Following a heated argument by the north gate, in which the Mayor was personally brought to intervene, the village of Uhm closes its wooden gates and barricades itself within its palisade for the remainder of the day. Those who do not immediately have a house or business front within the village are turned away at the gate.

The official notice at the gate, proclaims the following:

To all travelers and traders of the Lumorian Coast: Mayor Matthew Keenan has declared an emergency due to criminal gangs attempting blackmail and assaulting city officers. The ports shall remain open to fishers and traders (Excluding passenger ships) at this time. The roads and gates will be closed and guarded by the watch. The village shall open for normal business in one day, barring further incidents or altercations with the watch.


With the Good Will and Blessings of the Mayor,
Untermeister Roderrick

_________________


Those trees won't burn themselves down. (by Maryn)

A dark shrouded figure who tends through there often simply offers the guards a black-laquered card. She's visibly more han likely Elven, and the name on the card, Irae'arra Div'urden, clearly outlines that she is, in fact, Drow. She keeps out of the town, but any bandits she, and her hydroloth, find are in for a world of hurt, along with a good solid pocket-picking.

//If these are PC bandits, plz to drop me a pm so we can meet IG!

_________________


Aly'dra Zau'ana: Priestessish Of Eilistraee
Danika Nefzen: Druid of the Earthmother
Delia Am'Anodel: Paladin of Torm

A figure that has white robes and a brown cloak emerges from the Inn, though nobody ever recalled seeing him enter it to begin with, and starts walking along the stream... idly dumping out holy water along the length of it. He purposefully tries to do this in a way that will attract little attention, by dumping the water out from beneath his cloak.

_________________
Repugnant is a creature who would squander the ability to lift an eye to heaven conscious of his fleeting time here.

A tiny little brown man in colourful garments seems to simply appear between the blades of grass of the Southern Village Gate. Thundering behind him stomps a fabled treant. It creaks and groans as it turns its head down to read the notice alongside his tiny companion.

The tiny man scoffs, sounding uncharacteristically annoyed. "Criminal gangs?? Blackmail?? This surely is a dark day when our human friends ignore the joyous' declarations to help in a crisis! They're dooming themselves to a horrible fate Mr Sycamore!" He turns to look up at his giant wooden friend.

Mr Sycamore booms in bassy gutteral voice, slow and precise. "Water... the.. giver.. of life... now.. tainted."

The little brown man sighs and looks to the east, where the stream running through Uhm to the ocean, originates. "Well we might as well unblock the river now. No need in causing any floods or stopping the natural flow of water if these citizens refuse our help. We have to obey the True Cycle if they refuse our help!"

Mr Sycamore nods and marches back to the Nexus Hills to lift the huge boulders out of the river he helped plant the other day. His little brown companion accompanies him, watching over the heavy lifting, making sure his treant friend avoids the tainted part of the stream.

_________________
Active Characters:

- Thimblepot (Amia's Resident Brownie)
- Greta Sólveig (Barbarian raised by Dwarves)

A young man clad in simple looking gray plate armor and cloak bearing symbol of Chauntea can be seen patrolling around Uhm, especially in the eastern outskirts, near the water stream. He occasionally turns his gaze towards town, trying to discern is something is going on around there. He does not seem to approach the town, though. Those that approach him are given a polite greeting and question concerning their presence here. If asked the same, he answers that he's guarding the place from bandits and "other" troublemakers.

_________________
"A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupry

Sabine Kelm, a recent resident in the Bad Dragon Inn, thanks Tymora once more for looking after her tiefling #*$ that she had moved on site prior to the lockdown, right after the last meeting with the Band in Wharftown. Still... of all the towns to get locked within. She was glad she had some books with her.

_________________

A lone tiefling in black and blue livery stands staring at the barred gates, the rain pounding off his armor and soaking his tabard unheeded.

Rras is right. No matter what good we try to do, no matter how hard we work helping others, we will always just be monsters and thugs to them. Well they have chosen their fate, I wash my hands of whatever comes next.

With that he turns and marches away into the downpour.

