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"Murder, Lies and Civic Duty."
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<blockquote data-quote="Kidjake" data-source="post: 6751777" data-attributes="member: 6776876"><p>We pick up exactly where we left off.</p><p></p><p>Gandil is in Rambalt's lab doing his thing, while Junior throws a leather ball against the wall and watches it bounce back to him. Kavos stops in to check on the state of Gandil's bandit, to see how much food reserves the ghastly sheriff has remaining. The bandit has neither leg, nor one of his arms but there's still plenty of meat on his bones, much to the bandit's disappointment.</p><p></p><p>Rambalt is setting aside books for the school's use, all of which are dry; academic and assuredly above the heads of the schoold children. Kavos asks Rambalt how Junior's been progressing and Rambalt replies that the golem picks things up remarkably fast; as though he's remembering how to do things rather than learning them fresh.</p><p></p><p>Junior grins when he hears his name, looking over to see what they're saying before returning to his game.</p><p></p><p>Satisfied, Kavos bids everyone a good day and excuses himself to visit Father Adrian, alone.</p><p></p><p>He discovers the elderly priest int he chapel as usual, a bucket and rag in hand; scrubbing one of the pews with an almost youthful vigor.</p><p></p><p>"What is it you hope to achieve?" Kavos asks bluntly, startling the priest out of his reverie.</p><p></p><p>Father Adrian turns from his work and wipes the sweat from his brow with one of his sleeves. "I hope to remove this stain before it attracts ants. Some child seems to have smuggled in a sweet..." he mutters, glaring at a syrupy mess on the pew.</p><p></p><p>"I speak of Longarm." Kavos demands.</p><p></p><p>Father Adrian's face splits into a patronly smile, his pretenses dropped now that they speak alone. "The same thing you want out of Gandil, I'd imagine. Someone strong to help keep the peace."</p><p></p><p>Kavos takes a seat on the pew and Adrian does the same, being careful to avoid the stain.</p><p></p><p>"What happened to the people I put under your care in Jessop's farm?" Kavos asks. "They were safe, the disease hadn't advanced; they were cured."</p><p></p><p>"They've been put to good use." Father Adrian assures him. "They've become much like our friends...thought not quite so intelligent." he says with a small frown. "I have faith though. I believe they can be recovered...or at least trained."</p><p></p><p>"We can't afford to be reckless with the power that's been bestowed on us. I trust your judgement, but so many people disappearing at once is sure to draw attention." Kavos says.</p><p></p><p>"They Eastbankers." Father Adrian says dismissively. "They've spent the last twenty years making our lives miserable. Nobody's going to look for them, frankly, nobody cares if they're dead."</p><p></p><p>"Just one slip though Father Adrian, one slip and you lose everything you've built for this town. Such a large disappearance, even Eastbankers...there are risks." Kavos insists. "You know this already though don't you? Adrian. Just because the end is in sight doesn't mean you need to push harder, you'll only end up falling, and I won't be able to help you back up."</p><p></p><p>"That's exactly what it means!" Father Adrian says, his gaze distant and a look of fear on his face. "The two of you have dragged the Duke directly to our door step and if we're going to survive, we must have an army!" he nearly shouts.</p><p></p><p>Kavos is taken aback by this.</p><p></p><p>"The last time that man came here he reduced a thriving community of nearly three thousand to...this." Father Adrian says sadly, waving a hand around dismissively. "So tell me Kavos. What use is a reputation among the dead?" the elderly priest demands. "So long as they survive, they can judge me as they see fit. IF they survive..."</p><p></p><p>Kavos sits in silence with the priest for a moment. "So you want an army... Adrian, I've allied with the forces of nature itself. The denizens of the forest AND lake stand by my side. If it's a force you want, I'd like you to accompany me to a meeting with one of the leaders."</p><p></p><p>Father Adrian seems a bit surprised but nods his head. "I'll attend your meeting..." he replies simply, possibilities flitting through his mind.</p><p></p><p>Kavos bows and excuses himself, leaving Father Adrian with his work.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, Gandil's grown bored sitting around Rambalt's basement and decides that he's going to hold an impromptu chess tournament; with the winner winning a spot in their new government as an adviser. He goes and shouts this news in the town square and then begins knocking on doors to announce it as well.</p><p></p><p>He heads to the southside of the village to tell the rest of the population when he sees a glimpse of something rushing him out of the corner of his eye. Gandil spins to face it and receives a punch square in the face with enough force to knock him off his feet.</p><p></p><p>He hits the ground and flexes his claws dangerously.