against his chest. "Here my heart is true, and in Sarenrae's name I would challenge he who accuses us, let the gods decide who speaks the truth."
After the adviser finishes speaking, Roger sighs. "Look, most of us have told you all we can tell you it seems. So either give us our options or kill us. From the look of things you have already made up your mind and decided we are guilty without even entertaining the thought otherwise, all because of your little 'secret informat' who apparently could never ever be wrong." Roger then shakes his head, and looks at the ground. "I am starting to wish I never left home. Can't wait to have my village hear that I was accused of treason and hanged. Ah well, I guess that is what goes for justice around here."
Of course, you claim that you all did not know each other, and you claim you have no memory, but who is to vouch for this? Master Halfling, you had mentioned seeing your accusers. Well, that brings us to another matter. You were observed in this collaborative act of treason by…informants. These men, as I am sure you can imagine, would be useless to us if people knew who they were, is that not so? He beckons for the guard from your cell to come over to him, and whispers a question to him.
** spoiler omitted **
Perception
Are you all still resolute in your assertions that you have done nothing wrong? Although the crimes you are now being accused of are severe, the ultimatum has not yet been passed and the sentence, whatever it may be, may yet be reduced or altered.
He looks severely at each one of you in turn.
My words are true, so I have no need or intent to alter them.
Being accused by a dead man was an excellent touch for whomever is framing us. We're obviously dealing with a professional.
Dripping with sarcasm
Is it you, Xenor? If so kudos. You've managed to get seven men on the preverbal choping block and leave them without so much as a clue. Truly, Bra va *golf clap* which causes the bindings to rattle as he moves his arm accentuating his point.
If it wasnt my life on the line I might find the situation comical.
Edit: added text
in response to:
And a Halfling who can sneak about and who carries … He pulls a dagger you recognize as Rishmu’s out and examines it closely a blade with the mark of a long-hunted assassin…
With sarcasm:
So all halflings are thieves and sneaks? Interesting. I'll have to make sure my extended family is well informed of that at the next family reuinon.*sigh*
Spoken sincerely:
I can't speak for the others, as I said we just met in the jail cell this morning. So I speak only for myself on this matter.
Your alleged informant writes poetry quite well, but that does not change the fact that it's fiction. At least it's fiction as far as I know. I have no desire or motivation to cause your kingdom harm. I was actually drawn to the city because of it's beauty and different-ness from my home land.
As far as the dagger is concerned; I've had it less than a week. It was a gift from my acrobatics instructor. He's always treated me with kindness and respect, but I have only known him for the few years i worked under his tutelage. The details of his life previous are not something i'm privy to. Also, I was traveling in the wilderness. What sane person doesn't carry protection out in the wild lands or even in a city despite what I'm sure is an excellent watch system?
Edit: added text
This is mock court, nothing more!"
Hear! Hear!
"I am still willing to prove my innocence via Trail by Combat. But I am not sure you all do that around here." Roger says.
Quietly at first, but eventually loud enough for all to hear...
"Brutish human! A trial by combat proves not innocence but martial superiority. None of that will help us, nor will it shed our reputations of these shameful accusations. I, for one, would rather have my innocence known through civil discourse. But if this human insists, feel free to throw him into the gauntlet for us all and let the rest of us walk free."
@ Arvind: Yes.
Addressing Roger and Arvind, Xenor says The elf speaks true, my acrasial friends. That would prove little...
Travis, the fat tavern owner cannot bear the pressure any longer. He stumbles out onto the floor and begins groveling at Xenor's feet. BUUUUHUHUHUU! Please, Master Xenor! Spare us! We can’t remember what we did! We must have been...I...I don't know, sir, but whatever it was we didn't mean it, sir! We will make amends! We will serve the lord in whatever he pleases! Just don't let us be hanged! Pease, I just want to return to my tavern, sir! He breaks down into shaky sobs. Huuhuhuhuu....
Xenor looks down at the man in disgust, and after a moment steps away.
Well I don' wanna serve the lord! Says Tybor, standing as well. He bows with a flourish of his battered hat. What about this... He pauses for effect, raising his hands and widening his eyes. I go free! He looks around and smiles and waves, looking for approval. He receives none. He puts his hands on his hips and sighs, then sits down sadly. Turning to Voem, he says I never did have much skill with words... He shrugs.
