Heidi: "She was with us last night. In a tree, to be exact."
Deladriel: "What happen last night? May have some info that helps"
DM: The wizened old elf sighs. "So you say. And yet, as I said, we have many witnesses who can place her here, including myself. Now I wonder, should I take the word of an assassin's compatriots as an alibi, or should I trust my own eyes? If it were you, which would you do?"
Jefferson Harco: Everyone has a story, and every story must be herd
Deladriel: "Well...you ARE old"
Dianysia cracks up. "Okay, even I'd not have gone that far."
Dianysia: "Okay, this is obviuosly a military area. Why not find a caster who can cast detect lies and allow us to go about our rudely interrupted lives?"
Bethany: Bethany grins at the old comment, and says, "Perhaps not as old as others," Bethany says to Deladriel, then to the elf, "My name is Bethany Toulese, I was born in a small town called Ikothic Folly, and I joined the church at the age of 28, and stayed a while before venturing into the cities and lands of my home."
Bethany: "Believe it or not, this is my first time in a forest like this, the forests I have been in are most oak and sage forests."
DM: The elf narrows his eyes slightly at Del, before shrugging off the comment as patently true. "I could cast such a spell, yes. But why should I need to, as she has just professed association with the Church? You are not helping your case, young woman."
Dianysia: "Nice one, Beth. I'd offer you more rope to hang yourself with, but I left it with Jayde."
Bethany: "I am not ashamed to be associated with the Church, it is a fine and benevolent organization. One of the few that actually cares about others where I am from," she pauses a bit, then says, "The church does not condone assassination sir."
Deladriel: "Was assassin last night mounted?" Del asks, trying to draw the elf's attention
Jefferson Harco: "Surely, your association to the crime doesn't help our friend here. Do you just assume she is guilty, because you seen something with your own eyes?"
DM: "These questions are tiresome, and I believe you forget your place. You are under arrest, not I. Still, I am intrigued because I find it highly surprising that an assassin good enough to murder my assistant would be foolhardy enough to return here less than a full day after the crime had been discovered. This is why justice has not yet been done... you give me cause to doubt, albeit not much. Explain yourselves, and quickly."
Bethany: "Guys, let me."
Bethany: "I am as I said, Bethany Toulese. I've also been called Mary Ann Toulese by the Church, as that was the name I went by when I was a member of the Church. I do not deny my association with this fine organization. In my life, which is not a small number of years, I have killed four sentient beings, and not many more non-sentient, this is of course barring exceptions of who died on my table, or who my cures did not take on. I value life, and do not engage in the taking of it unless no other option is given. It is this reason alone that the idea of me being an assassin is foolish, and at the same time disturbing. The only things I am good at is medicine, and sculpting, neither of which are good skills for the work you claim I do."
Deladriel: "Think I saw assassin last night" Del says to the room
Bethany: The following message is heard in everyones head, "This message is relayed from Bethany, 'Just stay quiet'" (Party only)
DM: The old man shakes his head. "That is hardly an explanation. You offer your name, and spin a tale about why you would never be an assassin... but you offer no proof, nor do you explain who you are or what you *are* doing here." Here he turns to face Del. "You, on the other hand, interest me. What do you think you saw?"
Deladriel: "Saw strange rider leaving the city...but very odd"
Deladriel: ( I relay the description you gave me of what I saw...but not the part about the tracks, just yet )
DM: "So. If you saw this rider... why have my trackers found no evidence of such a horse?"
Deladriel: "That part the odd one..."
Deladriel: "I shadow rider for short time, but horse leave no print in dirt. I search all day for sign, find none"
DM: "I see. What a wonderful bit of information, and very neatly explaining why there's not a shred of information to support it. Hardly conclusive proof. Since none of you have been able to provide any explanation, I shall ask you plainly. If you are not assassins, then what ARE you doing here?"
Bethany: "Trying to get to a city?"
Dianysia: "Sitting here talking to you for no reason other than we aren't given a choice. Damn, even Bob wasn't this dense."
Deladriel: "If you in this city for long...you know who I am"
Deladriel: "And you also know that I come here to give report on this month of year"
DM: "Interesting that you should mention dense, young lady, when you are being purposefully obtuse yourself. But I'm afraid that while I HAVE been around this city for quite some time, I hardly recognize you. Why should I?" The last part was obviously directed at Del.
