Dragonwriter
First Post
"Skylar! What? Picking fights?" Marcus asks, confused. He pauses and curses quietly. "Let me guess - dropping off those Laugher thugs wasn't as simple as I thought it would be?"
The Shackled City - Golarion Prelude
- Thread starter ahayford
- Start date
Nia looked around, still irritated at the situation, but not unduly alarmed either. The accusations of the prisoners had been desperation ploys, and the lies would not last long under any real investigation. The only danger had been that such an investigation might not come in time to apprehend them. Fortunately, this 'Skylar' guard had some sense to him.
"We came to hear from de man who we rescued from dem," she grumbled. "An' hold dem tight...dey may try to get away when dey see dere lie dying before dere eyes."
"We came to hear from de man who we rescued from dem," she grumbled. "An' hold dem tight...dey may try to get away when dey see dere lie dying before dere eyes."
Dragonwriter
First Post
Marcus snorts. "Somehow, I'm not surprised. Skylar, you know I only get in a fight with good reason. We saw a pack of Laughers beating on a man in an alley. We told them to scram, they threatened us and drew blades and we fought. Magic made one of them skewer their boss and we took the others down, patched their wounds up and I sent this pack to deliver them to a guardhouse. And some strange woman in black appeared, taunted us about some missing children and disappeared and we had no idea where she went. Our group split up, some taking the scum to turn in and the other two of us escorting the young priest we saved.
"Okay, so I should have thought about taking off their masks first. Only thing I'd do different would be get them to a guard I know is honest. I can only thank Saranrae and Iomedae you were on duty at the nearest post. Gods above, you know how many guards are on the take!"
He sighs after his little finishing tirade. "If you want further explanation and corroboration, talk to Ruphus," he finishes, jerking his thumb at the acolyte.
"Okay, so I should have thought about taking off their masks first. Only thing I'd do different would be get them to a guard I know is honest. I can only thank Saranrae and Iomedae you were on duty at the nearest post. Gods above, you know how many guards are on the take!"
He sighs after his little finishing tirade. "If you want further explanation and corroboration, talk to Ruphus," he finishes, jerking his thumb at the acolyte.
ahayford
First Post
Skylar Krewis nods slowly and smiles wryly.
That certainly sounds like you Marcus, a hothead full of good intentions.
He’s lying Sergeant Krewis. Damn fool probably wanted to show off for his new friends here. You remember why he got bounced from the guard don’t you? Accused Lord Captain Skellerang of corruption to his face! Didn’t have one shred of proof. And telling tales about the Last Laugh? Not wise....not wise at all. Just last week I remember that fella that squeeled about their protection racket in the west market. We found his gold tooth at the bottom of the rendering vats at the soapcrafters’ guild. Whats left of ‘im is probably cleaning some noble’s ass as we speak.
Jansen stares evilly at Ruphus as he relates the gruesome tale.
I wouldn’t want to be on their bad side....
Skylar continues his questions.
So...Marcus...Your friends here spoke of a priest. I assume this is him?
Skylar doesn’t wait for confirmation.
Brother....?
Ruphus swallows audibly.
Ruphus sir...
Ruphus...Perhaps you’d like to tell your side of the story?
Ruphus looks to Jenya.
Faith Brother. Above all else, Justice. How can we expect the people to believe in the justice of Cauldron if we cannot bring ourselves to see it through.
Ruphus nods, gaining confidence from Jenya's words.
I was returning from my investigation at the Lantern Street Orphanage; several children had gone missing in recent days. I wanted to return to the temple as expediently as possible so I decided to take a short cut through a back alley. Before I had gotten to far....these two men,
Ruphus points to the shackled prisoners.
and a third...assaulted me. They tried to convince me that investigating the children further was no longer mine or the church’s concern. Then they beat me. If these folk had not happened upon me in the street, I am confident I’d be dead...or worse.
He sits down...relieved to have gotten his story out. Private Jansen looks daggers at him...Private Hale remains silent, his eyes locked on the floor.
Skylar grasps an object underneath his shirt while listening to Ruphus’s story.
I see...It seems Jansen, that your tall tale doesn’t hold much water. It appears my work here is done. Thank you for your testimony Ruphus, one of my men will be around tomorrow to take a full written statement for the records. These two will be enjoying the inside of a cell for a few days, and if I have my way, will be executed for treason.
Ruphus turns to the group.
Marcus, you and your friends are free to go, but watch yourselves. The Last Laugh isn’t quick to forget. I’ll have a runner deliver your equipment to the Drunken Morkoth.
Marcus pushes the two prisoners toward the door.
This isn't over Marcus. Terseon will have us out before my ass warms my cot. I'll be back with a warrant for your arrest traitor. Mark my words
Skylar roughly shoves Jansen out the door. Before leaving, Skylar turns back to you.
