As Dev enters the room he saw the general layout before standing at attention. he was quite surprised to see how Spartan it was. There was only a small desk and several shelves containing what appeared to be court files mayhaps covering some two score of years. Off to the side was space devoted to a modest but beautiful altar to Pelor. Deverick remembered the stories that Derider Fanshen was not a fighter but indeed a priestess of that god. Next to this was a gold plated bronze statue of the goddess herself resting upon a one foot cube of marble. Upon the altar itself was a tin bottle.

Suddenly Dev heard someone clear her throat. Standing before him was a tall beautiful woman with tan skin and honey blonde hair that fell about her broad shoulders. Her grey eyes held wisdom of one who had experienced much in their life and had learned the lessons taught by it well. The Constable had a mature face with lines around te mouth and eyes of one who smiled often, yet it was hard for the big warrior to judge her actual years. She seemed fit like one who exercised freely and often. She smiled...

"At ease Corporal Deverick of the River Militia and of late Mercenary in good standing of that very Guild. Well meet! I am Derider Fanshen, Constable of Greyhawk. Do not mind Olaf. He's a bit protective but his heart is in the right place."

She closed the door and nodded "My thanks for coming. Mayhaps we can help each other and Greyhawk in the bargan?"

 The Warrior took a look at the interior of the office,and was surprised that it was so Spartan in decour. He would have expected carpets, Tapestries,and so forth. The statue to Pelor was a nice touch, or so Dev thought. He could respect a devotion to ones deity,as he was devoted to his own.

 He assumed a position of at ease when invited to do so by the Constable.

"I came, Me Lady, cause ye ad th entire bloody Watch out sniffing fer me. Wha could ye, a high en mighty want with the likes o me, a Black Smith's son?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:18, Fri 05 Aug 2016.

Derider smiled at Dev's words, nodded and then gave a slight shrug of her broad shoulders.

"Aye! I have been searching, there is truth in that for certes. Alas, you give me too much credit and yourself not enough it would seem. Though I am the Constable of Greyhawk and sit among the mighty does not mean I'm their equal. I am first and foremost a priestess of Pelor and secondly a servant of this city for which I have much love."

The smile remained but those grey eyes now bored into the adventurer before her.

"Enough about me... how about you? You are indeed the son of a smith and from Old City no less. I knew of Borcar. He was said to be a honest man with a big heart. He did a few good turns for the Watch for which I am grateful. I am sorry for your loss Deverick. I know it is not easy. May Pelor ease your pain. Yet, you are a smith no longer. I have been told you hold a mercenary's badge of that very Guild. I have already questioned master Gelbrun Grobadore. i was told that a man fitting your description left the Old City through the Black Gate and then the city itself through the Marsh Gate, all in the wee hours of the morn. That a dwarf, barbarian, and another cloaked man who was wounded traveled with you and you were lead by a beggar guide. Further still, you dropped off a half orc priestess who had been injured and gravely some say. Would you say i speak the truth thus far?"

 Deverick listened to the Constable,as she bespoke of his father. He felt a almost overwhelming sense of pain,when he thought about his father. He forced that feeling away by sheer force.
" Ye honor me da,Constable, I be thanking ye fer your kind words."

 That had been the easy part, the honey,now came the vinegar, when she spoke about his and companions activities.

" Ye be well informed, Me Lady. Ye speak the truth."

 Deverick was going to be tight lipped from here on out.

Derider gave Dev a sympathetic nod and her grey eyes softened somewhat.

"You are welcome. Your father was worthy of those words and his son proves the sparks do not fly far from the anvil eh Deverick? Now then, I know that this priestess was defeated by you and yours, and for that you have my thanks. She was a priestess of Erythnul. Yet, that is all I have to go on for she was taken to the Old City Watch House and there died while in the custody of Negly Gasgal, Deputy Constable of the Day Watch. Suspicious don't you think? The Deputy Constable said she was so gravely wounded that she perished before he could question her. You defeated her Deverick... would you agree with his assessment? Was she that near death? I give you my word... upon my honor and upon my god Pelor that what you say to me will not go beyond these walls. I need information Deverick. Something... is happening and many may be in danger! The city itself may come to harm. Think upon this before you answer."