Deladriel: "I am Deladriel...my name is known in city...do not meet many face to face"
DM: "I see. That name is known to me, yes. And how is it that you come to claim these, if you are such a friend to the city?"
Deladriel: "I was fool...too trusting of those I do not know"
Dianysia: "Still are a fool, I see," Dia mutters angrily.
Deladriel: "This one" she points at Dia..."Was disguised as Sun Elf"
DM: "Still, you accepted authority, which means that you share in their fate."
Deladriel: "Yes...I know" More muttering in language
Dianysia: "Well, can you hurry and decide our fate then? I do abhor being with close-minded half-cats.
DM: "Allow me to put this plainly. I have seen with my own eyes this assassin. I can show you what I saw, although you will of course need to take my word that it is an accurate representation. Despite this, I have doubts about the four of you. So I ask you, what lengths would you be willing to go to in order to prove your innocence?"
Jefferson Harco: "You say you seen this with your own eyes, but how can you believe what you saw to be true?"
Jefferson Harco: As a example, I would ask you remove these manacles from my friend here (points to Dia)
Jefferson Harco: I believe that she may have a way to show you your eyes may be lying to you
Bethany: "Don't bother Jeff, he knows we are being honest, just now he sees a chance to get something done in the name of us proving our innocence," Bethany says very annoyed, "What is it you ask?"
DM: "Quite cynical, are you not? But he has hit upon the crux of my quandary. I do not know that I can trust my eyes. It is good enough proof for most, but not for me."
DM: "Well, Deladriel? You have assumed authority for this group, so I must ask you. What lengths will you and yours venture to prove your innocence?"
Deladriel: "I need you to be understanding me...I use my better language...you cast spell?"
DM: The old guy chuckles softly. "No need. Speak, and I will understand."
Deladriel: Druidic - "I have built myself a fine reputation with this city. As you know, I have served you all well in the past, bringing you reports of orc movements, plagues, magical disturbances that threaten not only the wood, but your very lives. I have made a grave mistake, and wish to correct it. Though I am not completely sure that the one you speak of is really an assassin...I have a good feeling that she is not, and wish to prove that to you. I am willing to go on the path of finding this rider whom I saw list night and bringing him to justice, by your leave"
DM: The elf nods, continuing to respond in Elvish. "And can you speak for your charges? Obviously, you do not have the normal degree of... control... over these."
Dianysia: E - "I think he's referring to me."
Deladriel: Druidic - "I cannot speak for them, as they are the single most independent people I have ever met. But I suspect they are just as willing to clear their names as I am"
Deladriel: "Old man wishes know if you are all willing to find true assassin to clear your names"
DM: "I see." The elf switches back to common. "Well then, what do the rest of you say? Would you be as willing as your leader here to prove your innocence, by bringing the guilty party to justice?"
Dianysia: "Hmm... killed or go on mission... killed or go on mission... this one's kinda hard..."
Jefferson Harco: "Well if since Del here seems to have a "normal degree in control over us" then I guess we must follow"
Bethany: "I've already agreed, either way the elf gets parade justice being done."
Deladriel: Druidic - "I have a report to make...may we be excused?"
DM: "Very well. You shall, of course, receive assistance and compensation. Before you may leave however, I must insist upon some... precautions. I will give each of you a magical compulsion to return here with the guilty parties as quickly as possible. Should you not follow through with this compulsion, you will experience some rather intense pain. You will be given until sundown tomorrow to depart the city before the compulsion will begin."
Dianysia: "And what is this compensation you speak of?"
Deladriel: Druidic - "Fine...do as you will" she says as she gets up and attempts to leave
DM: "For your time, you shall be rewarded at the standard monetary rate for the city guard. Additionally, you will be entrusted with certain items that will help you to complete your duties."
Dianysia: "Including the ability to retain my native form?"
DM: "You may take whatever form you choose, as aside from this compulsion I will not impose further restrictions upon you."
Dianysia: Then to the old man, " Only true requests I have are access to libraries if possible, and it not be spread around as to my nature. I was raised as a sun elf."
