DM Kathy Sunday January 3rd, 2016 10:03:14 PM
Everybody please take 200 XP for the previous scene. And welcome back!
You make the best of your enforced rest. You eventually un-stack and place the cots, and distribute the bedding. Lornak sweeps the floor, and soon Var's fire has the place at a comfortable temperature. Asteria and Talanthrel are able to go out and procure not only food, but also ale.
The safehouse is, on the whole, more comfortable than jail would have been. And the company is better. Nevertheless, you are somewhat relieved when Boggs shows up to take you to the magistrate.
"Talanthrel," he says. "I've got a solo mission that could use a man of your skills. And since you weren't arrested with the others, the magistrate won't miss you. Wait for me here; we can discuss it when I get back."
[OOC: Paul needs to leave the game for a while, so Talanthrel will be off on his own adventure.]
He leads the rest of you through the Backstab Quarter and Moontown, to a large, rather garish building in the Burn. You make your way to the second floor and the hearing room of the Honorable Olamide Cairth. At least, that's what the sign says. Inside, several Dirt City citizens sit on hard benches, waiting for their cases to be called. You spot the House of Silver, sitting off to one side, some of them glaring at you.
For now, there is little to do except sit down and glare back at them.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 35/35; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 18] Monday January 4th, 2016 1:40:29 AM
Asteria frowns slightly when Talanthrel is pulled away on a secret mission thingy. She had wanted to get to know him a bit better. Shame. It would have to wait for his return. Before she and the group are taken away, Asteria chugs some of the ale down. Whatever is coming next, she'll need to be ready.
The barbarian eyes every part of the city with an equal mix of distrust and amazement. None of the buildings back in the tribe were this big! But hidden in those dark alley ways, who knew what could be lurking? Asteria stays close to the group.
She quickly makes her way to one of the seats, making herself at home. No need to waste precious energy standing about! It isn't as comfortable as she had hoped, especially with that weird group of thugs staring at her and her group. Leaning towards the rest of her team, Asteria mutters her questions.
"Hey! Who are those ones? Did you beat them up? Or are they just not friendly?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:17/17; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:17] - CMTC d20+10=11 ; d20+7=22 ; d20+10=23 ; d20+7=18 ; Monday January 4th, 2016 7:34:47 AM
Toston looks around the room. Is there a bailiff? Is someone, presumably the honorable Olamide Cairth seated at the judge's bench?
If either a judge or bailiff is present then Toston studies that person. (Perception: 11) (Sense Motive: 22)
Toston studies the other citizens waiting the magistrate besides the Silver thugs. Do the non-silver thugs show trepidation, seem at ease? Toston is trying to get a feel for potentially what to expect based on the perceptions of the other people.
(perception: 23) (sense motive : 18)
Wilford Grimly (HP:21/21; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) d20+8=18 ; Monday January 4th, 2016 8:31:07 AM
Wil finds a seat within the courthouse. He growls at the sight of the house of Silver. "Cicero, you are a ghost. Can you float over there and give them a chill?" Wil asked half joking. He follows that up with in intimidating snarl toward the group. (Diplomacy: 18) Wil is working to cement a reputation of a crazy cleric.
Var (Tom I.) HP:27/27 AC:16/T:13/13 CMD:19 d20+10=11 ; d20+4=8 ; Monday January 4th, 2016 5:16:55 PM
"Yeah, those are the House of Silver goons that got arrested with us." Var says in response to Asteria's question, Var points out the gang leader Reakos to her, as well.
Var takes a look at the other citizens in the courtroom, thinking that this would be an excellent time for other House of Silver members to stage a sneak attack & rescue their comrades. (Perception: 11/ Sense motive: 8) But Var figures he's being paranoid. The Knives wouldn't stand for that, right?
Alizar followed the rest of the group as Boggs led them on. He had been most quiet during the day spent in the rest house, almost as if his mind had been on holiday. (Spell Prep: Zone of Truth, Calm Emotion, Eagle's Splendor)
This was the first time finding himself in a court house in this position, but he had read many legal texts. He thought back to if he had ever heard any scuttlebutt about this particular judge before, and if he had a reputation for being, 'fair'. It made Alizar chuckle a little, "Sure, in this town, right", he said quietly, really mostly to himself. (Knowledge-Local: 21)
Hmerrin(HP 31/31 AC20/14t/16ff, CMD 19) Monday January 4th, 2016 7:11:04 PM
Hmerrin leans over to Asteria, adding to Var's answer. "And yeah, we beat them up."
The lad thinks a moment.
"Actually, we killed most of them."
He gives the House of Silver a little wave.