_________________
Sir Taelar Ardelyn of Wiltun
Winner of the Razor Tongued Award 2015!

Kira "Penny" Sigers
Better than Boulderdash!

As the notice promised, the town re-opens for business the next day, and is business as usual, with the exception of the very busy caravaners attempting to make up for the backed up work.

_________________


Those trees won't burn themselves down. (by Maryn)

*A letter arrives from Kohlingen with the seal of the Grandmaster, addressed to Mayor Keenan and the Militia Commander.*

//Pmed to Leggo

After his patrols around Uhm yielded no results, young follower of Chauntea moves towards Kohlingen. He asks local guardsmen some questions and is directed towards city hall. There, he approaches clerk dealing with the naturalisation procedure.

_________________
"A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupry

"MURDERER!"

Cries of dismay and oaths of retribution echoed in the tiny town of Uhm.

A man wearing dirty-off-white robes was dragged before the Untermeister, Mayoral-Deputy Thames Rodderick. The militia Captains sternly held back the crowd as the charge, a heinous crime, was read aloud.

"Michael Boswin: You stand accused of the murder of Mrs. Gilfred's Child, who was mere months of age."

"Kill the Bastard!" Several townspeople cried.

Some who were familiar with the man and several adventurers, stepped up to intervene. The raucous crowd nearly rioted, until the intervention of Mathew Keenan, the Mayor.

"Michael Boswin. As is our custom: You shall be held for six days time, while those who speak on your behalf may seek to refute your accusers. On noon of the seventh day, you shall be hung by the neck until dead."

_________________


Those trees won't burn themselves down. (by Maryn)

One of the adventurers, plain-looking human with symbol of Chauntea on his cloak, can be seen talking with two women who accompanied him - a chainmail-clad mage and ilmaterite. Soon after, they go separate ways. Aaron can be seen talking with everyone willing to talk to him regarding to the event, trying to get eyewitnesses statements. He also asks about red-robed men who were strangely present during the trial.
When he's finished interviewing eyewitnesses and people who were familiar with Michael, he can be seen going to Mayor's Office, trying to get a couple of words with the accused.

_________________
"A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupry

A mailed wizardess known as Irene who mostly is wearing grey colors is seen with Aaron in the investigation. Irene focuses her attention at the crime scene of the victim Mrs. Gilfred’s child. She searches for particular signs of evidence. Closely examining the ground for footprints, checking about the area for things that may not belong and anything else considered possible evidence. Irene makes good sure no one attempts to change anything at the crime scene.

_________________
Devlin Faramond - Warrior Priest of Tempus
Aithne Ryrathrak - Red Dragon Disciple, Bronze Dragon Slayer
May'rinna D'vilrath - Underdarker and Noble House Sorceress

_________________
feel the blood gushing from your anusfeel the blood gushing from your anus

Arriving with Sir Robert of Caris, Squire Fox, Thimblepot and Salona. Sir Justin Fairfax arrives in Uhm. They are joined by by a druid.

Going among the townsfolk were the "Angel's" monks in their red robes. Justin eyed them with some suspicion. given the rumour of the black ooze that had flowed into the river from a lightening strike.

They speak to the Mayor, the mayor's deputy, Jacob the fisherman, the barber and the militia commander about the murder.

Jacob's claim that he heard the baby's cry was verified because Justin call could be heard at the Rosemary bush where Jacob said he heard it.

The barber said he had thrown his old nicked razor blade into the garbage heap. Michael or anyone could have picked it up from there. The barber had not noticed anyone at the time he tossed it away.

The commander of the militia and his men had not heard any baby cry or anything unusual until Jacob had come screaming murder.

Had there been a cry? Was Jacob actually at the bush to hear it? or was he the perpetrator?

Michael was the one the Militia found covered in blood. Michael was not injured during his capture. Roughed up yes by the tackle when Michael fled but nothing to account for the amount of blood on him.

Jacob was not covered in any more blood than might be natural as part of his trade.

The rusted and nicked razor had been found at place of the murder.

The crime was ritualistic and the markings covered by the babe's shed blood. A terrible crime and tragedy.

