As the guards walked, the adventurers noted that these were slightly more polished than the ordinary guards that had been in attendance at the celebration the day before. Their armor was shinier, their cloaks better maintained, and they walked with a poise that belied their experience and confidence. Their were 4 men and 2 women in the guards, and as the arrived at the table, they spread out in a half-circle focused on the table. The scribe walked through a small gap in the middle of the circle, which widened only momentarily for her to pass, and stood at the head of the table. Her green eyes sharply addressed each face, capturing the attention of each person in turn before she began to speak in a high, clear voice.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Driving Away from the Wreck of the Day
As soon as Gurkirat seated himself, 6 city guards entered the inn, leading a single woman wearing the ceremonial tunic, overshirt, hat, and breeches of the scribes of Baldur's Gate. The group walked in, looked around for a second, and walked past three other tables in as straight a line as they could to the table the adventurers were seated at.
As the guards walked, the adventurers noted that these were slightly more polished than the ordinary guards that had been in attendance at the celebration the day before. Their armor was shinier, their cloaks better maintained, and they walked with a poise that belied their experience and confidence. Their were 4 men and 2 women in the guards, and as the arrived at the table, they spread out in a half-circle focused on the table. The scribe walked through a small gap in the middle of the circle, which widened only momentarily for her to pass, and stood at the head of the table. Her green eyes sharply addressed each face, capturing the attention of each person in turn before she began to speak in a high, clear voice.
"Ethelred Beranhond, Nym, Darvin Amblecrown, Gurkirat Kaleo, and Talathel Braegan. By order of the city council, you are all hereby under arrest. Please come with me quietly and peacefully. You will not be harmed if you do as I say."
As the guards walked, the adventurers noted that these were slightly more polished than the ordinary guards that had been in attendance at the celebration the day before. Their armor was shinier, their cloaks better maintained, and they walked with a poise that belied their experience and confidence. Their were 4 men and 2 women in the guards, and as the arrived at the table, they spread out in a half-circle focused on the table. The scribe walked through a small gap in the middle of the circle, which widened only momentarily for her to pass, and stood at the head of the table. Her green eyes sharply addressed each face, capturing the attention of each person in turn before she began to speak in a high, clear voice.
68 comments:
The following tags added to your comments will allow you to format your comments: (Remove the spaces within the < > for the formatting to work)
To italicize text, surround desired italics text with < i> and < /i>.
To create bold text, surround desired bold text with < b> and < /b>.
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Whittaker:
ReplyDeleteFor the record, I have been planning this since the beginning of the break, and had to play really dumb when you suggested it. It would have been much more fun for this to be a surprise, but this will work anyway. :D
Quite alright - I knew it was coming after our brief conversation, so I kept quiet.
ReplyDeleteDarvin could not believe what they were saying. The day was just getting worse and worse.
ReplyDelete"What do you mean under arrest!? What is the charge?" Darvin demanded.
"The charge is 8 counts of murder, as well as theft and the criminal endangerment. If you would, please stand up and come with me."
ReplyDelete"8 counts of murder!? That was self defense! And theft of what!?" Darvin exclaimed again.
ReplyDelete"You will have a chance to defend yourself at trial, sir. Save your protests for the justiciar. It will be he who you must convince. As for the theft, Beranhond," she said, motioning toward him, "Was seen taking items off of the fallen. Also, Nym was seen removing objects from the Sea Star, a vessel belonging to the deceased."
ReplyDeleteGurkirat could only manage an obscene gesture with the hand not supporting his head. A gesture that earned him a crushed hand from a nearby guard and an evil smirk from the commanding officer.
ReplyDeleteBeranhond chuckled at the silliness of the situation:
ReplyDeleteSense motive:
Roll(1d20)+7:19,+7Total:26
Knowledge (nobility:
Roll(1d20)+6:20,+6Total:26
Nym pulled the little wooden box closer to herself and cocked her head to one side as she considered what it would take to wriggle past the guards.
ReplyDelete"Is this city run by the most inept people in Faerun? There are a multitude of witnesses that can attest that our actions were in self-defense. Have you consulted any of them before making this rash decision?"
ReplyDeleteTalathel looked at the others, trying to convey his disbelief.
