Dragoknighte

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Marita Bärbel Human, Cleric, Level 3 HP: 18/18 Armor Class: 18 Conditions: N/A Location: Silversmith Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Marita stood by in the background as the others went about their actions, discussing what to do next, waiting for the smith to do his work, performing sensitive rituals while there's a captive waking up in the corner. The nature of that hammer was something that in her humble opinion could be left to investigation (if any) after they were no longer in a state of impending doom, but the dominos had already begun to fall in that regard, so there wasn't much to do but watch.

What was of importance was that Mallard was offering to silver any weapons they had on them. Silently, since their guest was waking up and she didn't want to leak any more information than necessary, the cleric made her way over to the silversmith and unsheathed her dagger and held it by the flat of the blade, offering the handle for him to grab. The mace was her primary weapon, but by her estimation, trying to silver a blunt weapon like that would require far more time and material than the edge of a blade. Not to mention that she wasn't sure how much more effective it would be or not.

As far as their captive went, Marita started to put some thought into what they were going to do with him in the near future. If Kathryn wanted to suggest hauling him around time that would be a hard no. They were already walking around with targets on their back was it was without being slowed down with an unwilling third party. Ideally they'd be able to pump some information from him, but she had the feeling he would either be unwilling or unable to give them much of substance, even if she used some of her less elegant inquisitory tactics. Leaving him out on the street felt like another artless solution (possibly after knocking him out again), but it was likely the safest thing they could for themselves without ending the guy. She would keep an eye out for the situation and see if any other ideas jumped out at her.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Marita Bärbel Human, Cleric, Level 3 HP: 18/18 Armor Class: 18 Conditions: N/A Location: Silversmith Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Well it appeared that with the battle over, the group needed to regroup and reorient on what to do from here. The cleric would do what she could to keep everyone on task and focused.

"Kosara, we are not going to break his leg. The most we could hope to get from him is information on what the Enemy is up to. Any further harm dealt to him away from that end is needless cruelty and bullying." True, he and the other guards seemed perfectly content to dole out bloodshed on the rest of the party, but he was also under the orders of Cavendish and probably suffering the effects of lycanthropy. A charitable reading of the situation was that he was not entirely at fault for the actions he was apart of. The more Pholtian reading of the situation was that getting beaten to within an inch of his life was due punishment for his recent crime thus no more was needed at the moment.

"Kathryn, although it would be helpful to have someone on the outside to look out for any goings on, I think it's be better if you and our captive were brought in as well if Mallard is ok with it. We've caused enough of a ruckus as it is, so the two of you in plain sight seems like it'd be a lightning rod for further trouble." If Kathryn decided to insist on staying outside, she wouldn't press on it further. They had other things to do and precious little time before nightfall to waste on arguing. When Kathryn made her decision, Marita would close the door behind her and actually bar it this time before quickly straightening out her clothes to look more presentable, to poor effect.

"Are you alright," she asked Mallard. Of course he hadn't taken any direct attacks to her knowledge, but this skirmish in his lobby and front yard certainly could not have helped his mental state. "Unfortunately I think you might need to relocate in the near future. If Cavendish is the type of man I think he is, he's likely to make another attempt in the near future with greater forces at his command. At least I hope that's the worst he has planned for now."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Marita Bärbel Human, Cleric, Level 3 HP: 18/18 Armor Class: 16->18 Conditions: Bless Location: L18->N19 Action: Pick up mace Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Marita didn't see any further movement from enemies, and Victoria stated it would be best to get inside, a statement she found herself completely in agreement with. However, she wasn't going to let her guard up yet. Still facing outward, she sheathed her dagger and picked up the mace she had set down next to the entrance before walking backwards into the shop, positioning herself just out of the door frame in so that she could still see out in the street, but any potential trigger happy crossbowmen or the like would have a much harder time shooting at her if one felt like getting in a parting shot. If the battle really was over, all she had to do now was wait for the others (or only Victoria) to enter the shop so she could close the door (and bar it this time). From here she couldn't see Kathryn or BB still, but as long as she didn't hear anything she just had to assume they would be alright.

@Remipa Awesome

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Marita Bärbel Human, Cleric, Level 3 HP: 18/18 Armor Class: 16->18 Conditions: Bless Location: L18 Action: Dodge Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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It appeared like Marita had helped manage to push the tide of battle enough in their favor that the Constable ordered a retreat for his men. That was certainly a relief since she was in no hurry to kill any of the townsfolk here, even if they were lycanthropes. That went doubly so for those who were supposed to uphold law and order, even if their actions indicated that they had no real intention of doing so. That sentiment however, didn't seem to extend to the rest of the party, who were jumping at the bit to get any final shots they could before the guards could run off. BB even ran out of sight around the corner, and there was a decent chance Kosara would do so as well.

