Server started.
TMG has connected.
Dr. Hatari has connected.
Liatai:Hello, hello! ^^
TMG:…Lawlz. Using one of the Phoenix Wright chars as the opposing advocate? xD
Liatai:Yes indeed. x3
TMG:and…ah. The judge. xD
Judge:Hello. :3
TMG:right then…this is two days into the future, right?
Dr. Hatari:It's the little touches that form the divide between good and great DMs. |3
TMG:we left off the last session on the 2nd of Ehlon, and this is happening on the 4th?
Liatai:Anyway! There a few mini-scenes to play out before the trial proper starts… And yes, this is two days in the future, the fourth of Ehlon. :3
Liatai:So, whenever you're ready, bring Gnogglebolt into the courthouse.
TMG:righto, so what mini-scenes in the mini-session are to be played out? :3
Liatai:You'll just have to see! ^^ One's already set up, the other one will take place once the first is done.
TMG:o.o? Okays…
Gnogglebolt:After two days of talking over the "game plan" with Ezekiel, the goblins, and a legal advisor (gonna need the fee for that. Barister? the Sharn book actually has material on this) and taking care of other things, Gnogglebolt heads towards the courthouse on the 'big day' after getting a decent breakfast. Though there should be nothing unexpected, having a well-oiled mind never hurt.
Gnogglebolt:At noon, he arrives on-site, with the goblins probably already having had been transported to the courtroom.
Max:Gnogglebolt might notice a familiar face in the crowd, talking with a taller, older-looking human man with somewhat shaggy hair just outside the courthouse. When Gnogglebolt approaches, they both stop talking and turn to look, and the new human's face breaks into a wide grin.
Tall Man:"Gnogglebolt! There he is!" :D
Gnogglebolt:"Well hello Maximillian. I'm glad you could make it."
Gnogglebolt:"Oh, and hello..good sir?" Gnogglebolt says, giving a bow, but also a raised eyebrow at the reception.
Tall Man:The taller man moves forward quickly and kneels down to the gnome's level. "I hope that you're…" He pauses, then chuckles. "Ah! Silly me. I'd forgotten."
- Max chuckles a little, too.
Tall Man:The man smiles kindly… then barks.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt's brow furrows in confusion for a moment, then it dawns on him, his face almost literally brightening in astonishment.
Gnogglebolt:"Matthew?"
Matthew Toris:"Aye." :3
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt presses a hand to the side of his head with amazement still his expression, hardly believing what he's seeing, and already trying to associate this man with that great big lug of a dog.
Gnogglebolt:"…Well! I am honoroed that you would be present for these proceedings, in this form no less!"
Matthew Toris:Well, that big grin should be somewhat familiar, at least. ;3 "Well, they don't tend to allow dogs in the courthouse," he says with a wink. "And like I tell my children, if you start something, you should never leave it half-finished. See it through to the end."
- Max nods, smiling.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt smiles at this echo of himself, through his own parents and upbringing.
Gnogglebolt:"Indeed, indeed…"
Gnogglebolt:"I must say, this is a most welcome surprise, a most welcome surprise indeed. Ah, if only you could be called as a witness….but even not, I am still glad you are here."
Matthew Toris:"Indeed…" The man nods, looking somewhat puzzled. "Why wouldn't I be able to be called as a witness? I was there the whole time, after all."
Max:"It may be hard to explain why you were a dog the whole time, Father," Max says with a wry grin.
Gnogglebolt:"Of course you were, but not exactly…recognizable at the time. Hmm. I'll have to ask our legal advisor (who should be here as well, dunno which token he is), but I'm not sure how we would explain that even if—ah yes, your son knows what I'm thinkin."
Gnogglebolt:*thinking
- Matthew Toris gives a short barking laugh. "Would give old Poff a good mental run-around trying to cross-examine a dog, though!"
Liatai:Ah! I knew I was forgetting someone! XD
Liatai:Let me find your legal counsel. XD
TMG:Oh. Hold up.
TMG:(checking irc…)
Liatai:Now to just give this guy a name…
TMG:ah well, Ram doesn't seem to be around. If he comes around later, he can hop in.
Liatai:Trying to call Ram, I see? x3
TMG:yeah, thought it'd be fitting for him to see the NPC using his name. x3
TMG:(or part of it, at least)
TMG:Oop!
Max:"If I can help as a witness, I'd be glad to," Max chips in. "I wasn't there for quite as long as Father, of course, but at least I was humanoid the whole time."
- Matthew Toris nods approvingly.
RAM has connected.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt also nods to Max. "That at least should be no trouble. You were around for the stakeout, when we had Nintrok and Slat. Vouching for them, when they were aiding us in ourstakeout, is certainly a helpful bit of evidence to what we are trying to prove."
RAM:Random Access Memory is available.
Matthew Toris:"What, exactly, are you trying to prove? It's not exactly conventional for the victims of assault and pickpocketing to defend their aggressors in court. I'm curious."
Liatai:Welcome, Ram :3
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt looks up to Matthew. "Well, you were there for that part, at least. As they were simple pickpockets, it didn't seem right to simply kill them when we stormed their hideout, and since they obviously couldn't just be -left- there, they had to be brought back here…which means they have to face what they've done, which again, doesn't seem right for them to do alone. What we're trying to prove is not that they are innocent, but that they have seen the errors of their ways and can function according to civlized rules."
Liatai:Can you see?
RAM:Yes i CAN.
RAM:Gah, caps lock.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt grins slightly. "It also helps that the burden of responsibility is mostly on the one who was leading them at the time, whom they would not have followed by choice. The leader who is dead. Convenient, that."
- Matthew Toris had knelt down to the gnome's level earlier, so you don't have far to look up, Gnogglebolt. |3
TMG:oh, right
TMG:x3Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt winks. "Anyway, I should go see how the goblins are holding up. it won't do if one of them is overcome by nerves."
Matthew Toris:"Of course, of course! We should try to find seats in the meantime. Good fortune to you, Gnogglebolt — Austrat shafer thrae bensvelk."
TMG:Draconic, I presume?
Liatai:Yep, and a phrase you've heard before from Max. "Fly on good winds." It's a common blessing. :3
TMG:oh, right.
TMG:I was wondering if I had seen it before, but I couldn't remember ^^;
Liatai:One sec… forgot another token. ^^;
TMG:(is Zeke around for the trial? Even if not as a participant, than as an observer?)
Liatai:He's running a little late. :3
TMG:Ah. x3
RAM:Heh, Gregor Poffenshmidt.
RAM:Lol.
Liatai:Do you have your character sheet around, Tech?
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt heads over to where the goblins are all being kept for the moment (are they all on a chain-gang?), saying to whoever's guarding as he passes; "Advocate to speak with the defendants before beginning."
Liatai:If so, I'll ask for a Listen check; if not, no big deal. :3
TMG:Oh, I have no ranks in listen, no bonus to wis, but a +2 racial bonus
Gnogglebolt:Listen: ??1d20+2 = 2 + 2 = 4??
TMG:Figures. x3
RAM:Fail!
Liatai:They're all on a chain-gang, except for Grapmak, Drit, Kranik, and Dosemz, who are chained in a seperate gang.
Liatai:??1d20+2 = 6 + 2 = 8??
Liatai:??1d20+5 = 15 + 5 = 20??
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt approaches as closely as he is allowed. "How are you all holding up?" he says to all of them, in Goblin.
Gnogglebolt:"Anyone nervous?"
- Drit is scowling at the opposing attorney, who is muttering something to the woman near him.
RAM:Wait…the guy based off of my name is the bad guy?
RAM:Sad face!
TMG:In a manner of speaking. x3
TMG:Remember? Liatai need someone with a stuffy-sounding name, because he's going to be the opposing legal dude. x3
TMG:also; brb in a minute.