Xenor turns and addresses Schmitty. Master Halfling, I appreciate your concern and your flipping of the accusation, I am sure in any situation it is best to say simply “Of course not, I didn’t do it, YOU did!” Thank you for implying that I would pretend to have some hand in organizing a fake plot against the life of the to whom man I am eternally bound and sworn to protect. I welcome your…lack of manners, it’s charming, truly. But the evidence is not in your favor and as of yet none of you have shown, with the exception of your host, here, he indicates Travis, who still grovels and sobs. any remorse or taken any responsibility for your actions. Perhaps you are all afraid the others will...what was it? “Hunt you and punt you and tear out your hair?” Ah, yes. He says with a small laugh, That was it.
Roger turns and glares at Conner. "Well talking has gotten us nowhere yet. In fact, right now its nothing more then our word against the word of their 'trusted informant'. The only thing I am honestly good at is fighting, so your damn right I am a brutish human as you so put it. Besides, Trial by Combat can prove who is right in the eyes of the gods. If I die, then it proves we were guilty and the gods were displeased. If I win, it proves that I was innocent. Besides, I never said I would kill my opponent, although he is welcome to try to kill me. And next time you want to insult me, look me in the eyes. Roger finishes, still glaring angrily at Conner.
Finally, Roger stands up and stares at the Advisor. "You don't believe anything we are saying, that much is true. So how about we stop this charade and sham of a trial and get on with it. You are not an impartial judge whatsoever, as you owe your liege your life. I understand you are loyal to him, and that is an excellent trait. But you should be able to see that we are being completely honest. Regardless, we have not been able to sway you and I doubt going on any further will change that. All we can say is 'We don't remember anything.', because quite frankly, that is the truth. I will NOT in any way shape or form admit to something I have not done." Roger stares darkly at the advisor and then sits back down, waiting.
Xenor turns and addresses Schmitty. Master Halfling, I appreciate your concern and your flipping of the accusation, I am sure in any situation it is best to say simply “Of course not, I didn’t do it, YOU did!” Thank you for implying that I would pretend to have some hand in organizing a fake plot against the life of the to whom man I am eternally bound and sworn to protect. I welcome your…lack of manners, it’s charming, truly. But the evidence is not in your favor and as of yet none of you have shown, with the exception of your host, here, he indicates Travis, who still grovels and sobs. any remorse or taken any responsibility for your actions. Perhaps you are all afraid the others will...what was it? “Hunt you and punt you and tear out your hair?” Ah, yes. He says with a small laugh, That was it.
Forgive my manners. I was raised in the countryside where people are raised to speak their minds and truthfully. I'm not sophistocated like city folk.
Using finger quotes where appropriate
You've already condemmed us based solely on a single "informant" hastily writing poetry behind a curtain. Oh, and the only other person with the capability of refuting this is conviently deceased. Conviently for our accuser, but certainly not convient for us or the dead man in question.
So the unknown man behind the curtain says we're guilty and we have no means to refute. The motives for this are unknown to me, but you obviously want something otherwise we would never have woken up this morning. It would seem the only options we have are to either agree to whatever your terms happen to be or death.
I'm not particularily fond of either option, but I'll take my chances with your terms over the latter.
I frankly, tire of this show. Lets get on with it. What are your terms?
Diplomacy ??
"I find myself agreeing with the halfling in this, I tire of the show as well, tell us what you will do with us. I have nothing to apologize for and I was raised to speak simply and truthfully, not with the twisted double edged tung that you "diplomats" seem to posses here. I have no skill with words other then to speak them clearly."
Roger's head comes up and he looks both at Daemon and Schmitty. "Finally! Two people I can agree with." Roger glares up at the king and advisor, anger in his eyes. "Just get on with this. If I am going to be hanged then so be it. If you want something from me spit it out. If I can't fight to prove my innocence in the eyes of the gods, then at least give me the respect to tell me your verdict. I am sure you already had decided it before we even walked in the door."
Ha ha ha... Xenor laughs softly. You are deceived, Master McCuen, for I am but the advocate of the lord. The high lord himself will be the judge of your innocence. I have no say in the matter. My duty is simply to question you and present what evidence we possess.
Master Halfling, need I remind you that your accuser was found dead in your communal cell this morning? Once again, this is not helpful to you. And again you question my motives: I am truly sorry to disabuse your notions that I will gain something from your incarceration, but it is simply not so. What have I to gain from the prosecution of presumed traitors you ask? I ask myself the same thing. There are myriad projects and problems facing the realm that all of us could spend our time more wisely attending to, if it were not for criminals…
He turns and walks about some more.
It appears to me that you have decided not to prove your innocence, perhaps out of inability, bur perhaps out of faith to your purpose in the crime you are accused of. In this case it is dangerous to have you still in the presence of the lord at all. Perhaps…Hrmmm. He turns and paces, stroking his chin and muttering to himself in deep thought.