Michael had been agitated of late but always harmless. Justin would have preferred to have spoken to Michael to see him and hear from his lips what had happened but the Mayor had not allowed it.

Other than the blood on Michael it would have been the case of one man's word against another's.

Yet when Thimblepot, Squire Fox, Erebos (who joined them later) went to the place of murder they found things as described. the massive dried blood, and the obscured cirle of runes.

They searched the ruins but found nothing that was not "normal" if the undead denizens of the ruins could be called that. Yet someone had slipped in behind them to further obscure the circle runes and fled at Erebos and Squire Fox's approach.

Most odd thought Sir Justin. After all if Michael was guilty and acted alone then who was this who sought to obscure the runes?

Justin returned to Kohlingen to pray and meditate upon these things.

A blonde warrioress makes her point in just a few sentences.

"The cysts could mean his actions are not his own! Have him examined by a competent mage! If he is infected, let us show compassion and offer him surgery and counsel.
....If he is not, he will meet justice by my blade, and his debt will be called paid in his own blood. An eye for an eye, a life for a life.

With that, time passes, and his fate hangs...

_________________


Aly'dra Zau'ana: Priestessish Of Eilistraee
Danika Nefzen: Druid of the Earthmother
Delia Am'Anodel: Paladin of Torm

SIr Justin sends his results to the Mayor of Uhm.

Your honour,

It would behelpful to question the mother as to what she might have noticed leading up to the babes abduction and murder.

I would also ask again to be permitted to question and have Michael the Hermit examined.

Questioning and examination are necessary in order so that Uhm's council of elders may be assured of all the facts pertinent to this case.

As a Tyran I can assure you it is important that justice not only be done but be seen to be done.

Sir Justin Fairfax

After his inquiries didn't produce much results, Aaron can be seen talking with many different people across Amia, obviously asking for help. After that, he returns back to Uhm, waiting for the opportunity to speak with the accused.

_________________
"A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupry

Sir Justin answers Aarons request for aid and returns returns to Uhm. With spells to detect lies prepared (assuming DM permits PnP spell).

He hopes to speak to the mother as well as the hermit for there are things here that still need examination.

The docks of the Uhm see their crossplanks set to flame, as Captain Guston's last ship for the day departs the Lumorian Village, off to Kohlingen.

Able-bodied locals see themselves drafted into the militia and given equipment to put out the fire, though the large pier posts were not burned.

The watch at the gates is apparently doubled, with militia suspicious of those who travel by cart inside the town.

At the gates, the following notice has been posted:



"By order of the Mayoral Deputy, and from the Office of Mayor Keenan,



By the unfortunate acts of miſguided ſouls acting in folly to preſerve the wicked and in breach of the intereſts of our common law, we muſt iſſue this proclamation.

All Gentry, knights, and auxiliaries of the Church of the Triad and Government of Kohlingen are forbidden from entering into the Townſhip of Uhm, on pain of hanging by the neck until dead. This ſhall be enforced by the militia ſo long as juſtice is denied to Goodwoman Gilfred and her loſt and departed childe.

Members of the militia are to be vigilant against thoſe hailing from Kohlingen. Civillians of the Juſticar's City are adviſed to turn from the townſhip of Uhm, at hazard of incurring the wrath of the folk.


The Captains of Militia Patrols are given authority over all perſons within the Village Paliſade.
Viſitors are to ſubmit to any requeſt to ſtop and be ſearched by a party to the militia. Thoſe in poſſeſſion of Kohlingen Papers, letters patent, or official document may be tarred and feathered without penaltie. Poſſeſſion of ſymbols Holy to the Triad are conſidered in poor taſte, and thoſe bearing them may be under particular ſcrutiny. Clergy of the Triad unrepentant for the actions of theſe Knights Kohlingen may be tarred and feathered without penaltie.

Theſe meaſures of this proclamation ſhall be enforced until Michael Boſwin has faced his juſt deſerts at the end of a rope, and the City of Kohlingen reſpects our ſovereignty.

ſincerely and with the intereſts of the Townſhip of Uhm,

Untermeiſter Thames Rodderick"


Neither Mayor Keenan nor Peter has left their home since this afternoon.