RAM:OBJECTION!
Dr. Hatari:Aw. And here I still have the Marius token raw image for b63. >:3
Dr. Hatari:Although the Phoenix Wright fellow is quite amusing.
RAM:Yes, yes he is.
Grapmak:"We're as good as we can be," the chief replies in Goblin. "Though Drit has been complaining about the chains interfering with his speech. Not that that can be changed."
RAM:Is his advisor hot, at least?
Liatai:x3Liatai:I'm sorry, Ram, I had this guy's role set before I knew he was borrowing your name. ^^;
RAM:It's okay. I just like giving Techy a hard time.
TMG:Yeah, I knew what I was doing. x3
RAM:I'm actually pleased as punch that his name is based off of mine.
- Drit scowls and makes a few hand signs — clank clink clunk rattle chains.
Gnogglebolt:"I suppose not, but any who are called to speak will have to be released individually, at least. So, when it matters, Drit will be able to converse. Either you or Slat will have to translate for him, though. I'd actually prefer if you kept the hand-signing to a minimum and used your clicking and whistling. Sszeyl still isn't pleased about the hand-signing thing, no need to irritate him further by displaying it in a court of spectators."
RAM:Sszeyl has a problem wityh sign-language?
Gnogglebolt:"He was supposed to be here today, but he…needs time alone, in light of recent unrelated events."
RAM:That's kinda dickish.
- Drit clicks in a disdainful way and starts to make a sign… then pauses and mimes writing.
TMG:RAM; it's actually a secret Drow language.
RAM:Ah.
TMG:That no one else is supposed to know.
RAM:That's…rather less dickish.
Liatai:Though Sszeyl's perspective is… somewhat skewed.
TMG:The goblins know it because -they- learned it from -kobolds-
TMG:And you have no idea. x3
TMG:OhTMG:Stupid me. READ
TMG:thought that was a "still"
Drit:Inquisitive look, mimes writing again.
TMG:Anyveyz, yeah, Sszeyl the drow actually comes from a brutal LE dictarship of monks who keep order through fear and cruelty. The sign language is a secret punishable by death even amongst them, only their agents are supposed to know it
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt catches on to drit. "Oh!" he goes into his pack and pulls out a quill and parchment.
Gnogglebolt:And, if there are no objections from the watching guards, hands it over.
TMG:…am I still connected?
RAM:Yeah.
TMG:ah, okay. You don't have any comment on the above line about the drow?
Drit:The guards are watching closely, somewhat suspiciously, but Drit accepts the paper with a small sign — clearly a "thank you." The assassin writes a few sentences, then hands the paper over; it's written in Common. "We'll manage. You may want to correct the opposing counsel on his erroneous opinion, by the way. He seems to be under the impression that none of us speak Common… and tell him the right phrase is 'I'll bet he doesn't even speak proper Common.'"
RAM:Not really. It's Drow. I'm note really all that surprised.
- Drit pauses… then gestures for the paper and quill again.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt snickers a little after reading what Drit wrote, and hands it back.
Drit:"Can I keep these for the trial?" He hands back the paper, then gestures to the paper and quill.
TMG:(lemme see if I remember right; Grapmak and Dosemz definitely speak and understand common. Drit can understand common, but not speak it (due to disability, can't speak anything). And….can Kranik speak common? I know old Shukek can, but he's not here.)
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt nods. "Of, of course. In fact, this is the best way. This way, you are speaking for yourself instead of going through a translator, and the only two who can translate for you -might- not exactly be considered fully trustworthy or unbiased, being the defendants and all."
Liatai:Kranik doesn't speak Common… at least, not much. You've been spending a lot of time with the goblins over the past few days, so you've seen that Kranik is picking up a few words of Common from Grapmak, and Nintrok is, as well.
- Drit hiss-laughs.
Drit:He makes the "thank-you" sign again.
Gnogglebolt:"So yes, keep the writing materials. You might even be given more by the court itself, when it comes time for you to speak. Well, er…communicate."
Gnogglebolt:Lastly, Gnogglebolt looks specifically at all the rest, and continues speaking in Goblin. "How about the rest of you? Is anyone getting nervous, or are you keeping calm?"
Gnogglebolt:"Most of you probably won't have to get up and speak, by the way, so don't worry about that."
Nintrok:Some of the goblins do look rather nervous, but Nintrok speaks up. "We trust in the tribe leaders, and in Maglubiyet's will."
Krunk:"Where's Old Shukek? I thought he said he was gonna be here."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt nods. "Good enough."
Visored Guard:"Look, unless it's an animal companion, familiar, or service animal, we can't let it into the courthouse!"
TMG:(erm…shoot, were the other goblins—ah. x3 )
Old Shukek:"Bah! Grizzlemaw's as smart as a person!"
Gnogglebolt:"I'm not sure, actually. I think—" Gnogglebolt's ears perk up. "…Oh, they didn't…" He says with a half chuckle, half sigh.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt heads over to the entrance of the courthosue to see who has arrived.
Gnogglebolt:*courthouse
Ezekiel Chirehan:"Elder Shukek, he's only doing his job…"
Gnogglebolt:"Ah, welcome Ezekiel, Shukek. Are the others with you?" He asks through the door.
Grizzlemaw:The worg grumbles and growls a little… wait a second… is that recognizeable Goblin? o.o "Shukek. They cause trouble?"
- Audience Rat flees. D:Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt blinks as he heard something…-very- unsual-. But, for the moment, he doesn't pursue it. Besides, 'Papa'. x3
Old Shukek:"Traki's staying with the young ones and some guards. Zeke has a friend who's helping out with watching them, too." The elder goblin arches an eyebrow, then gives a crooked grin at Gnogglebolt's confused look. "What? Didn't you know worgs can talk?"
Visored Guard:"Worgs can talk?"
Gnogglebolt:"Oh, apparently I didn't. Still, that actually does make things better, in a way. Could you have your worg wait outside during this? I don't want to put too fine a point on it, but though no complications are expected, convincing people that goblins can be civlized would be made a mite more difficult with another such visiblething of something traditionally considered, if not evil, then 'savage'."
Gnogglebolt:"Not exactly an additional difficulty we need, if it can be avoided."
Gnogglebolt:"In fact, showing that it is tame enough to wait outside alone would actually help."
Old Shukek:"It would be better to show he could behave himself in a room full of people, I'd think," the goblin huffs.
Gnogglebolt:"Hmm. Well, it's not up to me…" Gnogglebolt looks up at the door guard.
- Grizzlemaw looks at Gnogglebolt, then at the guard.
Old Shukek:"… Hey, guard. You said service animals were allowed."
Visored Guard:"I did…"
Old Shukek:Shukek slides off the worg's back. "And you wouldn't part an old man with his walking stick, would you?"
TMG:Bweeheehee. x3
Visored Guard:"Once we had a mage cast Detect Magic on it to make sure it's not a Staff of the Magi, then no, we wouldn't," the guard says with a scowl.
Old Shukek:"Good. Then pay attention." The old goblin pats the worg's back, then lets go… takes a few teetering steps… then reaches out for the worg again to keep himself from falling.
- Grizzlemaw moves forward and puts his head under Shukek's arm, balancing the goblin.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt puts a hand over his mouth while trying not to grin.
Old Shukek:"Proof enough for you?"
Visored Guard:"Er… I suppose. But if that worg causes any trouble!"
Old Shukek:"Please, you're acting like we're savages who don't know any better." The old goblin tsks, then pulls himself back up onto the worg's back.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt moves out of the way to let Zeke and Shukek in to take their places.
Old Shukek:"Where should we stand, Sparkgear?"
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt directs him to one of the audience benches (Imaaaaagination!)