Hmerrin remains relaxed, trusting in Boggs to get them through whatever it is.
Lornak ( Frank S.) HP:32/32 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:17 d20+6=9 ; d20+9=13 ; Monday January 4th, 2016 7:24:01 PM
After a leisure meal and some ale Lornak was able to get some rest before Boggs came calling. He was happy to see everyone get some time to take a breath. He joins the group in their sojourn to the Burn.
En Route he does his best to remember what could be in store for them if the magistrate convicts them of any kind of crime. Knowledge(Local) d20=9 He seems to remember they are rumored to be more like drumhead trials...
When the group take their places he notices members of the House of Silver in the room. He does his best to keep an eye on them. Who knows what they will pull in the courtroom. Perception d20=13
Dušan (Erik) [HP:18/18; AC:12; Touch: 12; FF:10; CMD:13] Monday January 4th, 2016 8:08:30 PM
Dušan felt refreshed by his night of sleep, if a bit stiff from his awkward corner position on the floor. Seeing the others waking up on their cots, he felt a bit foolish, but rested all the same. The revelations that he was hoping for did come for him during his meditations and he was excited to put them into practice. In fact he was about to summon his cauldron when Boggs appeared. Disappointing, he gathers his things. feeling a bit ruffled from the past days activities, he casts Prestidigitation on himself and offers to do so on the others as well so they will look their best in front of the magistrate.
At the hearing room, Dušan attempts to sit with an air of leisure and nonchalance in front of the House Silver. "Not that they put up much a fight. Most of them couldn't even be bothered to stay awake for the encounter."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:26/26; AC:12; Touch: 12; FF:10; CMD:13] Monday January 4th, 2016 8:51:40 PM
(OOC: Updating header HP)
DM Kathy Monday January 4th, 2016 11:08:12 PM
As you enter what we'll call the courtroom (it isn't one, really, but it's as good a name as any), you can see a clear devide between the magistrate's "territory" and the rest of the room. Her chair is an elaborately carved, thronelike edifice that must weigh over a ton. Behind her are sumptuous wall hangings.
This is in keeping of Alizar's knowledge of this magistrate. She has a pretty high opinion of herself, and she likes the finer things in life.
Toston doesn't spot a specific bailiff; there seem to be several Knives and guards there to help keep order. The others waiting for their cases to be heard are not all thugs. In fact, most of them aren't. Most of them look terrified; a few seem calm.
And then the first case is called and the two parties step, before Magistrate Cairth, clearly nervous. The case seems to involve a dispute over the repayment of the debt. The one man says he paid his friend back, the other says it wasn't the full amount, and they go back and forth until Magistrate Cairth waves a hand. "Well, I think this is best settled in the Arena," she says. "Case dismissed."
Both men look dismayed by this, as indeed they might. Both are obviously shopkeepers, not fighters, and they are unlikely to do well in the Arena. But they are led away.
The next few cases are similar. Magistrate Cairth doesn't seem interested in figuring out who is right and who is wrong; who is lying and who is telling the truth. Everybody gets sent to "settle it in the Arena," except one man who is able to persuade the court to accept a rather hefty "fine" (that is, a bribe) rather than being sent to the arena. That kind of cash seems out of reach of most of the people here, however.
The cases go on, each more depressing (or rage-inducing) than the last. And there's really nothing you can do about any of it.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 35/35; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 18] d20+8=16 ; Tuesday January 5th, 2016 6:34:04 AM
As each of the cases went on, Asteria's grip on her chair grew as well, to the point where she almost broke off a piece. Clearly, she is not pleased by the events taking place. In fact, she looks just about angry enough to take up her axe and start slicing up the Magistrate. She was strong, maybe even strong enough to take down the guards. She could get up there.
"Heh. Do you think I could 'axe' her a question?"
The barbarian whispers to those around her. It was a subtle question, maybe one of them would join her? If not, too bad. She was prepared to fight anyone in her way. They couldn't be a friend of her's if they stood by meekly while others suffered. Glaring intensely at the Magistrate, she hopes to make that sicko feel worried, very worried. Because if she and Asteria found themselves in an dark alley way together, Cairth wouldn't be getting out alive. They'd have to pick her up in pieces.
(Intimidate- 16)
Var (Tom I.) HP:27/27 AC:16/T:13/13 CMD:19 Tuesday January 5th, 2016 8:45:43 AM
Var sits stoically, watching the 'courtroom' proceedings. He had never really seen this end of the justice system; he was only ever the one out tracking fugitives. His stoicism is broken however when Asteria makes a joke, he had never realized how similar ask and axe sounded.
