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Post by achinca on Sept 23, 2010 14:49:16 GMT 1
Padre looks at the piece of cloth and shakes his head. “sorry, I cannot tell if it is one of the girls or not. May be getting information on the missing men is a good idea. Or maybe we do not have the time to investigate.”
Ryxikor and Sirali looks for more clues and find the following as they go deeper into the woods: several sets of heavy boot prints intermixed with some common shoes, a well-made but broken arrow, and some three-day old bloodstains.
They can tell that the blood stain is old but they cannot tell if the boots are from the soldiers or not. The commoner shoes prints looks more the size of a male than a female.
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Post by puffthemagicdragon on Sept 23, 2010 14:53:36 GMT 1
"OK, maybe we can hoof it to the town and tell them we've found evidence of foul play. We could be wasting time and during that time the boys could be killed." Ryx looks to the others for an answer before giving his own thoughts.
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Post by Talon on Sept 23, 2010 15:32:40 GMT 1
Kaelith says I think we should collect a bit of the cloth and continue on our current path to Jaspervik and gather information there. For all we know, this could be the result of a completely unrelated incident and we are already running against time.
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Post by puffthemagicdragon on Sept 23, 2010 16:44:16 GMT 1
After a moments thought, Ryxikor speaks up, "Ok, we should be quick. Maybe we can get them to postpone judgement til we return with more evidence."
Once they start heading to Jaspervik, if they do, Ryxikor asks Padre questions about the town. "Padre, as you know, Sirali and I came out of the woods from the underdark. We just happened upon Lola's place and we know nothing about this Jaspervik. What can you tell us about it? Have you been there? Approximately how many live there?" are just some of the questions the rogue would ask.
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Post by achinca on Sept 23, 2010 17:20:33 GMT 1
The group decides to continue to Jaspervik rather than go deep in the woods. They all know time is the essence and hope it is the right decision.
As they do the final two kilometers, Ryxikor asks about Jaspervik to Padre. The young cleric is more than happy to fill them in. “Jaspervik is a big fortified city. I was attracted to it because it is a city state. It is not part of a kingdom or empire or anything like that. It is commercial city, run by the various ruling families, all of them very wealthy from trade. Each family has a seat on the council which elects a mayor. Upon amassing a certain level of wealth, a family can apply to join the council. Similarly, a reduction in wealth jeopardizes the family seat on the council. All of the major administrative functions are held by members of the ruling families: judges, lawyers, military officers, town administrators and so on. JAspervik used to have a lot of religions flourishing but since Father Sharky has convinced the council to make St. Cuthbert the official god of Jaspervik, it has been difficult for the other religions to survive. I tried to establish a small Olidammara temple but was convinced it was not a good idea. Also, there has been an increased in Puritanism in Jaspervik. Anything considered fun is considered debauchery and frowned upon. Taverns close early and gambling and prostitution has been made illegal. Public drunkenness has been criminalized as a result. Same as homelessness. Beggars are shipped to the local farms and forced to work. The farmers are happy as they get free labor and the council is happy because the city is cleaner. As Father Sharky has continued his crusade against sin, arcane magic is starting to be seen in a negative eye. The ruling families dealing in the arcane are not happy about that but do not dare go against the City current mood. In addition, there is a movement to exclude non-human from the city as resident. It is okay to trade with dwarves and elves but they are encouraged not to stay in the city. Lola moved to the Inn and Tavern because the council only cares about what is happening inside Jaspervik walls. In addition, this patch of deserted land is the place for all kind of rumors as no one knows how it got so barren, especially with the rich forest so close. You might wonder how a lowly cleric like me knows important people like the Captain and Sharky. Let’s say that being Lola’s official healer has its benefits.
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Post by Talon on Sept 23, 2010 17:53:59 GMT 1
Oh they're just going to love us there! I'll bet they welcome us with open arms.... oh wait.. you said gambling was illegal didn't you? Dra'gen says sarcastically.
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Post by achinca on Sept 23, 2010 18:06:46 GMT 1
Padre laughs hard "The guards will love letting 3 elves and whatever KAelith is entering the city. don't do anything silly if you value your life. I forgot to mention that the council is spending a lot of gold on its guards and these are very well trained. REgarding gambling, it is illegal but it does not mean it does not happen. The council has also made marital infidelity a crime. Do you think that the ruling families men have stopped having fun with their maids and servants?
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Post by She-Elf on Sept 23, 2010 18:14:33 GMT 1
Sirali starts to feel the effects of the alcohol wearing off and she begins to feel more like herself again. The fresh air seems to be doing her good.
Like Dra'gen, she is concerned about how their group will be received once they reach the city and she hopes they won't have to hang around too long. Being a Druid she doesn't particularly like cities in general, but this one sounds even worse than average.
"Let's just hope we're not there long enough to get arrested," she responds to the others.
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Post by puffthemagicdragon on Sept 23, 2010 19:44:54 GMT 1
Ryxikor walks in silence for a while. Finally as they see the city and start to enter it, the elf speaks up, "Hmm, strange how some religious fanatics can worm their way into influential positions and can change everything to serve their own whims."
He turns to Padre, "So, I'm assuming you know the city pretty well and can guide us to where we need to go."
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Post by achinca on Sept 24, 2010 1:53:42 GMT 1
Padre nods at Sirali " You are right Lady Elf! I inspect that this group will attract a lot of attention. Just ignore them and do not reply to provocations. 4 non-humans and a cleric of Olidammara is not y our typical Jaspervik group.
