Chapter 1: Prudence

[Faanku]

"You've an eloquent tongue, sister, and even after the short hours of our meeting I can tell your faith is genuine." Sister Amalia's voice loses its Badlands drawl and once again takes on an articulate coherency. "And every word you spake of the scriptures is nothing but the truth. But tell me, sister. Do not the Verses speak of the Apostle Kalin, who stood alone against a tide of the devil's own for six days and seven nights without a moment's rest, his body intended to serve the darkness instead used against it for the glory of Lord God? And do they also not speak of Gavin, son of the pious Pastor Auric the Pure, granted Satan's power over flesh, who turned it instead to service of the Lord and healed the hundreds at the Stonefield Settlement of their wasting plague?" Amalia's voice grows, and now she is addressing all present.

"There are those who covet the dark arts, sister, who will enter a cursed pact with the Lord of Darkness to satiate their own twisted desires. Then there are those like the Apostle Kalin, those like Gavin, son of Auric, who are gifted the powers afore they are born to this land, and who deny the whispers of Satan to turn his gifts against him! Would you stand before a Sister of Saint Chrysostom and denounce the Apostle Kalin as sinner?! Or Gavin, son of Auric the Pure?! Are you so bold to do so in the Lord's own house?!" Amalia thrusts a finger at Anya. "NO! the strength of your faith would not allow it!" She pauses for a few breaths, then smiles. "We will soon know the truth of this woman's powers, whether they were a curse she has overcome, or if she has sought them of her own dark devices. For though she may have the wiles to fool even those as pious as you or I, she cannot fool an aspect of the Divine Lord Himself."

At this cue, the Handmaiden steps forward, smiling kindly as always, before speaking in a voice that exudes an infinite patience. "We listen, and so we shall hear."

Amalia nods to Anya, then turns to Zoe. "And so it is, Zoé Sadoul, that you stand here accused of witchcraft, of conspiring with the devil for his unholy power, to spread terror and destruction in the service of Satan, the Lord of Darkness! You shall speak now in your defence before His ordained sisters and one of the Lord's own angels, and on these words shall you be judged. What say you, Zoé Sadoul?"

[Marullus]

He goes to the truck, reloads his pistol and puts an extra clip in his coat pocket. He'd like to take his rifle, but he's headed to the sheriff's office, and coming in with extra arms wouldn't look good. At the sheriff's office he picks up the gist of the sheriff's plan to have the defendants tried in the city. That is very reasonable of you, sheriff, and we appreciate it. I'm glad we've come to an agreement and can cooperate with each other. To Lira, Your Honor, I'd propose having the trial here, instead of in the city. The witnesses are all here. And sheriff, I for one would like for you and the people of Prudence to see the proceedings. So that you see that things are done fairly and the truth is found out in the end.

I didn't make a Talk roll because it's more of an idea for Lira's thoughts than trying to convince someone of something.

Hansel will bum a deck of cards and play hands of solitaire while talking with Talina, and the deputy & Sherrif, and Lira if they're willing. Just passing the time, no particular objective. He will ask if his battery can be recharged, as he expects that he will eventually be given it back, and it's a tool of his trade - and who knows how tomorrow's trip will go...

worth a shot!Talk [2d6+1]=4+1=5

Earmarking for later. Waiting for Lira and Talina.

[greyarea]

Interesting, continues Emile. Tell me more of these outsiders. Do you mean those that just rolled in today?

[cybersavant]

Mirko nods and replies to Báleygr. "Lots of folks pass through. Upstairs here is a public house - you can pick a bed in the big room and get dinner down here. Simplest way to rest. If you prefer a more upscale offering then Anica's Boarding House is the blue house on your left. She's got private rooms and amenities."

Báleygr Gangleri smiles and says, "Rooming here for the night will be fine." Báleygr drops 10 on the counter and heads upstairs.

[Enoch]

"Ever Dutiful," the old man chuckles, citing the motto of the Guardsmen who fought for Kummenha in the Wars. "We all got jobs, and keepin' someone from harm ain't the worst of them. I hope your Sister is clear-sighted enough to not do harm... especially to Zoe." Doc Volokh orders another double. "Not all wolves have four legs," he comments as he packs up his medical bag. "a lot of things would be better if you fixed that."