- Matthew Toris reaches out and lets the worg sniff at his hand. |3
Gnogglebolt:"Hello again, Mr. Azurson." Gnogglebolt says, greeting the legald advisor they'd been working with the last few days.
TMG:*legal
Walker Azurson:The man nods, putting aside his collection of papers for the moment. "Good day. Ready for this?"
Gnogglebolt:"As ready as I'll ever be. And thank you once again for your help. It was hard finding a legal councilor willing to stand up for goblins."
Ezekiel Chirehan:"I wish I could say this was the first time I've advocated for monstrous rights in a court of law…" Ezekiel says, half to himself, as he finds his seat.
GM:*BWEE* *BWEE* *WARNING* *WARNING*
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt takes his seat, and goes over last-minute notes with Walker and Zeke until the judge calls for beginning.
GM:The GM is not a lawyer in the slightest!
Audience Rat:Oh no a boss is appro—oh.
TMG:Yes, you've noted. x3
TMG:While Castleton (and D&D in general) is somewhat progressive in comparison to normal medieval times
GM:So the GM will be fudging and fast-forwarding. :B
Liatai:Oop, sorry, interrupted. :x Continue.
TMG:it is still -medieval-. Which means trials back then were less about fine print, which didn't really exist, and more about chumming up to the judge, as there wasn't even a jury
TMG:So no worries. Fudging is pretty much how things were done. :3
TMG:As far as I know (though I'm certainly no history buff) Pre-rennesaince, codified law either didn't exist or wasn't commonplace
Judge:*gavel bang!* "The trial will now come to order!"
TMG:So yeah. If we do play anything out on this trial, it's just the witnesses telling their story. All fine details can be completely ignored. x3
Liatai:Yay. XD I was afraid I'd have to play out the whole thing.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt sits straight up and at attention, and also spares a glance at the goblins, hoping they're watching and think to follow his example.
TMG:Hah, no, don't worry, I'm not expecting that xD
Judge:Opening statements go here from the legal counsel on both sides. :B
- Grapmak is standing as tall as a goblin can, paying attention with a calm and stoic expression, flanked by Drit on the right and Dosemz on the left. If it weren't for the chains and the fact he was both weaponless and armorless, he would look the very image of a goblin chieftain.
- Drit is paying very close attention to the proceedings, though he hasn't lost his grip on the paper and quill Gnogglebolt gave him.
- Dosemz looks serious, but still grumpy. :B
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt, speaking as prepared by Walker, lays out the basic situation of the goblins as it stands, and the aim of the defence; Yes, the goblins -are- guilty of pretty theft, but that doesn't mean they aren't capable of coexisting peacefully, and learn civilized rules. And while the goblins were involved in a necromancer business, most of them weren't even -aware- of this, and the ones that were certainly would not have done so if not for their leader at the time. Futhermore, the goblins did provide aid in setting a trap for those same necromancers after their capture.
Gnogglebolt:When done, Gnogglebolt bows and takes his seat again, the defence's turn over.
Gregor Poffenschmidt:The prosecution's stance is more of goblins as monsters; how attempts to integrate goblins into the city in the past have been by and large failures, the subjects of such attempts often reverting to being petty thieves and murderers stalking the city's underworld. While the goblins' leader may have begun the relationship with the necromancers, the prosecution argues, the goblins were the ones who chose to go along with the orders, and the ones to do the dirty work of kidnapping and selling citizens of Castleton and surrounding areas to the black magicians.
Judge:Witnesses can go here. :B
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt frowned a bit as he listened to Gregor's statements. So there had been failed attempts in the past? Drat. That was a bit of a blindside, but far from being a deathblow. It can be overcome.
Gnogglebolt:Among the witnesses Gnogglebolt calls are Captain McKieth, Ezekiel Chirehan, Maximillian, himself (if you can do that), and then finally, the goblins. Nintrok, Drit, and lastly, Grapmak. Saving the 'best' for last.
TMG:Any one or more of these can be played out, or just summarized
Liatai:Well, we already know what they'd say, since we've seen it played out… :B
Gregor Poffenschmidt:Though there is something of an amusing moment when Grapmak is called to the stand and speaks in perfect Common. The expression on the opposing barrister's face is a priceless "O.O".
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt grinned at that. Drit may have suggested telling the other guy, but law was a form of warfare, and you -never- give up the element of surprise.
TMG:anyways
TMG:Captain McKieth is called so he can tell his observations of the goblins while they were being held, mainly how he observed their behaviors and responses to commands
Drit:Assassin approves. >:3
TMG:Zeke is called as an expert witness as an anthropologist on humanoid and nonhumanoid cultures, to give his expert opinion on the temperment of the goblins from his own observations
TMG:Max is called in to speak on Slat and Nintrok and how they aided in the trap for the necromancers, despite its futility
- Matthew Toris watches calmly from the stands the whole time.
TMG:Gnogglebolt, if speaks for himself, tells the entire story from beginning to end from his point of view (longest speech in the entire proceeding, no doubt. x3 )
Liatai:Oh no doubt. XD
TMG:Nintrok and Drit were called to speak about what life was like under the bugbear Granch Redmaw, and how he took control of the tribe through force and initiated the necromancer dealings.
RAM:Midnight Chow time! Off to get delicious FOOD!
Liatai:There was a wee bit of difficulty explaining why Drit had to write out his responses to questions.
TMG:Finally, Grapmak, as the current leader, tells the story from beginning to end from -his- perspective, and also how as the leader, he is going to work the hardest to make sure the integration to urban life is as smooth as possible, and that he learns quickly.
- Dosemz looks a little put-out that he wasn't called to the stand, being a prominent member of the tribe, while his apprentice was. >:/
TMG:…Hmm..
Liatai:Don't forget Elros, whose testimony would probably come near Gnogglebolt's.
TMG:Trying to decide if Gnogglebolt -would- have called Dosemz.
TMG:Oh yes, Elros too.
TMG:oh, dang, Alex is logged in irc
TMG:ah well. :/
TMG:Okay, retroactively speaking
TMG:during the two days of preparing for the trial
TMG:what was Dosemz like when the legal advisor and Gnogglebolt spoke with him?
TMG:Was he still petulant and prideful, or did it seem like he was taking the plans to heart?
Liatai:Well, he's still petulant and prideful, and very doubtful of the plan's success.
Liatai:He's quite convinced something will go wrong, and that the deck is stacked against them.
TMG:I hope I hear a "but" …. ;)
Liatai:He's willing to go along with the plan. But reluctant.
Liatai:He might actually not be a good witness… and calling Nintrok to the stand instead of him actually reinforces a tribal power shift that's already starting to take place. ;3
TMG:Hmm. Well, Gnogglebolt calling him is dependant on whether Gnogglebolt thinks he is going to behave himself if called, namel by being -polite-. Gnogglebolt would have mentioned this
TMG:but does he have reason to believe it's likely?
Liatai:That Dosemz will be polite? Eh… probably not. ^^;
TMG:Oh dear. Well…despite the possible fallout with Dosemz later, if Gnogglebolt doesn't think he can't speak respectfully, he won't call him. Making sure the entire tribe looks good is more important than his pride.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt does not call Dosemz to the stand. If Doszems catches Gnogglebolt's gaze, he mouths "Later" in goblin.