There is no ill will toward you from these guards and the scribe. They are simply doing their job.
ReplyDeleteBaldur's Gate is run by a group of incompetent bureaucrats who excel at nothing if not creating and following procedures. They are notorious for leaving prisoners in the dungeons for years awaiting trials while their paperwork is processed and strictly adhering to laws, punishing people for disobeying even simple infractions like jaywalking.
"Unfortunately, for you, I recognize no secular authority." Beranhond rose to his full heigth. "Now, I know that you are God-fearing people, and I know that you also respect those who try to do good for the world." He paused, and raised up his shield emblazoned with Narath's symbol. "Further, I understand that you tire off the bureaucracy of this city - look at the damage they did in the wake of the tsunami. As a result, I am sure we can come to an agreement that doesn't end with us biding our time in the forgotten in the corner of a dank dungeon when we can be out finding those that do so much wrong in the world."
ReplyDeleteDiplomacy:
Roll(1d20)+7:
15,+7
Total:22
"I understand that you feel that way. Most people feel they have been wrongfully accused. If that is truly the situation, I'm sure you will be pardoned."
ReplyDelete"Who, is our accuser?"
ReplyDelete"Such lies that come out of your mouth... it is sad that people who wish to do some much good wind up doing so much evil in this world. You defned those who bring suffering to the people, are the hands of those who do no good, and yet you accuse those who are trying for good of wrongdoing. If you continue down this path you shall face the fate as the rat-bitch who haunted this city."
ReplyDeleteIntimidate:
Roll(1d20)+2:
20,+2
Total:22
Jesus christ... I am wasting all my good rolls.
Upon Beranhond's speech, the woman seemed to have a change of heart (shift from indifferent to friendly) "I understand your plight, priest. I will see if there is any way I can speed along your trial." Turning to Talathel, she said, "The city is your accuser."
ReplyDeleteAs she's already being friendly, intimidate has no effect on her.
ReplyDelete"Well, that is a step in the right direction... but we know that the city is not the accuser, the city is crying out for help, and we have provided that! Need I remind you who healed the masses when the Priests of Lathander died?"
ReplyDelete"Good points all, and well spoken, sir, but it is my duty to bring you in, and so I must. Please, come with me."
ReplyDeleteTalathel rolls his eyes and looks around.
ReplyDeleteRoll(1d20)+7:
18,+7
Total:25
(Looking for an escape route)
"Ah, but you have provided no good points for us to come along, nor have you shown any reason for us to join you. Laws are only followed by the consent of the governed, and as I have pointed out before, you do not represent the governed, you represent the corrupt, the wasteful, and the decadent, and those hold no power over us."
ReplyDeleteTalathel:
ReplyDeleteThere is a window behind you that you might be able to bust out of, but the guards are blocking any route through the inn pretty well.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete"Sir," the scribe said to Beranhond, "I fear you have it all wrong. We in Baldur's Gate believe that laws must be followed by any under the light of Lathander, in order to maintain order and goodness as much as possible. I am here as a representative of the justiciar, who does his best to try and bring peace and well-being to the good people of the city. He means you no harm personally, but you broke the law, and he cannot allow you to go unpunished."
ReplyDeleteNo, Scriptus, Codex, and Thjodolf do not enter. They have no reason to be here. They are sleeping off hangovers.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete"We are all trustworthy individuals. Don't you think you could deliver the message to us and allow us to turn ourselves in later today? We aren't going to run for it," Gurkirat added abruptly from his seat.
ReplyDeleteDiplomacy:18+2=20
"No impertinent scribe, and how dare you attempt to educate a priest and a prophet about religion! In either case, you attempt to say that following lathander is to follow order and goodness - but we have provided order and goodness to the city and the bureaucracy have not! Therefore, even according to Lathander you should not trouble us and should indeed help us to fight disorder and evil!" He paused, "Secondly, we broke no laws other than defend our companion, which by its nature is good - thus you have no religious ground or legal ground in which to stand upon. You can ask us to come in for questioning about the wrongs the ships company committed, but you cannot arrest us for wrongdoing."
ReplyDeleteAnother shift from friendly to helpful.
