Crimson Sands of Time

Quote from rob88scps2 >>

"Ah, finally someone who can give a response.  I must have missed your name, though.  Being in the vicinity of a fight is not a crime.  Exiting a building through a window is not a crime.  Healing a humanoid through divine means is not a crime. However, I will give you more information than you thought to request:  Why was I in that building in the first place?  And the answer is, I was walking down the street, and I heard some ruffians assaulting a young female as I previously mentioned.  I, being a decent person, rushed to her defense and drove off the brutes, following them into their hideout to ensure they did not circle back.  When your forces arrived, I, not knowing if you were friend or foe, decided to exit and perform some reconnaissance, when  Zeydon apprehended me for some incomprehensible reason.  So again I ask, for what crime am I detained?  For defending the young woman's honor?  For giving some brutish thugs a thrashing? Or simply for demonstrating how ineffectual your city is at protecting its own citizenry?

"I was brought to your city by one of the Red Wizards, and was in the company of another when apprehended.  As we did not enter through the gates, I had no opportunity to purchase a writ, although I would gladly do so now.  Both of the Wizards will vouch for me.  The others who were there, including the gentleman whom I healed, are similarly guests of the Thayans.  Any dispute about writs will have to be addressed to them.  Now, I ask you again.... Who are you?"

 The reaponse xomes in a slow and measured, almost bored voice: "Mister Kilburney, your ignorance of the law notwithstanding, for what it's worth, I believe you.  My name is Elgard Doyle and I am an investigator for the city assigned to this case.  The charges against you are fairly mild and, as your advocate I advise you to simply pay the associated fine and be on your way.  You may indeed purchase a writ for entry and if we can find this Red Wizard you say you have traveled with, then their diplomatic immunity will likely be extended to you, as well.  It is most surprising that they did not adhere to protocol, but ultimately, Zor Zeydon will determine what shall become of you.  For your edification, I will have you know that this city has prospered in hard times and harsh climes, but rifts to the inner planes are a supernatural force more devastating to a city than most events mankind has seen.  Life is a delicate balance in these trying times and each piece is responsible for their own lot.  That woman contracted her safety to those who employ her.  Our responsibility is to keep the peace, not to specifically save any one citizen.  I have just three more questions before I plead your case to the Blade." explains the advocate.

"First, what is your relationship to this arcsne creature?" he holds out an open hand, presenting Samogri, who's bound reptilian form sits motionless, save his blonking eye and occasionally twitching tail, lucid but bound in restraints.  

"Second, who is the Red Wizard that invited you into the city? And third, do you know the owner of the warehouse you were trespassing in?"

@inkedbee: hold that thought. I'll resolve your outcome when the time is right.

Looking for responses from Tetrevess, Chadderly and once more from Angus.

"My thanks to you, Elgard Doyle, for showing the courtesy to explain the situation.  You say the charges against me are mild, but I am still unclear what they are? Not having a writ? Trespassing? Proximity to a non-human?"

Assuming he gets an answer, Angus will say,

"I was brought here by the Red Wizard known as Morwena. After arrival, she left to meet with some of her contacts, and we were supposed to reunite today.  She definitely could have done a better job of explaining the rules of the city to me before we arrived, but our mission was rather urgent, so perhaps it was forgotten.  By chance, I came into contact with Morwena's nephew, who is the other Thayan you detained along with us.  I believe his name is Chadderlay.

"My companion here," the paladin points to Sam, "is as intelligent as you or I, and deserves to be treated as such.  I met him yesterday, after my arrival in the city.  We were thrown together by fate, and while I am still unclear on the manner of his arrival into your city, I do not believe he means you any harm.  Some of your city guards attacked him without provocation yesterday, and I tried to mediate, (and healed a wounded guard, I might add) to avoid unnecessary bloodshed."

"I am not aware of the owner of that warehouse, although your mage did far more damage to that building than any of us.  She practically lit the place on fire!"

"Finally, and this is irrelevant to my defense but a matter of principle, it is hardly 'keeping the peace' to allow the strong to prey upon the weak.  And while you claim your city prospers, I do not believe that young girl we rescued would share that sentiment.  What you mean is that the rich and powerful prosper, and that everyone else is left to be victimized.  And I promise you that sooner or later, any society built upon brutalizing and subjugating large portions of its population will collapse disastrously."