Now, we have been presented with a unique option. Several of you have mentioned trial by combat, and Master Bonthar has spoken of service to the lord and kingdom… He pauses. Shall I go on?
Shall I go on?
Staring directly at xenor
Do we have a choice?
Oh, and combat if not my first choice if you're interested. I find it...distasteful.
"I think our choice is get him to finally get out what he wants, or sit here for another few hours going back and forth with him for no reason. Or be hanged. I would prefer to avoid death if I can, so out with it Xenor."
Arvind looks with eyes staring at the blackened cab holding the informant. He turns to the his cell mates and says pointedly, "With such an evil liar as our accuser, one wonders if the 'High Lord' really is the good man that we are led to believe."
He turns to address Xenor, "Well then Master Xenor, one wonders where you pick your informants. For even to me, it seems most rank foolishness to contemplate and discuss such treasonous action in a public alehouse, you would think us all that stupid we should do such a thing. Perhaps you might think on your informants motives before making such accusations. I only hope your Lord and Master can see the truth through the veil of lies dispensed by your 'valued' informer."
"I doubt reacting in anger will make us seem any less guilty...I-I mean, if we've been framed, we've been framed, and we should just try to...ah, yes, please, go on," Kale stammers out, gritting his teeth.
Xenor turns and approaches the high lord, then bends down, whispering in his ear. The high lord thinks, then sighs and nods approval. Xenor returns, talking as he comes down the steps. The high lord Aethys has given his approval that you may fulfill your debt through service to the kingdom!
At this, the princess stands furiously and storms over to Xenor.
What!? You will let these traitors who conspired against the life of my father earn their freedom by doing some menial work for the land? This is unacceptable, they should be hanged for their offenses as it is written in the law! She turns and spits at your feet, glaring at Voem in particular. The crowd erupts in disorder and screaming again in agreement with the princess.
Xenor replies calmly and quietly, pulling the princess aside and away from you.
The princess is not calmed. She glares at Xenor and stalks back to her seat angrily.
The lord raises his hand, and the crowd quiets.
Xenor continues. If you choose this option, you will be enlisted in helping a specific branch of the city guard of Landrinor… This division is responsible for keeping the city safe from… certain creatures that, unfortunately, have infiltrated the city, some of them perhaps thousands of years ago when the city was built. The crowd gasps and recoils, as if they had never heard of this division of the guard or thought it possible for beasts and creatures to live below their streets. Deep below the city of Landrinor, they have recently discovered a lair, which they will lay siege to on the morrow. If you accept this offer, you will take the place of one of the units. You will have until the morrow to decide. Until then, you will return to your cell. If you refuse, the lord has decreed that you shall be condemned to be hanged.
The crowd cheers.
Travis gulps.
Tybor grumbles.
Xenor does not wait for your response.
He nods to the guards, who push you out of the court back to the room where you came from. As you leave, the eyes of the lord and nobles follow you closely. Back in the entrance chamber, you are manacled and led back to the courtyard where you are loaded back into the carriage. As you rattle through the streets, the crowds return and harass you again.
Grinning sarcastically, Roger looks over at Arvind. "No offense but I am pretty sure if that they knew he was lying we would not be in this mess. Unless of course they are all in on it and are trying to force us into service for some reason."
At Kale's comments, Roger leans back and stares at the ceiling. "You may be right, that reacting in anger right now is the worst thing to do for our case, but...I cannot sit idlly by and let people abuse the law in such a way. The law is there to protect the people, to defend them and help show them the true path. This however, this whole trial is a travesty and mockery of that. We are being accused by someone we cannot face, for things that no one in their right mind would discuss in a public place, and are basically being told 'prove your innocence without proof and without the benefit of the doubt'. I am angry at being accused of such a heinous crime, and honestly sir, I am surprised you are not angry. But perhaps I should calm myself. Anger will get me nowhere..." Roger closes his eyes briefly.
After a few moments Roger seems to calm down, and become almost serene. He looks straight ahead, his blue eyes passive and his posture suddenly calm. Its like looking at a whole new person. He then looks at the princess and Xenor as they confer, () and seems to catch what they are speaking about. His face now however betrays no emotion. As they are loaded into the carriage, Roger betrays nothing.
perception to hear wispered conversation with princess
"There is a difference between being angry and being stu-" Kale begins, but is cut off by Xenor speaking again. As he gives his verdict, Kale turns a shade paler, and says nothing more until he is back on the carriage.