"Ever Dutiful," Shadrach echoes, "though obedience seems blind, sometimes, when led poorly." He looks off in the direction of the chapel. "Let's hope Sister Amalia is different. Thanks for the sewing, doc."

He flexes his ankle a few times, then heads in the direction of the chapel, favoring his wounded leg slightly.

[Marullus]

Inside the Chapel...

Sister Anja Dosen.png (41.38 KiB) Viewed 569 times

Sister Anja looks back to Amalia. She gets riled as she goes, a sermon that seems quite familiar to her. "You know the Scriptures, as well as I! When the Apostle Paul met a Soothsayer at Thyatira, even though she cried aloud to acknowledge him as the blessed of the Lord, he rebuked her because her accepting of unholy powers was an affront to God's eyes, even as the town rose up against him for doing so, because the mob valued her powers from Satan. So it is, no matter how much sentiment there may be in this town, it is our duty to see God's will done at the Hanging Tree, even at personal risk by the example of Paul. It is in the book of Malachi that the Lord God himself says that he will draw near for judgment and swiftest against the Sorcerers! We are God's People, and have seen God's Judgment upon those who use these detestable gifts, the psi of the old ways! The Laws of Deuteronomy, the Laws of the Lord, are clear that we should not imitate the detestable things of other nations, those who use these sorcereries among them. Are we not, as God's People, to draw the line of condemnation against those who embrace the madness-inducing gifts of that fallen kingdom, already judged? Having seen the fire fall on Sodom and Gomorrah, would we embrace their ways of living?"

"You've an eloquent tongue, sister, and even after the short hours of our meeting I can tell your faith is genuine." Sister Amalia's voice loses its Badlands drawl and once again takes on an articulate coherency. "And every word you spake of the scriptures is nothing but the truth. But tell me, sister. Do not the Verses speak of the Apostle Kalin, who stood alone against a tide of the devil's own for six days and seven nights without a moment's rest, his body intended to serve the darkness instead used against it for the glory of Lord God? And do they also not speak of Gavin, son of the pious Pastor Auric the Pure, granted Satan's power over flesh, who turned it instead to service of the Lord and healed the hundreds at the Stonefield Settlement of their wasting plague?" Amalia's voice grows, and now she is addressing all present.

Shadrach darkens the front doorway, entering mid-speech. He favors his wounded leg slightly.

"There are those who covet the dark arts, sister, who will enter a cursed pact with the Lord of Darkness to satiate their own twisted desires. Then there are those like the Apostle Kalin, those like Gavin, son of Auric, who are gifted the powers afore they are born to this land, and who deny the whispers of Satan to turn his gifts against him! Would you stand before a Sister of Saint Chrysostom and denounce the Apostle Kalin as sinner?! Or Gavin, son of Auric the Pure?! Are you so bold to do so in the Lord's own house?!" Amalia thrusts a finger at Anya. "NO! the strength of your faith would not allow it!" She pauses for a few breaths, then smiles. "We will soon know the truth of this woman's powers, whether they were a curse she has overcome, or if she has sought them of her own dark devices. For though she may have the wiles to fool even those as pious as you or I, she cannot fool an aspect of the Divine Lord Himself."

At this cue, the Handmaiden steps forward, smiling kindly as always, before speaking in a voice that exudes an infinite patience. "We listen, and so we shall hear."

Amalia nods to Anya, then turns to Zoe. "And so it is, Zoé Sadoul, that you stand here accused of witchcraft, of conspiring with the devil for his unholy power, to spread terror and destruction in the service of Satan, the Lord of Darkness! You shall speak now in your defence before His ordained sisters and one of the Lord's own angels, and on these words shall you be judged. What say you, Zoé Sadoul?"

Zoé Sadoul.png (96.3 KiB) Viewed 569 times

"Non," says Zoe, tears streaming down her cheeks as she lifts her head. She glances briefly at Amalia, but avoids the placid gaze of the Handmaiden. Her words are coming out ragged between sobs, unable to maintain english long in her present state.
"I ask for none of this, madame. Dieu pardonne moi, it is a curse, a curse of whole life. I come here, I waitress, I harm no one. That homme maudit, that loup-garou, I only react to save us, to save myself. Par la grâce de Dieu, sauve-moi! I am from Bordeaux, I know it is péché impardonnable," she sobs, unable to articulate for a long moment, then just weeps openly into her hands, her hair hanging over her face.