Jefferson Harco: "Who here speaks elven raise thier right hand"
Bethany: Beth looks over at Jeff, and asks, "How old are you?"
Jefferson Harco raises his right hand.
Dianysia raises right hand
Deladriel: "This not place for talk about that...I wish get know you all...but this elf seem stuffy"
Deladriel raises her left hand
Jefferson Harco looks towards Beth, I'm 22? Why do you ask?
Jefferson Harco: Why, how old are you?
Bethany: "Just curious," Beth said shrugging, "I am old enough, how old do you think I am?" she says with a smile. (She looks about 28-32)
Deladriel: "Where you all come from...really?"
Dianysia: "Far away. You wouldn't know it if I told you, and I believe Beth has already told you about herself."
Jefferson Harco: I am from the same world as Dia
Jefferson Harco: although, maybe not the same town
Deladriel: "Yes...I know not the place Beth claim...how far away?"
Dianysia: "Several planes, as far as I can tell.
Jefferson Harco: "oh on the wacky side of a cube I'd say..."
Deladriel scowls her face up..."Plane?"
Deladriel: "Cube?"
Dianysia: "Yeah, as in the material plane, shadow plane, crazy plane, elven plane..."
DM: okay, here's the bottom line... he takes 10 minutes on each of you, going one by one to place a geas on you... he begins chanting, then just before completing his spell one of the guards removes the manacles, and he places the geas upon you... he gives each of you this same geas, using draconic for Beth, Druidic for Dela, and Elven for Dia & Jeff: "Delaying no more than until sundown tomorrow to begin, you will find the person who murdered my assistant Enialis, and bring this person and any of their confederates that you discover with this person back here to me to face justice - alive if possible, or return with their corpses if there is no other way to capture them."
Deladriel: "no...I no understanding"
Deladriel: "You all should be careful...many will watch us, we suspect still"
Dianysia assumes her Elven form. (Did he respond at all as to my request at leaving my nature unknown to most?)
Deladriel: "Let us leave place now, yes?"
Jefferson Harco: "What if the assasin isn't the one you saw Dela? What if the assassin is still among the citizens?
Deladriel: "Go to city...away from prison"
Jefferson Harco: "Should we not find out and make sure?"
DM: to that request: The old man shrugs. "As long as you do not violate any laws, nor try to assume privileges denied to those of your race, you may appear any way that you choose. If you try to accept privileges reserved for elves, you will be discovered and punished accordingly."
DM: once the geas has been placed, you're free to leave...
Deladriel: "Yes...we will have time for discuss that...I must need talk with someone...report is late"
Dianysia sits back in the chair, figuring it will save everyone time if she just stays at jail in that case.
Bethany: Beth sits down next to Dia, and says to her in Draconic, "Seems we are quickly running out of friends, but I'd rather not stay here, perhaps we can find a real bed?"
Dianysia shrugs. "Whatever." Then follows Del
Jefferson Harco: Beth, although you may be running out of friends, try not to lose the ones you already have.
Deladriel: "They have inn, over there" she points at a building in the distance..."I must speak someone...I wish that we all can meet at inn in one hour...we need discuss ourselves...can this happen?"
Dianysia: "What privileges are non elves given at the inn?"
Jefferson Harco: "We will get a room at the inn, and wait for you there.
Deladriel: "You no aware our customs...you feel better stay with me?"
Bethany: Beth stands up grinning at Jeff, then says something in orc, and follows the rest out.
Dianysia: "Sure, why not?"
Bethany: "Where is there a Church, I have questions I need to ask," Bethany asks.
Jefferson Harco heads towards the inn....
Deladriel: "Church is over there" She points
Dianysia: E - "So where are we heading?"
Deladriel: E- "I must head to city leader to report"
Dianysia sighs. E - "Fun...Let's see who else can treat me like crap." **
Deladriel: "Please remember...elfs in charge here...cause problems if challenged...please do as they say"
Jefferson Harco enters the inn, hoping to find a room for him and his friends. **
Dianysia: "When we get a chance, I have some items I must sell."
Dianysia: "And I must fetch Jayde."
