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[My Name is Immaterial]

Head to the AMC and inquire for a list of jobs that I could do.

Head to the AMC and inquire for a list of jobs that I could do.

Follow along if Cade doesn't mind.

After a restful night in an establishment similar to the one that Edgric spent the night in (which costs the same amount of money, as I am oging to be that sort of DM), you ignore or miss the buzz of a gruesome murder last night, and head around to the southern side of Mount Kalgena, where the AMC memeber companies have their offices and operations. A secretary pretending to be very busy shows you into their boss's office. He is a jovial, round dwarf who introduces himself as Goril Redmountain.
"Well, Mr. Thorngage and Mr. Browne, we do have a number of slots that involve assisting the mining operation, with a non-negotiable pay per spell system and a also non-negotiable expert contractor rate. Also, I can tell that you are discreet man, who's silence is for sale. I'm assuming that you will break your silence for the right price, so I want to you to keep in mind that we have people who know exactly where it hurts the most, which is why I need a free sample of silence. Redmountain and CO. have breached the wall of a mine that we believe was dug centuries ago, if not earlier. Only a few people know about this, and we want it to stay this way. We require a team to delve into the mine and escort some of our mining engineers to determine if the previous inhabitants struck a jackpot, and, if so, ensure that the mine is safe for our mining teams. You are unwelcome to turn down this offer, and are welcome to propose candidates for your short trip into the mine."
[Also known as totally not a dungeon crawl quest given by an authority figure]

Examine the rest of the crime scene more closely, make sure I haven't missed anything.
Search: d20 + 2 = 16

After a through examination, two things become clear: 1. Even though the dirt in the alley has been scuffed up by many feet, it seems that no attempt was made to move the body. 2. There's no murder weapon, or marking that the CC might have left to suggest the presence of one.
If you, as I assume, return to the bar that offered you a place to sleep, you enjoy a good night's sleep. In the morning, rumor is spreading like wildfire of a particularly nasty murder. No one can agree on where, who or most of the other specifics, but they all agree that the victim's guts were ripped out. It sounds like the CC was unable to keep this one quiet and you can smell the palpable fear radiating from the miners already beginning to sweat in the hot summer morning.

Gregory fills out his form in silence with the provided writing implement.

Spoiler: Form (click to show/hide)

Name: Gregory Ragefist
God: Kord
Experience:
References:
Size: Large Armor, Huge Weapons
Armament: N/A
Distinguishing Marks: Stature, Horns, Fur, etc.

Freg takes your completed form and glances over it. "Any references? If not, we're going to have to do a couple of rather invasive procedures instead. Well, I exaggerate. It's really just a short interview with one our Paladins, while you are under the influence of some divination spells. It's easier for us if you just give us some references."

'Fraid I don't have anyone left to vouch for me.

"Well, that's disappointing. Sergeant, could you find The Interrogator? Thank you." Rockcrusher returns with a Psuedodragon perched on his shoulder.
"Ah, Interrogator, I hope I did not disturb you." He pauses for a moment, as if he was listening. "Mmhmm. Anyway, to business. Guy, meet The Interrogator, our best member in the business of determining the truth. Interrogator, this is Gregory Guy, a new recruit."
In your mind, you hear a booming voice. Hail, Guy. Give me moment to check your form. The Interrogator hops off of Rockcrusher's shoulder and down to the paperwork. No references or experience. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Detect Evil!
This would lead to a (probably lame, because I've recently discovered that I am really bad at ad-libbing humor,) comedy section where the little Psuedodragon roughly interrogates you (only slightly inspired by that OOTS gag about halflings and a sheet of lead), if we were in an in person game and it wasn't late at night. Since we are not, I'm giving you the synopsis.
You are taken to the dead center of the main hall, where, apparently, one of founding members of the CC cast a permanent Zone of Truth. You are unable to overcome the magical effects of the Zone. You give a brief version of your life story, affirm, both through story and liberal uses of Detect Evil, that you are not evil, and explain the accidental death of Orlgoth away. The Interrogator accepts your explanation, and give Freg the mental version of a thumbs up.

After turning in your paperwork, you are accepted into the ranks of the Church Coalition. More on that tomorrow.