[Marullus]

Inside the Saloon...
Báleygr Gangleri smiles and says, "Rooming here for the night will be fine." Báleygr drops 10 on the counter and heads upstairs.

Interesting, continues Emile. "Tell me more of these outsiders. Do you mean those that just rolled in today?"

Mirko Skender.png (61.64 KiB) Viewed 559 times

Mirko blinks. "No. You rolled in today. I mean the dead ones all piled under that there sheet. They've been here drinkin' and playin' cards for a few days. When they tried whorin', Anja got a bit riled." He sighs, drying a glass. "Frankly, headin' them out of town wouldn't have been bad, but they didn't deserve to get gutted and gunned down like that. Too bad no justice 'll come of it."

Doc Volokh grunts in commiseration with Mirko, waving two fingers to get another shot of Vodka. Across the room, Valentin and Dima are finishing wrapping the last body in a sheet, moving it together to the south wall. Only Teo Hrsak lies untended, both of them reticent to touch him.

Still holding for Lira and Talina before I update at the Sheriff. Further conversation in the Saloon or Church?

[Enoch]

Shadrach stops just inside the chapel, leaning against the rough wall and folding his arms as he watches the conversation between Amalia and Anja. He is silent, but his expression shows grudging respect for the younger Sister as she speaks.

[shroomofinsanity]

Sheriff, Lira, taking a cue from her counterpart who had only recently arrived, while it is within my power to try these individuals in the City, that does me and mine a disservice, and your town will be robbed a show of true and fair judgement. I am not in the habit of hiding my profession from others, like a bandit in the night. The fires of justice will burn the guilty and exonerate the innocent. We will need the use of either your courthouse, and lacking that, we will need the largest public space to allow the townsfolk to attend and bear witness to this justice. Sir, she references the defense attorney, I leave these defendants in your care, as it is poor form for me to hear discussions between a client and their counsel, and we will be following the book, from here on out. After you finish with them I would hear anything you may have learned about Teo and his family that may help us secure warrants for their arrest or evidence of conspiracy to help out the local law here, perhaps earning us a small amount of good will in the town. I will be heading to the church, as it seems I need to convince the old time religion that the laws of this land need to apply to those that live here, and while they can pray and worry about the cleansing of the spirit, we worry about judging their mortal crimes.

If the sheriff is convinced then Lira will make her way to the church to see if she can figure out what she can do there, she obviously has no idea what is going on in the church, and will be trying to see what has all progressed there.

[Marullus]

Inside the Sheriff's Office...

Taavi goes to the truck, reloading his pistol and putting an extra clip in his coat pocket while he stows his rifle. He sees Chuck storm out of the Sheriff's Office and past him, heading over to the Filling Station where he talks animatedly to the small cluster of men standing there. Taavi enters the Sheriff's office, hearing Hansel and Talina discussing the bounty behind the bars, the Sheriff tipping his chair back against the wall with a satisfied sigh.

"Sheriff," persists Lira, taking a cue from her counterpart who had only recently arrived, "while it is within my power to try these individuals in the City, that does me and mine a disservice, and your town will be robbed a show of true and fair judgement. I am not in the habit of hiding my profession from others, like a bandit in the night. The fires of justice will burn the guilty and exonerate the innocent. We will need the use of either your courthouse, and lacking that, we will need the largest public space to allow the townsfolk to attend and bear witness to this justice."

"Courthouse?" The Sheriff snorts. "We sure as the hells don't need one of those. They sometimes use the chapel for plays and follies, which sounds like what you're proposing." He smirks. "I'm sure you can put on a fine show... if'n Miss Anja lets you near it."

"Sir," she references the defense attorney, "I leave these defendants in your care, as it is poor form for me to hear discussions between a client and their counsel, and we will be following the book, from here on out. After you finish with them I would hear anything you may have learned about Teo and his family that may help us secure warrants for their arrest or evidence of conspiracy to help out the local law here, perhaps earning us a small amount of good will in the town. I will be heading to the church, as it seems I need to convince the old time religion that the laws of this land need to apply to those that live here, and while they can pray and worry about the cleansing of the spirit, we worry about judging their mortal crimes."