Liatai:In this case? The fallout is sort of a good thing. ;3
Liatai:Like I said, there's a power shift going on… the student is starting to surpass the master. >:3
Liatai:But anyway. :3
TMG:But yeah. A common-speaking goblin, the leader, and the last (all addding up to be the most memorable) hopefully earned several brownie points with the judge
TMG:*last one called
Advisor:The prosecution has one major witness; a fiery adventurer who has dealt with goblin tribes in the past. They are nothing more than a quickly-breeding plague on civilized communities, the adventurer states, causing problems wherever they go. Loosing a whole tribe of them into the city is just asking for trouble. The adventurer also speaks of various urban goblins who are renowned thieves and murderers.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt frowns again at this adventurer's testimony. Well, bad experiences can color one's opinion, and even if her word is valued highly, Gnogglebolt hopes that they're managing to win through sheer numbers of corroborating stories, if nothing else. Gnogglebolt glances at the judge while the adventurer woman speaks. Is the judge guarded an unexpressive, or is he letting any emotion show?
Gnogglebolt:If he's unexpressive, Gnogglebolt actually would count that as a good thing, because it means he's really -thinking- about everything he's hearing.
Judge:The judge is largely unexpressive, although he did look surprised at several points during your witnesses' testimony.
Gnogglebolt:Once the adventurer has finished her testimony, Gnogglebolt awaits what happens next. Probably closing statement.s
Judge:Yep. Closing statements go here.
TMG:Hmm…gonna actually type this whole one out. Gimme a bit. x3
TMG:(unless the other side goes first?)
Judge:Nope, you can go first. :3
TMG:actually, it would probably be better if the other side went first, but oh well >.>
TMG:beginning typing…
Judge:The other side will just be restating the opening statements, basically. :B
Dr. Hatari:I'm sure there's some protocol for it, but I don't remember those details from my last court date. Plus who cares, right? :d
TMG:Ooh, wait, actually….hrm.
TMG:Wondering if Gnogglebolt can actually call up and question the adventurer. >x3
Liatai:You want to?
TMG:Buuuuuut probably no need to—hmm.
Dr. Hatari:You can cross-examine any witness the other fellow calls.
TMG:Only got about 30-40 minutes left…
TMG:it will probably be fun, but I'm not sure we can finish it before I have to go…
- Liatai has never been in court, and thus has no clue about the proper protocol. :B Phoenix Wright and a speeding ticket are the extent of my legal experiences. So you've got one up on me.
TMG:unless. Gnogglebolt deliberately keeps it very short and pointed to -make- a point >:3
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebotl stands up. "I would like to question the plaintiff's witness."
RAM:Any witnessess that have been called up can be called back up again, by either side.
Advisor:Imaginary witness stand goes here. :B
TMG:(what's her name? >.> )
Liatai:Erk.
Dr. Hatari:(Psst Rin |3)
RAM:Which reminds me…
RAM:Tailed One, you never answered my question.
Liatai:Rin's a good first name… surname, surname, surname…
Liatai:What question?
RAM:Is Poffenschmidt's advisor hott?
Liatai:Well, you have the token you can see. :B
TMG:PFFT. xP
RAM:Yeah, but that only shows her face.
RAM:You can't rate hotness off of just one feature.
RAM:You have to take the whole package into account.
Liatai:Well, this is the image her token is from. :B http://aselia.wikia.com/wiki/Gauche
TMG:As amusing as I find this, I am kinda running out of time, so might as well get on with this ^^;
Liatai:Right. :O
RAM:Fox-Sama approves of this advisor.
TMG:Rin Kallofield?
TMG:Smashing random sylables together :B
Rin Brenin:She now has a last name thanks to a random name generator. :B
TMG:ah. okay.
Gnogglebolt:"So, miss Brenin." the gnome says.
Gnogglebolt:"You say you have enaged goblin tribes before, as an adventurer."
Gnogglebolt:"About how many times have you engaged goblins in combat?"
Rin Brenin:"That I have. Lots of times. At least fifteen seperate times that I can think of off the top of my head."
Dr. Hatari:I just picked Rin for a resemblence to a certain other Rin. http://images.wikia.com/touhou/images/b/b2/RinSubAni.png =3=
Gnogglebolt:"How many of these were againt a full tribe, and how many against a smaller party?"
Gnogglebolt:*against
Liatai:Hatari - XD!
Liatai:I was just listening to that Rin's theme song. XD
Rin Brenin:"How should I know? Sometimes it was two or three. Sometimes it was fifteen or twenty, or more."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt rubbed his chin. "In any case, in any of these engagements, were you capable of identifying whoever was leading them at the time? Generally the biggest, strongest, or something not a goblin at all?"
Rin Brenin:"Once or twice. My friends and I usually made pretty short work of any that looked like they were giving orders to others, though."
Gnogglebolt:"Ah, so when you could identify the leader, you did make them your priority target. Right then…in the cases where you eliminated the leader. Did you give the remained of the goblins a chance to surrender? Even if it was just a loud shout?"
Rin Brenin:"A chance to surrender? No! We were too busy trying to keep them from bashing our heads in!"
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt stops. "Were you incapable of drawing breath at the time? Were you fighting underwater?" Gnogglebolt does not let any emotion betray his face, but that little gnome…
Rin Brenin:"When you're in the middle of a pitched fight trying to defend your hometown, you don't exactly stop to ask the things trying to burn your village down if they would calmly put up their arms and surrender," the adventurer huffs.
Liatai:You're dealing with a Lawful Neutral here, Gnogglebolt. ^^'
Gnogglebolt:"Oh, I didn't say anything about calm, but anyway." Gnogglebolt starts walking again. "I do find something rather odd, though. In my experience, when a large and powerful creature leading a number of smaller and weaker ones is eliminated, the smaller creatures will often at least break ranks and flee. Not always, but usually. Did this never happen in your experience?"
Rin Brenin:"Lots of times."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt stops pacing again. "Fleeing generallyindicates a lack of will to fight. So, you say there have been times where you have eliminated the leader, and the goblins attempt to flee? What happened next?"
Gnogglebolt:erp, addition
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt stops pacing again. "Fleeing generally indicates a lack of will to fight, including a reduction in the number of the combatants, therefore reducing the overal danger of the combat. So, you say there have been times where you have eliminated the leader, and the goblins attempt to flee? What happened next?"
Rin Brenin:"We sent them off with a volley of arrows, usually. If you don't kill goblins, they always come back. Usually with a new, stronger leader."
- Grapmak is watching the questioning, with a deep frown.
Gnogglebolt:"Anyway, in your, as you stated, fifteen-odd engagements with goblins, under what circumstances was the fight? What were there transgressions at the time? Id different engaments were under different circumstances, please list as many as you remember."
Rin Brenin:"Most of them were raids. Goblins entering the town to pillage and burn whatever they could get their hands on, and kill anyone who got in their way. Some were pickpockets, but most were raiders. There was a group that was being led by a human in the sewers of this very city."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt nods. "Raiders are understood. But what of the pickpocketing tribes? How many of your fifteen-odd engagements were with them?"
Rin Brenin:The adventurer actually stops to count. "… Three. Four if you count the human-led group."
Gnogglebolt:"I am. Now, of these four groups, how many times were you able to eliminate the leader first, or near-first?"
Rin Brenin:"One. The human-led one."
Gnogglebolt:"Once the human was dead, what did the goblins try to do next? Did they attempt to flee, as you described?"
Rin Brenin:"About half of them did. The other half kept trying to kill us."
Gnogglebolt:"What happened to the fleeing half?"
Rin Brenin:"Some of them got away. Our barbarian and scout chased most of them down."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt looks directly at her. "For capture so that they would stand trial for their crimes? Crimes, I add, classified as 'petty'?"
Rin Brenin:"You try getting a raging barbarian to agree on live capture."
Gnogglebolt:"What of the scout?"
TMG:wait
TMG:scratch that
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt nods, and con tinues walking. "So, let me see if I do have this straight. You have encountered four non-raiding, petty-crime pickpocketing groups of goblins. Three of which you eliminated without eliminating the leader first, so there's no telling what they would have done on their own. Of the one group where you did manage to eliminate the leader first, half of the goblins fled, but did not survive, because you knowingly and deliberately pursued them and dealt them final punishment yourself. Do I have all of this correct? Yes or no."