</p><p></p><p>"Did your friend give you my message?" the voice of Longarm asks cold and hollow, his cloak wrapped tightly to conceal his horrific visage. He's as large and burly as he was in life, but death has replaced his once jovial face with something sharp and predatory.</p><p></p><p>"I think he might've said something about-" Gandil starts, standing up nonchalantly and receiving a knee to the ribs for his trouble, those ribs are suddenly rattling around inside him.</p><p></p><p>"Adrian wants you alive." Longarm growls, "But I honestly don't care. Make you a deal though, give me back my grandfather's sword and I'll leave you some teeth."</p><p></p><p>"This sword belongs to the Sheriff of Westbank..." Gandil says, feeling the weight of his injuries even if he can't feel the pain associated with them, "And last I checked..THAT'S ME!" he shouts at the top if his lungs, the sword flicks out and carves a hole down the front of Longarm's chest; the blow is accompanied by both a bite and a claw.</p><p></p><p>Longarm scowls at the injury but delivers a one-two punch combo that rattles Gandil's undead brain and breaks another rib.</p><p></p><p>Gandil hacks into Longarm twice with the enchanted falchion and a commotion can be heard in the street. Longarm looks worried about getting caught in the act and backhands the contested weapon out of a very surprised Gandil's hands. Before Gandil can say anything however, Longarm lands another punch to the face which caves in his eye socket and makes the world go very; very dark.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Kavos is enjoying a leisurely meal in the tavern when a villager storms in shouting that the sheriff's been injured and doesn't have a pulse. He rushes to attend to the fallen sheriff before his secret is discovered.</p><p></p><p>Kavos finds Gandil lying limp in a pile of trash, his sword nowhere to be seen. About a dozen people have gathered in the street to gawk; the fact that their sheriff had apparently been mugged keeping them all on edge.</p><p></p><p>Kavos turns to the crowd and demands that they return to their homes. It doesn't take much prodding to send them on their way; just knowing that whatever did THIS is still out there is enough to get them moving.</p><p></p><p>Once everyone's gone, Kavos unleashes several negative energy blasts directly at Gandil's corpse. Gandil's wounds knit themselves back together as he does so and finally the battered sheriff sits up with a groan.</p><p></p><p>"Who did this to you?!" Kavos demands.</p><p></p><p>Gandil rubs his head with the back of his hand and says "It was Father Adrian. He's not trustworthy Kavos! He sent the ghost of Longarm to kill me!"</p><p></p><p>"I spoke with Father Adrian earlier today, he's doubtlessly on our side. Are you sure this was his doing?" Kavos asks suspiciously, knowing Gandil's tendency to jump to conclusions.</p><p></p><p>"This was definitely him!" Gandil insists. "Longarm attacked me and muttered something about Father Adrian while he did so, I swear!"</p><p></p><p>Kavos curses under his breath and rushes to the temple, leaving Gandil in the trash.</p><p></p><p>Gandil glances around the dark alley and decides to join him.</p><p></p><p>They find Father Adrian lighting candles in preparation for tonight's service. Kavos bursts into the room and shouts "What game are you playing at Adrian!?" unmindful of whether or not they're alone. Luckily they are, for now.</p><p></p><p>"What are you talking about Kavos?" Father Adrian asks, genuinely surprised.</p><p></p><p>"Longarm attacked Gandil. Why?" Kavos demands.</p><p></p><p>Adrian sighs and rubs his temples. "He's been ranting about his grandfather's sword in the hands of his murderer... I instructed him to leave the matter to me, but..." Father Adrian looks at Gandil, a look of seemingly genuine concern on his face. "Did he hurt you?"</p><p></p><p>Gandil growls and leaps forward to snatch Adrian by the throat. Adrian's eyes flash dangerously and Gandil goes limp. When Adrian instructs him to sit down, he does so with no choice in the matter; he feels a will inside him replacing his own.</p><p></p><p>Kavos glances at the angry, but subdued Gandil and asks "So Longarm was acting on his own?"</p><p></p><p>Father Adrian nods. "Yes and I have to say, considering Gandil is still with us he must be showing CONSIDERABLE restraint. I apologize for his behavior, but the sword meant a great deal to him. This is all my fault for not broaching the subject sooner."</p><p></p><p>"Did you bring me back to life?" Gandil shouts, using the only part of him that's still his to control.</p><p></p><p>"I think it's pretty obvious that he did." Kavos says.</p><p></p><p>"I'm not asking you Kavos, I'm asking him!" Gandil growls.</p><p></p><p>"Actually...I didn't. Though your revival WAS what inspired me to bring Curtis back, I had no direct hand in it." Father Adrian replies.</p><p></p><p>"Do you know what did?" Gandil asks sullenly.</p><p></p><p>"You're unique Gandil. Well, less unique now, but still one in a million." Father Adrian says. "There are a number of things which COULD have brought you back, I admit that I'm not sure what it was that did so. I've heard stories of soldiers falling in battle to be reborn as you have from the spiritual resonance caused by the carnage. Perhaps my own experiments created such a situation for you?" he suggests.