"He now, I didn't say anything about you..." the Sheriff sputters, his four chair legs thunking abruptly as he sits upright, jostling himself. Lira doesn't wait for him to argue, however, and steps out the door as she said. The Sheriff is up, cursing under his breath, and follows after a few moments later, leaving Taavi and Deputy Karlo alone with Hansel and Talina.

Hansel requests a deck of cards, which Deputy Karlo amiably supplies. He begins to deal out a hand of solitaire, looking over periodically at Talina, Karlo, and Taavi. He asks if his battery can be recharged, which Karlo takes into the closet for a moment, returning empty handed, closing the door behind him as he re-emerges. Hansel expects that he will eventually be given it back, and it's a tool of his trade - and who knows how tomorrow's trip will go...


Inside the Chapel...
Lira reaches the church before the Sheriff catches up and steps inside. The Sheriff stops in the street and she can hear him cursing under his breath. As she steps fully inside, he wanders off, not pursuing her within.

She pauses next to Shadrach just inside the chapel, leaning against the rough wall and folding his arms as he watches. Amalia and Anja stand near each other around the middle of the sanctuary, rows of pews flanking them on either side. The placid expression of the Handmaiden is clearly visible to you as she stands over Zoé Sadoul, who is sobbing on her knees, avoiding eye contact. Zoe's words are coming out ragged between sobs, unable to maintain english long in her present state. "I ask for none of this, madame. Dieu pardonne moi, it is a curse, a curse of whole life. I come here, I waitress, I harm no one. That homme maudit, that loup-garou, I only react to save us, to save myself. Par la grâce de Dieu, sauve-moi! I am from Bordeaux, I know it is péché impardonnable," she sobs, unable to articulate for a long moment, then just weeps openly into her hands, her hair hanging over her face...

You're all free to converse with each other, and I'll continue to answer for NPCs who you question. When you're done, say where you find a bed.

[shroomofinsanity]

Lira mentally sighs upon hearing the Sheriff leaving, it is so infuriating having to explain to men of the law, why they need to follow the law themselves... but she sees the scene before her, and sighs again, this time, audibly, as her work never seems to be done.

Lira carefully places her rifle against a back wall of the chapel and clears her throat, and after placing her dark glasses back on her face, begins to speak. Good afternoon, I am mighty apologetic to simply barge into a house of the divine and state mundane business, but these are strange and dark times we live in. Lira takes a moment to see if anyone present appears hostile then continues, I respect the place religious power holds in a town like this, and I don't pretend to govern the final destination of souls, we all know there are higher powers at play that judge and sentence the souls of men and women. I however, am bound to judge the mortal fate on the laws put in place by other mortal humans. I have no issue with either of you fine and proper individuals declaring that poor woman's soul to be sentenced to the depths of the Pit itself, however, we must also try her for any mortal crimes committed while inhabiting this mortal coil. But what better arena for such a judgement than the moral center of this town, this very chapel. I propose that I be allowed to try all the individuals currently facing judgement for their mortal crimes, and then, we may address any immortal sins committed by their souls.

Lira proceeds to take a few steps deeper into the Chapel and continues; I represent the State, and while I understand you draw your power from forces beyond and unfathomable, I feel the people of this town could also do with some very material and direct justice, as I am sure you agree that the town has slipped into both corruption and debauchery, and I would love nothing more than to help put everyone back on the straight and narrow. In addition, my colleague, who will be representing the defendants in these upcoming trials, has been gaining information on this Teo character and his family, and if what I suspect to be true, in fact is, we will have common cause with your Church to hunt them down and bring them in for justice. Oh and before I forget to mention, if you assist us, I will be very happy to let those that sent me know that, and I am sure they will be more than happy to assist you in spreading your reach directly to other towns, and perhaps...even sanction your denomination as the official religion of the state. Now I know that might seem like a long shot, but I have a little pull with the top brass, and I am very willing to help instate what seems to be a very strong and morally righteous Church as the spiritual backbone of this entire region, at least to start of course... Lira lets her sentence trail off a bit, while thinking on whether this play would work.

So, what say ye? do we have an accord? or is there more to discuss?

[Enoch]

Shadrach tips up his hat and his eyebrow rises, just a twitch at first, but continues to climb with Lira's speech until it's nearly comical. When she finishes, he speaks in a tone of mild contempt.