TMG:erp, modification
TMG:Gnogglebolt nods, and con tinues walking. "So, let me see if I do have this straight. You have encountered four non-raiding, petty-crime pickpocketing groups of goblins. Three of which you eliminated without eliminating the leader first, so there's no telling what they would have done on their own. Of the one group where you did manage to eliminate the leader first, half of the goblins fled, but did not survive, because you knowingly and deliberately pursued them, and did not offer them a chance to surrender, so there's no telling what might have happened then. Do I have all of this correct? Yes or no."
Rin Brenin:"Well, some of the ones that fled survived. They came back to become pickpocket group number three."
Gnogglebolt:"But did you ever actually try to capture any goblin out of the four pickpocketing groups?"
Rin Brenin:"No. They either ran or got killed. You can't reason with goblins —"
Gnogglebolt:A very, very faint grin tugs at the corner of Gnogglebolt's mouth.
Grapmak:The Common-speaking goblins all shoot the woman a look.
Gnogglebolt:"So, you have never actually seen -what- would happen if you captured a whole tribe of pretty-crime goblins alive. Yes or no?"
Rin Brenin:"N-not with my own eyes! But I've heard stories!"
Walker Azurson:"Objection. Hearsay."
Judge:"Objection sustained."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt actually does allow himself a smile, and clasps his hands. "No further questions."
TMG:aslso!
- Audience Rat mimes the Objection!! pose!
TMG:Closing statemnts need to wait an hour
TMG:ride's waiting on me :U
Liatai:That's fine. :3
TMG:Keep the server up!
Liatai:Of course!
TMG:Be back in an hour!
TMG is disconnected.
RAM:Damn, I was hoping I could find a spot where I could throw out an OBJECTION!
Liatai:XDRAM:I might have been able to call an Objection on the grounds of leading the witness at one point, but I missed it.
Liatai:Oh?
Dr. Hatari:Well, any word on that upload? |3
Liatai:VAE has it, and I think he's uploading it now.
RAM:Mhmm.
RAM:"For capture so that they would stand trial for their crimes? Crimes, I add, classified as 'petty'?"
Dr. Hatari:I see.
RAM:Leading the witness towards a certain answer.
RAM:If he'd simply said something along the lines of "To capture them?" it would have been fine.
Liatai:Ahh, I see.
RAM:But by adding "…so that the would stand trial for their crimes?" he was effectively pusing the witness towards a specific answer.
RAM:*pushing
RAM:That's a big no-no in court.
- Liatai nods.
RAM:It's also one of the most common objections, too. It's just so damn easy to do.
Ghostwish has connected.
Liatai:Heyo!
Liatai:Now where'd that audience rat run off to…
RAM:Hey Ghost!
RAM:Aww, we don't get a Warp-Aci this time?
Liatai:You want a warp-aci? x3
RAM:Yes plz.
RAM:Warp-Aci are cute and funny, ch-yah!
RAM:YAY!
RAM:~Squeezes the Tailed One and gives scritchies~
Ghostwish:Warg!
Liatai:Can you see okay, Ghost?
Ghostwish:Yarp
Liatai:Yay. :3
Liatai:Want the backlog? It's longish.
Ghostwish:No thanks. Whar be tech? :>
Liatai:On his way home from campus, I think.
Ghostwish:brb, checkin' fire again!
Ghostwish:back, coals be ignited. :>
TMG has connected.
Liatai:I return from snackages! :D
TMG:Heyo!
TMG:I miss anything chatty while I was gone?
TMG:I notice Ghost has arrived :U
TMG:also;; ooh. Geeze. Um, afk for a bit longer ^^;
Liatai:Yep, just a little chat. Want a log?
TMG:(and sure)
Liatai:No problem. :3
Ghostwish:A gamin' I go. Have fun. :>
Ghostwish is disconnected.
TMG:back—huh
TMG:ram; Ah, didn't know that, about the 'pushing towards specific answer' >.>
TMG:Yeah, though it doesn't matter much, I'll keep that in mind from now on ^^;
TMG:*doesn't matter anymore
TMG:Though, perhaps we can pretend that's what really happened. x3 Answer wouldn't have been changed either way
Judge:Closing statement time. :3
TMG:actually, can I have a block of what was said a bit before I left? I need to get back in-character ^^;
Liatai:Oh, sure!
TMG:Hokay, going over stuff in my head…preparing closing statement
RAM:And to bed for me, I just almost fell asleep at my keyboard.
Liatai:Good night!
TMG:ah, seeya Ram
RAM:G'night you two. See ya!
RAM is disconnected.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt returns to his seat after finishing the questioning. He jots a few things down, and when the closing statement is called for, he stands up again to do his best at wordcraft
Dr. Hatari:Time for work. *wave*
Dr. Hatari is disconnected.
TMG:sorry it's taking wile, I'm typing a -lot- ^^;
TMG:*awhile
Liatai:It's no problem! ^^
Gnogglebolt:He also glanced at Rin for a brief moment. He was thinking he might talk to her when this is all over. "From what I can tell, here in Akellon, goblins are traditionally seen as nasty little nusiances at best, and little more than monsters at worst." He glances at Grapmak before continuing. "This reputation may not be undeserved. If what I have been told is true, then the majority of goblins are unrepentant and violent raiders, and murderers. And it is true, at least, a group of creatures with a strong tradition of violence are indeed difficultif not impossibleto reason with. But as we defend ourselves from these violent threats, we must remember that the norm is never absolute. There are always outliers. Anomalies. Individuals and small groups who go against trends. Also note that above I said 'in Akellon'. As it is probably know by now, I am not a Kellonite, I am a Mazian. And in Mazio, most goblinoids are citizens. Admittedly, they are frequently associated with the more…shall we say, 'seedier' aspects of our culture, and something that many turn their nose up at, but they are by no means a threat to life and limb as a whole, save for individuals who are particularly violent, but that's no different from the rest of us, is it? Which brings me back to my point. Perhaps the majority of goblins in Akellon are violent and unreasonable. But, someone who is nonviolent is typically reasonable, and here today stands living proof that not all goblins are violent, and furthermore, that there are reasonable goblins. As I said in my testimony, and as Grapmak Swiftaxe said in his own words, I was able to convince these goblins with little more than words to cooperate in their own capture, in return for mercy and leniency. The worst crime this tribe is guilty of was their capturing of citizens and association of necromancers. In this, I invoke the informant clause. The goblins, after their capture, did willingly aid in a plot to bring in further necromancers to the best of their ability. As for the kidnapping, as their testimonys have already stated, they did not choose that course of action. It was forced upon them by the bugbear Granch Redmaw, who, as I explained, had already been served a most fitting punishment for his dealings with them. With all the above out of the way, the only crime the goblins stand for is the thefts. And for this, yes, they should be punished. But what is worst-case punishment for such a small crime, really? A few years in prison, maximum? And that is for unrepentant, irrational, repeat offenders who -have- been punished previously? The Swiftaxe Goblins, formerly Redmaw Goblins, are guilty of the thefts. We do not deny this. But tell me, have they ever had a chance to do otherwise? This is the first time they have ever faced punishment for their actions. What's most important is they willingly walked to this. They could have resisted when I told them what would happen to them. They could have struggled to the bitter end. But they did not. They marched and gave no trouble at all. How many repeat offenders have you seen behave that way? Have you seen anyone who was not capable of being turned around behave this way? The Swiftaxe Goblins are not violent. This is self-evident by the fact that they are all sitting right in here, in this courtroom, polite as you please, awaiting us to pass judgment on them. I reiterate, the absolute worst case punishment that could be inflicted on them is several years of jail. From what I understand, the typical punishment is more in the round of several months to a year. And so, the only reason we are here, they only thing we desire, is mercy. Mercy in the light that they have proven capable of understanding out rules of civilization. If I may be so bold as to suggest, I believe a month of community service is plenty atonement for them. However, I also believe some fear what will happen after they have completed this sentance. I can see one question in the minds of everyone here. Will they revert to their previous ways? Outside of Mazio, such a situation as we find ourselves here today is indeed unprecedented. No one, not even myself, can know with one hundred percent certainty that they will act as proper citizens once freed. In this, no matter what I could say, this cannot be seen as anything other than a gamble to everyone in here. But in this, Your Honor, I implore you to consider everything you have heard today. Consider everything you have head about these goblins specifically, and from these goblins specifically. Consider that they will have a guide, Ezekiel Chirehan, who will teach them the more specific details on how to be a good citizen. The question, Your Honor, is do you believe that the risk of giving them a merciful punishment and letting them free is really any risk at all?"