_________________


Those trees won't burn themselves down. (by Maryn)

*the Hin finally sighs in what seems like exasperation, and makes her way out of the North Gate of Uhm*

_________________
"Never ascribe to malice, that which can be explained by incompetence"
~ Napoleon Bonaparte.
- Clearly, Napoleon never envisioned the Internet......where I'd judge it about 50/50.

The one-eyed warrior woman, not known for flightiness, suddenly staggered and all but ran out, after trying to determine the state of the Mayor's health. However, when she can, ahe returns, true to her promise to the Mayoral substitute. Triadic knights who see the one-eyed figure, clad in Selune's colours, are not threatened or harrassed, they are simply quietly watched.

_________________


Aly'dra Zau'ana: Priestessish Of Eilistraee
Danika Nefzen: Druid of the Earthmother
Delia Am'Anodel: Paladin of Torm

In Kohlingen, plain looking man with symbol of Chauntea on his cloak can be seen walking from the docks and towards bathhouse in north-eastern part of the town. He stops couple of houses from the entrance and knocks on the house doors on the right side of the street. He's let in by a middle aged man.
Half an hour later, he appears by the porting crystal in Wharftown, and starts asking if anyone had seen a man and a kid passing by. Somebody listening and knowing those parts might easily recognize descriptions of Mayor Matthew Keenan of Uhm and his son.

_________________
"A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupry

From the Selunite temple comes a voice; hoarse and low, it's still a recognizably feminine tone. Coming from a figure in silver and blue plate mail, her face is hooded bu in the shadows one eye can be seen covered with a patch.
Keenan's locked himself in the house with his boy, barred the door. What is it you need with him?
The warrior woman watches the Chauntean, waiting....

_________________


Aly'dra Zau'ana: Priestessish Of Eilistraee
Danika Nefzen: Druid of the Earthmother
Delia Am'Anodel: Paladin of Torm

Man turns to the person speaking those words, with a worried look on his face.
Than both of them are still in danger. He intervened on the behalf of accused and he almost got lynched because of that. I fear for his safety.

_________________
"A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupry

That is the way of his village. Leave it be. Unless you have proof that the accused is in fact innocent, I would /highly/ recommend bringing him back. Breaking laws yourselves is no way to handle this. It is only a way to get more innocents killed...and that is something /I/ will not allow.

The woman's one-eyed gaze is intense, lingering on the Chauntean's face.

_________________


Aly'dra Zau'ana: Priestessish Of Eilistraee
Danika Nefzen: Druid of the Earthmother
Delia Am'Anodel: Paladin of Torm

During his frequent trips through Lumorier and due to recent events, the curious little Brownie of Amia spies the advance of two familiar gentlemen, his House Master, Sir Robert and what looks to be a Knight of the Triad. He follows them through the long grass for many hours, observing as they disbatch many thugs and pirates that heed their progress and finally shows himself as they get stuck at a locked door within the abandoned lair underground.

As always his presence is appreciated and brings a smile to the gentlemen. With a snap of his fingers, Thimblepot, summons his Fey Knight, Daisy, who has a knack for locks and he continues to help them through the many tunnels ahead, disabling traps and unlocking doors, making himself useful for all in need. As they exit the lair, they find themselves just east of Uhm, by the river that flowed the vile black ooze many months previous.

The Offer.

...

It is here that Thimble is offered a favour from his House Master. Being the helpful Brownie he could never turn down a plee for help and listens to Sir Robert's request.

"So the poor Mayor and his wee lad are under house arrest?" He rubs his chin. "Normally I don't like to get involved in other peoples affairs, its against my nature. But if a young child is in danger, I could make an exception. I wouldn't want another poor babe to perish."

It appears that Thimble's skills at dissapearing in plain sight is required for a small inflitration job. Robert wishes for the Mayor and his son to be safely ported away. This would mean, someone would have to sneak passed all the guards unseen and undetected later. Get inside the Mayors house and port them safely away without raising suspicion.