One last thing...I received an order today from my Lieutenant to cease all investigations into the missing orphans and spend city resources on more important cases. I didn’t really think anything about it beyond the normal disregard for the poor and downtrodden. Now, I’m not so sure....
Skylar gives you a final nod and exits the room.
Jenya relaxes visibly when Skylar leaves. It isn’t until now that you realize part of her aged appearance is due to straight up fatigue. She rubs her temples with one hand while leaning back in her chair.
You may leave Ruphus, get some rest. I think sister Sophia put some fresh onion soup on the hearth. And if you would Marcus, I’d ask you and your friends to stay. I may have a....
She pauses for a moment trying to collect her thoughts. She shrugs exasperated trying to find the right words.
...job for you if you would be so inclined.
That certainly sounds like you Marcus, a hothead full of good intentions.
He’s lying Sergeant Krewis. Damn fool probably wanted to show off for his new friends here. You remember why he got bounced from the guard don’t you? Accused Lord Captain Skellerang of corruption to his face! Didn’t have one shred of proof. And telling tales about the Last Laugh? Not wise....not wise at all. Just last week I remember that fella that squeeled about their protection racket in the west market. We found his gold tooth at the bottom of the rendering vats at the soapcrafters’ guild. Whats left of ‘im is probably cleaning some noble’s ass as we speak.
Jansen stares evilly at Ruphus as he relates the gruesome tale.
I wouldn’t want to be on their bad side....
Skylar continues his questions.
So...Marcus...Your friends here spoke of a priest. I assume this is him?
Skylar doesn’t wait for confirmation.
Brother....?
Ruphus swallows audibly.
Ruphus sir...
Ruphus...Perhaps you’d like to tell your side of the story?
Ruphus looks to Jenya.
Faith Brother. Above all else, Justice. How can we expect the people to believe in the justice of Cauldron if we cannot bring ourselves to see it through.
Ruphus nods, gaining confidence from Jenya's words.
I was returning from my investigation at the Lantern Street Orphanage; several children had gone missing in recent days. I wanted to return to the temple as expediently as possible so I decided to take a short cut through a back alley. Before I had gotten to far....these two men,
Ruphus points to the shackled prisoners.
and a third...assaulted me. They tried to convince me that investigating the children further was no longer mine or the church’s concern. Then they beat me. If these folk had not happened upon me in the street, I am confident I’d be dead...or worse.
He sits down...relieved to have gotten his story out. Private Jansen looks daggers at him...Private Hale remains silent, his eyes locked on the floor.
Skylar grasps an object underneath his shirt while listening to Ruphus’s story.
I see...It seems Jansen, that your tall tale doesn’t hold much water. It appears my work here is done. Thank you for your testimony Ruphus, one of my men will be around tomorrow to take a full written statement for the records. These two will be enjoying the inside of a cell for a few days, and if I have my way, will be executed for treason.
Ruphus turns to the group.
Marcus, you and your friends are free to go, but watch yourselves. The Last Laugh isn’t quick to forget. I’ll have a runner deliver your equipment to the Drunken Morkoth.
Marcus pushes the two prisoners toward the door.
This isn't over Marcus. Terseon will have us out before my ass warms my cot. I'll be back with a warrant for your arrest traitor. Mark my words
Skylar roughly shoves Jansen out the door. Before leaving, Skylar turns back to you.
One last thing...I received an order today from my Lieutenant to cease all investigations into the missing orphans and spend city resources on more important cases. I didn’t really think anything about it beyond the normal disregard for the poor and downtrodden. Now, I’m not so sure....
Skylar gives you a final nod and exits the room.
Jenya relaxes visibly when Skylar leaves. It isn’t until now that you realize part of her aged appearance is due to straight up fatigue. She rubs her temples with one hand while leaning back in her chair.
You may leave Ruphus, get some rest. I think sister Sophia put some fresh onion soup on the hearth. And if you would Marcus, I’d ask you and your friends to stay. I may have a....
She pauses for a moment trying to collect her thoughts. She shrugs exasperated trying to find the right words.
...job for you if you would be so inclined.
Last edited:
Walking Dad
First Post
Wilbur
Wilbur remained quiet during the exchange at the temple, wondering silently if his vision told him really to prevent the destruction of a city of corruption...
[sblock=OOC]
----
HP: 11 / 11
Spells:
1: 4/5
Gift of Madness: 5 / 6
Wilbur 2
Wilbur Warrington
[/sblock]
Wilbur remained quiet during the exchange at the temple, wondering silently if his vision told him really to prevent the destruction of a city of corruption...
[sblock=OOC]
----
HP: 11 / 11
Spells:
1: 4/5
Gift of Madness: 5 / 6
Wilbur 2
Wilbur Warrington
[/sblock]
Dragonwriter
First Post
Marcus listens to Jansen's tale with a hint of amusement. "Wow, the Laugh is scraping the bottom of the barrel if they can only manage the soapcrafter's guild for their disposal now. And hiring worthless pieces of turncoat trash like you."