Liatai:Wow, you weren't kidding. o.o
Gnogglebolt:"I, for one, do not." Gnogglebolt bows. "Thank you." And takes his seat.
TMG:holy dang, it's even longer than I though o.o
TMG:….can't stop giggling now xD
TMG:Geeze, I'm Celia from OotS xD
Liatai:Who? XD
TMG:have you read OotS? o.o
TMG:Order of the Stick?
Liatai:I'm just going to reread it one more time really quick… no, save for a few comics that were linked every now and then.
TMG:Aw. It's really good comic, you should go through it sometime. x3
Liatai:Okay, just finished rereading. :3
TMG:Heh. SOrry ^^;
Liatai:… and I don't think I can follow that up with anything better from the prosecution. XD
TMG:I just…kinda went all-out. Thoguht that this 20+ session sublot should have a suitably large ending ^^;
Liatai:x3TMG:or, suitably proportional, I should say
Judge:An ending that is rapidly approaching, as the judge stands.
Judge:"I have reached a decision."
Gnogglebolt:Unconsciously, Gnogglebolt holds his breath.
- Old Shukek and Grizzlemaw sit at attention in the audience, eyes locked on the judge.
Judge:"For the crime of petty theft and pickpocketing the citizens of Castleton, this court finds the Swiftaxe goblin tribe guilty, and therefore levies a punishment of six weeks of community service within the city of Castleton, to be overseen by members of the city guard."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt lets out a big breath and leans back, an exhausted smile on his face. He looks over to the goblins and nods approvingly.
Judge:"If there are no questions, then I do believe that this court session is adjourned." Gavel bang!
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt stands up, beaming at Zeke.
- Grapmak nods back, visibly more relaxed. Dosemz looks stunned.
Gnogglebolt:"Well…that's that!" Gnogglebolt says to Zeke.
Dosemz:"Did… did he really just say that?" the mystic says in Goblin. o.o
Kranik:"What did he say? Hey! Someone translate!"
Gnogglebolt:"Community service! Just six weeks of that, and they're free!"
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt looks back to Shukek to see his reaction as well.
- Ezekiel Chirehan nods, also smiling. "And community service means no imprisonment, which should make for a far smoother integration between this group and the one currently living in the apartment…"
- Old Shukek is ruffling Grizzlemaw's headfur and translating what just happened to the worg, speaking in a canine tongue that isn't Gnoll. Maybe it's worg language?
Gnogglebolt:"Right then, I should go make sure the goblins who don't yet understand common know what's happening.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt trots over to where they are sitting, with gnome bounceyness.
- Drit scribbles down something on the paper and holds it up. "Does that mean we can finally get these blasted chains off?"
Gnogglebolt:"What did I tell you? I told you I'd come through!" If Gnogglebolt smile were any wider, his face would split in half.
Caswin has connected.
Gnogglebolt:In goblin; "Hmm? Oh, I do believe so. In fact, I think you will even be allowed to go to the aparment that the others are staying at. As far as I know, you'll just be under guard, and you'll have to report every morning for the service." To the rest, he says, "What this basically means is you're going to be doing small labor tasks like cleaning the streets, patching up old buildings, planting trees…things that make the city prettier."
- Grapmak nods, also grinning; the gnome's good cheer is infectious. "You did. You kept your promises, yet again. And now you don't have to worry about us haunting you."
Gnogglebolt:"You just have to do six weeks of this work, and that's it. It's all over. You're free."
Crang:"Things like making thudrud?" One goblin speaks up hopefully.
- Brap reaches back and baps Crang on the head.
Crang:"Ow! I was just askin'!"
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt wincers. "Errr….I'm not sure. You may have to ask someone about that, and if you get in -trouble- with it…."
- Nintrok gives a small smirk at the goings-on between Crang and Brap. Ah, business as usual…
Gnogglebolt:"Which, speaking of, if any of you do get in trouble after this, not only will I not be around, but people will see you as a failed gamble. That means any -one- of you. If even one of you gets into bad trouble, it may not be fair, but someone will try and apply it to all of you."
Gnogglebolt:"So, though Zeke should tell you everything you need to know, if you're all ever unsure of something, always ask Zeke."
Gnogglebolt:"Anyway, excuse me for just a moment…"
- Grapmak nods, then begins to speak with Shukek and Grizzlemaw in Goblin… ironing out details and such, it seems.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt trots over to the adventurer and looks up to her. "I have a few more things to tie up, but I would like to have a conversation outside with you in a moment." There's no anger or confrontation in his voice. Just a tone as if he was asking a friend to wait up a moment.
Gnogglebolt:He also gets an odd, lopsided grin. "I'm sure you have a few things to say to me though, too."
- Rin Brenin arches an eyebrow, but doesn't move or say anything beyond a small acquiescing nod.
Liatai:— Oh! Caswin! When did you sneak in? x3
Liatai:Can you see?
TMG:A little bit ago. Did you want to see the "big end" cas? x3
Gnogglebolt:gnogglebolt goes back to the goblins, and mentions to Grapmak that he'll make sure Schink is transported to the apartment.
- Nintrok speaks up after a little hesitation… "… Does this mean I'll get my fingerbones back?"
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt chuckles and Nintrok, and reaches into his pocket. "I think you've earned them, yes…" He then hands over the said marked fingerbones
Gnogglebolt:(finally removing from inventory! xD )
- Nintrok looks like a child that just got his favorite stuffed animal back after it had been kept away from him. He quickly takes the bones and holds them close, looking them over, counting them, checking to make sure they're all there and in good condition… :D
Gnogglebolt:"Anyway, I may see you all later tonight, to check up on how you're settling into the apartment."
Slat:"Finally. He won't be trying to read pieces of straw for prophecies," Slat says with a bit of a huff. "That was just sad."
- Drit hiss-chuckles.
- Grapmak nods to Gnogglebolt.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt chuckles as well. He then turns around and, in Common, asks one of the guards if the goblins are to be unchained now.
Caswin:*appears from unannounced afk*
Caswin:I see now, thank you.
TMG:ah, hellos
TMG:did you want to see the BIG ending? x3
Caswin:…whoa. What's going on here?
TMG:Gnogglebolt was defending goblins in a trial. xP
TMG:…
Caswin:Tech: I'm going to say "yes". o.o
TMG:it's a LONG story xD
TMG:mainly because we've spent over 20 sessions on this xD
Caswin:Sounds cool. Duly noted. Carry on.
Captain McKeith:Click-click-click! The goblins are freed from the chains one by one by a guard.
TMG:anyway…incoming MAJOR wall of text…
- Drit immediately starts flexing out his wrists and stretching. Ahh! MUCH better!
Grapmak:"Drit, give the gnome his pen back."
Gnogglebolt:"Right then, I shall see you all later, Swiftaxe Goblins. I expect Ezekiel and a few guards will escort you to the apartment."