In the carriage on the way back to the cell
The princess is somehow involved in the conspiracy to frame us. When They were wispering Xenor told her that even if we lived she would still get what she wanted. I don't know what's going on here, but I intend to stay alive long enough to find out. If I've got to kill some sewer monsters than so be it.
I don't like being framed and I certainly don't like being put in chains and paraded around. As soon as I find the responsible parties they're going to pay, one way or another.
Once in the carriage and on their way, Roger looks to Kale, his face still impassive. "I believe you were going to say 'stupid' am I right? I let my temper get the better of me in there, but I really have issue with people blatently abusing power. Obviously, our only logical choice is going to be to take them up on the offer, as we at least have a chance to live." Pausing briefly, Roger takes a deep breath and then looks over at Schmitty.
"I don't believe the princess is in on this. She seemed more inclined to want us hanged right then and there, rather then give us a chance at redemption, despite the fact that we really should not need such a thing. Regardless, I do believe the King and the advisor are working together with the man behind the curtain."
Roger stays quiet for the rest of the ride, only speaking when spoken to, his eyes closed in meditation.
When they enter the carriage, Arvind bows his head, "Though I know not what is the purpose, if this is the test to prove my faith, then Sarenrae I will glady take it on, but I will seek out the evil one, the accuser reap holy justice and vengeance on his soul. Hear me Lady Sarenrae and help me in my trials."
After this short prayer, he looks up again and around at his cell mates. These I must help, we shall be as one. Evil will not prevail. He speaks loudly, "Come we shall be friends as well as comrades in arms. tomorrow awaits."
"I don't believe the princess is in on this. She seemed more inclined to want us hanged right then and there, rather then give us a chance at redemption, despite the fact that we really should not need such a thing. Regardless, I do believe the King and the advisor are working together with the man behind the curtain."
I disagree. Without knowing the full scope I would wager that the princess is not the mastermind, but is still an integral part of whatever is going on. I suspect she wanted us hanged to prevent us clearing our names and the truth coming out. No doubt the truth doesn't look favoribly upon her actions. I'm sure she wants something, such as the crown, that she can't yet have. Nobles are always squabbling over things like that.
Regardless, we live another day. It would seem we have no choice but to work together and ideally, trust each other with our lives.
So, with that in mind I suggest we talk about our abilities so where each others strengths lie.
I am a trained acrobat with some knowledge of finding and disarming traps, locks, and what not. I'm also particularily adept at stealth when the situation calls for it.
Schmitty looks around at the other occupants of the carriage to see who will speak next.
Smiling, Roger speaks up. "Well, we are all in this together, unless one you of actually takes the noose." He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, and when he opens his eyes again its like he is back to his old self.
"I am hard pressed to describe my skills. I am a specialist in a form of unarmed combat. In fact, I daresay beyond any spellcasters here I might be the most dangerous as of right now, as I don't need a weapon to hurt someone. I have some training in tracking and survival techniques from my childhood, a bit of acrobatic training as part of my unarmed skills, and I can climb pretty well as well."
Roger leans back after saying this, and watches the crowds go by.
a look of realization suddenly crosses Schmitty's face
It suddenly occurs to me that this "grand consipracy" may simply be the governments way of "recruiting" people for this monster killing squad. Perhaps they lack the ability and/or volunteers to otherwise deal with it. Hitting the side of the carriage with his small fist.This is why I don't pay taxes.
**arrgh**(a sound of irritation)Best not to overthink it without more information.
Schmitty goes from looking thoughtful to looking at Roger to respond to his "take the noose" comment.
I have no intention of taking the noose route. I would rather not fight sewer monsters on my own, so if everyone would be so kind as to not volunteer to be hanged i would be greatly appreciative.
With a big grin Schmitty makes eye contact with everyone in turn.
"I have no desire to take the noose or die beneath the city, if we must band together to survive then so be it, and since we are speaking of our abilities...
I am a healer of no small skill, both in mundane treatments and those magical in nature. I am able to make poisons, though I only make poisons that temporarily paralyze, or weaken a person, some because they are useful in calming fearful patients in small doses and some to relax people that have fallen into madness from pain. I do not make anything that kills directly so do not ask of it.
I have some magical skill, some would say it is similar to a clerics and comes from the gods. I also have some knowledge of natural things and tracking due to my time spent in the forest gathering herbs and plants for my herbal concoctions.
I have some skill with the dagger and I guess it would be considered my weapon of choice since I have to use it so much to prepare medicines anyway.
If you have need to know anything else about me just ask."