However, even though it appeared that the battle was basically over that didn't distract her from the two primary facts of the situation. First, their mission was to protect Mallard. Second, they still couldn't be entirely sure the coast was clear yet. Until that happened she would remain in front of the entrance, keeping an eye out for any stray attacks or crossbow bolts that might come her way.

@Remipa Awesome

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Marita Bärbel Human, Cleric, Level 3 HP: 18/18 Armor Class: 16->18 Conditions: Bless Location: L18 Action: Cast: Bless Bonus Action: Cast: Spiritual Weapon Reaction: N/A

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Marita's attention immediately snapped over towards the building across the street when the shutters flew open. Crossbowmen set up for an ambush? There was no way she would have been able to predict that. They were probably here to take Mallard, something like this would be absolutely overkill unless there was something else at play she didn't know about. In any case, them having free reign to shoot at them without a care in the world was not a state of affairs that she'd allow to maintain. If they were to be part of the battle, they would have to endure their share of risk. Marita pointed at the Guard in the window directly across from her.

"STRIKE."

Inside the building, next to the guard, a wicked spectral dagger appeared and immediately embedded itself in his midsection. After pushing itself in to the hilt, it withdrew, the tip waving from side to side as if deciding which Guard it wanted to stab next.

With the artillery given something else to worry about, Marita focused her attention on the main battle taking place. The others had already taken some nasty blows, and although it was tempting to try to salve their wounds, she hadn't the resources to outheal the damage that could be dealt in a battle. Right now they needed to seize the momentum of battle and end things quickly before something really bad could happen. Marita kicked a nearby puddle, throwing droplets of water water all over the other combatants. On its own accomplishing nothing, but providing the medium with which to cast her next spell.

"Moon and Star, grant your blessing upon thee."

As the water fell upon Blackberry, Kathryn and Kosara the drops turned into light before disappearing, and they felt themselves filled with renewed vigor, the latter two able to recognize it as the blessing she had bestowed upon them just a day prior.

"Kathryn, take this opportunity to strike now!" With these taken care of, Marita picked up her shield from the ground beside her. She likely had just painted a large target on herself, and unlike Kosara, had the presence of mind to gain as much protection as she could for herself as she could.

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@Remipa Awesome You're up.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Marita Bärbel Human, Cleric, Level 3 HP: 18/18 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: O18->L18 Action: Channel Divinity Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Marita had assumed that trouble would find its way to their location sooner rather than later, but she didn't expect this amount to literally force its way in. She had really wanted to avoid coming into conflict with the lawmen of this township, but Cavendish seemed intent on forcing it, not to mention the chances being exceptionally high that he was in league with the wererat conspiracy overrunning everything. Whether he was there for them or for Mallard didn't really matter at that point, she wasn't having it either way.

Victoria was quicker on the draw, performing some sort of mental attack on Cavendish, which forced him back outside of the shop. Marita walked out after him while she reached over to her beltline. While she had disarmed herself of her main weapon and shield, she hadn't completely left herself defenseless. The cleric produced a dagger, long and slender with a black handle and a wickedly sharp edge. Even if it wasn't a reliable way to harm those with the curse, she doubted that they would be able to shrug off a dagger to the throat or eye.

When she stepped outside and she Kathryn on the ground bloodied and surrounded by guards with spears, her sneer turned into a snarl as flames lit behind her eyes. Cavendish and his troop had been swaggering around town, self assured in their authority to do as they pleased. She had given them the benefit of the doubt up to this point, but no more. She was going to show them what it truly meant to have the Law on one's side.

Cease this at once.

Marita's command was backed up with the power of Order itself and demanded those that heard her do as she said. The cleric had used her Voice of Law several times before now in specific ways to cast her spells, but this was its purest expression: the ability to speak with a fraction of authority a deity possessed. Cavendish struggled against the command before dropping his weapon while one of the guards let go of his spear immediately. The other holding a bloodied weapon held firm and laughed at her command, not quite realizing the situation he was in as the only man currently on his side of the battle wielding a weapon. It wasn't an ideal outcome, but now Kathryn would at least have a chance to get to a better position.

@Remipa Awesome

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Marita Bärbel Human, Cleric, Level 3 HP: 18/18 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Silversmith Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Marita lowered her hands, no longer under the threat of being shot. It seemed that they had a bit of time to chat before returning to the Public House and Victoria, ever the opportunist, leaped at the bit to make sure they would be able to obtain silvered weapons. She really shouldn't have been surprised, but it seemed that she hadn't entirely grasped the scope of her comrade's penchant for avarice quite yet. Upon Mallard's statement of payment, Marita decided to chime in for the first time since entering the storefront cum fortress.