[lawastooshort]

”Well, that sounds acceptable to me. How much is this expert contractor non-negotiable fee?”

And turning to Cade:

”Perhaps we could round up some of the folks we travelled here with? Some of them would be suitable for this kind of escorting and investigative work, no?”

[Zako]

"Indeed. They do seem like the type that can look after everyone if things should go wrong." Cade replies before turning to Goril. "Is there a specific time that you require this job to be done by? Can it wait a few days, for example? I have some scrolls that I'd like to scribe into my book for further use, and it takes time to do it correctly."

[My Name is Immaterial]

”Well, that sounds acceptable to me. How much is this expert contractor non-negotiable fee?”

"It depends on your particular skill set. Our fees typically range from five to ten silver a day when we need you to be on hand and available on those days. However, we pay more for certain specialized tasks that don't fit into either a normal schedule. Those are slightly negotiable, as they are restricted for those who have shown themselves trustworthy, so you are not eligible at the moment."

"Is there a specific time that you require this job to be done by? Can it wait a few days, for example? I have some scrolls that I'd like to scribe into my book for further use, and it takes time to do it correctly."

"We need to restart mining operations soon before too many people get curious, but I'll give you a week to get your group assembled. Base payment is 75 gp per head, up to four, not including our discretion fee. We will not pay per spell, for damages or injuries, or other unmentioned expenses."


The promised Law Enforcement stuff:
You are led to some barracks and sleep till dawn. You spend half a day demonstrating your combat abilities, focusing on your non-lethal skills. After a short lunch of a bland but filling gruel, you are led through a tour of the Church Coalition's operations, starting with a brief overview of the criminal justice laws of Kalgena, which are few in number.

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

If you are found to be guilty of committing any of the following crimes in the city of Kalgena, you are to be served with the below sentence or an equal one issued by the presiding judge.

Theft: The theft of any object carries the sentence of the removal of a segment of a finger for every 5 silver in damages, to a maximum of 5 gold.
Murder: Intentionally killing another sentient lifeform for any reason other than self-defense carries the sentence of the removal of the primary hand and all toes.
Assualt: Attacking another sentient lifeform for any reason other than self-defense carries the sentence of the removal of the secondary hand.

More to come.

[Zako]

"Very good! I think we'll accept this job and prove our worth. Can you provide us with the location and name of the mine, so we know where to go? Is there anything else that we should know?"

[My Name is Immaterial]

"Can you provide us with the location and name of the mine, so we know where to go? Is there anything else that we should know?"

"That information is on a need-to-know basis and you do not need to know yet. Return with your group an hour before you wish to delve into the mine. As for anything else you need to know, we are not responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain in our employee."

I'm still finishing the criminal code and other Law Enforcement stuff. Tomorrow.

[AlleeCat]

It doesn't seem like I can do much more with this investigation without seeing a body. I'm almost thinking it's some sort of ritual requiring organs to perform, but I wouldn't know what kind unless I knew which organs were removed. I also won't be able to narrow down the murder weapon unless I see what kind of shape the body is in. Right now for all I know it could be anything from a sword to a battleaxe. I could always try to talk my way into the CC headquarters, but I'm afraid it would probably take more than just a sharp tongue to get in (paperwork and such that would take time to at least forge if not get my hands on the real stuff). However, I do know of some people who were joining the Coalition last time we were together, so it might be a good idea to meet up with them again.
Find a way to meet up with the rest of the party, or at least the ones joining the Coalition.

[Rolepgeek]

((I will now be providing the references and what-not)).