DM: okay, so we start with Jeff... upon entering, you're faced with a fairly large common room, open to the elements with a lot of archways, columns, etc... a set of stairs leads upwards to the upper levels, as well as a hallway leading back underneath the stairs. No elves are in sight, but several humans dressed in fairly plain clothes are seen scattered around the room, most sitting at some of the delicately carved wooden tables, and even a few halflings sitting off to one side on the benches, playing a game of dice. Behind a marble counter stands a half-elf, mostly keeping an eye on things and occasionally taking swipes at the already immaculately spotless top with a clean rag.
Jefferson Harco: I walk up to the counter, "Hello, I would like to get a room for my friends and myself, four in total
DM: The half-elf nods. "What Lords and Ladies do you represent, and how large of a retinue shall we be expecting?"
Jefferson Harco: "Well I am here on business, both my friends and I are here to find out who assassinated dear Enialis.
DM: The half-elf raises one shapely eyebrow, taking in Jeff's shabby appearance in a glance. "And what could you hope to accomplish, serving as a decoy? Perhaps I must needs simplify things for one such as you. How many Lords or Ladies are there in your party, and we shall continue from there?"
Jefferson Harco: Oh, myself, so one lord, and 3 ladies.
DM: The barkeep snorts. "You, a Lord? What are you, daft?"
Jefferson Harco: Quite clearly our language has come between us, so let my try a different tongue...
Jefferson Harco: E- I am looking for a room for myself and three ladies
DM: The barkeep rolls his eyes, responding in the same tongue. "Changing what language you speak drivel in does not make you appear any more intelligent. You are clearly not a Lord, as evidenced both by your attire and your race. That leaves either a fool, a madman, or a ruffian. Which, pray tell, are you?"
Jefferson Harco: None of the sort, I am an adventurer, wishing to rest his head upon one of your beds.
DM: "A fool then, obviously addled from the road. As you are clearly incapable of distinguishing nobility, perhaps you might find these companions you speak of, and have one them, whose wits have not been mislaid outside the city walls, arrange for lodging?"
Jefferson Harco: It is not that I am unaccustomed to arrange for lodging, it is that I am not from these parts, or this world even, its really hard to explain, but i just need a room. Can you help me or not?
DM: "You seem determined to prove your madness. Very well, you have succeeded. I misdoubt that any could help you outside of the Lord Healers. Now be on your way before I send for the watch."
DM: (at this point, you realize that EVERYBODY in the room is watching you, Jeff)
Jefferson Harco looks to the rest of the room
Jefferson Harco: "I require lodging, can anybody help me obtain a room from this Lout?"
DM: Nobody will meet your eye.
DM: The half-elf speaks up from behind you. "You try my patience. You will depart now, or I will have you removed by force."
Jefferson Harco: I just require lodging sir, I do not intend to fight, my friends shall be returning soon, and they expect me to have a room for them. I would just like a small room with bed
DM: The half-elf looks over at one of the halflings on the benches and nods, where the halfling quickly vanishes outside. "Eldon there is fetching the watch. If you do not wish to challenge them, I suggest you leave before they arrive."
Jefferson Harco: I am not looking to cause trouble, but Deladriel and Dia, and Beth are coming back, and we are to meet up in a room, I shall explain my situation to the Watch
DM: "Your presence is not wanted anymore. Will you depart, or will you be removed? Those are the only options left to you."
Jefferson Harco: well the watch will be here soon, and he can help defuse the situation
DM: okay, bottom line... you managed to make yourself out to be a crazy person, in his eyes... he's not gonna deal with you anymore, so the best to hope for is that the watch (which is another term for the city guards, it's not a single person) will just bar you from the inn... you'll have to wait until somebody ELSE gets there before you can hope to get a room
DM: so, we'll cut over to Beth, who's going looking for the Church... you eventually find it as a small building, architecturally defiant in that it has solid walls, no arches, no vaulted ceilings, etc... it's obviously no more than a small chapel, just large enough for about 15-20 people to squeeze inside for services, and a single-person dwelling attached at the rear
Bethany: "Hello?" Bethany says as she enters the small temple, looking around at some of the familiar motifs.
DM: The door at the front of the chapel opens, and a fairly fat, middle-aged man exits, wearing the traditional robes of a Priest, his miter emblazoned with the Church's symbol in silver thread. "What can I do for you, child?"