"It was a good thing you brought the gold Robert lent us to pay for the purchase, Victoria." If one looked closely enough at Marita's face they would find it as grim and set as it had been for the past while, yet at the same time swear that there was a hint of a smirk hidden in the scowl. Did Marita believe that Victoria would really shirk the bill onto her or have everyone pay for their weapons separately? Truth be told, if left entirely to the bard's judgment, there was a decent chance she would only cover her own weapon. But Marita wasn't going to leave it to the fickle whims of the bard.

The half-elf had been so eager to request material goods with which to skewer other beings, she neglected to procure the far more valuable asset, information. He mentioned them telling him their story before he told his, so she might as well fill him in on what they've been up to. The question was how much to tell. Not because she was worried about the security risks, but they had limited time and he likely knew the truth of the matter, so going on about concocted hypotheses would only chew through valuable time.

"We were sent here by the sheriff of Darenby to investigate the disappearing persons phenomena going on over here. We've only been in town for about a day and had even less time to properly investigate since we helped the L'Roses a bit when we arrived here. It was an in for investigation, but I helped out Robert by working under him as a barmaid last night and now they're about the only people in this township other than the L'Roses that I feel I can trust."

"Trust has become a very expensive thing in Avonshire. Some of 'em? They came back looking and talking just like who left, but they were different. Colder almost. Thought they were more cunning than everyone else. Like they had some secret club. Wasn't until Robert went missing. Says he can't talk about it, but he give me enough to piece together. That's why these manacles are for him. Harvest moon rises tonight."

"Can't even trust the damn rats no more. Little spies, sniffing around like they always have. But they listen you know? To those that know how to talk to them."
"My family left as soon as I figured it out. I stay here, keep folk thinking we're still around. Gives them time to get far from here before the moon gets full. I'm locking myself up here until it's over, then I'm leaving that dawn to find them."

"You know what this is, right? Could be anyone. The ones that accepted it, they let go. The ones that didn't... I don't care to find out what happened to them."

"I'll say the word once, and quiet as the grave," His voice dropped to a whisper, even as he worked feverishly at the silver inlay in the manacles, "Wererats."

Just then a rare sight appeared in the silversmith's. Marita smiled. Not a simple smile or a smirk, but a smarmy, self satisfied grin that stretched from ear to ear. It was sublime, the validation that washed over her hearing it straight from the horse's mouth. All that time spent worrying about what was going on in this godsfosaken town, the looming threat of the time limit and a dozen other things, and she had nailed it essentially on her first serious guess. But she did not allow herself to revel in it; this was a serious moment and they still had things to discuss, not to mention with the three most conspicuous members standing out in the open outside the shop, who knew how long until they attracted trouble. She quickly recomposed herself before responding.

"I don't know if you're familiar, but Robert is under a Geas, a set of magical instructions that he has to follow, lest he die. It takes quite a powerful spellcaster to be able to use one of those, and that almost has me more concerned than the other problem. I take it you don't know who could possibly be the culprit." She didn't have much hope that he would know, if this mage were the mastermind behind this entire situation, they likely kept their identity secret, but it wouldn't hurt to ask.

Marita frowned, now that she thought about it, some more things were starting to line up. He just mentioned the Harvest moon. What were the chances that they were sent to investigate this matter during one of the busiest times of the year during a big festival rather than a more quiet time when there would be fewer complications to juggle?

"Actually, from what I've picked apart there's a few big pieces missing from the puzzle. What do they actually want? And how does the Harvest Moon and the festival tie into everything?"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Marita Bärbel Human, Cleric, Level 3 HP: 18/18 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Silversmith Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Marita complied with the man's demands, and kept her hands raised in the air where he could see them. He didn't ask for it, but she wasn't going to take any chances with a crossbow aimed at her and a paranoid man at the trigger. She made an effort to move as smoothly as possible, no sudden movements that might set him off. Her face was set and determined, with a twinge of anxiety in the undercurrent. True, she was mentally prepared for this to happen, but things were different when you had to stare down the tip of a bolt. She could feel her heartbeat increase and the adrenaline start to course through her veins, but she maintained her focus.

Marita's face scrunched up upon Mallard almost immediately discovering the rest of the party and then Kathryn's attempt at an apology but said nothing. Perhaps she should have told them to stand out of view from the door, but there was nothing to do in that regard now. Hopefully this swing of events wouldn't immediately escalate the situation and force drastic action, but she would simply have to remain watchful and quick on the draw were such a thing to happen.