He was certain that he was the fellow for the job. He'd never had to do something like this before. But it certainly feels like this was destined for a Brownie to do. "We Brownies have been sneaking in and out of places without ever leaving any trace, for centuries. I guess you're right Sir Robert, there would be nobody more perfect for the job."

As the group continued to explore the Lumorien Coast, Thimble continued to ponder. "I will do this, as long as its certain I won't frighten the poor child or his father. Are they expecting rescue?" It is confirmed that they are. With that Thimble begins pondering how he could carry out his plan. He starts writing down a letter to the Mayor and his son and awaits the go-ahead from Lord Yaston as later instructed.

_________________
Active Characters:

- Thimblepot (Amia's Resident Brownie)
- Greta Sólveig (Barbarian raised by Dwarves)

Chauntean makes a scowl, rarely seen on his face: Breaking the law? We were given time to find evidence, yet investigation was thwarted at every turn. We were promised to be able to speak with the accused, but they didn't let us do that until before execution. They never intended to listen to us from the start. And when Mayor invoked the same law they called on during the execution, they turned on him like he himself was the murderer. Don't speak to me about laws. There was no law or justice there, just bloodlust. Those people are being manipulated.

_________________
"A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - Antoine de Saint-Exupry

_________________
Active Characters:

- Thimblepot (Amia's Resident Brownie)
- Greta Sólveig (Barbarian raised by Dwarves)

"In Kolhingen, Squire Serina would come, and look through the barred door of a cell, where Michael Boswin is resting, and ask around if anyone from the temple has yet come around to restore the old man*

Katina's patrols remain unchanged, though the young woman looks tired. She still tries to get Keenan to open the door, even after he stops answering.

_________________


Aly'dra Zau'ana: Priestessish Of Eilistraee
Danika Nefzen: Druid of the Earthmother
Delia Am'Anodel: Paladin of Torm

A lithe figure in simple robes, her form lost in a too-large shawl and hood, travels on foot from settlement to settlement, a beaten messenger bag clutched under one arm. Those who catch her eye are greeted by a polite nod and and solemn, thin-lipped smile. She spares little more then base pleasantries to strangers, always appending with humble apology for her lack of decorum.

To those she knows, she presents a simple case, "I am conducting research on the history of Uhm, in hopes that a missive may be written to prove it an independent settlement that may rightfully uphold it's own law. To this end, I will need the towns history, and any written versions of it's law."

Most stops hold little more then a place to sit and massage the sore soles of her feet.

Triumvir brings a change in fortune, the offer of use of the great library and suggestion to find a historian of Wharftown called Torin. With a fleeting smile she offers her thanks to Triumvir's enthralling bard and the unfamiliar priest of Shaundakul.

She pens an inquiry and takes to the carts, making her way through the streets of Wharftown, inquiring of those who would spare her the time, where a letter to the lore-keeper might be delivered.

_________________

Sir Justin awaits a check of the Triadic roster to confirm or refute a rumour of two Triadics having been stoned in Uhm.

Zach walks around Uhm invisible after hearing the rumors about two killed knights to see, if he could learn anything more about the subject.

No Knights do seem to be missing. Word arrives from the Salandran Temple that two of Kohlingen's Aristocrats remain in the Salandran Temple Recovery Ward, suffering from "Unspecified injuries".

_________________


Those trees won't burn themselves down. (by Maryn)

Sir Justin Fairfax is relieved to hear that none of the Order's memebers have fallen in to the unfortunate passions understandably at rage in Uhm.

Yet he is perplexed over who the Kohlingen aristocrats are and why no word of who they or their condition has been made known to the knights!?

Sir Fairfax stops by to see Tuomas to personally hand the mage an important bottle whose contents are to be analysed. That done he heads to the Salandrans to see who they have, their condition and how they came to be there.

In amidst personal meditations and contemplations, Tuomas quietly begins doing what he can to analyse the bottles contents at an Arcane Level and at an Alchemical level to study the phial and provide the most knowledge he could about it to the Knights.

With escalation of the situation growing closer to war Sir Justin finds himself having to negotiate a trial at the Temple of Selune in Wharftown. It was his only solution in order to bring delayed justice and avoid what could become the first of many wars.