Bethany: "I am Mary Ann Toulese, I was a former novitiate of the Priesthood, and I was wondering if I could speak with you about some concerns I have father?"
DM: "Of course, daughter. You may speak here, or we can adjourn to my setting room, if you would rather not be interrupted."
Bethany: "I'd like to not be interrupted father," Bethany says stepping up to the priest, and falling behind him in the customary junior position.
DM: The priest nods, leading the way through the door he entered by, which opens onto a small sitting room, equipped with several chairs and a low table. Off to one side of the room is a simple desk, obviously where the Priest had been working before Bethany entered. "Please, sit." The priest sets action to words, choosing one of the chairs for himself. "What did you wish to speak with me about?"
Bethany: "A couple of things, but first, I have a question of the faith. I am not, normal where I come from, and the church knew it, they could even tell me what I was, but they told me there was no one else like me where I am from. Which for all intensive purposes, we can just call another world. I always wondered how they knew so much about me if I was the only one, but now that I have changed worlds I am beginning to think that maybe the Church can talk across worlds, do you know anything about this?"
DM: "Ah, hmm. Daughter, you place me in a quandary. You ask dangerous questions, and I must know your intent before I can answer. You say that you are a former novitiate... why did you abandon the Priesthood?"
Bethany: "I did not have the discipline of heart to stay in the church when the one who I cared for passed away. He had convinced me to join, and when he died, I couldn't stay. He is the only man I have loved, I know it may have been the wrong reason to join the church, but I had no one else. I just want to know who and what I am... and how it is tied to the weird events of the past few days,"
DM: "I... see. And if you were to learn these secrets, what would you do with them?"
Bethany: "At most, I'd try and go home, or at least to a world that is more hospitable to my kind, and after that they'd be mine and the Church's, and they'd stay such."
DM: "I must ask you then what you would be willing to do for such answers? I cannot give them myself, as you refer to mysteries of the faith that I have only begun to pierce. There are secrets closely guarded by the Church, withheld for the safety of all... and by what you have told me, you are finding yourself deeper within these mysteries than I have traveled. If I choose to help you, your fate forever more will be tied to that of the Church... and that is not a choice to be made lightly, particularly not by one who abandoned the Church once before. So I need you to decide, before you walk out that door, whether you wish to ask for my help, or not."
Bethany: "Before I do, one of the Lords of the city has tasked me to hunt down an assassin that he claims is associated with the church? Is it true the church engages in assassination?"
DM: "Daughter, that is an even more dangerous question than the first, and far more intimately tied within the mysteries. For your own safety, put such questions out of your mind."
Bethany: "I can't put such secrets out of my mind, and make the decision you ask of me father. I can not swear allegiance to something that engages in assassination, but I need to know more about myself all the same. I am Elan, or so I am told."
DM: "I fear the word holds no great significance to me, although further research within the Church's teachings may provide some illumination. I cannot help you to answer these questions without knowing where your allegiance lies."
Bethany: "Then I am placed in a bad way father, on the one hand I could learn about what has been going on, what I am, on the other I risk learning nothing, but not being associated with assassins, surely The God does not condone assassination?"
DM: The priest sighs softly, leaning forward to place one hand atop Beth's hand. "Daughter, I have told you, it is best to place such questions out of your mind. The creator God leads us, and guides us in all things." Here the priest looks Beth in the eyes and smiles slightly. "Of course the God does not condone murder."
Bethany: Beth sighs, "That is playing with words father." She sits back in the chair, and says, "I serve the God, as always father."
DM: A strange expression crosses the priest's face quickly before he smiles. "Then let the creator God guide your steps, my daughter, and you will lead a long and prosperous life. Have you any other things that I may help you with?"
Bethany: "None that you seem to be willing to answer," Bethany said standing up, "And my life has already been long, but not so much prosperous."
DM: "Then the creator God be with you, Mary Ann Toulese." The priest makes a circular gesture in the air, as common for giving blessings, and stands, gesturing for Bethany to precede him into the chapel.
Bethany: Bethany nods, and heads out the door into the main chapel.
DM: The priest follows Beth far enough to see her into the chapel politely, before returning to his study and closing the door behind him.
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