Shackles are placed on each of you, as you're lead out into the clear cool night towards a carriage bound in metal being lead by two armoured horse. On the door leading in, you see bars where a window would have been, inside you see two benches on either side to give a place to sit. While spacious for Daffafle, for Wulcrath he is left hunched.
The carriage sways and creaks as you settle in. As the last if you steps in, the door is slammed shut with the indistinguishable sound of a lock. There is a moment before it is opened again with a sizeable chest is placed in the corner. "Your stuff," a guard states before shutting the door once more.
A few words are said with the owner of the Slate Hall, but its too far to be exactly audible. With the rocking, the guards get onboard, Bart can make out more than two than that lead the way, and there's creaking as the carriage gets going. There's a heavy silence, only broken by the wheels of cart and the odd snort of a horse.
Suddenly there's a sound of sliding wood, as a window is revealed that allows access to guards as one not driving of them says, "So, 'Nadine', how do you plan to put an end to the Lord's devious schemes?"
Daffafle's eyes widen; she glances between her party and the guard.
"Well," she starts. "If we can get a solid piece of indisputable evidence, or a public confession, it should lead to the Lord's downfall. Assuming there are still good figures in authority, that is."
"Hmph! That's the problem." The passenger continues to speak, from the sound of they're male and not exactly young. "Lord Ramiro's pretty good at covering his tracks; we've only had eyewitness accounts of people being gathered by the guard in the dead, documentation of prisoners present in cells only for them to be not there in person, a spike in people being arrested for nominal crimes sometimes even framed. You all got a first-hand experience on how slippery he is..."
The driver now speaks. Deep, rugged and with the striking accent of dwarvish, "He's a steaming pile of goat sh*te! Surrounded by friends or friends without a spine. While he is being watched by the other mayors, nothing significant enough has rose to form a trial, often due to 'coincidences'. I'm sure you can all guess why..."
Bart speaks up. “Sounds like you need... someone outside the law. Someone who can get rid of the mayor. Acting in the greater good’s best interest without being restricted.” He’s taking deep breaths and looking at his friends in turn.
The dwarvish voice chuckles, "You're not wrong, lad! An investigation was all ready to launch; an arrest was bound to happen followed by a trial to ease the people who have now missing loved ones, but..." The voice trails off.
The other male voice continues, "A string of clever kidnappings have happened, across the whole human county flared up of the last few weeks. Targeted folk; travellers, hunters, the like. While travelling alone was always quite dangerous for this inexperienced, now it's... I digress." The man heavily sighs, "now this has the attention of the guards and the court. Lord Ramiro's foul acts go unpunished. An we -"
"Don't!" The dwarf interrupts.
"We should be honest with them."
The dwarf grumbles and there's moment as the carriage takes a turn and gradually comes to a stop. The two guards jump off, and unlock the door and gestures you all to come out.
The night sky is filled with shattered cloud; the stars twinkling, the moon casting is pale warm-coloured light on occasion.
As you come to the door, they unlock the shackles one by one. When you are all free, they bring out the chest of all your things and simply kick it open, evidently not locked as a torch is lit.
Once all your things are gathered, the human male states, "In truth, we were looking to arrest Lord Ramiro tonight. Or, you saw us attempt to, anyway..."
"Not exactly. You seemed like good and capable people. And, uh, from our performance out there, you could see we're not a well-oiled wheel just yet." The man shifts his weight slightly as he talks.
"What.... what he's trying to say, lad... You'd be a good group to call on, if we find another opportunity like this. We cannot let people with titles get away with treating their people like scum - no, less! And, we also didn't want to get you in trouble, you were just trying to help after all." The dwarf takes out a hip-flask and takes a swig.
"We certainly appreciate your help getting out of the situation," Daffafle says, then flinches, turning to the "assassin". "And sorry about the whole charming thing. You seemed a frightfully intimidating assassin. I'd certainly be glad to help you take down this corrupt lord if another opportunity arises," the halfling glances to her party. "If we don't think that will be anytime soon, we really must be on our way. We're meeting with a caretaker of the land a few days ride from here, in order to stop a foul necromatic plot from unfolding in the very region."
"We'll think about yer proposal.Can't say we'll help ye, can't say we won't. We've got other business tae take care fer right now.We need tae get back tae the cart or we're not meeting our guy anytime soon. An' hope there are no guards on the way or we'll end up in chains again."
The man shifts as he crosses his arms, a smile on his face, "No need for apologies, that was truly quite impressive. That said, you could have used other magics to... put me in much worse state."
The dwarf stops before taking another swig, "Wait, before ye go... You're off to see The Caretakers about what?!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"D-Daff!" Wulcrath yelps out, suppressing a groan as he feels his patience beginning to feel sorely tested.
Stopping in the middle of organizing his gear, He shoots Daffafle a surprised look, before turning his attention to the guards.
"Well... If you really must know."
Wulcrath begins recounting the take of the last few days in full, excluding the um... Enlightening. Of Lady Melyne, who knows how that was interpreted.
It takes a while but, through his stutters and hesitations, Wulcrath gives a solid recollection of the what happened.
For a long moment, there is silence as the two look stunned at the news, but then at each other for a moment.
The humans springs to life. Retrieving a quill and paper, scribbling as he talks, "You've got the help of the Highgarde...."
"Or what's left of it," the dwarf grumbles.
The man hisses something at the dwarf, before handing a bit of paper to Wulcrath, "Please, relay anything you hear from the Caretakers to this address. We will keep our eyes and ears about to see if we know anything. It's not just us, we have... a few significant figures in west that are backing us."
The paper states: Timoth Ameseria Silver Cloud Inn Tenaster
"All the best with the Caretaker," the dwarf gives a nod and the two take their leave with the carriage, leaving you all to your own devices...
"Of course, thank you." Wulcrath says folding up the paper and pocketing it.
After the guards are well out of sight, Wulcrath shoulders droop, a ragged, tired breath escaping his lungs, shivering in the cold night in his old clothes, his eyes scan the dark cloudy sky.
"A bit out of sorts, but alright," Daffafle thinks back on the events of the past few days, then sighs. "Certainly seems like trouble will follow us no matter what now. Hard to remember life before all this...normal life, if there is such a thing."
She thinks about this for a few minutes and nods. “It’s certainly become a lot more exciting and dangerous...I’m glad I don’t have to go through it alone.”
Daffafle turns back to the dragonborn. “What about you, Wulcrath? Making it alright?”
Shackles are placed on each of you, as you're lead out into the clear cool night towards a carriage bound in metal being lead by two armoured horse. On the door leading in, you see bars where a window would have been, inside you see two benches on either side to give a place to sit. While spacious for Daffafle, for Wulcrath he is left hunched.
The carriage sways and creaks as you settle in. As the last if you steps in, the door is slammed shut with the indistinguishable sound of a lock. There is a moment before it is opened again with a sizeable chest is placed in the corner. "Your stuff," a guard states before shutting the door once more.
A few words are said with the owner of the Slate Hall, but its too far to be exactly audible. With the rocking, the guards get onboard, Bart can make out more than two than that lead the way, and there's creaking as the carriage gets going. There's a heavy silence, only broken by the wheels of cart and the odd snort of a horse.
Suddenly there's a sound of sliding wood, as a window is revealed that allows access to guards as one not driving of them says, "So, 'Nadine', how do you plan to put an end to the Lord's devious schemes?"
Daffafle's eyes widen; she glances between her party and the guard.
"Well," she starts. "If we can get a solid piece of indisputable evidence, or a public confession, it should lead to the Lord's downfall. Assuming there are still good figures in authority, that is."
"Hmph! That's the problem." The passenger continues to speak, from the sound of they're male and not exactly young. "Lord Ramiro's pretty good at covering his tracks; we've only had eyewitness accounts of people being gathered by the guard in the dead, documentation of prisoners present in cells only for them to be not there in person, a spike in people being arrested for nominal crimes sometimes even framed. You all got a first-hand experience on how slippery he is..."
The driver now speaks. Deep, rugged and with the striking accent of dwarvish, "He's a steaming pile of goat sh*te! Surrounded by friends or friends without a spine. While he is being watched by the other mayors, nothing significant enough has rose to form a trial, often due to 'coincidences'. I'm sure you can all guess why..."
Bart speaks up. “Sounds like you need... someone outside the law. Someone who can get rid of the mayor. Acting in the greater good’s best interest without being restricted.” He’s taking deep breaths and looking at his friends in turn.
Paladin - warforged - orange
The dwarvish voice chuckles, "You're not wrong, lad! An investigation was all ready to launch; an arrest was bound to happen followed by a trial to ease the people who have now missing loved ones, but..." The voice trails off.
The other male voice continues, "A string of clever kidnappings have happened, across the whole human county flared up of the last few weeks. Targeted folk; travellers, hunters, the like. While travelling alone was always quite dangerous for this inexperienced, now it's... I digress." The man heavily sighs, "now this has the attention of the guards and the court. Lord Ramiro's foul acts go unpunished. An we -"
"Don't!" The dwarf interrupts.
"We should be honest with them."
The dwarf grumbles and there's moment as the carriage takes a turn and gradually comes to a stop. The two guards jump off, and unlock the door and gestures you all to come out.
The night sky is filled with shattered cloud; the stars twinkling, the moon casting is pale warm-coloured light on occasion.
As you come to the door, they unlock the shackles one by one. When you are all free, they bring out the chest of all your things and simply kick it open, evidently not locked as a torch is lit.
Once all your things are gathered, the human male states, "In truth, we were looking to arrest Lord Ramiro tonight. Or, you saw us attempt to, anyway..."
Are these guys trying to sell us on a lie?
insight: 17
Paladin - warforged - orange
Bart, your eye for these deceit and reading people is usually pretty good, this time proves to be no different.
You can recall the earnest in their voice in their accounts and, to you, there were no cracks: they are being truthful.
Khazan moves to the chest and retrieves his weapons from it. As he expect each one of them he question the two.
"An' what exactly do ye expect from us? Tae break in this lord's house an' find clues against him?"
"Not exactly. You seemed like good and capable people. And, uh, from our performance out there, you could see we're not a well-oiled wheel just yet." The man shifts his weight slightly as he talks.
"What.... what he's trying to say, lad... You'd be a good group to call on, if we find another opportunity like this. We cannot let people with titles get away with treating their people like scum - no, less! And, we also didn't want to get you in trouble, you were just trying to help after all." The dwarf takes out a hip-flask and takes a swig.
"We certainly appreciate your help getting out of the situation," Daffafle says, then flinches, turning to the "assassin". "And sorry about the whole charming thing. You seemed a frightfully intimidating assassin. I'd certainly be glad to help you take down this corrupt lord if another opportunity arises," the halfling glances to her party. "If we don't think that will be anytime soon, we really must be on our way. We're meeting with a caretaker of the land a few days ride from here, in order to stop a foul necromatic plot from unfolding in the very region."
"We'll think about yer proposal.Can't say we'll help ye, can't say we won't. We've got other business tae take care fer right now.We need tae get back tae the cart or we're not meeting our guy anytime soon. An' hope there are no guards on the way or we'll end up in chains again."
Khazan loudly cracks his neck and knuckles.
"So, which way tae the cart?"
The man shifts as he crosses his arms, a smile on his face, "No need for apologies, that was truly quite impressive. That said, you could have used other magics to... put me in much worse state."
The dwarf stops before taking another swig, "Wait, before ye go... You're off to see The Caretakers about what?!"
"D-Daff!" Wulcrath yelps out, suppressing a groan as he feels his patience beginning to feel sorely tested.
Stopping in the middle of organizing his gear, He shoots Daffafle a surprised look, before turning his attention to the guards.
"Well... If you really must know."
Wulcrath begins recounting the take of the last few days in full, excluding the um... Enlightening. Of Lady Melyne, who knows how that was interpreted.
Persuasion: 19 -1
It takes a while but, through his stutters and hesitations, Wulcrath gives a solid recollection of the what happened.
For a long moment, there is silence as the two look stunned at the news, but then at each other for a moment.
The humans springs to life. Retrieving a quill and paper, scribbling as he talks, "You've got the help of the Highgarde...."
"Or what's left of it," the dwarf grumbles.
The man hisses something at the dwarf, before handing a bit of paper to Wulcrath, "Please, relay anything you hear from the Caretakers to this address. We will keep our eyes and ears about to see if we know anything. It's not just us, we have... a few significant figures in west that are backing us."
The paper states:
Timoth Ameseria
Silver Cloud Inn
Tenaster
"All the best with the Caretaker," the dwarf gives a nod and the two take their leave with the carriage, leaving you all to your own devices...
"Of course, thank you." Wulcrath says folding up the paper and pocketing it.
After the guards are well out of sight, Wulcrath shoulders droop, a ragged, tired breath escaping his lungs, shivering in the cold night in his old clothes, his eyes scan the dark cloudy sky.
"Well, what now?"
“Where’s the wagon?” Bart asks a bit out of sorts with this whole debacle
Paladin - warforged - orange
"Should be in the clearing where I left it." "When we're all ready to go I think I can lead us there."
"How you guys holdin up by the way?" Wulcrath says shivering once again as he checks his weapons and slides into his armor.
"A bit out of sorts, but alright," Daffafle thinks back on the events of the past few days, then sighs. "Certainly seems like trouble will follow us no matter what now. Hard to remember life before all this...normal life, if there is such a thing."
Bart perks up a bit. “Daffafle.... you may be right. Maybe we won’t have a normal life. And maybe that’s okay.”
Paladin - warforged - orange
She thinks about this for a few minutes and nods. “It’s certainly become a lot more exciting and dangerous...I’m glad I don’t have to go through it alone.”
Daffafle turns back to the dragonborn. “What about you, Wulcrath? Making it alright?”