Dawn breaks on the village of Uhm. Barricades that had been set the night before are eventually lifted, and carts are allowed to pass. The town seems to resume its 'normal' business. Residents are on edge and especially reluctant towards unfamiliar faces, while the militia are especially paranoid.

Of a peculiar note, what appears to be the remnants of what must have been a very large bonfire in the village center. It must have been some four meters in radius. The coal embers are still hot even after the damp evening.

_________________


Those trees won't burn themselves down. (by Maryn)

Justin orders his scouts and asks his allies to speak with the carters and travellers through Uhm about the mood of the town's folk, their leaders and what the bonfire was for.

In the interim he seeks approval of his solution for a trial at the Temple of Selune in Wharftown from Justicar Marinsbane. Waiting he prays that the Order's forces succeed in finding pertinent evidence to prove conclusively one way or the other the Mad Hermit's guilt or innocence.

Zach would again wander around Uhm while invisible, trying to get a closer look at the place, where the fire was.

Having received approval for his actions from Justicar Marinsbane, Sir Justin writes the following letter thrice so that the High Priestess of Selune in Wharftown and the Mayor and Untermeistor of Uhm may all have the same letter.

"Your honours the Mayor and Untermeistor of Uhm. I Sir Justin Fairfax Acting Chapter Marshall of the Order of the Triadic Knights of Kohlingen write to you this day as a representative of Justicar Marinsbane of our Holy City.

Our Justicar bids me write to assure you of our wish for justice and peace between our two peoples. We share your zeal for justice in the matter of Mrs. Gilford's child who was murdered. The guilty must be punished by Uhm's laws for so heinous a crime yet the innocent should not be punished for the crimes of the guilty.

It is to determine the guilt of the accused Michael Boswin commonly referred to as the Mad Hermit, that we shall bring him to the Selune Temple in Wharftown for trial. The High Priestess of the Selune Temple has agreed to preside as judge in this matter so that all may see the fairness and wisdom of the trial.

What evidence and witnesses if any to absolve or condemn the accused will needs be presented so that none can accuse Kohlingen of keeping a murderer from justice nor accuse Uhm of mob rule against an innocent man.

Let justice be delayed no longer than the 10 days it takes for our two communities to prepare our respective cases and arrive at the Temple of Selune. Then regardless of the outcome may both our people's know that justice has been served in this matter so that we may again have peace between our people.

Servant of Tyr,

Sir Justin Fairfax
Acting Chapter Marshall of the Triadic Knights of Kohlingen

//Shall we PM for availability of the event?

No reply is given from the Mayor or Untermeister. The town of Uhm, however, has hung several 'knights' and 'Justicars' in effigy upon the posts of the palisade wall. Parcels that pass through bearing the destination or seal of Kohlingen find themselves vandalised, at best.

Some of the fishermen might be overheard protesting quite angrily. Though their complaints are rarely well articulated, a common theme emerges.

"We already found him responsible! Andthey have the stones to demand a new trial!"

"Never cared for those Wharftown trawlers. Fellows think we should belong to Wharftown? Bunch a literal lunatics. Want us to welcome a trial in a witch's coven!"

"The bastards don't even care about the poor child or the mother."

"Even said her name was 'Gilford'. Typical city dwelling sod..."

_________________


Those trees won't burn themselves down. (by Maryn)

After returning home from his most recent excursion with his wife, Vincent would only regard the newest bodies with a slight frown and a subtle "Morons." under his breath. He would return home, drop off any unneeded junk and start planning.

After a brief rest, whenever he is not otherwise occupied, Vincent would be seen lounging around Uhm. Be it sitting on the dock and enjoying some of his trademark "paint thinner" alcohol mixture, sitting in the back of his house writing something, or hanging around the local tavern, he would be watching and planning.

He would take note of any unusual arrivals at the town. Anything that was out of the ordinary caravans and ships passing through, trying to make out any uniform or other outside presence. He would watch the militia and villagers as they go along their daily lives, replying in a pleasant tone if talked to, but keeping pretty much to himself. He would take note of any unusual behavior.