In reply to Derider Fanshen (msg # 5):

 An obvious look of discomfort came to the large Warrior's face. He was not sure what to say, how much to say, or to say anything at all. He was no good with intrigues, no good at all. Deverick wanted to be able to trust this woman, for she was the Constable of Greyhawk, But he had promised not to say anything about what happened. Deverick did not answer her at first, then he thought of an old alley cat, that used to live by his home. It would always climb and walk in the most death defing ways. Deverick decided to walk a thin ledge, like that cat used to do.

" To answer yer question bout that there Priestess, I dunno fer sure. We put a hurt on er, that be th Gods truth, but she twas whole en hail enough ta keep talking when she yield ta me. But she might av bled out by th time she was turned over ta th one ye mentioned."

 He hesitated again...

"Ye av ta understand, Me Lady. I was hired with me mates ta do a job. Part o the deal was ta keep our gobs shut tight bout th matter. But I will do me best ta honor that and help ye. Might I av a drink o sumthin?"

 he suddenly found his throat had become very dry and tight.

The Constable nodded upon hearing news of the priestess and again when he stated the terms of his contract. She pursed her lips and appeared to be thought when Dev asked for some to wet his throat.

"I have some wine... a vintage from the elven realm of Celene. That and water... I could send for ale or beer if that is more to your liking?"

As she moved to her desk, the Constable smiled again.

"It is good to know you are a man of your word. I will not ask you to betray your employers Deverick but I must know things like you just spoke. Most like the priestess would have lived and would may shed some light on her evil doings."

She paused for a heartbeat then continued "What know you of Negly Gasgal? Have you met him? For he wants to meet you Deverick. If you had passed through the Black Gate, I doubt you would be here now. Do you know he wishes to question you?"

 The offer of Ale was most tempting,but Dev decided that water was fine, as he did not want to wait for the time it took to send out for the ale.

" Water be fine, Me Lady." But he REALLY wanted that ale.

 Deverick took out the satchel and opened it to remove the papers the Evil Cleric had with her,and laid them upon the desk.

" The Priestess o  Erythnul had these here papers on her. Mayhap ye can find out wha they says.Ye can keep em o course."

 He rubbed his bald head,when the Constaple bespoke of Gasgal.

"Aye, I av herd o him,course, But I never seen em afore. I thought he wanted ta find me cause ye wanted me."

She paused as she pour him a goblet of water. She took the papers as she passed him the water.

"I have to thank him... the Deputy Constable... " she said absently as the priestess tried her best to continue the conversation while also giving the newly presented papers their due.

"... I learned of his... interests in you... then did my best... to find you... first!"

She paused several breaths before continuing.

"I had not sent for you... but upon... the death of the priestess... I knew I must speak with you. Odd she died and then Negly sought you out. You being one of the last three or four to see her alive."

She pounded a fist on her desk and said "By Pelor! These be important Deverick. I must have time yet to study them but here... "

She pointed at a drawing on the top of one of the papers. It was a white skull on a field of black with a set of wings coming out behind it.

"In an old tongue... used by fell sorcerers in the Old Kingdom it says- Birds of A Feather Must Stick Together... the symbol itself is similar to the ones used by the Hiearchs of the Horned Society but their skulls usually have horns and nay wings." 

" Are ye sayin, that this Deputy Constable means me and mine harm,Me Lady?"

 As for what she was talking about as far as symbols about skulls,wings and what not, he was without a clue.

She looked up from the papers when Deverick asked his questions.