"This arena, do the people from each case fight each other or professional gladiators? Is it a fight to the death? That seems... Unnecessary for most of these cases." Var asks.
Lornak ( Frank S.) HP:32/32 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:17 Tuesday January 5th, 2016 4:15:52 PM
Lornak dutifully listens to the outcomes of the various cases. He is pretty confident that their cases' ruling would be much the same as those heard unless Boggs has some kind of ace to play.
He muses if the collective wealth of the group would be enough to fund a "fine." He feels a little dismayed as he doubts the group's collective wealth is sadly inadequate to meet the court's requirements.
He starts to think in the manner Var voices. He speaks softly to his comrades. "We would be "settling a dispute" my friend. We will more than likely be pitted against that Scraggly Were-Leopard thing... What was its name, Reakos?"
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:17/17; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:17] - CMTC Tuesday January 5th, 2016 5:42:41 PM
Toston is not happy with the proceedings in the court. The manner in which this judge is carrying out her rulings is part of the problem within Dirt City that he had wanted to fix for the good people of Dirt City.
Toston notices Asteria attempting to be intimidating and offering her some help. He casts the minotaur version of Toros Taur Try on the barbarian. (OOC: She gets +1 on perception / intimidation for the next 10 minutes)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:26/26; AC:12; Touch: 12; FF:10; CMD:13] Tuesday January 5th, 2016 5:59:56 PM
Dušan's frivolous facade fades as he listens to the hearings and their outcomes. He drops his relaxed position and grows pensive as their turn creeps closer.
Hmerrin(HP 31/31 AC20/14t/16ff, CMD 19) Tuesday January 5th, 2016 8:21:02 PM
Hmerrin does his best to remain calm, only chewing down one of his fingernails to the stub.
This town is proving to be crazier than Boydos himself, but the lad can't see a way past it. He notes Asteria making noise, but being pretty sure better fighters then he have been through here, and that this lady had dealt with them, he's says nothing, and waits for Boggs.
DM Kathy Tuesday January 5th, 2016 11:31:52 PM
At last, your case is called.
"The so-called House of Silver versus Mercenary Company 709."
"That's you," Boggs says. "Good luck."
Asteria was not part of the group arrested, but she can join them before the magistrate if she likes. Or she can stay back here with Boggs, but if she stays here, she cannot speak.
You step to the front to stand before the magistrate. The House of Silver steps up, too. There are rather more of them than there were in the jail cell. They are led by a striking young human woman you're sure you've never encountered before. However, some of you may remember hearing of a person named Selene.
Magistrate Cairth looks down her nose at you. "Fighting in the streets, disturbing the peace, inciting a riot.... What have you to say for yourselves? What's the cause of all of this?"
Var (Tom I.) HP:27/27 AC:16/T:13/13 CMD:19 d20+10=21 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 8:18:37 AM
So, Var thinks to himself, this is the woman who's been giving us so much trouble. (Perception: 21) He studies her intently, committing as much as he can to memory.
When the magistrate asks for an explanation, Var has to suppress an instinct to shout 'they started it!'; instead, he turns expectantly to Alizar. (OoC: You're on, Rocky!)
Wilford Grimly (HP:21/21; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) d20+8=16 ; d20+8=12 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 9:58:02 AM
Wil, who had been sleeping (OOC: sorry ) steps up and puts out as much diplomacy as he can, with help of some Bluffing. (Diplomacy: 16; Bluff: 12) "Wonderful magistrate. You look beautiful by the way. I need to apologize to the court for the disturbance last night. We were doing nothing when we were attacked by these heathens. If not for being attacked we would not of caused any issues."
Dušan (Erik) [HP:26/26; AC:12; Touch: 12; FF:10; CMD:13] Wednesday January 6th, 2016 3:28:54 PM
Dušan sighs as he stands up. "Well this is it, I guess."
He follows Var's gaze to Alizar, but is impressed when Wilford takes the lead. As they walk forward, Dušan pats Wilford encouragingly on the back and casts Touch of Glory on his friend.
(+3 to a single Charisma-based skill check or Charisma ability check, I assume diplomacy if you don't follow up)
Alizar HP:19/19 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:14 d20+8=9 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 4:06:40 PM
Alizar took a breath, and calmed his nerves. He opened his eyes as Wilford finished his opening remarks. Unfortunately, the words must have gotten caught in his throat somwhere, as something grabbed hold of his vocal chords and squeezed, and all that came out were a short cacophony of coughs and wheezes. (Diplomacy - d20+8=9; Awesome time to roll a 1)
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:17/17; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:17] - CMTC d20+1=12 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 6:00:35 PM
Toston is torn. On the one hand he thinks the argument that Wil is making isn't the right one to be taking. It is both a lie and utterly sychophantic, but he also realizes how important it is to present a unified front considering that their leader has finally graced the party with her appearance.