Slowly, she knelt down, picked up the ring and pressed it to her tongue for about 10 seconds before returning it. She was content to remain silent for the time being. This was not the kind of situation that invited lots of dialogue from multiple parties, and Victoria had touched upon everything she would want to say immediately. For now the best thing she could do was not set him off and keep her eyes peeled.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Marita Bärbel Human, Cleric, Level 3 HP: 18/18 Armor Class: 18->16 Conditions: N/A Location: The Hayloft->Silversmith Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Marita's face was more dour than usual as the group left the Hayloft. There was naught left to do but stew in the anticipation of the inevitable confrontation as they made their way to the silversmith. Or at least, that's what she thought before she saw Kathryn motion over for her to speak in private. She gave everyone a quick 'wait for a moment' before going along with the much taller woman to hear her out.

"There is much out of the ordinary going on in this region, but it's unwise to believe all threads intertwine. Not even counting matters such as the fake letters, I've noticed at least a few oddities that appear unrelated to the matter at hand. Attributing everything queer to the machinations of outside sources could easily lead you down a rabbit hole of paranoia. Even if what you say is true, as far as we're aware, that has no bearing on where we are so it can be ignored until it is. There's a guideline you're taught early on when performing an inquisition: Hunting down false lead is more damaging than taking no action at all." That was all she had to say on the matter. They didn't have the time to stand around and discuss this outside matter, so after she said her piece, she turned to rejoin the group.

"From what I gather it isn't open, merely that our silversmith has holed himself up in here. And yes, I grabbed the note." She looked at the others. Although Victoria was the socialite of the group, she wasn't initiating the encounter. Well, if she wasn't going to do it, it was up to Marita. She thought for a moment on how to approach the situation. Mallard was jumpy and paranoid, so she needed to avoid escalating things needlessly. If she were a softer woman perhaps she would consider talking more softly and attempting to appear as nonthreatening as possible from the outset. Briefly the idea that she could force him to comply using her Voice passed through her head, but she immediately discarded it for obvious reasons. The cleric took another look at herself and the others. Well if there was one way to raise the stakes at a glance, it would be showing up looking ready for a fight. Although it was irritating to be rid of them immediately after picking them up, Marita took off her shield and mace and gently set them against the wall. If it were not such a hassle and involved getting partially undressed, she would have removed her armor as well.

"Look after my things while we're gone. Victoria, you might want to disarm as well." Marita cracked her knuckles before striding over to the front door. She rapped her knuckles against the door thrice before speaking in the even, confident voice of a woman of Law.

"Mr. Mallard, Robert sent us here to pick up his package." She produced the note the pub owner had written for them and knelt down, sliding it under the door while doing her best to keep it from getting wet. If the ground was too soaked to do be able to do that with the paper in tact, she would simply keep it in hand to hand over if/when the smith opened the door.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Marita Bärbel Human, Cleric, Level 3 HP: 18/18 Armor Class: 16->18 Conditions: N/A Location: Bob's Public House->The Hayloft Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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"The Municipal Building is on the North side of town," she answered Blackberry, "It's quite difficult to miss. We would have to go out of our way to show you, however." With the Dragonborn's lingering question handled she turned to respond to Robert.

"Everyone here has been so kind to us already, I'd rather not ask anything further of you if I could help it." Marita stood up from the table and took the note from Robert. She still had her things, so there was naught for her to collect and get ready. She read over it quickly before folding it in half and tucking it away where it would hopefully remain safe. Everyone else seemed raring to go now, hopefully they would be able to maintain this momentum and resolve the case before the situation could worsen.

The cleric's eyes briefly flickered over to the gold coin she had put down earlier. She had used it as a cover for an expedient exit from the public house, The situation had changed and she was certain that nobody would judge her if she took back her money and left a more suitable payment for the food and drink they had been provided with. However, Marita couldn't take it back. She wouldn't be able to explain it to anyone else if they asked her about it. It was a matter of principle, but it didn't tie into her faith and even if there was another member of the church of Pholtus present, Marita wasn't entirely sure they would understand either. But she had put it down, so she was committed to that action. She couldn't take it back, much in the same way one could not unsever a rope.

With one last glance at the faces of the overworked staff of the Public House, Marita left praying that things would remain as they were by the time they returned. With the rain starting to let up, they needed to get going. Marita adjusted her pace, quickly making her way into the Hayloft. If they were being followed, they'd be giving way where they were holed up, but at this stage in the game, these were just the risks they had to take. They likely weren't going to leave town, so Marita would leave the majority of her travel supplies where they were. No need to lug them around. But now that the possibility of physical danger felt more tangible than ever, she would equip her weapons and shield. Altogether she was done "resupplying" in under a minute, so unless something came up, she would wait by the door for the others to finish up.