He would take not of any equipment or weapons that any of the locals would have that would be above what one would expect of a small village. He would also take note of any outsiders that were treated with higher regard then the recent outburst of xenophobia implied.

In his mind he would devise plans watching the militia. Plans of a quick, non-violent (fate permitting) takedown of any militiamen as possible with as little men as possible. He would consider the option of a nightly coup, done by a handful of men, eliminating sentries one by one. He would consider a day attack by sea, he would finally consider planting people at strategic points inside of the village. He would not put these plans on paper anywhere, just ponder the possibilities as he sipped his drink or wrote his manuals.

Above all, he would be visible in the village. Not directly challenging, as he would do in the past, but just staying in sight, yet behaving passively. Hopefully reminding the locals that there are those in the village that were not afraid to call this madness in the past.

_________________
Hello, hello? Is anybody home?
Hello, hello? Or did you sell your soul?
Hello, hello? I thought you wanted to be somebody... Then be somebody!

After returning home badly beaten, without any explanation for the injuries to those who asked, Sabas set himself to clearing the shrine of Istishia for most of the rest of the day. The following morning he was in the fields again, bruises and goosebumps mostly healed, replaced by unsightly splotches of yellow shot with purple. He commiserated with those that complained about the knights and offered what comfort he could to the distraught. To anyone who would listen, he offered counsel based on the teachings of the Water Lord. He smiles and makes as good an impression he can with the people he works with in the fields.

_________________
You dare mock the Tibbly one, catcherer of drowses?

Justin frowns when he hears the reports including that his letter had misspelled the distressed mothers name and distracted the Uhm populace from solving the issue at hand. It was nice to hear that the people of Uhm were burning effigies and not innocents though.

It was unfortunate that the folks of Uhm insulted the good High Priestess of Selune not to mention their good neighbors and fellow fisher folk in Wharftown. Sir Justin thought about his next move and made it. A letter of apology is sent directly to Mrs. Gilfred by Speedy courier. Two letters of apology to the leadership of Uhm along with a gift…

“Good woman Gilfred,

I wish to apologize for any additional distress my misspelling of your name has caused you during this time of grief over your child’s murder. Our children are our dearest love and your loss I cannot fathom for I have not suffered such a tragedy as you.

It is my sincerest wish that the guilty be punished. Yet I cannot fulfill this wish without trial to silence those who would claim the Hermit innocent. They claim that your neighbors are not allowing a fair and just hearing. In this the actions of your neighbors reflect an unreasoning temper, which strengthens the arguments of those who claim Uhm, is acting unjustly rather than recognizing it is their zeal for justice that drives their passions.

I have arranged for the High Priestess of Selune to act as judge of this matter. Our Justicar Marinsbane has agreed to have Kohlingen abide by her verdict should it be guilty and to release the Mad Hermit Michael Boswell to Uhm’s justice.

It is my hope that you like myself wish the guilty punished for this crime in a clear manner that puts to rest those who would claim the guilty innocent simply because their evidence was not allowed to be heard over the cries of your neighbors’ well intentioned zeal.

Please aid me in having the Mayor and Untermeister as well as your neighbors see that burning of effigies only delays the settling of this matter between our communities.

Again, I apologize for misspelling your name. May the Triadic Lords comfort you during this time of grief and bring you peace in the midst of this present tumult.

Sincerely,

Sir Justin Fairfax,
Husband, father and Triadic Knight who has warred against pirates in Uhm’s & Wharftown’s defense

His next letter was again to the Mayor, Untermeister and people of Uhm,

“To his honor the Mayor and to the Untermeister of Uhm and the people of Uhm,

I apologize for the consternation I created over the misspelling of good woman’s Gilfred’s name. It was my error and not that of our Justicar Marinsbane who desires honorable restoration of relations between our peoples.

It is with concern that I hear rumor that Uhm would rather burn effigies of our knights than meet in Wharftown so that the accused Hermit Michael Boswell might be judged in a clear and orderly fashion. This is necessary for without it well meaning people will demand he be protected since their evidence is prevented from being heard by the noise and smoke of your passionate zeal.