</p><p></p><p>"Why did you bring Longarm back?" Gandil demands. Kavos is struck speechless; he'd just assumed that Adrian had brought Gandil back himself; learning otherwise opens up too many questions.</p><p></p><p>"Once I realized the two of you were lying about his involvement with the Duke, I couldn't in good conscience turn my back on him. Curtis has been a friend for years." Father Adrian replies.</p><p></p><p>"And we killed that friend. So why do you care if we live or die?" Gandil asks, displaying a shocking amount of self awareness.</p><p></p><p>"Because I don't believe you were lying about the Duke." Father Adrian explains. "This town needs the two of you. A strong arm to defend it and a strong mind to lead it. "I'll admit that I'm somewhat upset at your attempt to manipulate me as you did, but since Curtis is still well, not alive... but active, I suppose there's no real harm."</p><p></p><p>"So where do you end up when this is all over?" Gandil growls suspiciously.</p><p></p><p>"Where I've always been." Father Adrian says. "Watching over my flock. Pelor failed to protect them, Lord Asmodeous will not."</p><p></p><p>"Has Longarm's personality changed since bringing him back?" Gandil asks, curious about his own condition.</p><p></p><p>"He seems angrier." Father Adrian admits, a note of sadness in his voice. "But under the circumstances, I don't hold it against him."</p><p></p><p>"I will not be commanded like a dog. Let me up!" Gandil demands, unable to physically struggle.</p><p></p><p>"Are you going to behave?" Adrian asks bluntly.</p><p></p><p>"I swear I'll kill you Adrian!" Gandil growls.</p><p></p><p>"No. You won't." Kavos reprimands him.</p><p></p><p>"Oh yes I will Kavos, if he doesn't let me up now I'll eat his innards later!" Gandil snarls.</p><p></p><p>"He's our ally!" Kavos snaps. "You're being unreasonable!"</p><p></p><p>"Gandil, if you're willing to forget this mess; I'll compensate you for the loss of the sword." Father Adrian offers.</p><p></p><p>"Keep your demon trinkets. I wish to stand!" Gandil shouts.</p><p></p><p>"I'll release you." Adrian replies. "But this is your only warning: Lunge for me again and I will remove your skeletal structure." Father Adrian says coldly, but without a hint of exaggeration.</p><p></p><p>Kavos positions himself between Gandil and Adrian. "Gandil, you listen to me! I WILL NOT let what happened with Haverston happen again. Don't you DARE attack Adrian."</p><p></p><p>"Alright, fine!" Gandil shouts. "Just release me!"</p><p></p><p>Father Adrian relinquishes control of Gandil and the undead sheriff immediately leaps forward snarling and brandishing his claws. Before he gets within 10ft of Father Adrian however, he's fallen under the control of Kavos who makes him sit down once again.</p><p></p><p>"Get control of Longarm." Kavos tells Father Adrian. "I'll do the same with Gandil. But mark my words, I know him. He won't forget this."</p><p></p><p>Father Adrian nods, "I will leash him if need be. The peace will be maintained for all our sakes."</p><p></p><p>Kavos nods and informs Gandil that they will be staying for the evening service. Gandil tries to protest but Kavos shuts him down quite literally. The sermon is somewhat pleasant and revolves around keeping the faith during these trying times; that not even ghouls can threaten a community united as they are.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>After it's over, Kavos leads Gandil to the jail and locks him in a cell. He releases control and steps back.</p><p></p><p>Gandil immediately throws himself at the bars with teeth gnashing and claws flailing; surprisingly he he manages to absolutely wreck one of the bars.</p><p></p><p>"Gandil. Stop!" Kavos shouts.</p><p></p><p>Seeing his chance, Gandil presses himself into the new opening he's made and manages to squeeze through. Kavos attempts to seize control of him again but Gandil resists and pounces on the elderly cleric.</p><p></p><p>Like a rabid animal Gandil tears into his former friend, dealing 3/4ths of his hp in damage in a single focused assault. Kavos just barely manages to take control of him once again and places him in the remaining cell, his clothing soaked with his own blood.</p><p></p><p>Kavos goes to Professor Rambalt's lab. Rambalt himself is in his lab working over a makeshift smithy on Junior's weapon. </p><p></p><p>"Rambalt, the tonic to ward off infection... I need one." Kavos says.</p><p></p><p>Rambalt motions towards a cabinet which holds several bottles and asks "What happened? Did ghouls get in?"</p><p></p><p>"Nothing." Kavos says, shaking his head and taking a seat. "Rambalt, you've worked with the human anatomy, correct?"</p><p></p><p>Rambalt nods. "Oh yes. Quite extensively."</p><p></p><p>"Extensively.." Kavos repeats, taking a sip of the tonic. "The brain. Could you, if necessary...could you 'reset' a mind? Is it possible?"</p><p></p><p>Rambalt's face scrunches up in confusion. "To what end?"</p><p></p><p>"To remove unwanted memories." Kavos says.</p><p></p><p>"Well...yes. Butthe side effects would be quite...umm unpleasant." Rambalt replies.