"I can not prove this but it seemed strange enough that he sought you and would have had you taken to the watch house in the Old City instead of bringing you here to be questioned. Negly, he is a nephew of the mayor, has over stepped his bounds before this you see. Do not fear for you or your companions. I have ordered the watch to bring you here and I will give you a writ that tells any who would stop you that you are to be left alone. It is signed by me. Alas, if you commit a crime you may be arrested and there is naught I may do. Negly may not be able to harm you through legitimate channels but he has his cronies and some say he has connections to the Thieve's Guild."

She then resumed her review of the papers.

"I sent word to the Deputy Constable to leave you be. Where may I reach you? In case something comes up or I find more meanings from these papers."

 Deverick watched her looking at the papers, the conflict that grew within him. He wanted to help his city,but he had promised to remain silent on what was going on. He suddenly came a a decision.

"I av nay head fer such things. Intrigues gives me a headache. I be going on faith ye be who ye claims ye are. We where hired by Gelbrun o the Merchant en Trader Union, we where ta rescue someone from that bloody Priestess en her henchmen. I won't tell ye who it be we sprung from er,but his nibs seems ta think that there be some plot ta replace the Oligarchs with others. How? I dunno, but he thinks so much o the idea, he is laying low til he gets more information. We be working fer him,and he be no beggar."

 Suddenly, and without warning, Deverick grabbed up the wine bottle and guzzled from it. It was not ale,and wine was not to his usual liking. But there where times,when one just needed a drink.And this was one of those times.

" I promised ta keep quiet, but it seems to me way o thinking, me city be in peril. I be a loyal citizen,en I nay can stand by an do naught."


Deverick felt remorse for telling her,already. But Ren said one thing, then he was out and about in contradiction to what he had to Dev and company. So the dye was cast, Deverick would accept the results of his actions. But a silent prayer went to the heavens to Tritherion, asking for strength and guidance.

Derider's eyes came up once more from her papers.

"Thank you for your candidness Deverick. What you said will be kept between me and my superiors, and no one will know it came from you this I swear. There are indeed strange happening all about Greyhawk and your priestess is but a small part of it."

She then noticed Dev drinking the wine! It had a very fruity and almost sweet taste. There was a warmth and a tingling sensation that went through his body all at once. Dev's eyes watered a bit and his head swam about. His attention was brought around by the Constable clearing her throat.

"Easy there corporal! Many have been fooled by the taste and beauty of elfin spirits but they are as strong as any. May I offer you a bottle for later then?" the last was said with a smile.

---

Roll Vs. a Para/Poi/DM-14
This message was last edited by the player at 13:59, Sat 06 Aug 2016.

10:48, Today: Deverick rolled 11 using 1d20.  Saving Throw Para/Poi.

 Nope. Do we have an intoxicated Deverick?

 Deverick heard the warning about Elven wine, but Dev had already guzzled a goodly amount from the bottle. He was about to tell her no worries, it took much more then some Elf frilly wine to effect the likes of him. But for some reason, for some odd unexplained reason, Deverick felt light headed. His words,when he spoke, sounded different,then when he had thought of them.

" I... I be fine. Aye, fine as wine." He chuckled at his jest."

Derider's eyes hardened a bit as she observed the big warrior struggle with words and his composure but at his jest she finally smiled and chuckled a bit. Then in just a hearbeat became serious once more.

"I know not who you are serving or in contract with but he might do with some news. I saying this now hoping he will return the favor. There will be an emergency meeting of the Council this afternoon. You may or may not have heard that Turin Deathstalker is wanted for murdering the Ambassador of Furyondy. I do not think him guilty mind but the Lord Mayor wants him questioned. He is also being sought by Negly but he has disappeared. Knowing the assassin as I do well... I feel he is doing his own investigation. Now then, it has come to my attention that Ren o' the Star has been kidnapped as well. That means two of the Oligarchs will not be present at the meeting. That is two votes lost for whatever we as a Council decide to do." 