He attempts to help his friend with a little gnome agreeableness though everything he says is true, "Your honor, we have learned that these ruffians have been causing quite a bit of trouble. They had pretended to be ghosts whilst secretly preparing to pull off a heist of the merchants of Clover Way and they were the ones responsible for the assassination attempt of the trade delegation." (Diplomacy: 12 vs 10 to aid another)
Lornak ( Frank S.) HP:32/32 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:17 d20+7=27 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 6:23:26 PM
Lornak was going to step in and speak for Alizar as he cleared his throat when Toston interjects. After he has spoken his mind Lornak adds;
"In addition they have sought to besmirch our reputations and lay blame for their actions upon anyone but themselves, Mistress."
(Diplomacy d20=27)
Lornak ( Frank S.) HP:32/32 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:17 d20+7=22 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 6:25:06 PM
(OOC roll to confirm crit Diplomacy d20=22)
Wilford Grimly (HP:21/21; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) Wednesday January 6th, 2016 6:28:39 PM
Wil smiles as Dusan buffs his Bluffing skills. +3 Truly she is not the most beautiful woman but Wil hopes the praise improves her mood and deflects it toward the dirty rats.
Hmerrin(HP 31/31 AC20/14t/16ff, CMD 19) Wednesday January 6th, 2016 9:04:17 PM
Hmerrin nods helpfully to back up everyone's statements.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 35/35; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 18] d20+6=22 ; d20+2=20 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 9:07:19 PM
Asteria does choose to go forth with the group, as she would be more helpful nearby. However, she had not been with the group during the accident. How could she possibly contribute anything to the conversation? Instead, she stays silent, watching the onlookers for any sort of disturbance or attack. Her bold green eyes sweep over the crowd, ready to give the alarm in case of an attack.
(Perception: 22) (Sense Motive: 20)
DM Kathy Wednesday January 6th, 2016 11:07:38 PM Asteria goes with the group, looking around for signs of trouble.
In response to the magistrate's question, Wilford tries a bit of flattery, and a "they started it" argument. Dušan assists him with a bit of magic.
Toston brings up the past misdeeds of the House of Silver. Lornak backs him, while Hmerrin and Var help by staying silent.
The group's real diplomat, of course, is Alizar, but for once his silver tongue seems to have failed him. He makes a few wheezing noises, but says nothing helpful.
"Your Honor," says the woman called Selene. "It's true that the House of Silver has had a great deal of trouble with these miscreants. They have harrassed us at every turn, and we have reason to believe they are responsible for some quite horrific corpses that turned up in Grubbertown a few months ago. Since that time, they seem to have made it their mission to hound and attack us, when we want nothing more than to go peacefully about our business. We very much regret that our conflict ended with a fight in the streets, but we did try our best to avoid it."
Slight edit of Asteria's actions because your DM is a ding-a-ling.
Alizar HP:19/19 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:14 d20+8=14 ; Wednesday January 6th, 2016 11:37:16 PM
Alizar recovered from his momentary fit, and ran his silver amulet through his fingers has his quietly whispered the incantation and cast [Eagle's Spendor] on himself. With slightly renewed vigor, and seemingly improves poise and prose, he addressed the magistrate. "Your Honor, I apologize for my minor fit. I'll not insult your intelligence, as, Miss Selene, seems apt to do." Alizar gestured in Selene's direction. "This woman, would have Your Honor believe that my companions and I were the cause of a great deal of trouble in your district. She assumes, that like the brainless, bile mouthed knuckle draggers she keeps company with, that you can't think for yourself. Though I have no clue as to what events these are that she speaks of, our employer can most readily provide an account of our where abouts whenever it may be that they occurred. The facts in this case are pretty apparent when boil it down to the bone and broth. This woman, and the company she keeps, let loose a pack of wild savages on the streets of your city. A group with little regard for this cities rules of order, the very rules that keep the delicate balance, so they we may all prosper, from our respective business ventures. I submit to you, that you would be making this city a much more efficient place for enterprise were you to lock all of them some place dark and out of the way, however, in your wisdom, I am sure you already see this as undeniable fact." (Diplomacy 16 [d20+8+2] )
Var (Tom I.) HP:27/27 AC:16/T:13/13 CMD:19 d20+1=6 ; Thursday January 7th, 2016 9:05:53 AM
Var attempts to add gravitas to Alizar's argument. "Yeah! And they started it!" (Aid Another Diplomacy: 6) . It is not helpful.