</p><p></p><p>"How so?" Kavos asks.</p><p></p><p>Tapping the front of Kavos's skull, Rambalt says "A quick incision here could make the brain incapable of storing recent memories as long term...however NO further memories could be processed."</p><p></p><p>Kavos thinks for a moment and then sighs. "Plan B then Rambalt. Do you have any chains or potato sacks?"</p><p></p><p>Rambalt nods indicating several sets near the tortured bandit. "I always keep spare chains, in my line of work you never know when you'll need them... And I should have some potatoes up in the larder."</p><p></p><p>Kavos nods. "Could you and Junior please carry those chains to the jail? I'll get the sacks."</p><p></p><p>Rambalt's confused, but does as he's asked; loading Junior down with heavy chains and leading the golem to the jail behind Kavos.</p><p></p><p>Kavos unlocks the door to allow them in and as they enter, Rambalt gasps at the sight of Gandil in the cell. "Kavos, what is this?! Why is Gandil locked up?"</p><p></p><p>Kavos waves towards his wounds.</p><p></p><p>"He did that?" Rambalt asks incredulously. "But...but he's the sheriff!"</p><p></p><p>"I'll explain later." Kavos says, "At this moment, we need to secure him."</p><p></p><p>"Why's he just standing there like that?" Rambalt asks concerned, but does as he's asked. "Did he...revert?"</p><p></p><p>Kavos explains that Gandil is under his control until he answers some questions. Kavos proceeds to place the potato sacks over Gandil's hands and face, tying them tight to make sure they stay in place. He then carefully arranges the chains to bind Gandil so that if he does somehow resist control, he still can't move.</p><p></p><p>Kavos turns to Rambalt. "He believes a person to be acting against him when he's not. That person is sort of like you Rambalt, someone I protect from the prying eyes of the public."</p><p></p><p>Comprehension flashes across Rambalt's face. "Oh... Is he going to be alright, do you think?"</p><p></p><p>"We'll see." Kavos says. "Step outside, we need a moment alone."</p><p></p><p>Rambalt nods and leads Junior outside to wait.</p><p></p><p>Kavos releases control of Gandil and says "Take a moment and listen before you react."</p><p></p><p>Gandil confirms that he's listening.</p><p></p><p>"Earlier, before the chains, I wanted to ask you why you attacked Father Adrian. Now I want to know why you attacked me." Kavos says.</p><p></p><p>"Because nobody controls my mind!" he growls. "You not only defended Adrian, but took control of my body to do so. AND you forced me to sit through that blasted sermon!" Gandil nearly shouts.</p><p></p><p>"I did it for the town. For you. For everything we've worked for." Kavos insists. "I spoke with Father Adrian earlier today. He's our ally and a powerful one. Not only is he the man who brought Longarm to life, he's a powerful cleric of my god. He would have done far worse than take control of you if you'd managed to harm him. He's not our enemy, remove that notion from your mind. He just wants the town to be safe, to prosper. Isn't that what you want?"</p><p></p><p>"He sets a rapid dog like Longarm loose in Westbank and you want me to believe he has the town's best interests at heart?" Gandil shouts. "He's up to no good Kavos. You can't be so foolish as to not see it!"</p><p></p><p>"A rabid dog?" Kavos asks with a genuine laugh. "Who was Longarm before we arrived here?" he asks. Gandil doesn't answer so Kavos does himself: "He was the sheriff! Who better to bring back from the dead to protect this town?"</p><p></p><p>"We already have an undead sheriff! A half-orc who couldn't handle a pit full of spiders is neither wanted nor helpful." Gandil insists. "If our friendship has ever meant anything to you Kavos, help me take Adrian and his pet ghoul out once and for all!"</p><p></p><p>"Adrian wants nothing but good for this town!" Kavos replies angrily. "YOU moved to strike first, YOU initiated the conflict. I can understand your feud with Longarm, but you need to leave Adrian out of this."</p><p></p><p>"Kill me now if you want to save Adrian." Gandil says flatly. "He has plans in store for Westbank and they do not include us. Kavos and Gandil? No. Adrian and Longarm will rule this town."</p><p></p><p>"Gandil..." Kavos starts exasperatedly. "He's lived here for decades, if he wanted to run this place he would have. YOU KILLED Longarm. If it had been the other way around you would have done far more than just beat him up when you got back."</p><p></p><p>"Me?" Gandil asks in shock. "I remember both of us watching him being eaten alive by spiders." he says morosely.</p><p></p><p>"I know." Kavos says. "But that doesn't change the fact that you had a hand in his murder, nor does it change my point. We've all done wrong, but we need to set it aside to move forward."</p><p></p><p>"My point still stands as well. If you want Adrian to live, then kill me now. You may not get another chance." Gandil replies defiantly.</p><p></p><p>"All I hear are the delusional rantings of a mad man." Kavos says with a sigh. "I won't lose a powerful ally to gain two powerful enemies because you feel slighted. I pray that you see reason."</p><p></p><p>"Do what you have to do." Gandil replies, "I'm not backing down."