 Deverick did his best to force his wits to rally to reason. But the effects of the wine where greater then he would of ever thought. He was not staggering down drunk by any means. But then again, he was hardly his normal self.

" Aye, that be imper...Impar.. good ta know,Lass. I be sure ta pass it on ta anyone that as an interest. I be a right proud Citizen o Greyhawk I be, Bled fer er I did, militia. Proud ta av served, even with the pissy sergeants always tellin ye wat ta do."

It was like his mouth had taken on a life of it's own,he knew he was talking like she was some tavern wench,and not the Constable of Greyhawk.

" I ask ye pardon,nay offense offered nor meant,Lass..err  Constable."

 Deverick leaned on the desk and smiled at her. " Ye be easy on th eye,Lass."

Derider glanced over the desk and met Dev with beautiful grey eyes. They softened and she smiled, showing perfect white teeth. A hand with gentle fingers rose to the side of the big warrior's face and caressed his cheek softly.

"You are... most handsome as well... I was wondering... if... we... "

---

Suddenly a shout brought the big warrior back to his senses and to the present!

"Deverick! Corporal!" she said most loudly! Her grey eyes now as hard as steel! "Mind yourself! There is work to do! The city which you LOVE is in danger!"

The Constable arched a brow! "You went away for a minute there. If you don't straighten up I'll have Olaf place you in a cell till the wine wears off. Understand?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Sat 06 Aug 2016.

 The confusion on the Warrior was evident, by the woman's hot and cold reactions.

" Aye I understands." Still not sure what had just happened in that office. Maybe the wine was making him imagine things.

"Be that all,Constable?" He asked with an edge to his voice.

Derider's eyes softened once more and she reached across to clasp her smaller hand into Dev's big paw, she then squeezed it gently.

"No... that is not all. The city is in danger... you are in danger. You must keep your mind focused for now is all. I know you did not ask for this Deverick. Yet, it seems it has found you. Greyhawk needs good men Deverick for there are plenty of bad ones, this I assure you. I would like for you to keep me informed of what you find out but this is a free city and you are a free man. All I ask is follow your heart. It will never lead you astray."

She gave his hand a final squeeze and then let go.

"Take those three tins from the alter. They are healing potions. I will write that writ so you may have free movement between gates. Also, while we wait I'll send for a Watch Uniform, one big enough to fit you." she then held up a warding hand to stave off any protests.

"This is only to disguise you when you leave. I'll let you leave with a standard patrol that is headed to whatever quarter of the city your staying in and you can then go your own way. Just a precaution but... I do care for you. Now gather those tins and let me write. Do me a favor? Tell Olaf you'll need a uniform will you?"

 Deverick just blinked, he at a total loss for words,for the moment. She had not only took his hand.but spoke of caring for him. Dev was not some naive lad of six and ten of age, but even  the seasoned veteran, felt the Constable's charisma. He found himself wanting to help her, but part of him still whispered a warning into his ear. " Ye are Ren's creature, nay hers." He shook head head, to silence that annoying inner voice.

"That writ, th one ye said would lemme me pass without havin ta answer to that Deputy Constable, be that part o the goin through the gates thing?"

He wanted nothing more then to get out of her office,and then as far from the Citadel as his stride could carry him. He prefereed the Old city, it felt like home,and had his type of people. But he still felt that he would help this woman, if he could,and not betray his agreement with Ren.

 The big man wanted to protest her gift of the healing potions. He had of course heard of such,and even see one used on an officer, from time to time, when he was in uniform.But never did he think to have one, let alone three for his own. He just kept his silence, because having these might well mean the difference between life and death, his and others.

 After Dev had collected the potions, the Warrior walked to the door and opened it, to stick his head out.
" Hey Sarge, get off yer arse, her nibs wants ye ta fetch me the biggest uniform ye av in stores.See if ye can find sum officer rank fer it."

He closed the door with a grin.