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:17/17; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:17] - CMTC d20+1=18 ; Thursday January 7th, 2016 1:47:08 PM
Toston says, "Selene is wrong. The corpses in Grubbertown were already dead, but got reanimated because the graveyard was not properly blessed. As for trying to keep the fight out of the streets we managed to track agents of this so-called House of Silver, a House I remind you is not one of the official Houses of Dirt City to a building near where the fight broke out. They ambushed us outside of this house. Additionally your honor are you aware of the health hazard that the House of Silver's affliction presents to Dirt City? Are all of the lycanthropes in this house naturally born or are any afflicted? Are any of there number that are afflicted had their behavior changed by their conditions? I submit to this court that any afflicted lycanthrope in the employ of the house of silver be given the chance to be cured and reformed if that is what they want."
(Diplomacy : 18)
Alizar HP:19/19 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:14 Thursday January 7th, 2016 3:39:21 PM
Alizar leaned over after Toston spoke and whispered so only the group could hear, "Perhaps, this is not the best venue to go into our little nightly... hobbies. They may be 'The Law' of Dirt City, but this is still Dirt City after all..."
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 35/35; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 18] d20+8=23 ; Thursday January 7th, 2016 6:21:00 PM
Asteria taps her foot, becoming impatient. This has been going on for too long with no real outcome. Sending a nasty glare towards Selene and her followers, Asteria hopes to intimidate them, lower their morals. (Intimidate: 23)
Dušan (Erik) [HP:26/26; AC:12; Touch: 12; FF:10; CMD:13] d20+6=22 ; Thursday January 7th, 2016 6:31:35 PM
Dušan tries to remember how the courts react to practitioners using magic to bolster their argument (Knowledge - Local: d20+6 = 22). Assuming that someone in the House of Knives had the same idea, he casts Detect Magic on the House of Silver in hopes of catching them in contempt of court. They could see his Touch of Glory in the same light, but he is hoping on technicalities. He cast it before the session began and did not sway anyone's thoughts or emotions. At the very least he might be able to counterspell if the magistrate is blind to magic.
Hmerrin(HP 31/31 AC20/14t/16ff, CMD 19) Thursday January 7th, 2016 7:10:17 PM
Hmerrin looks hopeful. Alizar did great, as usual. The young man tries not to do anything stupid, and waits.
Wilford Grimly (HP:21/21; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) Thursday January 7th, 2016 9:20:35 PM
Wil suddenly recalled his father's trial and his mood changed. He recalled the drama and the crying. His father fought hard and barely made it out of the court house. Wil checked out and Cicero twisted within him. Wil's face contorts. "There is probably small droplets of feces under the rats right now. These beasts have done nothing but caused problems for Wilford. I don't care..." (OOC: I paused to allow someone to stop him from saying something incendiary.) Wil's voice changed, an octave lower. Wil talking about himself is a bit weird.
DM Kathy Friday January 8th, 2016 12:15:36 AM Dušan gives it some thought, and realizes that people in Dirt City aren't really big on rules. The idea that spell might be cast in here doesn't seem to bother the magistrate or the Knives present. And yes, you're pretty sure Selene's got something boosting her already considerable appeal. You're just not sure anybody cares.
You muster your most persuasive arguments, but it soon becomes clear that the magistrate isn't interested in hearing them. She gives the same hand-wave you have already seen before, in the cases called before yours.
"It's clear we're not getting to the bottom of this here," she says. "The House of Silver and the mercenary company will fight it out in the Arena. All members of both parties to be present; losers to forfeit their property and leave the city. Next case."
And that would seem to be that. Your fight is scheduled for four days from now, and you leave the "courthouse" (or whatever you'd call such a place) with Boggs. "No need to go back to the safehouse," he says. "Unless you want to, of course. But you should be fine at Marsh House until the day of the fight. Or, you could skip town, but I'd take it as a personal favor if you wouldn't. This House of Silver is becoming a problem, and the Arena fight seems a good way to solve it."
Lornak ( Frank S.) HP:32/32 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:17 Friday January 8th, 2016 12:34:29 AM
Lornak is not surprised by the outcome of the "Trial."
As the group leaves the room he finds an opportunity to speak softly to the company. He doesn't feel comfortable going to Marsh House with the current circumstances.
"If Marsh House is to be called home, I suggest that we not return to it until all this heat has blown over. I simply do not trust the House of Silver to leave us to our own devices between now and our day in the Arena. I fear if we go about our business, they will use it as an opportunity to strike at us. I suggest we hole up in the safehouse and prepare."