</p><p></p><p>Kavos shakes his head. "No...I suppose you won't."</p><p></p><p>He calls for Rambalt and orders the mage to retrieve his tools.</p><p></p><p>"You too Rambalt?" Gandil asks before Kavos seizes control once more.</p><p></p><p>"Are you sure Kavos?" Rambalt asks sadly. "M-maybe he'll come around?"</p><p></p><p>"I've given him every chance he'll get. Remove the claws and metal appendages." Kavos instructs. "I won't kill him, but I'm not going to let him run wild.</p><p></p><p>"But...that would leave him helpless." Rambalt protests. "The claws have replaced his hands, the jaws...Kavos, he doesn't even have a jaw without the implants."</p><p></p><p>"Are they re-attachable once removed?" Kavos aks.</p><p></p><p>Rambalt shakes his head. "I'll have to saw them off to remove them. Kavos, this is permanent..."</p><p></p><p>Kavos sighs and glances one last time at his old friend before turning to Rambalt and simply saying "Good."</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Kidjake, post: 6751777, member: 6776876"] We pick up exactly where we left off. Gandil is in Rambalt's lab doing his thing, while Junior throws a leather ball against the wall and watches it bounce back to him. Kavos stops in to check on the state of Gandil's bandit, to see how much food reserves the ghastly sheriff has remaining. The bandit has neither leg, nor one of his arms but there's still plenty of meat on his bones, much to the bandit's disappointment. Rambalt is setting aside books for the school's use, all of which are dry; academic and assuredly above the heads of the schoold children. Kavos asks Rambalt how Junior's been progressing and Rambalt replies that the golem picks things up remarkably fast; as though he's remembering how to do things rather than learning them fresh. Junior grins when he hears his name, looking over to see what they're saying before returning to his game. Satisfied, Kavos bids everyone a good day and excuses himself to visit Father Adrian, alone. He discovers the elderly priest int he chapel as usual, a bucket and rag in hand; scrubbing one of the pews with an almost youthful vigor. "What is it you hope to achieve?" Kavos asks bluntly, startling the priest out of his reverie. Father Adrian turns from his work and wipes the sweat from his brow with one of his sleeves. "I hope to remove this stain before it attracts ants. Some child seems to have smuggled in a sweet..." he mutters, glaring at a syrupy mess on the pew. "I speak of Longarm." Kavos demands. Father Adrian's face splits into a patronly smile, his pretenses dropped now that they speak alone. "The same thing you want out of Gandil, I'd imagine. Someone strong to help keep the peace." Kavos takes a seat on the pew and Adrian does the same, being careful to avoid the stain. "What happened to the people I put under your care in Jessop's farm?" Kavos asks. "They were safe, the disease hadn't advanced; they were cured." "They've been put to good use." Father Adrian assures him. "They've become much like our friends...thought not quite so intelligent." he says with a small frown. "I have faith though. I believe they can be recovered...or at least trained." "We can't afford to be reckless with the power that's been bestowed on us. I trust your judgement, but so many people disappearing at once is sure to draw attention." Kavos says. "They Eastbankers." Father Adrian says dismissively. "They've spent the last twenty years making our lives miserable. Nobody's going to look for them, frankly, nobody cares if they're dead." "Just one slip though Father Adrian, one slip and you lose everything you've built for this town. Such a large disappearance, even Eastbankers...there are risks." Kavos insists. "You know this already though don't you? Adrian. Just because the end is in sight doesn't mean you need to push harder, you'll only end up falling, and I won't be able to help you back up." "That's exactly what it means!" Father Adrian says, his gaze distant and a look of fear on his face. "The two of you have dragged the Duke directly to our door step and if we're going to survive, we must have an army!" he nearly shouts. Kavos is taken aback by this. "The last time that man came here he reduced a thriving community of nearly three thousand to...this." Father Adrian says sadly, waving a hand around dismissively. "So tell me Kavos. What use is a reputation among the dead?" the elderly priest demands. "So long as they survive, they can judge me as they see fit. IF they survive..." Kavos sits in silence with the priest for a moment. "So you want an army... Adrian, I've allied with the forces of nature itself. The denizens of the forest AND lake stand by my side. If it's a force you want, I'd like you to accompany me to a meeting with one of the leaders." Father Adrian seems a bit surprised but nods his head. "I'll attend your meeting..." he replies simply, possibilities flitting through his mind. Kavos bows and excuses himself, leaving Father Adrian with his work. Meanwhile, Gandil's grown bored sitting around Rambalt's basement and decides that he's going to hold an impromptu chess tournament; with the winner winning a spot in their new government as an adviser. He goes and shouts this