"Wellll-" he drags the word out into several syllables- "I can't claim to speak for the Church, any more than I suspect you can actually have a state religion declared, but it seems to me that the Mother Church is doing well enough without the indulgences of a wandering magistrate, kind as that offer is.

"But what I do know is that charges of witchcraft need to be tried by an ecclesiastical court, not the secular authorities, and I'm sure you know that too. And seeing as we have a fully-vested Sister present-" he nods toward Amalia- "why don't you and I sit back and let her conduct her business? If that Zoe there has committed secular crimes that don't involve witchcraft, why, I'm sure that Sister Amalia will be happy to turn her over to your authority when we're done here.

"But we're much obliged for your offer." He tugs briefly on the brim of his hat and turns his attention back to Amalia and Anja.

[jemmus]

Taavi, alone in the sheriff's office/calaboose with Deputy Karlo, Hansel, and Talina, says Deputy Sheriff, these two defendants have separate cases, so they need separate counsel. I'd like to speak with Ms. Talina privately first, and then Mr. Hansel. So I wonder if you could take Mr. Hansel outside for a few minutes. Securely ensuring that he doesn't attempt an escape, of course. Which I'm sure won't be an issue, considering Mr. Hansel's very peaceful and reasonable cooperation with local law enforcement so far. I can speak with Ms. Talina through the bars, or you can lock us both in, either way is fine.

[Marullus]

Deputy Karlo considers the request a moment, then shrugs. "If you think you need to..." His expression is guarded and hard to read, but he's not saying something. "I mean, if you're looking to defend him, I think the Sheriff was pretty clear about it."

He summons Hansel to the bars to put the cuffs back on, then offers to escort him outside onto the porch. "Come on, then. Sheriff's got two chairs on the porch. Just don't be dumb, alright?"

(Hansel gets further private convo with Karlo while Taavi and Talina get to talk inside.)

Rolls:

Taavi Talk [2d6]=9

[jemmus]

Taavi approaches the cell. Good day, Ms. Talina. I'm Taavi Perttu, it's good to meet you. As you've heard, I've been appointed to your legal defense. You can accept that appointment, or chose to reject it and defend yourself. Either choice is perfectly within your rights. If you do accept me as your legal defender, I'll need some specific information. Anything you say will be held in strict confidence, unless you consent to having it disclosed to third parties.

Though I don't see that you've committed any violations here in Prudence, so perhaps you don't need legal defense. But four or perhaps five deaths appear to have been directly or indirectly caused because of your presence. And there is a warrant for your arrest, and Mr. Hansel intends to collect the bounty. So my first questions are, who issued the warrant for your arrest and capture? And for what reason? The bounty reward is pretty substantial, it seems that someone wants you pretty badly.

And my other question is, do you know of any reason that Teo Hrsak would want to kill you? My impression was that he went directly for you when he entered the room. Again, you only need to reply if you consent to my representing you.

[redwarrior]

Hansel considers that Deputy Karlo hasn't warmed up to him so far, but has full confidence in his ability to ingratiate himself with others, what with it having been his primary means of survival for years in the intelligence service.
Deputy Karlo, you have my word that I will not try anything rash, unless that young man, Chuck was it?, attempts to attack me, and then only as rash as is needed to keep myself alive. It appears that you have formed a bad opinion of me, one I'm sure your Tatyana fully shares - My leg feels her opinion when it rains backstory earlier states that she shot me. I understand that we come at the question of justice somewhat differently, that boy Ilya that she had a crush on was brought in alive, because I could do so, and he had justice at a fair trial. At least, I hope it was a fair trial. What ever happened with him? ... Hansel is trying to drum up a generally friendly conversation, and if that works, get what info he can about chuck.

Talk [2d6+1]=6+1=7

[Marullus]

Karlo sits with Hansel on the front porch of the Sheriff's office, each in their respective chairs as the afternoon sun drops towards evening. Hansel's banter makes Karlo crack a smile. He responds quietly, running a hand over his hair, the sweat sticking it back. "Well, yeah, I have to say that Ma and Pa were none to happy about Tati getting publicly swept up in the arrest and trial. It was mighty embarrassing for the family, and couldn't claim her an innocent after she shot you like that." He sighs, sticking his legs out and crossing his ankles. "Can't blame you for her choices, no matter how much Ma wants to, and you did her a favor by clearing town before the hearing. Couldn't hold the charges of shooting you when you didn't stay to testify about it. Just... bad for the family name. They worried it'd prevent me getting to be deputy here," he pauses, "but it's not like my name is Skender, you know?" Karlo looks chagrinned. "That's not kind. I mean, I am glad for the opportunity here. I know that we can make the town better again."