Doyle smiles beneath the cloth encircling hus face.  "Ahh. So, you are unaware if the fire, then."

As Gravity follows the trail of the plodding steps of Sam, Angus, Chadderly and Tetrevess in the custody if the Cloak and Soldiery, the relative quiet of the docks by evening is disrupted by an explosion.  A plume of fire erupts from the roof of the warehouse where the group encountered the Sharkteeth.

"It seems thst arcanist creature you offered aid and comfort to is responsible for significant property damage.  You were found in possession of an article of clothing, a jacket from a local tailor.  It is a counterfeit article.  The mark of the fringe nobility it bears may only adorn clothing made by exclusive contract.  Part of your fine involves reports you were wearing this article.  It is a pittance. The writ to enter is a small matter as well. A visitors writ csn be obtained at tbe gate, normally, but of course you'd have to leave the city to get it, whi j naturally entails the 100 glory exit fee, then youll need a new visitors fee to re enter and pay your fine.The question of responsibility for the losses incurred by the proprietors of the warehouse goods is another matter.  A powder used by local apothecaries was to be distributed from thst store and it was determined to be the cause of the fire.  

Thst creature was seen using arcane pyromancy and you assigned some measure of responsibility when you signed the contract with the Cloak that brought you in.  This is the matter the Blade is asked by the city to resolve.  You seem unfamiliar with our customs.  I see you come from a noble station, so you must know of the ways much if the world has worked in ages past and indeed into the present: hierarchies of men and woman said to be superior to others in one form or another, decreeing laws and rules and punishing those that defy them.  Not here.  We are a free city.  Our citizenry is not born as such, they agree to be a part of the city by contract.  They love the city they call home becasue they make their own fate, here.  The law is the contract to which they sign themselves, no more and no less.  The Blades serve as interpreters of those contracts and hold them in force.  Thus, everyone in the city must have a writ.  The most basic writ establishes their respect for the arcane edict and the resolution of disputes by the pertinent Blade, with more details included as necessary by circumstance.  As for your friend, if it's as clever as you claim, surely it is literate.  It will be allowed to agree to a contract and if the Blade wills it, he may demand an audience. You as his potentially liable ecexutor may be in attendance if Zor Zeydon determines it so.

The figures have been tabulated and your debts, if you agree to them, including all fees will come to ninety-six-thousand-three-hundred-twenty-eight Glories, thirty-six nail, sixteen fang.  If you would like to pay now, you will.be released upon payment, but must remain in the city until the reptile is judged.  Perhaps you can ask the Red Wizard you claim summoned you here for further advice in this regard.  Though not an arcanist, you would still be required to Dom the azure ring until such time.  If you would like to petition the blade for some remediation of the charge,  I will schedule the hearing.  How woukd you like to proceed?"

Can I have a WIS (Perception) check from Gravity, please?

(She can shift if she wants before making the check.  This is decidedly not arcane magic, but people might feel some kind of way about it if they see it.  It's dark now and there's a commotion, so you'll probably go unnoticed if you do.  I realize this makes more difference if you were Wildhunt, but action economy and all that, it's something you could do.)

Angus laughs, "Well, we must add 'grand larceny' to 'keeping the peace' as one of your duties.  Clearly, it was your own Cloak who started the fire, and now you try to lay the blame on me?  The contract I signed said that if I was permitted to tend to my companion's wounds, I would submit peacefully to the arresting officer.  I assumed no liability, and certainly not liability for a conflagration caused by an unwarranted attack from a official of the city.  The only offensive magic my companion here used within the warehouse was a simple divine cantrip learned by any fledgling cleric: sacred flame which you should know does not have the capacity to ignite inanimate objects."

(OOC Am i mistaken that the Gith that cast the fireball in the warehouse is the same as the arresting Cloak?)

The third figure speaks in a masculine voice with a lisp, by voice seemingly a man of many years, "Mister Whitmoor, verbal contracts are forbidden in Mulmaster.  Any contract not recorded is considered a seditious act.  Your diplomatic immunity will spare you from the repercussions of this crime, but per the standing order of the High Blade, such immunity does not extend to others, this following the incident Im sure youll remember with that Thayan Knight and the mistaken identity of a certain florist."