news in the town square and then begins knocking on doors to announce it as well. He heads to the southside of the village to tell the rest of the population when he sees a glimpse of something rushing him out of the corner of his eye. Gandil spins to face it and receives a punch square in the face with enough force to knock him off his feet. He hits the ground and flexes his claws dangerously. "Did your friend give you my message?" the voice of Longarm asks cold and hollow, his cloak wrapped tightly to conceal his horrific visage. He's as large and burly as he was in life, but death has replaced his once jovial face with something sharp and predatory. "I think he might've said something about-" Gandil starts, standing up nonchalantly and receiving a knee to the ribs for his trouble, those ribs are suddenly rattling around inside him. "Adrian wants you alive." Longarm growls, "But I honestly don't care. Make you a deal though, give me back my grandfather's sword and I'll leave you some teeth." "This sword belongs to the Sheriff of Westbank..." Gandil says, feeling the weight of his injuries even if he can't feel the pain associated with them, "And last I checked..THAT'S ME!" he shouts at the top if his lungs, the sword flicks out and carves a hole down the front of Longarm's chest; the blow is accompanied by both a bite and a claw. Longarm scowls at the injury but delivers a one-two punch combo that rattles Gandil's undead brain and breaks another rib. Gandil hacks into Longarm twice with the enchanted falchion and a commotion can be heard in the street. Longarm looks worried about getting caught in the act and backhands the contested weapon out of a very surprised Gandil's hands. Before Gandil can say anything however, Longarm lands another punch to the face which caves in his eye socket and makes the world go very; very dark. Kavos is enjoying a leisurely meal in the tavern when a villager storms in shouting that the sheriff's been injured and doesn't have a pulse. He rushes to attend to the fallen sheriff before his secret is discovered. Kavos finds Gandil lying limp in a pile of trash, his sword nowhere to be seen. About a dozen people have gathered in the street to gawk; the fact that their sheriff had apparently been mugged keeping them all on edge. Kavos turns to the crowd and demands that they return to their homes. It doesn't take much prodding to send them on their way; just knowing that whatever did THIS is still out there is enough to get them moving. Once everyone's gone, Kavos unleashes several negative energy blasts directly at Gandil's corpse. Gandil's wounds knit themselves back together as he does so and finally the battered sheriff sits up with a groan. "Who did this to you?!" Kavos demands. Gandil rubs his head with the back of his hand and says "It was Father Adrian. He's not trustworthy Kavos! He sent the ghost of Longarm to kill me!" "I spoke with Father Adrian earlier today, he's doubtlessly on our side. Are you sure this was his doing?" Kavos asks suspiciously, knowing Gandil's tendency to jump to conclusions. "This was definitely him!" Gandil insists. "Longarm attacked me and muttered something about Father Adrian while he did so, I swear!" Kavos curses under his breath and rushes to the temple, leaving Gandil in the trash. Gandil glances around the dark alley and decides to join him. They find Father Adrian lighting candles in preparation for tonight's service. Kavos bursts into the room and shouts "What game are you playing at Adrian!?" unmindful of whether or not they're alone. Luckily they are, for now. "What are you talking about Kavos?" Father Adrian asks, genuinely surprised. "Longarm attacked Gandil. Why?" Kavos demands. Adrian sighs and rubs his temples. "He's been ranting about his grandfather's sword in the hands of his murderer... I instructed him to leave the matter to me, but..." Father Adrian looks at Gandil, a look of seemingly genuine concern on his face. "Did he hurt you?" Gandil growls and leaps forward to snatch Adrian by the throat. Adrian's eyes flash dangerously and Gandil goes limp. When Adrian instructs him to sit down, he does so with no choice in the matter; he feels a will inside him replacing his own. Kavos glances at the angry, but subdued Gandil and asks "So Longarm was acting on his own?" Father Adrian nods. "Yes and I have to say, considering Gandil is still with us he must be showing CONSIDERABLE restraint. I apologize for his behavior, but the sword meant a great deal to him. This is all my fault for not broaching the subject sooner." "Did you bring me back to life?" Gandil shouts, using the only part of him that's still his to control. "I think it's pretty obvious that he did." Kavos says. "I'm not asking you Kavos, I'm asking him!" Gandil growls. "Actually...I didn't. Though your revival WAS what inspired me to bring Curtis back, I had no direct hand in it." Father Adrian replies. "Do you know what did?" Gandil asks sullenly. "You're unique Gandil. Well, less unique now, but still one in a million." Father Adrian says. "There are a number of things which COULD have brought you back, I admit that I'm not sure what it was that did so. I've heard stories of soldiers falling in battle