ReplyDelete"Hmm. Well, I suppose we could let you remain free for a bit longer, but we will need to remain with you. How about this," she says as she taps her foot thoughtfully, "Each of you will have two retainers for the day, but you must turn yourself in by dusk tonight, or you will be charged with attempting to escape arrest."
How distracted are the guards by Beranond's speach? Would I be able to stealthily sink under the table and crawl past them?
ReplyDeleteWait... my roll might answer this question.
20+8
28!!
But... I don't do it.
ReplyDelete"I must disagree with you on that point, sir," she retorted to Beranhond. "Defending yourself would have been to disable the men and leave them for the justice of the city. Your murder of those men is seen under our laws as brigantine, vigilante justice that invites chaos and stands against all of our laws."
ReplyDelete"Retainers? You insult us madam! We are heroes of the city, our face is recognized everywhere, how could we escape, and why would we wish to?"
ReplyDeleteSneaking past guards who are actively watching you is EXTREMELY difficult, and not even possible without the ability to hide in plain sight.
ReplyDelete"No, you are wrong again - for to leave them to the corrupt and weak hands of the city is to disrupt the well of the Gods who ask for all evil to be removed. To wait on a secular authority is to insult the will of the gods in terms of smiting evil."
ReplyDeleteDammit.
ReplyDelete"Listen, my friend. Retainers are the best I can do. I was asked to bring you in immediately, and am letting you wander free until dusk. As soon as I leave, I will attempt to set up your trial for dusk, as well. If you are as innocent as you say you are, then you will certainly be freed, and not even be required to spend a night in prison. Please, acquiesce to this small thing, and I will work to make the process much smoother for you. I am, after all, in the scribe's circle of the Justiciar himself."
ReplyDeleteNym:
ReplyDeleteSorry. If the guards were distracted somewhere else, that might work, but they are focused on the table. And they aren't actually involved in this discussion.
"We will agree... but under one condition and that condition is that these retainers be chosen by the will of the Gods and under the direction of my friends at the temple of lathander."
ReplyDelete"The priests of Lathander support our city and help us in time of trial and need. The justiciar attempts to deal justice as well as he can. All of us have personally undergone training at the temple of Lathander, and as such, are representatives of Lathander. Indeed, I feel that Lathander has worked here today to bring me to aid you in these troubled times. I will ensure that the retainers you have are the most holy and good of Lathander's servants in the guard, such as these 6 here."
ReplyDelete"If you will wait here for 5 minutes, I can bring another 4 to escort you."
ReplyDelete"You are representatives of the Temple, not Lathander himself! You can feel what you want, but that does not deny the fact that Lathander's direct connection is to the Priests of the Temple... most of whom I buried right after the Tsunami. However, I require that the retainers be certified by the Priests of the Temple, for only they are holy enough to ensure our protection in a city that has become as rank and hostile as this one has of late."
ReplyDelete"I apologize, my friend, but as you have said, the priests of our temple were buried after the tsunami. The priests there do not know our ways, and would have to rely on our direction regardless. If you would like, though, we could take you to them, and you could see what they feel is right. I assure you they could not choose better than I."
ReplyDelete"Oh, I assure you they can choose better than you - for they are much closer to Lathander than you."
ReplyDeleteHoping they were all about to leave, Nym says, "I need to get my things and Nesme!"
ReplyDeleteAt that comment, you have hurt her feelings, and she is again only friendly.
ReplyDelete"How dare you! I do so much to help you, and you attack my piety? Lathander has seen fit to send me today, and so you shall have to rely upon my assurance that I am fully capable of judging the caliber of soldiers, and it shall be I that chooses your retainers!"
"You haven't done anything to help us yet! All you have done is given us vague promises that we cannot trust! We have helped out this city and you accuse of doing wrong! We have helped out this city and you need us to be baby-sat! You have never once done what Lathander would ask with us, and then you wonder why I call out your piety?"
ReplyDelete"One moment, my friend." The woman turns to the tallest female guard in the group, and says, "Cadrel, please summon Colin, Sabry, Denth, and Briahn."
ReplyDeleteCadrel nods and quickly turns and walks to the door, disappearing it as suddenly as she had appeared.