The central figure continues, "We have all the information we require of you.  You will be escorted to the embassy shortly.  Before we conclude, could you tell me the name of this other Red Wizard or where upon she met this Angus fellow?"

Chadderlay is keenly aware of the Zor (leader of a noble family, of which there are exactly 49, but which ones are not fixed, rather they are rhe most powerful and wealthy families, not unlike the Yokozuna of Sumo.   Similarly, those other noble houses, from which stock come the Bastard Bulls, are keen to displace any of these houses, inching their way higher in the ranks of nobility.  There are some benefits to nobility in the city, but its not as much as fedual monarchies like Cormyr or Thay (technically not a monarchy,  but yes in fact it very much is). 

Chadderlay would also know that Selfaril, the High Blade of Mulmaster (a position elected by other Blades, in turn elected by those 49 families, specifically 1 vote cast by each Zor(a)) is quite fond of Zeydon, making him something like the deputy mayor of Mulmaster. 

Quote from Wile_E_Coyote >>

As Gravity follows the trail of the plodding steps of Sam, Angus, Chadderly and Tetrevess in the custody if the Cloak and Soldiery, the relative quiet of the docks by evening is disrupted by an explosion.  A plume of fire erupts from the roof of the warehouse where the group encountered the Sharkteeth.

As a reflex, Gravity quickly covers her face and ears with both of her arms to protect herself from the heatwave of the explosion, and moves away from the spot. "What the...? An explosion!" She stares at the burning warehouse with a haunted expression, momentarily forgetting about the whereabouts of the other party members.

Does she spot the pregnant woman who's been rescued previously?

(@DM, Gravity has already shifted during the combat and she can not remain in the half-coyote form indefinitely, it's a limited racial feature that resets after each short race.)

Wisdom [Perception] 9

<@rob88scps2: above the table, to be sure I have this right, we know Sam used an arcane spell, fire bolt from the sorcerer spell list via AR and initiate.  So, if Angus us lying, thst would be a deception check, if not, no check needed here.  It might actually be the case that Angus doesn't know the difference, though, so an Int (arcana) check would be appropriate, though, a success would mean he does know the truth and it would call foe the deception check. So, if I have it right:>

Angus, make a DC 10 Arcana check and, on success, another check for Deception.

The central figure waits patiently for the wizard to speak, before replying: "Thank you for your time Mr. Witmoor.  The bursar can furnish you with the information the honorable Zulkir requires to remit remuneration.  Your escort awaits you in the lobby.  Have a pleasant evening." With that, all three stand and calmly exit the room, leaving the door open behind them.  A pair of armed guards stand in the hallway beyond the door.  The lobby is ro your left, the Zulkir's audience chamber to the right.  This is plain to see.  There are other doors along the hallway, all of which remain shut, with 6 more guards along tbe hallway.

(Really? I thought I scrolled back and saw sacred flame? I'll look again.  There was no deception intended.)

in #205 he used fire bolt but that was outside the warehouse and before the soldiers arrived, so no witnesses

in #252 nonmagical attacks

in #256 he used guiding bolt

#268 cast disguise self

#337 cast sacred flame

#350 holding his action to cast fire bolt (but does not actually cast as far as I can tell)

#361 he is knocked unconscious

So no possible way he could have started the fire, and doubtful that anyone saw him cast the original firebolt outside the building unless we were being followed.

He definitely didn't start the fire.  That's not the issue.  It's whether he used an arcane cantrip.  Let me have a look back.  

Post #361 would have been the point where things turned.  I really thought it was cast, but it was not actually.  What the cloak did see is Sam create fire and then 'ready' an arcane spell.  To me this means doing all required verbal or somatic components short of the trigger, taking mlst of 6 seconds since it's an action and didnt uae subtle spell or rapid .  In any event, she would say it was justified.  The system really is rigged and she would presume any authority would be sympathetic to her story.  It's not like in real life where a police officer could never discriminate against a minority and use excessive force with no repercussions. This place is evil.

"When you ready a spell, you cast it as normal but hold its energy, which you release with your reaction when the trigger occurs."

- 5e Basic Rules 

Addendum: in Mulmaster everyone is always being followed.  Now with the Thayans, it's actually even worse than before.  Cloaks are like the NSA the KGB and the LAPD rolled into one. 