to be reborn as you have from the spiritual resonance caused by the carnage. Perhaps my own experiments created such a situation for you?" he suggests. "Why did you bring Longarm back?" Gandil demands. Kavos is struck speechless; he'd just assumed that Adrian had brought Gandil back himself; learning otherwise opens up too many questions. "Once I realized the two of you were lying about his involvement with the Duke, I couldn't in good conscience turn my back on him. Curtis has been a friend for years." Father Adrian replies. "And we killed that friend. So why do you care if we live or die?" Gandil asks, displaying a shocking amount of self awareness. "Because I don't believe you were lying about the Duke." Father Adrian explains. "This town needs the two of you. A strong arm to defend it and a strong mind to lead it. "I'll admit that I'm somewhat upset at your attempt to manipulate me as you did, but since Curtis is still well, not alive... but active, I suppose there's no real harm." "So where do you end up when this is all over?" Gandil growls suspiciously. "Where I've always been." Father Adrian says. "Watching over my flock. Pelor failed to protect them, Lord Asmodeous will not." "Has Longarm's personality changed since bringing him back?" Gandil asks, curious about his own condition. "He seems angrier." Father Adrian admits, a note of sadness in his voice. "But under the circumstances, I don't hold it against him." "I will not be commanded like a dog. Let me up!" Gandil demands, unable to physically struggle. "Are you going to behave?" Adrian asks bluntly. "I swear I'll kill you Adrian!" Gandil growls. "No. You won't." Kavos reprimands him. "Oh yes I will Kavos, if he doesn't let me up now I'll eat his innards later!" Gandil snarls. "He's our ally!" Kavos snaps. "You're being unreasonable!" "Gandil, if you're willing to forget this mess; I'll compensate you for the loss of the sword." Father Adrian offers. "Keep your demon trinkets. I wish to stand!" Gandil shouts. "I'll release you." Adrian replies. "But this is your only warning: Lunge for me again and I will remove your skeletal structure." Father Adrian says coldly, but without a hint of exaggeration. Kavos positions himself between Gandil and Adrian. "Gandil, you listen to me! I WILL NOT let what happened with Haverston happen again. Don't you DARE attack Adrian." "Alright, fine!" Gandil shouts. "Just release me!" Father Adrian relinquishes control of Gandil and the undead sheriff immediately leaps forward snarling and brandishing his claws. Before he gets within 10ft of Father Adrian however, he's fallen under the control of Kavos who makes him sit down once again. "Get control of Longarm." Kavos tells Father Adrian. "I'll do the same with Gandil. But mark my words, I know him. He won't forget this." Father Adrian nods, "I will leash him if need be. The peace will be maintained for all our sakes." Kavos nods and informs Gandil that they will be staying for the evening service. Gandil tries to protest but Kavos shuts him down quite literally. The sermon is somewhat pleasant and revolves around keeping the faith during these trying times; that not even ghouls can threaten a community united as they are. After it's over, Kavos leads Gandil to the jail and locks him in a cell. He releases control and steps back. Gandil immediately throws himself at the bars with teeth gnashing and claws flailing; surprisingly he he manages to absolutely wreck one of the bars. "Gandil. Stop!" Kavos shouts. Seeing his chance, Gandil presses himself into the new opening he's made and manages to squeeze through. Kavos attempts to seize control of him again but Gandil resists and pounces on the elderly cleric. Like a rabid animal Gandil tears into his former friend, dealing 3/4ths of his hp in damage in a single focused assault. Kavos just barely manages to take control of him once again and places him in the remaining cell, his clothing soaked with his own blood. Kavos goes to Professor Rambalt's lab. Rambalt himself is in his lab working over a makeshift smithy on Junior's weapon. "Rambalt, the tonic to ward off infection... I need one." Kavos says. Rambalt motions towards a cabinet which holds several bottles and asks "What happened? Did ghouls get in?" "Nothing." Kavos says, shaking his head and taking a seat. "Rambalt, you've worked with the human anatomy, correct?" Rambalt nods. "Oh yes. Quite extensively." "Extensively.." Kavos repeats, taking a sip of the tonic. "The brain. Could you, if necessary...could you 'reset' a mind? Is it possible?" Rambalt's face scrunches up in confusion. "To what end?" "To remove unwanted memories." Kavos says. "Well...yes. Butthe side effects would be quite...umm unpleasant." Rambalt replies. "How so?" Kavos asks. Tapping the front of Kavos's skull, Rambalt says "A quick incision here could make the brain incapable of storing recent memories as long term...however NO further memories could be processed." Kavos thinks for a moment and then sighs. "Plan B then Rambalt. Do you have any chains or potato sacks?" Rambalt nods indicating several sets near the tortured bandit. "I always keep spare chains, in my line of work you never know when you'll need them... And I should