Var (Tom I.) HP:27/27 AC:16/T:13/13 CMD:19 Friday January 8th, 2016 8:40:36 AM
Outside the Magistrate's office Var breathes a sigh of relief, he feels the tension he was holding in his lower back release the further they get from the building.
"To be honest, I'm kind of glad at the verdict. This is our chance to take out the House of Silver once and for all!" Var says to the group, hoping that the others feel the same. "Hey, Boggs, do they let us bring our own equipment to the fight, or are we to fight with the weapons they provide?"
When Lornak suggests staying at the safehouse for the next few days Var waves him off dismissively. "The House of Silver can go ahead and kill me now if I have to spend the next four nights cooped up in there. Er, no offence to you lot, but there's too many of us in too small a space. Iff'n it'll make you feel better, We can take shifts keeping watch at night." Var adds.
Wilford Grimly (HP:21/21; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) Friday January 8th, 2016 9:01:19 AM
"The House of Silver has nothing on us. We could smell them coming..." Wil shakes his head and hides within his large hood. His voice returns to normal. "I would rather return home unless we have another adventure we can go on. There are forces within me that need a distraction."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:17/17; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:17] - CMTC Friday January 8th, 2016 10:22:59 AM
"If the arena is providing us weapons, they better be silvered, otherwise the House of Silver could turn themselves into rats or ratmen and be impervious to our attacks. Do we have to lay low at the Marsh house or are we allowed to actually venture out? I would like to swing by the WLA to pay my dues and do some training." Toston says.
Alizar HP:19/19 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:14 d20+8=23 ; Friday January 8th, 2016 5:44:24 PM
Aliza's eyes widened as the Magistrate simply waved them off, his face, twisted in frustration. "Not going to get to the bottom of this?" Alizar stood, defiant in posture. "Your honour, how can the wheels of justice turn if they are not merely blind, but also deaf!? This is more arbitration than arraignment. You talk about the truth, but it is incumbent upon this system to not merely talk about the truth, but to actually seek it, to find it, and to live it. Take Miss Selene for example. She would have you believe that this so called House of Silver is not a threat to Dirt City, but what is the truth? That they are merely another noble house? Well, what if I told you that their very actions these past months not only endanger the common folk of this city, but also cause great peril to everyone, to even The Prince himself!? You sit there on your podium, a place of responsibility, and yet you shirk this responsibility by merely tossing us aside with this adjudication, like so many children's toys, and for what?! So that the mouth breathing masses of this city can have five minutes of entertainment and profit, TRUTH BE HEXXED!" Alizar slammed his palm down on the table with a massive crack that would make the now leaving parties turn to take notice. "This city deserves a system that, like all other things in this Existence, is balanced and impartial. That will look at the information decide on the fair course of action for not just the chosen few, but for the benefit of all, regardless of race! You may bang your gavel and shake you fists and cry, 'how dare you!'. I say, however, HOW DARE YOU! How dare YOU, your honour, call yourselves a court of justice and order! If the gauntlet does not fit, YOU MUST AQUIT!" By this time, Alizar was being restrained by a group of court orderlies. He resisted, as he struggled to form the words exploding from his chest, and as they dragged him from the room, his last words echoed through the chamber, "You can drag me out of the court this day, you can ignore your righteous responsibility and toss us into the arena to fight it out, you can even find me in contempt of this court, but I can assure you, your 'honour'" Alizar put emphasis on that word, twisted with an edge of sarcasm.
"I can assure you, that my contempt extends to this ENTIRE SYSTEM! GOOD DAY!" (Diplomacy - d20+8+2 = 25)
***Sometime later***
Alizar turned to his companions, "Do you think what I said in court might have been a little over the top?"
Lornak ( Frank S.) HP:32/32 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:17 Friday January 8th, 2016 6:48:46 PM
Lornak is amazed by the diatribe that Alizar embarked on as he exits the proceedings. He firmly grabs hold of Alizar's shoulder and with a straight face says; "I was very moved." Outwardly no one can tell if he is being sarcastic or legitimate. Lornak disengages from any further conversation and becomes lost in his own thoughts.
Down to the core Lornak now knows that there is no legitimate legal recourse or justice in Dirt City. It is just a bunch of tribes clawing for power and control. This realization hits him hard and he notices a strong change in his outlook. He becomes resigned to become justice in Dirt City.
He heads back to Marsh House with the group, savoring his chance to collect recompense from the House of Silver. He believes Var's idea of guard duty is still prudent however and volunteers to be first on watch.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 35/35; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 18] Friday January 8th, 2016 9:24:25 PM
"Heh... Yeah, maybe just a bit. Might want to turn that down a bit next time. Or just let me take care of it. I'll 'axe' anybody a question whenever you want!"