<I was waiting on Gravity's perception check, but to hell with it.>

As she moves through the city streets away from the inferno on the docks, trying to look inconspicuous, avoiding crowds, headed toward the large building her comrades were hacked off toward, she hears something in a dark alley as she passes.  Looking without looking like she's looking, she sees them.  A pair of wolves with thick black fur, standing side by side, growling as they move toward her.

Chadderlay is completely free to go, but once he leaves the building the guards will escort him to the embassy.  A Cloak will accompany to report their findings.  (Let me know if you want to try anything on the way, or if you want to linger here.)

Sam is shot presented with a contract which states that he is competent to represe t himself at the hearing regarding his involvement in the warehouse incident and that he is subject to the Arcane Edict as well fees for dwelling snd departing the city.  Does he agree?  If so, he may mark the document with his bound hand in ink by any means he finds appropriate.  If so he joins Angus, who is to be taken to the Blade's audience chamber.

At the co clusion of the questioning and his interrogator's subsequent departure from the room, Angus is escorted down the hall by a guard past several other guarded doors.  The lage double door at the end of the hall is half open, (that is: one half of the door completely open) 

On a seat that would for the description of a  throne, though the title would probably not be appropriate, sits Zeydon Wingstarl, Blade of Soldiery.  His appearance is immaculate, his clothes tailored to perfection, but not gaudy.  He carries himself with the bearing of the height of nobility.  This is the man who will decide your fate.

"Angus Kilburney, Knight of Myth Drannor, it is a pleasure ro make your acquaintance.  Pity, the circumstances.  I've been informed of your acts and I must say I am pleased with what I have heard from you.  As for your debts, consider them paid.  It is indeed an inconvenience that the warehouse was destroyed, but those Bulls will get their blood money and everything in this city will keep grinding along, the eternally rolling millstone.  Apologies for the formality, we Blades have a certain amount of authority to keep the peace, but this city is built on contracts, and contracts and payments are hand in glove.  The system onky works if everyone is accountable!  But, my boy, I hear what you have been about and the evidence corroborates your claims in full.  I do have but one question though, and on rhis poi t I am afraid I cannot but help, for the debt is yours alone to bear, yet I must know: where did you acquire that Bastard's Coat you bore through the streets of our city, and why on earth did you don it?"

<@rob88scps2: take an inspiration die for good roleplay.  Im not going ro make you repost the same story oger and over, hes heard it.  Just answer about the coat and spoiler: hw also wants to ask about rhe Red Wizard hw heard you csme with, thars to Chadderlay, so if you want to address that, too, up to you>

<@Legion4, up to you, you can be right beside him ad this whole exchange happens.  You would be instructed not to speak unless Zeydon bids you to, but would have your jaws unbound in preparation for such an occasion.  You would be under heavy guard.>

Quote from Wile_E_Coyote >>

Chadderlay is completely free to go, but once he leaves the building the guards will escort him to the embassy.  A Cloak will accompany to report their findings.  (Let me know if you want to try anything on the way, or if you want to linger here.)

Sam is shot presented with a contract which states that he is competent to represe t himself at the hearing regarding his involvement in the warehouse incident and that he is subject to the Arcane Edict as well fees for dwelling snd departing the city.  Does he agree?  If so, he may mark the document with his bound hand in ink by any means he finds appropriate.  If so he joins Angus, who is to be taken to the Blade's audience chamber.

At the co clusion of the questioning and his interrogator's subsequent departure from the room, Angus is escorted down the hall by a guard past several other guarded doors.  The lage double door at the end of the hall is half open, (that is: one half of the door completely open) 

On a seat that would for the description of a  throne, though the title would probably not be appropriate, sits Zeydon Wingstarl, Blade of Soldiery.  His appearance is immaculate, his clothes tailored to perfection, but not gaudy.  He carries himself with the bearing of the height of nobility.  This is the man who will decide your fate.