At Beranhond's response, the scribe turned slowly around, her face getting a bit crimson around the edges. Slipping to indifferent, now. "You now say that you cannot trust me. I have done nothing but provide you with honest council and advice, and you throw it in my face, mockingly. I have half a mind to let you rot in the dungeons, but I gave my word that I would try to arrange for you to have your trial at dusk, and so I shall. Do not tempt me further!"
ReplyDelete"Ah, and now you speak the truth - you do only have half a mind." Beranhond's face also crimson and filled with rage.
ReplyDeleteMoments after she left, Cadrel returned with 4 more guards, 2 men and 2 women. They joined the first, now making a double half-circle.
ReplyDeleteUnder his breath.
ReplyDeleteQuickly recovering his wits "Cadrel, I apologize, I am quick to anger... might you accompany me the rest of the day and we can talk about religion in more civilized tones?"
ReplyDeleteAt Beranhond's comment, the scribe directed her men. "Arrest the priest. Let him stew in the dungeons for the day. The rest may have 2 retainers each, with instructions to return their charges to the court at dusk."
ReplyDeleteAt this, she walked back through the wall of guards and toward the door. One large man and one large woman walked over to behind Beranhond's chair, and the woman pulled out rough handcuffs.
"Your anger at me shows that you are truly firm in your faith - something to be admired, I do thank you for your efforts on our behalf."
ReplyDeleteAs the woman grabbed at Beranhond's shoulder, the scribe's voice called out, "Wait!"
ReplyDeleteBeranhond casts 'sanctuary' plus a heropoint - They cannot approach him.
ReplyDelete"You are wise, priest. I feel that I have had enough of your quick tongue and your abuse of my beliefs and my god for the day. You shall be granted your day, as is just, but by dusk, you must still report to the court, as must all the others.
ReplyDeleteAt this, Nym stowed her box in her clothes and grabbed two guards by the sleeves and led them off. "Do you like card games? We could play a game. I got my cards back FINALLY! Do you want to see my horse? Her name is Nesme. Have you ever been to Nesme? The city, not the horse..."
ReplyDeleteThe guards looked at each other and then followed her, pleased to have a relatively easy ward for the day.
Nym walks away with Carlinya and Moran. Carlinya is about 5'10" tall, with shorter blonde hair and a pierced lip and ears. She smiles as she is led away. Moran is 5'9" tall, with broader shoulders and somewhat small hands for the size of his arms.
ReplyDeleteThe two standing behind Beranhond are Rudant and Scorna. Rudant is 6'4" tall, about 250 lbs, and has a rather intimidating blank, emotionless face. He doesn't talk much, and reveals even less. Scorna is 6'3" tall, with an hourglass figure that is emphasized by the low neckline of her scale mail, relegating the suit of armor to an impressive showcase instead of merely a piece of protective equipment.
ReplyDeleteTalathel shrugs. "Whichever two of you are following me, lets go. I have better things to do than stand around and watch this laughable mockery of justice."
ReplyDeleteWithout looking at any of the guards, he walks off towards the street.
"So, you two hungry? How about breakfast - my treat?"
ReplyDeleteColin and Sabry tail Talathel. Colin is a wiry man, about 5'6", with dark black hair in waves to his shoulders. Sabry is a swarthy woman, about 5'3", with rather frizzy brown hair in a bun at the nape of her neck.
ReplyDeleteDarvin is not happy about this whole situation. He continues to sit at the table and waits until Dusk.
ReplyDeleteTalathel looks at his guards. "Colin, have you met my friends Scriptus and Codex? I could have sworn they were coming to the inn today. You would love them."
ReplyDeleteCadrel and Denth are assigned to Gurkirat. Cadrel is a very intelligent woman, 5'4" tall, who is especially well schooled in archery, and has a very big sweet tooth, and loves talking about poetry. Denth is 5'8" tall, with a bit of a gut, who really wants to find a woman to settle down with.
ReplyDeleteBriahn and Mallan take seats next to Darvin. Briahn is 5'2", with black hair in a french braid who has a very dirty mind, and likes to think of herself as one of the guys. Mallan is 5'4", and has a lingering smell of radishes that follows him wherever he goes.
ReplyDelete