Drit:Oh, right. The assassin holds out the quill.
Gnogglebolt:"Oh! No need, no need, they're practically a copper a dozen."
- Drit shrugs. Thank-you sign.
Gnogglebolt:"You'll probably need to buy ink for it though, but that is already taken care of…right then, farewell."
Matthew Toris:"You did it!" :D
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt heads back over to the others. To Azurson; "So, how did I do for my first time?"
Gnogglebolt:And, to matthew, Gnogglebolt winks, saying "Never leave something unfinished…"
Max:"Haha… I'll never get used to standing up in courts. ^^; It's nerve-wracking!"
- Matthew Toris laughs and nods approvingly!
Caswin:(If I am part of the audience, then at least one person starts to applaud quietly…)
TMG::3Walker Azurson:"I think the results speak for themselves," the barrister says, collecting various papers and filing them away. "An impressive closing statement, by the way."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt shrugs with a smile. "I just tried to cover every possible angle."
- Ezekiel Chirehan heads over to talk with the goblins, and to introduce himself properly now that there aren't bars seperating him from the Swiftaxes.
Gnogglebolt:"But yes…a good day's work, I believe." With that, he nods in farewell to the others, and walks outside to see Rin Brenin.
Gnogglebolt:He walks over to her, and since there's probably an uncomfortable silence between them, Gnogglebolt shuffles for a little and doesn't say anything. After a moment, however, he does speak up.
Gnogglebolt:"I can't help but wonder. What must you think of me, for all this?"
Rin Brenin:The woman looks down at the gnome, and is silent for some time. "… You're optimistic."
Gnogglebolt:A smile, albiet somber, crosses his face. "I guess so."
Gnogglebolt:"I just didn't think death was necessary."
Rin Brenin:"We'll see."
Gnogglebolt:"I suppose we will."
Rin Brenin:"Don't be surprised if it ends up being us who clean up the mess you might have made."
Gnogglebolt:"But, in truth, I would not have fought -that- hard if I didn't honestly believe they have a chance, after speaking to them personally. Especially their leader, Grapmak. He's sharp."
Gnogglebolt:"And likewise, I don't believe it will come to that. Although you're right, I wouldn't be surprised."
Gnogglebolt:"Still, I just think they deserved a chance, not a blade."
Rin Brenin:"Hmph. Mazians."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt gives a sly grin. "Oh yes. Stubborn to the last, we are."
Rin Brenin:"I hope for your sake you didn't just doom us all to being knee-deep in goblins."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt snorts. "Well…like you said, the only thing left is to wait and see."
Gnogglebolt:He then gives a respectful bow. "Farewell, Rin Brenin."
Rin Brenin:"Yes. Wait and see."
Rin Brenin:"Bye."
TMG:….d'oh! Hate it when I come up with the perfect rebuttal too late. There's a word for that in another language…
TMG:"Just wait until you're knee-deep in gnomes." Gnogglebolt says with a cryptic wink, and walks away.
Liatai:x3 What was the rebuttal?
Liatai:XD!!
TMG:I should've said that. x3
TMG:Ah well
Caswin:Happens to me all the time.
Caswin:(The same person *very* quietly applauds for no discernible reason…)
TMG:aha, it's french
TMG:"Espirit d'escalier"
GM:So, are we done here? :3
TMG:so…'zat it, or…oh!
TMG:Might as well get the night visit out of the way, too.
TMG:(and we'll pretend the current apartment is bigger than it really is. x3 )
Liatai:It's going to be uneventful, but okay. x3
Liatai:SUDDENLY.
Liatai:GOBLINS.
TMG:x3Liatai:Oh! I need to close the door. XD One sec.
Liatai:Give me a few moments to arrange people…
Gnogglebolt:After the court session is over, Gnogglebolt heads over to the Temple of Pelor, and informs the clergy there that Schink now has a home to go to, and leaves him to be transported to the apartment.
Liatai:Oh! Schink! I almost forgot him. XD
Gnogglebolt:(if necessary, Gnogglebolt makes sure Camptain McKieth knows beforehand)
Gnogglebolt:He takes care of whatever else he needs to that day, and as the sun starts going down, he makes a stop by the Castleton treasury to make a withdrawl. After that, he heads to the apartment.
Gnogglebolt:Once here's there, he knocks on the door. "It's me, Gnogglebolt!"
Ezekiel Chirehan:Ezekiel opens the door with a smile. "Come in."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt walks into the apartment, and casts his eyes around to see the general collective mood of the goblins.
Liatai:The house is filled with conversation in Goblin. Parents catching up with children, elders and chieftains discussing the tribe's future, mystics checking over the sick, female goblins chatting away in a corner…
TMG:ah, perfect. x3
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt strides over to Grapmak. "Hello, once again."
Grapmak:Grapmak, Shukek, and Grizzlemaw all stop talking to look at Gnogglebolt. "And here you are."
Liatai:Oop, be back in two shakes.
Gnogglebolt:"Indeed. How is everyone? Is this place big enough? I tried to find the biggest empty apartment I could."
TMG:no problem. :)
Grapmak:"Dosemz is… Dosemz," the chieftain replies, glancing into the corner where the mystic stands alone. "But the rest…" He sweeps a hand around at the various pockets of conversation with a grin. "You can see for yourself." It's worth noting that Grapmak is once again armored in his red chainmail shirt, and once again armed with his handaxe.
Grapmak:The armor looks like it's been recently cleaned, too.
Gnogglebolt:"Good, good." Gnogglebolt says. "…er, by the way, you probably won't be allowed to be armed while you're performing the community service, for obvious reasons. But,if you just like to wear your equipment, I can see why."
- Grapmak nods. "After so long, it's good to have them back."
Old Shukek:"Speaking of which. We should bother the human and see if we can't get a knife for Trak. He's proven himself in combat. All he needs now is to grow into his britches a little, and he'll be a proper worg rider."
Grapmak:"Hmm." Grapmak crosses his arms. "We'll need females to start our own pack."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt rubs his chin. "I wouldn't recommend that, but if you think that's safe, and as long as it's kept out of sight of the other citizens, I suppose you can be responsible with it."
Gnogglebolt:*to the kid with the knife
Gnogglebolt:"Ah, and that…hmm. Can't offer much aid or advice there."
Old Shukek:"A few more males wouldn't hurt either. Keeps the pups from being too weak in the bones." Shukek blinks at the gnome a little; what do you mean it's strange to arm kids? :B
Caswin:(oh - afk)
Grapmak:"Mm. Shukek is the expert on the worg-riders and their path."
Gnogglebolt:"Um…er…" Gnogglebolt sighs. "Yes, this is what I mean, about you're definitely going to need to ask Ezekiel about things. I don't want you to have to completely give up your ways of life, but one such thing around here is that children aren't armed. It's not considered safe. Even if little Track here could handle a knife without hurting himself, everyone else would thing you're dangerous."
Gnogglebolt:"Which, actually brings me to why I'm here."
Ripak:"You can say that again, Saddleweight!" Ripak snipes at Grapmak.
Gnogglebolt:"I have a few parting words for everyone."
- Grapmak looks over to Drit and signs. Drit nods, takes a deep breath… and…
Drit:*FWEEEEEET*
Drit:The other goblins (and Ezekiel) all jump and stare at Drit. Drit just points at Grapmak and Gnogglebolt. :3
Liatai:You now have everyone's attention. x3
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt does look around a bit, feeling slightly odd, but shakes it off. In goblin, he begins; "Well…that was it, everyone. The worst obstacle has been overcome!"
- Ezekiel Chirehan looks around… then sits down on the floor so he's no longer the tallest thing in the room. ^^;;
Gnogglebolt:He lets any of them cheer or clap if they wish, then continues. "However, while I have mentioned this to some of you, it needs mentioning again; it was not the -only- obstacle."