Surely, you do not doubt the weight of your evidence. After all it is your foundation for your outrage.

Come to Wharftown, they are your neighbors. They have fished as you have fished. Fought pirates and bandits as you have. I remind you that I too have fought pirates and bandits in your defense.

The High Priestess of Selune is impartial and knows your communities well. Her generosity and that of the temple where she serves has provided cures and healing for all who call upon Selune’s grace.

Let us come together and present the evidence so that the fog that has clouded as well as sheltered the guilty might dispersed by pure winds and sunlight of reason. It is only a delay of 10 days and a short trip by boat or cart.

If it required some great adventure to bring the Hermit to justice would not the Untermeister put graet efforts to see it done? Yet here is a simple task of just coming to Wharftown and presenting the evidence before the High Priestess in order to refute the evidence those who would keep the accused safe.

Do not delight in the burning of effigies. Pursue this simple act of a trial in Wharftown.

Yet if Uhm chooses to sit around burning effigies than please accept this effigy of myself that I had constructed for your pleasure. Such a burning may bring you a moment’s measure of pleasure but it will not bring justice.

Burn it and have done with burning. Let the ashes cool and your tempers with them so that we might in good faith reason together with all evidence presented before the High Priestess.

If it is reasonable to her that the Hermit is to be condemned then we will turn him over to you there and then.

Come let us do this trial so that we may heal the relations between our peoples and that good woman Gilfred may see the guilty punished.

In Justice’s Cause,

Sir Justin Fairfax,
Acting Chapter Marshall of the Triadic Knights

//(ooc note that the effigy of Justin is one he had a squire make for him so that none of his personal belongings are a part of it.)

Aisling sat on her rooftop, holding her temples. The way things were unfolding, so swiftly, so violently, and with so little explanation were enough to set her head pounding and heart racing with tension. She forced herself to breathe slowly, repeating mantras, folding her body into meditative poses. None of it eased her troubled mind, but it was enough, just enough, to perhaps hide her distress.

She wrapped her head in a clean linen scarf, put on a conservative, flattering dress and walked through the town, chatting about the weather and the crops and searching for any one who showed signs of disagreement with the direction things were heading and carefully watching for any solid indication that the people of Uhm were no longer in control of their own minds.

_________________

Leaning against Aisling's home is a dour shadow; Katina continues her vigils along the roads from Wharftown to Uhm to...?
Sometimes she is joined by another Selunite, Argayle, but most often, she is alone. Her scimitar is always near at hand, but when she believes herself alone, she sags now and then, weakness overtaking a body too long used to the gifts of the infernal, and now stripped of it. At these moments, her muscled shoulders slumping. However, despite how it may look, what comes from her is laughter. Low, passionate, grateful laughter. The weakness is nothing more than proof that her faith, her purpose, is untouched.
The only times she seems to vanish from her self-appointed patrols, she goes to Cordor, listening to rumour.

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Aly'dra Zau'ana: Priestessish Of Eilistraee
Danika Nefzen: Druid of the Earthmother
Delia Am'Anodel: Paladin of Torm

Sir Justin Fairfax continues to await a official communication from Uhm. Although he has received second hand what might be considered at best an unofficial response and at worse a false one.

Yet if his report is true that Uhm is being ruled by someone through fear and violence then that changes the entire situation.

It explains why some in Uhm wanted to hang the Hermit without allowing all the evidence to be examined in the time that Uhm's elders said it would be allowed. It explains why Justin's offers to use spells to determine the truth were not answered before the Elder's deadlines. It explains why the Mayor was unlawfully overthrown as he tried to uphold Uhm's laws concerning the Hermit.

Most of all it explains why whoever controls Uhm would not want a fair trial in Wharftown that would provide a good airing of Uhm.

Sabas spent the morning cooking, and the afternoon making the rounds in Uhm, offering food and drink to the other villagers. Turned down to a man, he made his way back to the orchard with an elf who'd been helping with the trees, commenting, 'When people are turning down free food, they're not going to hear anything. And that's when you know things are really bad.'

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You dare mock the Tibbly one, catcherer of drowses?