have some potatoes up in the larder." Kavos nods. "Could you and Junior please carry those chains to the jail? I'll get the sacks." Rambalt's confused, but does as he's asked; loading Junior down with heavy chains and leading the golem to the jail behind Kavos. Kavos unlocks the door to allow them in and as they enter, Rambalt gasps at the sight of Gandil in the cell. "Kavos, what is this?! Why is Gandil locked up?" Kavos waves towards his wounds. "He did that?" Rambalt asks incredulously. "But...but he's the sheriff!" "I'll explain later." Kavos says, "At this moment, we need to secure him." "Why's he just standing there like that?" Rambalt asks concerned, but does as he's asked. "Did he...revert?" Kavos explains that Gandil is under his control until he answers some questions. Kavos proceeds to place the potato sacks over Gandil's hands and face, tying them tight to make sure they stay in place. He then carefully arranges the chains to bind Gandil so that if he does somehow resist control, he still can't move. Kavos turns to Rambalt. "He believes a person to be acting against him when he's not. That person is sort of like you Rambalt, someone I protect from the prying eyes of the public." Comprehension flashes across Rambalt's face. "Oh... Is he going to be alright, do you think?" "We'll see." Kavos says. "Step outside, we need a moment alone." Rambalt nods and leads Junior outside to wait. Kavos releases control of Gandil and says "Take a moment and listen before you react." Gandil confirms that he's listening. "Earlier, before the chains, I wanted to ask you why you attacked Father Adrian. Now I want to know why you attacked me." Kavos says. "Because nobody controls my mind!" he growls. "You not only defended Adrian, but took control of my body to do so. AND you forced me to sit through that blasted sermon!" Gandil nearly shouts. "I did it for the town. For you. For everything we've worked for." Kavos insists. "I spoke with Father Adrian earlier today. He's our ally and a powerful one. Not only is he the man who brought Longarm to life, he's a powerful cleric of my god. He would have done far worse than take control of you if you'd managed to harm him. He's not our enemy, remove that notion from your mind. He just wants the town to be safe, to prosper. Isn't that what you want?" "He sets a rapid dog like Longarm loose in Westbank and you want me to believe he has the town's best interests at heart?" Gandil shouts. "He's up to no good Kavos. You can't be so foolish as to not see it!" "A rabid dog?" Kavos asks with a genuine laugh. "Who was Longarm before we arrived here?" he asks. Gandil doesn't answer so Kavos does himself: "He was the sheriff! Who better to bring back from the dead to protect this town?" "We already have an undead sheriff! A half-orc who couldn't handle a pit full of spiders is neither wanted nor helpful." Gandil insists. "If our friendship has ever meant anything to you Kavos, help me take Adrian and his pet ghoul out once and for all!" "Adrian wants nothing but good for this town!" Kavos replies angrily. "YOU moved to strike first, YOU initiated the conflict. I can understand your feud with Longarm, but you need to leave Adrian out of this." "Kill me now if you want to save Adrian." Gandil says flatly. "He has plans in store for Westbank and they do not include us. Kavos and Gandil? No. Adrian and Longarm will rule this town." "Gandil..." Kavos starts exasperatedly. "He's lived here for decades, if he wanted to run this place he would have. YOU KILLED Longarm. If it had been the other way around you would have done far more than just beat him up when you got back." "Me?" Gandil asks in shock. "I remember both of us watching him being eaten alive by spiders." he says morosely. "I know." Kavos says. "But that doesn't change the fact that you had a hand in his murder, nor does it change my point. We've all done wrong, but we need to set it aside to move forward." "My point still stands as well. If you want Adrian to live, then kill me now. You may not get another chance." Gandil replies defiantly. "All I hear are the delusional rantings of a mad man." Kavos says with a sigh. "I won't lose a powerful ally to gain two powerful enemies because you feel slighted. I pray that you see reason." "Do what you have to do." Gandil replies, "I'm not backing down." Kavos shakes his head. "No...I suppose you won't." He calls for Rambalt and orders the mage to retrieve his tools. "You too Rambalt?" Gandil asks before Kavos seizes control once more. "Are you sure Kavos?" Rambalt asks sadly. "M-maybe he'll come around?" "I've given him every chance he'll get. Remove the claws and metal appendages." Kavos instructs. "I won't kill him, but I'm not going to let him run wild. "But...that would leave him helpless." Rambalt protests. "The claws have replaced his hands, the jaws...Kavos, he doesn't even have a jaw without the implants." "Are they re-attachable once removed?" Kavos aks. Rambalt shakes his head. "I'll have to saw them off to remove them. Kavos, this is permanent..." Kavos sighs and glances one last time at his old friend before turning to Rambalt and simply saying "Good." [/QUOTE]
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