To Ryxikor comments he replies "The sad thing is that these fanatics are thinking they are doing good. I do not mind evil priets doing evil priests. But persecution and torture in the name of good flabbergast me. I am familiar with the prison, don't ask why, as I know the captain and some of his right hand men. I know the main temple of St. Cuthbert very well which is why I am very familiar with Father Sharky. I know the poorer section of Jaspervik were the various servants not living in the estate live. The laborers in the shop also live there. I have never been in the estate section as you need a special invitation from one of the ruling families. I knew the business district very well and the entertianment district even better. Well now the "entertainment district is the religious district"
They arrive at the wall of the city which are very imposing. A large double wooden door with steel reinforcement is open. A guard at the gate is checking the various merchants trying to enter the city. Next to the door are two guards tower. Another guard comes out of the guard tower and approaches Padre, shaking his head. "Padre, I hope you are not here to try to do something stupid about the girls. The Captain warned us that you might be coming soon.. He looks at the rest of the group and aks "Who are these .. .people? State your business and Padre stays silent please!
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Post by Ilya on Sept 24, 2010 9:53:49 GMT 1
Kaelith stays out of the conversation for now, absently watching the skies above. He wouldn't want to risk the mission by saying something stupid. The fingertips on the left hand, the one that's not holding the quarterstaff he has been using for a walking stick absently moves through the feathers of his wings. Specifically, he looks at a small orb of swirling dust and debris: he has ordered his more than slightly conspicuous familiar to the skies, out of immediate sight.
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Post by puffthemagicdragon on Sept 24, 2010 14:43:51 GMT 1
Listening to the guard talk to and almost berate Padre brings a smile to Ryxikor's face as he thinks, Hmm, I like this priest, sounds like we could get into plenty of trouble together, then fianlly once the guard finishes and turns to the group, Ryx speaks up, "I'm Ryxikor Ravensclaw an adventurer. These are my friends and comrades-at-arms," he says as he looks to Kaelith and Dra'gen and gives them a wink and smile, "Sirali, Kaelith and Dra'gen, by name."
He turns back to the guard, never possessing a silver tongue, Ryx can't help but wonder if he is the best candidate to be the group's spokesperson, never-the-less he speaks up, "We're here to discuss the disappearances of the four young lads and help find the true perpetrators. On our way here, we've already found evidence of a struggle with dried blood and this." as he holds up the piece of torn cloth for the guard to inspect but does not let him take it. "It might help if we got the families of the boys together and discussed this possibility and see if anyone recognizes this cloth." Ryx looks to the others to see if anyone has anything to add.
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Post by Talon on Sept 24, 2010 15:29:56 GMT 1
At the mention of his name, Dra'gen offers a slight bow to the guard. He is perfectly content letting Ryx speak for him at the moment as it gives him a better idea with whom he is going to be working with. After all, an elf who can think quick and possesses a silver tongue is an ally that can get you out of sticky spots.
His gaze moves to what he can see of the city and he makes a mental note to keep his temper in check and his mouth shut. He thinks to himself with a sinking feeling This is going to test my willpower for sure. Dra'gen, keep your temper in check! If you are goaded, do not flare weapons! People seeing that will make matters worse! You can do it Dra'gen.. I can do it.
His expression remains calm and pleasant showing no signs of his internal reprimand.
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Post by achinca on Sept 24, 2010 16:36:48 GMT 1
Kaelith stays silent but send his familiar away to avoid creating risk for the group.
Dra’gen is also silent and does his best to control his temper.
Ryxikor introduces the group and its mission. The guard looks at the group, waits a few seconds before saying “I am with you that the girls are likely not responsible for the men disappearance. However, Father Sharky has been on a mission to shut down Lola for a while now and he claims he has proofs. Anyway, Padre, I am making you responsible for the 4 foreigners you bringing in the City. Anything happens and you will be sharing a cell next to the girls. Get in.
The guard moves aside and the group can enter Jaspervik. The city is extremely clean with no trash or debris on the streets. There are a lot of people moving in and out of the streets which delays the oxen driven carts on the way to the business district.
The population however, does not seem as friendly. The group gets a lot of stares and a couple of elders inhabitants whisper a few words before spitting in front of themselves, as if trying to ward off a curse. A few children sees the group and run away screaming. Everyone they see on the street is human.
Padre leads the group “So what do you want to do first? I suggest we do not try to plan to be here overnight as a lot of inns will not rent you a room. We still do not know who the 4 men are, just that one is a farmer son, one a merchant’s son, one was a handyman and the other a chimney sweeper.
He stops and shakes his head in disgust What a shame! as he point to a small temple of Corellon Larethian is being retrofitted to become a St. Cuthbert temple. A woman approaches Padre, holding a baby. Padre, I have been praying that you will come. My little one is feverish and I cannot afford the fee that the St. Cuthbert church is charging. Can you help? ”
Padre smiles Anything to help. Let me see him. He picks up the baby and the group can see the pointed ears of the child. The mother being human, the child is an half-elf. Padre looks at the baby, does a few tests and gives the baby back to his mother. He picks up a small pouch and gives it to the woman. “It is a small favor. No need for a spell. Mix the herbs with some hot water and make him drink. He will get better soon and will be stronger for it. .
The woman thanks him profusely and leaves. A cleric who is supervising the retrofit to the St. Cuthbert Church from Corellon Larethian gives Padre an evil look and says “You are not welcome here fake cleric.
Padre smiles and gives him the finger. He looks at the other 4 group members. So where too?
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Post by Talon on Sept 24, 2010 17:06:27 GMT 1
Dra'gen pipes up Is there a town square where people like to gather and gossip here? It would probably be a good idea for the four of us go there and see what we can pick up whuile you, Padre, see who you need to see about the girls. Our presence would most likely hinder our efforts there.
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