Asteria grins, giving the Alizar a little thumbs up. His speech certainly was impressive, and it was obvious that he felt strongly about it. She could never go on a big rant like that, the barbarian would let her weapon do the talking. The news about their verdict didn't surprise or anger her, and Asteria was almost looking forward to it! A chance to prove herself to the team finally. She stays mostly calm throughout the proceedings, but an excited sparkle appears in her eyes when the group starts talking about where they want to stay.
"Marsh House? Is that where you guys hang most of the time? Hey, I'm the newest member! So, due to some sort of rule or something, you guys have to show me around! Come on! Don't we deserve a bit of time to rest and be merry before our big fight? Let's go!"
Var (Tom I.) HP:27/27 AC:16/T:13/13 CMD:19 Saturday January 9th, 2016 12:23:15 AM
Var gives Alizar a single nod of approval.
Wilford Grimly (HP:21/21; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) Saturday January 9th, 2016 11:12:22 AM
"You go elf!" Shouts Wil. "You can't say that," Wil then begins to argue. "This system is corrupt. It needed to be said," says Cicero. "Cicero, stop. You will get me beaten to my brittle bones. I revoke thee." Suddenly Cicero disappeared within Wil's head. His posture returned and Wil slumped slightly. Sweat bead up above his thick brow. Wil leaned against the table.
Later at the Marsh House he retired into his room. Wil sat on the floor and closed his eyes. Meditation was becoming more of a habit since the visitors appeared more often.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:26/26; AC:12; Touch: 12; FF:10; CMD:13] Sunday January 10th, 2016 5:29:28 PM
Dušan straightens a few wrinkles out of Alizar's collar. "I think what you said was perfect." Dušan chuckles and joins the rest to the Marsh House.
As they approach the interesting building, Dušan runs to the door ahead of Asteria. "Wait till you see this..." He opens the door with a flourish, "Welcome to the Marsh House!"
DM Kathy Sunday January 10th, 2016 8:21:19 PM
In the magistrate's chamber, Alizar has a complete meltdown. The magistrate is unimpressed. "I can have you killed now, if you prefer," she says in a bored voice.
However, the rest of the group manages to make sure you all get out in one piece. "You have some strange notions about justice in Dirt City, my friend," Boggs says on the way out. "You might want to look into that condition--it might prove to be fatal. It nearly did today."
Lornak has some reservations about leading the House of Silver to Marsh House, but he is overruled by the rest of the group, who are anxious to return home. Or at least, anxious not to go back to the safehouse.
As far as you can tell, you will be allowed to bring your own weapons into the Arena. You aren't sure whether your fight will officially be to the death or not, though you can be pretty sure that the House of Silver isn't going down without a fight.
But, as Var has pointed out, this is also an opportunity for you. And now is a good time to discuss how you're going to take advantage of it.
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 35/35; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 18] Sunday January 10th, 2016 10:58:47 PM
Asteria's eyes sparkle even more as she sees the oddly built house. It was really one of the strangest things she had ever seen, and that was saying something coming from a barbarian! This city was utterly fascinating. The female curtsies a bit to Dušan for opening the door, then rushes inside. Truly a weird place, but the house had a certain appeal to it. She claps her hands and pulls up a seat, dramatically putting one hand against her forehead as if to faint.
"What an amazing place! I simply cannot believe that such a house exists in a cold and unfriendly city such as this! Excuse me, I may need a moment to take it all in."
She sniffs tearfully, then resumes her Cheshire Cat grin.
"How much does it cost for you guys to stay here? Do I get a room? Seriously, I'll take anything! You guys don't even know how long it has been since I had a proper home to stay in. I can help pay for it!"
After taking care of that business, she figures it is time to start considering battle plans. Nodding towards the spell casters, specifically Toston, Asteria considers what they should do when their time for battle arrives.
"Hey, do you magicy people have to be up close for your magic stuff to work, or can you do it from afar. If you can do it from afar should we heavy hitters be out of the way? I don't want to charge in there and keep you from doing your jobs. Once I start fighting, I don't stop until the battle's won. So should I stand back at first, then run in? Or will you guys be fine?"
Var (Tom I.) HP:27/27 AC:16/T:13/13 CMD:19 Monday January 11th, 2016 9:03:43 AM
"Heh, Toston can handle himself in a scrap... Don't let his size or spell casing fool you." Var says to Asteria. "But, aye, Will, Dusan and Alizar especially need to be kept safe and out of the reach of those rat's claws. I suppose you'll be up in the frontline with Hmerrin and Toston. As for myself and Lornak, we tend to go where we're needed in battle. I tend to hang back with my longbow until the enemy closes to hand-to-hand, or if there's a gap in the front lines that needs to be filled." Var does his best to illustrate this with candlesticks and other items he can find on a table.