Deverick could hear the old officer began an oath and even muffled swearing with the doors close. When he turned, Derider looked up from the desk  with a smile upon her face.

"Keep the uniform Deverick. Mayhaps one day you will join our ranks. If you serve the city well I may be able to make that officer's commission stick.The The writ will allow you free passage through any gate. If Negly tries to stop you the writ should protect you. Yet, like I said he has gone beyond his bounds before now and the Mayor looks the other way. The best policy would be t avoid him and the Old City for a while. If you do fall into his custody then send word to me somehow or have another to do it for you. Someone who is smart and streetwise would be my suggestion."

 Deverick slowly nodded.

"I be thanking ye fer th potions en the Writ. I will keep me eyes open fer ya,an if it nay goes up against me agreement with the other Gent, I will get word ta ye. As for that Negly wantin ta see me, I av done naught that breaks our laws. Th the old city be me home, it be where th Guild.... Well, I  will watch me step, if I goes through th black gate."

He waited.

Derider gave Dev the writ as promised and then hugged him. She whispered in his ear.

"Stay safe my friend. Greyhawk needs you!"

She then moved back away and sighed "Where will you go? Which Quarter? I can send you along with a standard patrol to cover your tracks. Leave word at the Temple of Pelor for Sulwyn or me and we shall find you. Take care Deverick, son of Borcar. Until next we meet."

This message was deleted by the player at 23:06, Sun 07 Aug 2016.

 Deverick would tell the Constable that he was looking to go to the River Quarter. Once the uniform was available, he would seek a place to dress,and then make ready to depart the Citadel.

When the the uniform arrived at the Constable's office, with Sergeant Olaf still cursing under his breath, Derider walked to the door.

Looking down Deverick could see it was a fairly big uniform and it did have an officer's rank, albeit that of a Jr-Sergeant, and it looked nearly new. The uniform consisted of a pair of finely crafted black leather pants, red sleeves-less tunic with Greyhawk's crest (this tunic is worn over the Watchman's chain mail armor), and Over this a scarlet cloak was worn.

"I'll step outside so you can have your privacy. Take your time. I will instruct the patrol to escort you to the River Quarter. They will then let you go your own way. I don't want you to think I'm having you followed."

The Constable smiled and winked as she closed the door...

 Deverick did his best to wiggle out of his mail. Once he was standing there in nothing but his loin cloth,he garbed himself in the uniform of the Watch. He could not help himself but make a face,as he and his fellow Militia members used to poke fun at the street pounding Watch, Now there he stood, garbed in their uniform. He wiggled back into the mail,and when he was ready, Deverick opened the door,and stepped out into the outer office.

 "I be ready ta leave this er place."

In reply to Deverick (msg # 28):

Derider's eyes went wide as she came in and saw Dev in the uniform.

"Deverick! it looks good on you it does! I always liked a man in uniform. Your patrol awaits down stairs. I will let you all go out the back of the Redoubt and through the Postern gate. That way if the Citadel is being watched then you may just slip by. Remeber to keep in touch leave messages at the Temple of Pelor."

Then with an impish grin "You know... the chainmail is suppose to go under the tunic. Just keep your cloak over the mail and you should be alright. May pelor's light shine on you!"

 Deverick fekt his face actually turning red when Derider told him he he had the mail on wrong. He nodded when she told him to keep the cloak on.

"Aye, I will do I can fer ye. En may the lighting bolt o Tritherion illuminates yer path. Be well."

Deverick was very happy to be getting out of that place.

Derider and Sulwyn lead the new Jr-Sergeant through a mazr of hallways until they reached some stairs. They then zig-zagged down util they came to a landing where a group of seven men lounged about, all wearing the same uniform as Deverick. They all quickly hopped to attention when they saw Derider. She waved them off.

"At ease men! This is the man you will be escorting to the River Quarter. Once there, he is to be allowed to leave without being followed. You may hang about a bit to make sure no one follows him either then you are to continue your patrol. Understood?"