"Angus Kilburney, Knight of Myth Drannor, it is a pleasure ro make your acquaintance.  Pity, the circumstances.  I've been informed of your acts and I must say I am pleased with what I have heard from you.  As for your debts, consider them paid.  It is indeed an inconvenience that the warehouse was destroyed, but those Bulls will get their blood money and everything in this city will keep grinding along, the eternally rolling millstone.  Apologies for the formality, we Blades have a certain amount of authority to keep the peace, but this city is built on contracts, and contracts and payments are hand in glove.  The system onky works if everyone is accountable!  But, my boy, I hear what you have been about and the evidence corroborates your claims in full.  I do have but one question though, and on rhis poi t I am afraid I cannot but help, for the debt is yours alone to bear, yet I must know: where did you acquire that Bastard's Coat you bore through the streets of our city, and why on earth did you don it?"

<@rob88scps2: take an inspiration die for good roleplay.  Im not going ro make you repost the same story oger and over, hes heard it.  Just answer about the coat and spoiler: hw also wants to ask about rhe Red Wizard hw heard you csme with, thars to Chadderlay, so if you want to address that, too, up to you>

<@Legion4, up to you, you can be right beside him ad this whole exchange happens.  You would be instructed not to speak unless Zeydon bids you to, but would have your jaws unbound in preparation for such an occasion.  You would be under heavy guard.>

 Sam will give a nod and with his tail and sign 

Quote from Wile_E_Coyote >>

As she moves through the city streets away from the inferno on the docks, trying to look inconspicuous, avoiding crowds, headed toward the large building her comrades were hacked off toward, she hears something in a dark alley as she passes.  Looking without looking like she's looking, she sees them.  A pair of wolves with thick black fur, standing side by side, growling as they move toward her.

Gravity has been yawning repeatedly since it's already night time and her biological clock won't let her stay awake. She somehow manages to hear the growling noise and immediately reverts to her human form; her pointy ears, upturned eyes and faux hawk are no longer visible. "Calm down, I didn't mean to violate your privacy. Did you forget to mark your territory?" She attempts to converse with the pair of wolves while sniffing the air around the place, automatically assuming that she'd been trespassing.

To keep the pair of wolves distracted, she will apply magical tinkering to a piton and make it look like a piece of stick. Finally, she flicks the stick in front of the wolves and tosses it towards the opposite side of the alley. "Let's play fetch!"

The wolves are unimpressed by Gravity's ingenuity.  

Thr one on the left (even to a wolf, they look identical) assumes a human dorm as well.  

<Gravity didnt see these guys talk to Angus in the market earlier, but my description is of the same man, likewise identical save for the scars they both bare.  Dark hair and beard, pale hollow face , lothed in wolf's pelts, bearing wolf-rhemed insignia, etc.>

"What's all this about, then?  Who are you and what are you doing with that Bastard and the Thayan?" He whispers in a low voice, clearly angry atthe presence of such a creature and the company she keeps. "Is this a set up? Thr Bulls trying to throw us under the carriage? Get the Thayans to root us out?  I thought we were getting along alright.  First the High Blade betrays us and now the gutter nobles, is that it?"

<Waiting on Angus' answer.  Either say he got the coat from the tailor where Morwena brought him, might as well say her name if that's the case, or lie, with a deception check, if you please.> 

<Haven't heard anything from Tetrevess.  Did I miss it?  If no response, I can bring her in with Sam and Angus to all be judged together.   That's just waiting on Angus' reply.>

Chadderlay is met at thr gate by a Thayan knight standing guard duty.  He recognizes Chadderlay instantly and seems unsurprised to see him. "Good evening.  Wait a moment for the Knight Commander to arrive." He tells the Red Wizard.

"Call the  Knight Commander!" he yells into the embassy for another guard on patrol. Turning back to Chadderlay "He asked to be summoned when you arrived." The guard says before falling silent, standing at attention at his post.

Hearing the commander approach, the Knight renders the appropriate greeting and salute, which the commander acknowledges.

The knight commander speaks in an assertive voice, with no sign of friendliness or familiarity in his words:  "Ambassador Cherthemiud has been informed of some business at the docks involving a certian Thayan diplomat.  It seems he's not too thrilled about something you told the Cloaks.  My orders are to see you to your apartment and to confiscate your badge." He points to the red badge adorning Chadderlay's robe with one hand and holds out the other, palm open to receive the item.  "The ambassador will speak with you tomorrow. Until then, you are instructed to summon one of the guards if you require anything."

* This is all spoken in Thayan

Chadderlay knows tons more about the embassy than the others in the party do, including this: