The party follows Lord Markelhay into the Keep, Lem's disk floating along behind him, with treasure still on it. I'd say it has another 40 minutes or so left. But the guards close the gate behind you, so now there is a floating disk hitting the doors of The Keep as you make your way inside.

Thistle will go quietly, happy to not be the focus of attention. She keeps her attention keen on her surroundings and the people she sees. 

Perception: 15

Yokini stops in her tracks as the news tries to sink in. Once her mother and sister catch up, she starts walking again, telling them what Lem said. "Nebelun protect us," Yokin's mom replies in a reverent tone. "What are we going to do?" Nynoa asks. "We can't rebuild our village if more orc attacks are imminent." Yokini doesn't respond, but it is clear her brain is processing a lot of information.

Zashier stops as well, though its to look back at the Lem's floating disk. After a moment of confused looks back and forth, he goes back to the guards who closed the door and asks, "Uh, hey man. Mind opening the gate back up, for the uh, disk there? Sorry to bother you, but they are of some import, as you may or may not know, and don't want leave a mess now."

Lem's unseen servant is doing everything it can to grab any fallen coins and gems, settle ratting candelabras, and keep the treasure from falling off the bouncing disk. When Zashier asks the guards to accommodate the 3 foot disk, Lem gives an awkward smile and opens his hands in a "I can't really control this thing" sort of gesture.

He gives Zashier's trunk a thoughtful, empathetic look -- the paladin probably dealt with similar problems all the time.

The guards seem confused by this disk that is trying to get in the gates, items falling off it, then somehow being caught in midair by some magical force (unseen servant) so that now there are items just suspended in midair.. Zashier helps them understand its relationship to Lem, and they open the gates, letting it in.

As you peer out the gates, the crowd looks like it is not going to disperse - they seem dead set on waiting around to see how this turns out.

Lord Markelhay brings you in and up some stairs to a large entry way. and turns to face you. he sends a guard out of the room for some undisclosed purpose.

Alright, what is the meaning of this. What do you mean telling me of kobolds and cultists, and what are the braids you were referring to? and who are you (gesturing to the faces he does not recognize). Forgive me for being so brusque, but you about started a riot bringing up another orc attack. We are still rebuilding from the war, people are still scared, but we are working on developing our lives again, not living in fear in these northern lands. You and I, and probably even they, know that the North is orc territory, which is why we were set upon first in the war. But they are not allowing themselves to live again, and now you want to take that away from them. You had better not say the word Orc around here without having solid evidence. I will not start a panic on your hunch.

the guard returns, and with him he brings Amros and his cultists, in chains.

The cultists heads are hung low, but Amros' stands tall and erect, not looking like a guilty man.

Lard Markelhay continues I want the whole story, and I want proof. Not your word against his. Amros' family helped build Fallcrest, and then helped rebuild after the war! You bring strong allegations against him, and I wont punish this man who is know throughout the northern territories without strong proof.

 Zashier straightened out his back, head bowed just enough to show deference, hands folded behind his back, and largely stood at the forefront of the group as Lord Markelhay began his questioning. The whole while the man's expression stayed composed; but, anyone behind him could see him squeeze his hands out of like nervousness. Even so, when given the chance to speak, his voice did not break.

"... Before I begin, just so its clear, I take full responsibility for the scare before. As I think may or may not have been mentioned, my intention, poorly spoken and thought through as they were, had not meant to start any riot, only convey as much as I can as simply as I can. As some here know of me, I am of a lower station, and thus, not quite as, uh, eloquent as some folk when it comes to delivering news." He expresses, " That is not to excuse my poor handling of the situation, but to give context to aid in giving an informed read of my personage. As for Lord Amros-..."

He finally glances to the man, shooting a look of disappointment. "-he would be their patron of sorts, as I... hm... I would have to come back to that. But they are a bunch of ruffians -- mostly, if not made up only of tieflings -- who unofficially run Lowtown, seeing as the Mayor has been unwilling or able to do anything about them. They also, if my memory serves right, had in hand in trying to collect false tolls on the road. But, they are admittedly small potatoes compared to everything else." It is at that point that, if Lem hadn't already handed him the evidence, that he takes out the books and letter to offer up. While he does give warning about the language barrier, he trusted the Lord to -- if not have someone trusted on staff with knowledge on the language, then at least be able to decipher it.

Romero at least knew Orcish, on account of some family trouble in the past. Either way, Zashier launches into a recounting of events. A quite long winded one that, without someone intervening every now and then to get him back on the main topic sooner, results in a number of tangents being spoken of; such as the swolbolds, teaching of the Kobolds of right and wrong, the Dragon Egg, Amros smelly kitchen, the Dragon Egg again, his sister likely being mad at him for returning, and so forth.

Lem helps mainly by holding up evidence when required, and adding some one-word interruptive descriptors. “Prisoners,” gesturing to the gnomes. “Sacrifice,” again to the gnomes. “Witnesses,” again to the gnomes. “Handwriting,” when handing over the diary. He asks early on, when he remembers it, if the governor has a cleric on hand who can decipher the truth of statements, to verify what Zashier is saying.

Thistle will not speak unless spoken to, though she still cuts a figure with lots of weapons. She stands calmly, carefully watching everyone.

OOC > The egg is still with us, no? How do the cultists react on seeing it? Amros? Insight: 10

When the lord's eyes fall on the cluster of gnomes, Yokini takes it upon herself to introduce them. She first explains that she worked for the army during the war near Fallcrest, and that she had recently returned to the area while searching for her family. She then filled in any gaps in what Zashier already relayed about finding the captives — they being mostly her family who were nabbed along with the few non-gnomes while looking for her. She ends by reiterating how they found her mother and sister tied down upon what looked like sacrificial tables, and that Amros and his goons would have killed them for whatever nefarious purpose if the party had not intervened. By the end, she is pretty hot under the collar and jabbing with an accusatory finger toward the noble. But Nynoa reaches out and takes her sister's hand, and Yokini quiets down.

Thistle, the egg is on the floating disk near Lem, but a lot of the main content of the disc is still covered by Zashier's cloak. You are welcome to unveil it if you want to...

Quote from djsteele888 >>

Lard Markelhay continues I want the whole story, and I want proof. Not your word against his.

Raddunth: "The others can speak to you of laws and politics. I am a simple man. There is an old saying: The clothes make the man." (He runs his hand over the fabric of Amros' robe.) "Do you often see people garbed in cultists' robes, in clothes so carefully tailored and fitted for them? If the clothes fit, you must convict... Or if you are not convince by our words, then judge them by their deeds: working with kobolds and locking innocents in cages."

Thistle will, in fact, unveil the egg. “Along with the dragon he was keeping for his worship, and you’ve seen what it could do, he kept this, too. An evil dragon’s egg. It should be destroyed, Lord.”

She is trying to get a rise out of Amros, or at least his cultist flunkies. If (when) Zashier attempts to argue about destroying the egg she will trod hard on his foot to shut him up.

"What? Whoa,whoa,whoa, let's take it easy now the smashing idea." Zashier still gets even with Thistle stepping hard on his foot. In fact, beyond a wince at most, he hardly seemed to register anything due a thick hide. "I get it, tensions are high, I should know, having been in a like situation with the kobolds, barely a disaster skirted there I'd like think. And I just like to point out, assuming it got lost in translation somewhere there, that it was being kept as hostage for Amros' dealing with its mother." He clarifies, or at least tries to if Thistle or someone else doesn't try to cover up his mouth at some point.

"Not to mention that the other dragonling, based on the patterns of it tearing through the home, was looking for said egg. Which may or may not result in dire consequences on our head if this matter is handle poorly."

Thistle rolls her eyes and growls at Zashier. "White dragons are not the friendly kind! I've read stories... and... they're not animals, they are thinking creatures of evil intent. Like these men," she throws her hand out at the prisoners. It seems Thistle has given up on being the silent, observing type.

Short, slim, but bristling with weapons, her hair braided tightly behind her, her face set in a determined frown, she steps forward. "Your Lordship, you'll find in the materials we've presented ample evidence that not only is Amros Kamroth guilty of murder, imprisonment, conspiring with kobolds, and harboring a dangerous, sentient creature against it's will, but his entire lineage has been engaged in this for several generations! His own words and those of his ancestors are contained in that diary, and his connection to the kobolds, and others of ill intent in this very city, is cemented not just by the evidence you'll find in and under his estate, but by these necklaces he and his thralls wear."

She pauses, and blinks, as if she has just realized she has forgotten herself. But she swallows and soldiers on. "Your Lordship, this man, his cult, and his followers are a scourge on this town, and threaten to drag it back down from the strong recovery it has made since the war. And yes, these documents do mention orcs in the north, and a possible connection between his family and their ambitions. You would do well to heed this, and take steps to see this is dealt with swiftly and completely."

She looks around, clears her throat, shoots a glare at Amros, and steps back.

Yokini leans into her sister's shoulder. "Did you know that kobolds don't like gnomes?"

Nynoa turns to look at Yokini. "Well, sure." She looks surprised. "Everybody knows that."

The sisters' mother shushes them, trying to pay attention.

Zashier finally does full on flinches from the growling, having not expected it. And where at first he opened his mouth as if ready to interject, he hesitated for a moment, and then clamed up again, having been raised better. Though he gave Thistle a very disapproving look for calling the babe evil, prior to his turning about to guage the Lord's response to it all. If push came to shove, a very determined looking Zashier would at least try to interpose himself between the first to attempt smashing the egg; guards or no guards.

(To be clear, Thistle is making no move to actually smash the egg, and will also move to stop anyone who tries. She and Z are going to have a talk soon about how sometimes not meaning what you say can be useful. :)

Upon request, Lord Markelhay sends Bireal out to go find High Priestess Tyari Varvatos, who is likely in the temple overseeing its last bit of construction. Bireal returns in a bit with Tyari, and next to them is Patrol Leader Jagrin Grath. Lem and Zashier you know both of them. Tyari (human female cleric) is a high priestess of the temple in Upper Fallcrest. It was basically destroyed in the war, and has been undergoing construction for several years, though it is nearing completion. She is a priestess of Pelor and Tyr, as well as an intercessor for most other “good” gods. The temple, upon being completed, will be a place for all to worship. Jagrin Grath (male human ranger) is the patrol leader of the city guard - Bireal and Romero’s boss.

Lord Markelhay is joined by Tyari and Jagrin, and they all listen intently as the party weaves their tale. As you tell the story, Amros is holding himself unusually tall, still seeming powerful, as if he will be able to talk or buy his way out of the outcome of this meeting. However, when you unveil the egg and hand over his families personal journal, his shoulders slump, defeated and deflated. When Lord Markelhay, Tyari, and Jagrin see the egg, they take a half step back, then a few steps forward - their fear unable to overpower their curiosity.

Lord Markelhay finally speaks ”I understand that your intention was not to scare the public. I do not want you think I am being harsh with you on that front. I am here to protect Fallcrest, to protect its people, and sometimes that means protecting them from themselves. I have no doubt that you report is true. Based on the evidence here, I don’t think much will change, but Amros do you have anything to say in your defense?”

Amros shuffles forward, his chains limiting his movement somewhat, and begins to speak “My Lord, Tyari…Jagrin… you know me”  -- Jagrin mutters loudly “I thought I did” -- Amros continues “You know me, all I have done for this town, all I have given. I have never consorted with Orcs, and have no idea what that note is about - where did you find it? In the treasure? All of those things were intercepted by the kobolds, its not mine. You have proof of my families misdealing, and maybe there were kobolds living in our mansion in the country, and maybe we did acquire a small white dragon…what of it? I have boosted the economy, and have been a loyal servant to Fallcrest. I have never harmed any of its citizens; I have not broken into their homes and stolen their things. Is it a crime for a man to be curious? To want more out of life? ....“

As Amros continues talking, Thistle you notice something out of the corner of your eye. Some of the former captives have been shifting forward - the two dwarves, the two humans, and the halfling (none of the gnomes). As they slowly move forward, you aren’t sure what they are doing, but no one else is paying much attention to them.

In a flash, the dwarves, humans, and halfling are upon the cultists, stabbing them with daggers pulled from concealment. Jagrin, Romero, and Bireal jump in, but it is obvious the anger and hatred built up in these humanoids is coming out. They are attacking with a savage barbarism that catches everyone off guard.

After a scuffle, the guards are able to pull them off, but the damage is done. Amros, who took the brunt of the attack, is lying dead on the floor, the other cultists very badly injured.