Hansel works into the conversation to get him to talk about Chuck. "Chuck Harris?" he pauses, considering a moment. "I mean, we don't know much about any of those out-of-towners. Just that they arrived together, presented that printed warrant. Mr. Green, he offered..." he pauses, uncertain, then continues, "he offered the Sheriff a portion of the bounty for local assistance in the apprehension. That's usually a good way to talk to Mirko." Looking uncomfortable, he shifts in his chair and looks down main street for a moment. "I don't think he'll ever agree to this Judge's notions. Not really." Whatever else is on his mind is left unsaid. Turning back to Hansel, he concludes, "That means you'll be fine, though. Probably. Unless Chuck gets more money." He clears his throat. "We should be going back inside. I'll get you some stew for dinner once the lawyer's done."

[Faanku]

Amalia looks to the Handmaiden, who nods once, slowly. The sister then turns her focus to Anja, and speaks in a softer voice. "And so she says. I would ask this of you, Sister Anja; know you of anything the wretched accused has done to harm this here town, or anyone within it? Do you know her to be in league with dark forces, or to take pleasure in the suffering of others? If you speak now, with God Almighty as your witness within His own house, then I shall take your words to heart, as I know you to be as true and devout as any I have encountered." She pauses for a second, though not enough for Anja to give her answer. "But if you cannot do so, on the virtue of your own soul, then I will instead ask you to see this poor woman not as servant to the devil, as one fallen to the darkness, but as one fighting her own battle against it, alone, and in need of support from those truly righteous."

Amalia's gaze suddenly grows in intensity, almost burning through the older clergywoman's skull. "Speak now, Sister. And speak true."

[Marullus]

Lira and Shadrach stand near the door, solemnly watching the exchange.

Sister Anja sputters briefly, opening and closing her mouth several times. "I saw her murder a man using foul powers." Her voice is thick with emotion as she says these words - anger, sorrow, grief. Not the firebrand from before in that moment. She then lowers her head before the younger woman, steadying herself before she speaks, eyes to the floor. "Is this not proof enough? I cannot speak to what she has done in silence, and we must put her to the question to free her tongue to speak that which it hides within. She is not Apostle Kalin, nor Auric the Pure. She avoids the Faithful, she has not recanted nor suffered the pains of contrition." She tentatively meets Amalia's gaze, steadying her tremble in her voice. "I will retire, leaving her with you as the Ordained... but those are my words. I cannot but speak the truth."

She pauses, a moment of respect for Amalia's final words, before turning to go out the church's front doors.

[Craigers07]

Taavi approaches the cell. Good day, Ms. Talina. I'm Taavi Perttu, it's good to meet you. As you've heard, I've been appointed to your legal defense. You can accept that appointment, or chose to reject it and defend yourself. Either choice is perfectly within your rights. If you do accept me as your legal defender, I'll need some specific information. Anything you say will be held in strict confidence, unless you consent to having it disclosed to third parties.

Though I don't see that you've committed any violations here in Prudence, so perhaps you don't need legal defense. But four or perhaps five deaths appear to have been directly or indirectly caused because of your presence. And there is a warrant for your arrest, and Mr. Hansel intends to collect the bounty. So my first questions are, who issued the warrant for your arrest and capture? And for what reason? The bounty reward is pretty substantial, it seems that someone wants you pretty badly.

And my other question is, do you know of any reason that Teo Hrsak would want to kill you? My impression was that he went directly for you when he entered the room. Again, you only need to reply if you consent to my representing you.

Talina walks over to the bars to chat with Taavi.

"Pleased to meet you Taavi. If you plan to represent me I hope you can find a way to get me out of this town. The bounty is from a previous employer who was a little upset over losing my services. How much do you really want to know?"

She looks around to see if anyone can hear this conversation.

"My best guess about Teo is he is as greedy as the next bounty hunter. I don't know anything about him."