He nods to Skylar and the little warning. "I know, I know. At least I've got a few people around to help watch each other's backs. You be careful too, Skylar. I'd hate to see one of the few honest guards lose his position over crap like these scum."
He waves away Jansen's departing threat and resists the urge to spit on the man. The former guardsman then looks sidelong at Jenya. "Let me guess. It's about the missing kids? If that's the case, I'll help. Though I'd still appreciate any information you have."
He nods to Skylar and the little warning. "I know, I know. At least I've got a few people around to help watch each other's backs. You be careful too, Skylar. I'd hate to see one of the few honest guards lose his position over crap like these scum."
He waves away Jansen's departing threat and resists the urge to spit on the man. The former guardsman then looks sidelong at Jenya. "Let me guess. It's about the missing kids? If that's the case, I'll help. Though I'd still appreciate any information you have."
Caytis Maggerin, half-elf magus
Caytis relaxes slightly as the guard leave.
"Well, that certainly wasn't how I saw my night going," the magus says. As the temple head speaks of work, however, he turns his attention to her.
"If it's got anything to do with stopping more of that nonsense--" he jerks his thumb to the exit where the Laugher guards were just hauled off--"Count me in."
Caytis relaxes slightly as the guard leave.
"Well, that certainly wasn't how I saw my night going," the magus says. As the temple head speaks of work, however, he turns his attention to her.
"If it's got anything to do with stopping more of that nonsense--" he jerks his thumb to the exit where the Laugher guards were just hauled off--"Count me in."
Maidhc O Casain
Na Bith Mo Riocht Tá!
Val's been watching the exchange with interest. "And me as well. If there are people being abducted - especially children - my Master will surely disown me if I stand by and do nothing."
ahayford
First Post
Thank you....all of you. I can’t tell you how relieved it makes me to know that people who value justice and goodness still walk the streets of Cauldron. So few of us...
The young brunette girl you remember from your less the ceremonious entry to the temple opens the door and enters the room with a tray of cups and a large steaming pot of tea balance on one hand. Under her other arm she carries a bundle of clean towels.
Jenya perks up slightly.
Ah Sophia, thank you. Leave it to a child to teach her elder some manners.
Jenya regards the party.
Please, have some tea and take a seat by the fire to warm up. I’m sure you are all chilled to the bone.
Sophia hands each of you a simple, but clean towel. She then goes around the room pouring the fragrant tea into small ceramic cups for each of you. The tea’s pleasant aroma and earthy flavor seem to lift the fatigue from your body and clears the fog from your head.
Sophia leaves the remainder of the pot and tea service on Jenya’s desk, then exits the room, closing the heavy doors behind her. The tea has a relaxing effect on Jenya, but it is still obvious that she hasn’t slept for quite some time. The evidence of several hasty meals lie strewn about her desk, as does several stacks of paperwork....briefs? summons? legal work? Difficult to say.
She pushes the cup away after she drains it, the weight of her station falling back onto her shoulders.
[color=”grey”] Four children were kidnapped from the Lantern Street Orphanage last night. That in and of itself is a crime worthy of Saranrae’s attention. However it is only the most recent in a series of strange disappearances and robberies. Something is going on here in the shadows, stealing people from their own homes...sometimes from the beds of their wives and husbands. My agents have been completely unable to determine who is snatching people or why.[/color]
She rubs her temples distractedly to relieve the stress. She pulls out a sheet of parchment from somewhere on the desk that depicts a building floorplan.
The orphanage the children were taken from has two bedchambers on the second floor, one for boys one for girls. Two children were taken from each room. None of the resident staff heard or saw anything.
The orphanage has barred windows and excellent locks protecting its doors. The headmistress says she locks the children into their rooms every night to prevent any midnight mischief.
Jenya digs her fingernails into her desktop in frustration. She squirms slightly as she relates the rest of the story.
As much as I might seem to be in charge here...I am not the High Priestess of this temple. I was put in charge by High Priest Delasharm, who is on an extended visit to Sasserine.
When I heard about the disappearances, I....rather brashly declared that the Church of Saranrae would bring the culprits to justice. That was almost a month ago. Service attendance has dropped off by almost half since I made that declaration with not a single lead to go on. People are losing faith in me and my goddess.
In desperation, I turned to the one artifact that this church holds most sacred. Our church was entrusted with Edge of Justice, a scimitar said to be forged from celestial steel and quenched in the breath of the goddess herself. It possess the power of divination. The high priest is the only one of her servants allowed to use its power....and I again, in my arrogance, thought my cause granted me special dispensation to use it. I asked it “Where are the children who were abducted from the Lantern Street Orphanage”. It responded...