"Now, what we should be doing in this time is making sure everyone's got a Silvered weapon, even if it's just as a backup."
Wilford Grimly (HP:21/21; AC: 14; Touch: 12; Flat: 12; CMD: 14) Monday January 11th, 2016 10:28:03 AM
"Those rats have knocked me out twice. I am not a fan of those vile creatures. I would prefer to stay in the rear of the formation. I will offer any buffs and assistance from there. "
Alizar HP:19/19 AC: 15(T:12/FF:13) CMD:14 Monday January 11th, 2016 3:54:53 PM
Alizar turned to Asteria, "Normally one might take offense to Var's assertion of a need for defense, but in my case, I have none. I don't like getting hit, as a doctor, I can assure you, that pain is your bodies way of telling you that someone is terribly wrong, and despite the phrase, is NOT, weakness leaving the body." Alizar grinned, "Besides, if I go down, who will resuscitate the rest of these goons."
Lornak ( Frank S.) HP:32/32 AC: 16(T:13/FF:10) CMD:17 Monday January 11th, 2016 6:01:52 PM
"With the fighting we've found ourselves in recently I have developed crossbow skills that will allow me to rain bolts into melee unabated. I can also fence with the best of them so if you want the front lines you can have them. If anyone breaks through they will find me waiting." Lornak says sternly as he starts to prep his armor.
He addresses the group. "If anyone has any Silversheen to spare I would appreciate a vial. If not, then I will have to spend my remaining gold for more or find more Silver Bolts. I will go out in the morning."
With that he grabs his armor as he reserves himself to first watch.
Hmerrin(HP 31/31 AC20/14t/16ff, CMD 19) Monday January 11th, 2016 6:43:49 PM
Hmerrin is practically skipping in glee beside Alizar as they walk to Marsh House.
"That was AWESOME!" he cries. "You were like 'Truth be hexxed!', and she was like 'Uh OK', and you were like 'GOOD DAY'! Oh, I gotta use that...'How DARE you? GOOD DAY'"
The teen is giddy with glee.
At the house, he holds up his axes in response to Asteria's questions. "Find closest bad guy and put him down," the lad answers, brushing back his locks. "Although it does pay to hold back a sec if Alizar or Wil are casting the buff spells...very nice."
Toston Lotor(Hugh Crosmun) [HP:17/17; AC:18; Touch: 18; FF:14; CMD:17] - CMTC Monday January 11th, 2016 6:47:09 PM
Toston tells Alizar, "I share your sentiment, but when I first got here I learned from a captain who was smuggling drugs to aid the healers, that discretion is often the better part of valor. This is the reason why my outfit is pretty nondescript. Sounds like you could learn this lesson yourself, my friend."
Toston tells Asteria, "Var has the right of it. I can handle myself in a fight. Besides being a sorcerer I am also a martial artist so I am pretty hard to hit. However, being able to improve the range at which I can attack something does bear merit so I will pay my dues and learn to use a longbow at the WLA. I believe this would be an upgrade from my current sling."
If time permits Toston heads to the WLA and pays 1000 gold. He then trains in how to use a longbow. On the way home he will sell his sling and sling bullets and buy a long bow and a quiver of arrows for it.
(OOC: Will updates Toston's sheet later. I do not have a lot of time right now)
Asteria Amarante (Genevieve) [HP: 35/35; AC: 20; Touch: 12; FF: 20; CMD: 18] Monday January 11th, 2016 8:26:12 PM
"Well, I don't have anything silver. Anyone want to come with me to find something? I'm not exactly sure why we would need silver, but if it makes me more useful, I'm willing!"
The barbarian would like an explanation of the fights that had happened before, but she wasn't exactly the smartest, so it might not make a difference either way.
Dušan (Erik) [HP:26/26; AC:12; Touch: 12; FF:10; CMD:13] Monday January 11th, 2016 9:25:19 PM
Dušan, turns to Alizar, "I could give you a hand. I've figured out a few things since our last scuffle, although I'm probably better off helping everyone else be better off." Dušan scratches out his specialties on a piece of parchmentand passes it around for others to view. "Let me know if anything catches your eye and I'll try to prioritize. In fact, we have enough time and materials where I could brew a few into potions."
"I don't own any silver, either, but I have six applications of silver sheen left. I'd like one or two for myself, but could spare the other 4. I'm not half bad with a bow. But I'm sure one of you would put it to better use... especially with my help."
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