Gnogglebolt:"What that trial just represented was that you are now all officially no longer outlaws, you are now protected -by- the law."
Gnogglebolt:"But this protection is not absolute. Primarily, it means that anyone who commits a crime against you will be punished normally. But what is called a crime does not encompass everything."
Gnogglebolt:"What I mean by all this is, and I do not mean to offend, but…people don't like your kind. People don't trust your kind. As those of you who understand the Common tongue picked up on, people have had bad experiences with your kind. You will be met with distrust and mean looks from people who see you. Probably not all, as there are a few individual goblins in this city, but there will be those who will glare at you, and walk away."
Gnogglebolt:"However, with your public community service, watched over by guards, and with Ezekiel nearby, I expect that by the time your sentance is finished, people will at least be familiar with and accept your presence, if not yet like it."
Gnogglebolt:"This…is where the real battle will begin. And it will be a battle unlike any you have ever fought. It is not a battle of strength and combat, but one of words and deeds."
Gnogglebolt:"No matter what you do, there will always be those who hate you. But you can make that number of people as few as possible. Once your sentance is complete, you will have to find some job or business you can do for the citizens of this city, which will earn you money, which will in turn allow you to buy what you need to survive."
Gnogglebolt:"And while this will be the hardest part…you will have to respect the other people, even if they don't respect you. This seems wrong, I know, but if you do it long enough, eventually people will have no choice but to start returning that respect, otherwise they betray the very foundations of what we call 'civilization'."
Gnogglebolt:"In short; Stay out of trouble. Learn from Ezekial what trouble is. And don't give up. For better, or for worse…this is your home now."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt finishes.
Grapmak:"You heard the gnome!" Grapmak barks to the rest. "And if the tribe starts having problems because of you — any one of you — you'll have me and my axe to answer to." Pointed look around the room. "Are we clear, Swiftaxes?"
Liatai:A chorus of "Yep!" "Yeah!" "Uh-huh!" "Can we still punch 'em if they punch us?" "You heard Grapmak and the gnome! Ask the human!"
TMG:(ooh, in gnogglebolt's speech, inster "name-calling" and "jeering" in after the mean looks part ^^; )
TMG:*insert
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt decides to answer one of the questions he heard over the chorus.
- Dosemz still scowls from his spot in the corner.
Gnogglebolt:"As I did say, you -are- now protected by the law. If anyone tries to harm you unprovoked, do not strike back, but inform Ezekiel. That person will then go before the very same court you were just in. Does that make sense?"
Nintrok:"Hmm… maybe once we start to earn money, we can get you a peg leg, Schink," the prophet muses. "Like the one Bruz had."
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt's ears perk up, but he leaves it be for the moment.
Irch:"Aw. I wanted to punch 'em."
Kranik:"You punch 'em, it causes problems. You heard Grapmak."
Irch:"Yeep. Don't wanna cause problems with the chief."
Gnogglebolt:He approaches Grapmak again. "By the way, Shukek has shown you your 'starting funs', yes? A bag of two-hundred gold left by me, and nine thousand coppers that used to belong to Blacksword herself?"
- Grapmak nods.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt reaches into his pack, and pulls out a small pouch, which clinks softly. "That was when I wasn't sure if the five goblins here were going to be alone while you carried out your sentance. You will not be paid while you workthat is the point of the punishmentbut I am not certain if you will be provided meals. In case…" He hands the pouch to Grapmak. "You want to make sure there is as much of this, plus what you already have, leftover by the time your setance is finished. The more you have left, the more money you can use to start whatever business you decide works best for you.
- Grapmak accepts the pouch and looks within; how much is there?
Gnogglebolt:"As for such a business…perhaps you could run a goblin-themed bar. People are a little more open to things they don't like when it's part of entertainment. Or maybe, if you want the martial skills of you tribe to go to use, you could be a caravan guard, though not many people will hire you at first. Talk with Ezekiel about your options when the time comes.
Gnogglebolt:and twenty platinum pieces
Crang:"THUDRUD!" :D
Gnogglebolt:yeah, -platinum-
Dirk:"Shut up, you drunk!"
TMG:(also deducting from token)
TMG:all in all, the goblins should have 490 total gold to start with.
TMG:That should keep them sustained while the sentance is served, and get them on their feet once it's over. There are a -lot- of them. x3
Grapmak:Grapmak looks at the coins somewhat disbelievingly, as though he's never seen a platinum piece before. He looks one of the coins over, before passing the pouch off to Shukek temporarily.
Gnogglebolt:"But yes. There's many things a tribe of goblins for hire could do, you'll have to look."
Grapmak:"It is still hard to believe… just how far one of Garl's spawn has gone to help a tribe of people who were enemies. Two tribes, now one, free of Redmaw, free of Blacksword, starting over with a new den in a new place."
Gnogglebolt:"Never leave something unfinished." Gnogglebolt quotes.
Grapmak:The goblin extends a hand, the other hand resting on the handle of his axe. "Gnogglebolt Truespeak. If you or your tribe should ever need help, whether to slay your enemies or wait out a storm, know that you are welcome among the Swiftaxes."
Drit:The older goblins all sit up and take notice; you get the feeling this is quite the important gesture.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt also gets that this is pretty important, and bows. "Thank you, Grapmak Swiftaxe. I merely did what I thought to be right."
- Grapmak nods.
Gnogglebolt:In the back of his mind….Gnogglebolt adds the goblin words for "truespeak" to his name.
Gnogglebolt:This was important to both parties, for reasons the other was not fully aware. Funny how the universe works…
Gnogglebolt:Before he leaves, Gnogglebolt goes over to look at Schink.
Gnogglebolt:"How are you holding up? You're with your tribe again."
Schink:"Still strange to be under the same roof as Blackswords… much less being watched over by one." Indeed, the two younger mystics, Nintrok and Irka, are constantly watching out for Schink, even while Nintrok sits nearby and rolls the fingerbones across the floor with a clatter.
Gnogglebolt:Gnogglebolt nods. "By the way, I don't know if you remember, you were still recovering at the time, but…what I said before hasn't changed, either." In a quiet voice, he says, "You don't have to be like this forever." After that Gnogglebolt reaches into his pack and pulls out…some rope. And then he…starts taking Schink's measurements? Armlength, leglength, bodylength, and a few other measurements. When he's done, he puts the rope back in his pack, and heads for the door, saying his last goodbye.
Gnogglebolt:"Farewell, swiftaxes! Until we meet again!"
Grapmak:The goblins all clamor up with a chorus of farewells, and more than a few well-wishes. The worgs also join in with a gruff bark or two.
Gnogglebolt:And….that's it.
TMG:Goblin subplot.
TMG:FINALLY RESOLVED! xD
Liatai:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1qSnOhYWUA&feature=related
Liatai:x3TMG:Heeheehee xD
GM:And before I forget!
GM:100 XP - Seeing It Through To The End.
TMG:*glows* ^^
TMG:added and saved :)
Liatai:A name, EXP, and a completed storyline! x3 I'd say this was pretty productive, wouldn't you?
TMG:Yup! :D
Liatai:And now, I think we're done here. :3 To the IRC!
TMG:although, despite how good it all was, II think -everyone- myself included, are going to be happy if I don't do something like this again x3
TMG:And yup!
TMG:Save log!
TMG:To the irc!
Caswin:To the IRC!
Caswin is disconnected.
TMG:-definitely- save log, too o.o I don't have all of it as backup
Liatai:XDLiatai:OK. Give me two shakes.
Liatai:Got it!
TMG:whee :D
Liatai:To the IRC! *points in a random direction*
You have disconnected.