Jagrin instructs Bireal and Romero to hold them, and then search them for any more weapons. Jagrin then address the rest of those in the room, instructing everyone to put their weapons on the floor. He moves back to the wall and retrieves a crossbow, then returns, his crossbow at the ready, Amros dead at his feet, and the non-gnome freed captives being secured by the guards.

Does anyone put down their weapons?

As they do (or don’t), Lord Markelhay begins to speak again, but is interrupted as High Priestess Tyari moves over to the fallen cultists, and begins to heal them. Lord Markelhay looks at her, gesturing for her to move away, which she does (though she doesn’t look happy about it). Lord Markelhay continues “ Tyari, I know as a faithful cleric you want to heal these men, but this is their own fault. They got themselves into this situation. You (he says, pointing to the dwarves and Humans being secured by the guards) I understand why you have done this. If the story is true, and I have no doubt it is, your actions here are….understandable. I do not condone them, and I cannot, but I understand why you did what you did. There will be consequences, but I am sure under the circumstances, they will likely be fairly inconsequential.” He turns back to all of you “as for that Egg and the treasure you have here, it should be returned to the people. I would like you to set everything up out in the courtyard, and allow the citizens of Fallcrest, as long as they can prove it is theirs, a chance to reclaim what is theirs. I am sure, however, that some things will be left behind. Anything left behind you may have as a thank you from the city.”

Lord Markelhay accompanies you out to the courtyard and tells the people what has happened inside. They are shocked by the actions that have taken place, but they could never understand the feelings of those that have been denied their freedoms.

The guards assist you in moving tables, and setting up the items that you recovered. The town scatters, trying to find proof of ordering, or they try to explain to you what the items are and little things they know about them to try and get their items back. Telly comes up to claim his dragon hide, people come and claim the odds and ends, the candlesticks, the trunks of clothes and whatnot. Several people, out of gratitude, come up and say thank you and say that this item or that item is theirs or has been in their family, but they would like you to have it. One little girl walks up with her parents, tears of joy in her eyes, thanking you for finding her doll and dollhouse that her parents had gotten her. They sent away for it months ago for her birthday, but it never came. She hugs you all, even those she cant reach very well.

Jagrin Grath walks up, with Bireal and Romero, thanking you for what you did for Fallcrest and telling you that they will take the egg for safe keeping until Lord Markelhay decides what needs to happen to it. They invite you to stay a while, rest, and join the celebration the following week at the temple of Upper Fallcrest, to celebrate it being completed, and to celebrate the justice that has been done this day as Amros has been dealt with, and the items returned to the people. They say that Lord Markelhay will send out some probes to look more into the Orc/Giant information you discovered.

As they walk away, Romero turns to Zashier and says “By the way, Zashier, we are still working through what to do with Amros’s estate, but for now, your farm is now completely yours. No more rent. You own it. Congratulations.” Then walks away.

You are all now level 4.

From the treasure list, you may keep all of it, except for the following items (mostly mundane), so subtract it from the list, then feel free to use discord to divide it up for anyone that wants specific things:

200 Copper

150 Silver

15 Gold

2 azurite (each worth 10gp)

1 blue quartz  (each worth 10gp)

1 Turquoise  (each worth 10gp)

2 Onyx  (each worth 50gp)

1 Bloodstone in a necklace (worth 50gp) found in a velvet case

2 Tourmaline earrings (each earring is worth 100gp) found in a mahogany box

Several pieces of art and pricey items, each worth 25gp - gold bracelet, silver ewer, carved bone statuette, silk handkerchief and others

Some bagpipes

Several mundane items, not worth much, except for maybe sentimental value. A Worg Fur Cloak, a rag doll, a pillow stuffed with vulture feathers, a tome of sheet music, chipped glass eye, a dollhouse that has been broken, a couple of pipes, several empty traveling trunks and luggage, and a large pile of common clothing, and other miscellaneous junk.

What happens now? You all have a week, do you stick around? Where do you stay? Or, if you leave, where are you off to? 

Raddunth had been eyeing the Worg Fur Cloak, as it would go well with his brown fur open vest. He is disappointed to see it go.

He was eyeing the bagpipes too. The rest of the party seems relieved to see him not get it. You had doubts about his musical talent. (You've heard him singing to himself around the campfire. After the first time, you no longer worry that the noise is from a coyote being strangled.)