The largest amongst them nodded and saluted "Understood ma'am! We'll get him there safe n' sound we will. I already have ah plan but I nay knew he was to be so gods damn tall. Yet, never fear, it will be done."

Derider nodded "Very good Sergeant."

Then turning to Deverick "This is Sergeant-in-Arms Euian Hawkwood. He's a good man and a veteran of the Watch. I will leave it in his capable hands then."

As derider walked away the Sergeant shouted "AH-Ten-TION!"

Once she was out of ear shot Sergeant Euian turned to Deverick "Well meet! The Constable nay gave us your name and said we didn't need to know it. That's fine by me but know your welcome among us. Now then, she said you were apart of the militia right? So you know how to march then?"

 Deverik followed the Constable down the corridors twisting and turning, until they finally arrived at their destination. He listened to her Nibs talk to the Sergeant in charge of the patrol, then depart. Deverick silently wished her well.

 He turned his attention to one Sergeant Hawkwood, when the man spoke to the Warrior. Deverick offered his arm to the Sergeant to clasp it as men did from time to time.

"Well met,Sergeant. I be in yer debt fer seeing me clear o this place. Thank ye."

 When asked if he could march Dev replied" Aye, I was in th Militia, th better part o Greyhawk's military."


 But he said this with a knowing smile. The Watch and Militia always had a spirited rivalry, that led to more then one tavern discussion with injuries over the years.

 " I was a Corporal, so I know how ta bloody march."

The Sergeant just grinned ear to ear "Well now we'll see 'bout that... corporal. Now then, I will lead the patrol n' you'll be right beside me seeing how you are me Jr-Sergeant. The others will follow two by two. Most like no one will give ah whit 'bout a patrol off on business but if anyone approaches let me handle it. I'll tell'em to bugger off."

he dusted his hands off and winked "To the River Quarter then? Tis ah hopp'n place I've heard. We're for the Clerkburg ourselves. You ready lad? We'd best be go'n. Sooner off the sooner there they say!"

 Deverick nodded at the Sergeants words.He fell into the polace where indicated and awaited the order to march forward. The sooner he put some distance between this place and himself, the better he would like it.

The Sergeant-in-Arms lead the way out the back of the Redoubt and then acroos the courtyard to the postern gate. The guards there just waved them through without comment. The sun was nearly at the horizon but the high Quarter was still crowded. The High Market still had it's buyers but not a few of the vendors were packing up for the night. A crowd was gathering about an big well made building. The Sergeant nodded toward it.

"Opera House." he said with a frown. "Yet, there be a high elf bard all the way from Celene they say. She sings like ah nightingale but its too high-flatulent for me tastes."

Soon they reached the Processional and though crowded as always, even this main artery was less clogged than earlier.The patrol followed it's length until they reached the Garden Gate. Local traffic gave way to the patrol on both sides of the gate, so Dev could see some advantages of wearing the uniform. Yet on the other side it was more crowded and the throngs seemed to be in high revels... drinking, singing, dancing, and generally in good cheer. Finally, they reached the Strip and the River Quarter itself.

"Here's where we part ways. Anything ya wish me to relate ta the Constable? If not have ah good night. May the gods watch ya n' keep ya safe lad."

 Deverick marched along with the group of Watchmen,it was almost like being back in the Militia, but the Militia marched better, or so he thought. Seeing the citizens going about thier daily lives,was somewhat reassuring to the Warrior.

 When they reached the River Quarter,it was time to part ways with the Watch patrol. Deverick made his farewells to the Sergeant.

" Nay, not at this time,but I will be in touch. Thank ye fer getting me here,Sergeant. May th gods of th light keep ye,Lads."

With those words spoken, Deverick broke ranks and headed for his Aunts place,trying to make sure no one was following him.

To the Widow's Rest Thread!

This message was deleted by the player at 00:53, Mon 19 Sept 2016.