“The Locks are key to finding them. Look beyond the curtain, below the cauldron. Beware the doors with teeth. Descend into malachite hold where precious life is bought with gold. Half a dwarf binds them, but not for long”
It made me so angry I could spit. The only line that means anything to me is the first. Possibly referring to the locks on the Orphanage?
Jenya sighs and closes her eyes, recentering herself. When she opens her eyes again, she looks at each of you in turn.
My fellow initiates and I are not investigators. We are advisers, teachers, and at best, litigators. We need people who know this city and its people. We need people that are not afraid of bullies or their petty threats. We need you. Please.....help those children. Help the lost of Cauldron find justice.
Do not think I ask you to work for free. Honest pay for honest work is one of the most just things there is. I offer your group payment of 2500 gold to find the missing townsfolk, as well as bring justice upon those who have to openly defied our lady’s peace.
If you have any further questions, you may ask me....but then I suggest you return home and start your investigation in the morning. Its already late, and most of the city is closed for the night.
The young brunette girl you remember from your less the ceremonious entry to the temple opens the door and enters the room with a tray of cups and a large steaming pot of tea balance on one hand. Under her other arm she carries a bundle of clean towels.
Jenya perks up slightly.
Ah Sophia, thank you. Leave it to a child to teach her elder some manners.
Jenya regards the party.
Please, have some tea and take a seat by the fire to warm up. I’m sure you are all chilled to the bone.
Sophia hands each of you a simple, but clean towel. She then goes around the room pouring the fragrant tea into small ceramic cups for each of you. The tea’s pleasant aroma and earthy flavor seem to lift the fatigue from your body and clears the fog from your head.
Sophia leaves the remainder of the pot and tea service on Jenya’s desk, then exits the room, closing the heavy doors behind her. The tea has a relaxing effect on Jenya, but it is still obvious that she hasn’t slept for quite some time. The evidence of several hasty meals lie strewn about her desk, as does several stacks of paperwork....briefs? summons? legal work? Difficult to say.
She pushes the cup away after she drains it, the weight of her station falling back onto her shoulders.
[color=”grey”] Four children were kidnapped from the Lantern Street Orphanage last night. That in and of itself is a crime worthy of Saranrae’s attention. However it is only the most recent in a series of strange disappearances and robberies. Something is going on here in the shadows, stealing people from their own homes...sometimes from the beds of their wives and husbands. My agents have been completely unable to determine who is snatching people or why.[/color]
She rubs her temples distractedly to relieve the stress. She pulls out a sheet of parchment from somewhere on the desk that depicts a building floorplan.
The orphanage the children were taken from has two bedchambers on the second floor, one for boys one for girls. Two children were taken from each room. None of the resident staff heard or saw anything.
The orphanage has barred windows and excellent locks protecting its doors. The headmistress says she locks the children into their rooms every night to prevent any midnight mischief.
Jenya digs her fingernails into her desktop in frustration. She squirms slightly as she relates the rest of the story.
As much as I might seem to be in charge here...I am not the High Priestess of this temple. I was put in charge by High Priest Delasharm, who is on an extended visit to Sasserine.
When I heard about the disappearances, I....rather brashly declared that the Church of Saranrae would bring the culprits to justice. That was almost a month ago. Service attendance has dropped off by almost half since I made that declaration with not a single lead to go on. People are losing faith in me and my goddess.
In desperation, I turned to the one artifact that this church holds most sacred. Our church was entrusted with Edge of Justice, a scimitar said to be forged from celestial steel and quenched in the breath of the goddess herself. It possess the power of divination. The high priest is the only one of her servants allowed to use its power....and I again, in my arrogance, thought my cause granted me special dispensation to use it. I asked it “Where are the children who were abducted from the Lantern Street Orphanage”. It responded...
“The Locks are key to finding them. Look beyond the curtain, below the cauldron. Beware the doors with teeth. Descend into malachite hold where precious life is bought with gold. Half a dwarf binds them, but not for long”
It made me so angry I could spit. The only line that means anything to me is the first. Possibly referring to the locks on the Orphanage?
Jenya sighs and closes her eyes, recentering herself. When she opens her eyes again, she looks at each of you in turn.
My fellow initiates and I are not investigators. We are advisers, teachers, and at best, litigators. We need people who know this city and its people. We need people that are not afraid of bullies or their petty threats. We need you. Please.....help those children. Help the lost of Cauldron find justice.
Do not think I ask you to work for free. Honest pay for honest work is one of the most just things there is. I offer your group payment of 2500 gold to find the missing townsfolk, as well as bring justice upon those who have to openly defied our lady’s peace.
If you have any further questions, you may ask me....but then I suggest you return home and start your investigation in the morning. Its already late, and most of the city is closed for the night.
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