Voem frowns, easily conveying to all who notice his face that he is not pleased with his situation. "In order to save our lives we must.." Voem pauses for a moment "We must venture down into the depths of the sewer and fight beasts that invaded thousands of years ago?" This sounds like a terrible nightmare! Voem wrings his hands at the thought of being put in such a place. Looking around at the faces in the caravan of prisoners, he continues "I may not be sure of what happened last night, but I am certain that dark places such as that.. Well, I-I am not too fond of them."
Again, Voem scans the faces of his fellow prisoners. " Who knows what crimes we all may have committed last night? I scarcely remember finding myself in this land and now everyone I meet here who does not have iron on their wrists hates us. They may not be able to prove what we have done, but we have even less proof that we did nothing with our memories failing us like they are."
@Daemon: "Do you think a healer from the gods may be able to do something about my knee? I must not be the only one that would like a demonstration of skill after such a description of your self."
@Daemon: "It is true," Connor says respectfully to Daemon. "If we are to fight alongside each other tomorrow, we musn't go into the situation with any handicap.
Turning to the group, Connor says, "Now we have shared some of our skills, so I will follow suit. But just to give clarity, if anyone here wishes to hang instead of fight these... sewer creatures... let it be known at once. I, like those who have made their intentions known before me, choose to fight, and to live.
I too have skill in stealth and climbing. I can see very well in the dark, which should help us if we are to fight in the sewers. But if we are to fight, I would like to be sure you are capable at your craft, Daemon."
Pausing to think for a few moments, Connor speaks again.
"Has anyone here heard of these sewer beasts? I, for one, am skeptical of their existence. The whole trial just then seemed to be a show for the audience. I find it hard to believe that the nobles of a city such as this would be ignorant of the existence of such beasts within the walls of their city. Since we already expect this to be a grand hoax, what is one more lie to them?"
Travis shudders and pulls his limbs closer to him. Oh, I've heard of 'em... He says with a mixture of disgust and fear. Boy, I wouldn't talk so glibly of this, I've heard many a story of...what…of what lurks down there... he says, looking down at his feet and the carriage floor. Demons and dragons and Otyughs and fiends and beasts of thousand years and…and… He breaks down in hysterics.
Connor's face sobers quickly.
"Easy, Travis. I didn't mean to upset you. I was just asking if anyone knew of them. Don't panic."
To the rest of the group:
"With that in mind, is everyone still in? I am, as long as we will be armed for this fight." He turns and stares Roger in the eyes, "Except Roger there, who has made it abundantly clear that he needs no weapon in order to combat all manner of demons and monsters."
"Whatever maner of beast they be, this seems to be our only way out at the moment. I do not wish to try and break out of jail and fight through an entire city of angry people who believe that we are out to murder their lord."
I lower my voice at this point and lean a bit closer to my cell mates.
"These sewers sound big if they can manage to hide such creatures, perhaps we can find a way to simply leave the city through them once we are down there. We need not follow through with whatever foolish plan they seem to have for us"
Roger nods at Daemon's quiet suggestion. "I had the same thought. I would like to find out who framed us as well. This is something we cannot leave hanging over our heads." Looking Conner right back in the eyes, Roger grins wolfishly. "Yes, I need no weapons to fight. I can use a few but need them? No. I learned how to break a man's knee, pressure points, and a variety of other things for hand to hand combat use. Also, my hands are tough. Its not bragging even if you think it is. Its the truth."
"These sewers sound big if they can manage to hide such creatures, perhaps we can find a way to simply leave the city through them once we are down there. We need not follow through with whatever foolish plan they seem to have for us"
The thought crossed my mind as well. It's certainly something we should keep in mind as we travel. I remember less than a day in this place. Thus far it hasn't left what I'd call a good impression. If I find a way out I'll seriously consider leaving and never looking back.
Of course they'll arm us. If they intended for us to simply die they would have us in the gallows already. Roger, I don't care what you fight with so long as you fight. Dagger, hands, feet, teeth, forehead, whatever. Just so long as you hit hard with it.
So I guess that's it. Our survival depends on each other. We fight and survive as a group or we die horribly as a group.
"Given a sword and shield, I have defended those of Sarenrae as commanded, against the evils of this world and others. I can but protect you, my fellow cell mates against the injustices we have been subject to. I would trust that we can provide the evidence required to bring justice on the evil liar that put us here. " The half-orc paces too and fro, a grim look of determination on his face. After thinking awhile he adds, "Sarenrae may have granted me powers of combat in her name, but my father and the high priest at Turingen have told me, she will never grant my prayers as other soldiers of light. Divine powers of magic and prayers are not granted me."