References:
Syllmus of the Mithral-Wing((Silver dragon; he's the equivalent of the captain of the guard for the Temple she came from, which is most likely the largest temple devoted to Melisi in the world. It's also where her armor design comes from. He's Wyrm age, by the way. And likely to be vaguely annoyed but resigned about the sending. If they don't know of him to some degree before they 'call', they're not well informed. He does know her, and will be slightly proud/approving, but in the vague far off sense a professor is; he knows a lot of people. She happened to be one of the top 'students', but still.))
Mother Kusimeali((Old half-orc druid who Gartens spent a lot of time with during her temple years as an adolescent and child. Grandmotherly, often tends the sick. Think in the 'smack your hand with a spoon and able to outcuss a sailor' grandmother, though.))
Garrish "Blackwrist" Tamillen((Her old drillmaster and tutor. Very harsh of course, but to help toughen them; besides, it's not like the people he teaches aren't used to it...gruff affection for Gartens))

In smaller, less distinct print, a few more names can be found. They are obviously acquaintance Gartens did not want to write down...
Lester Quarter-Thumb((Gnome Barbarian/Monk. Yes, I know it doesn't make sense. Pretend there's one of those multiclass feats for it. And yes, he is a very strange person.))
Stypereus Makuneras((Elven sorceror with large amounts of dragon blood. Very lecherous, and she still wants to get back together with Gartens sometime.))
Ferrius Batell((A pixie assassin/servant. Think the typical distant but professional assassin you see in books. Now add the darker side of fae to that. Then make it a willing servant to a human(not Gartens, just an old guy not listed here), for whatever reason, who truly likes the person they work for. You get this guy/girl(noone is quite sure).))
Pikus the Purple Eyed((a troll(now a samurai or the equivalent of) she made friends with. Long story.))
Three-Hander((a human thug-fighter that Gartens managed to help get off the streets/clean up the streets. Runs a 'gang' that is considerably nicer than most others; helps children, keeps meaner gangs from racketeering everyone, etc. Not in Kalgena, though.))
Barrm Crownglass((Dwarven paladin/ranger she traveled with for a time, underground. Had a lot of religious arguments, friendly rivalry between them.))

[My Name is Immaterial]

Spoiler: Laws and stuff (click to show/hide)

If you are found to be guilty of committing any of the following crimes in the city of Kalgena, you are to be served with the below sentence or an equal one issued by the presiding judge.

Theft: The theft of any object carries the sentence of the removal of a segment of a finger for every 5 silver in damages, to a maximum of 5 gold.
Murder: Intentionally killing another sentient lifeform for any reason other than self-defense or upholding the peace carries the sentence of the removal of the primary hand and all toes.
Assualt: Attacking another sentient lifeform for any reason other than self-defense carries the sentence of the removal of the secondary hand.

All of the preceding carry a minimum sentence of four days in the custody of the Church Coalition.

After being told that the basic illegal stuff is illegal, you are taken on a brief tour of the HQ. There's the barracks that you've already seen (the guide informs you that there are barracks in each CC Station), the messhall, which had serious architectural input from someone who thinks that long halls and mead halls are the peak of architectural design, a few courtrooms, each with a permanent Circle of Truth installed, and then a quick look inside the administration side, where many people are running around with papers but some of them flying both the people and the papers and it's all very confusing can we go.

The final stop is the Penitentiary, the place where they keep the criminals of the city for a short while. It's an hour's walk into the Drylands. As you crest a sandy hill, an orange pueblo style complex appears below you. The outskirts are patrolled by hound golems, infact, most of the staff are constructs. Only a skeleton crew actually runs the Pen, as it's known. Heading back to town, you briefly stop by the HQ for your assignment.
There will be more later (including AlleeCat's turn), but certain circumstances have forced me to post now.

[lawastooshort]

Well, I'm not sure I need any specific items, but we should group up somehow with any PCs who are interested in sightseeing this mine. Someone fighty would be good.

[My Name is Immaterial]

The three of you, Guy, Gartens and Godkissed, have been assigned to Patrol Station 12.
Based on the dosier, and briefing by a new coworker named Phillip, you were given, it is currently staffed by about 20 full-time officers of the law, supported by four civilian staff. You are replacing injured officer who were wounded while breaking up a skirmish between the two rival gangs in the area, one from Snake Hill and the other from Strudee Square, two streets patrolled by PS12.
The Station covers an area of 52 streets, which make up about two and a half neighborhoods. The one in which the Station is located, Ironsend, the home of many blacksmiths, is right between Snakehill and Sturdee Square, only half of which is under the jurisdiction of PS12.

The Patrol Station acts as a base of operations for the local Church Coalition influence. As suggested by the name, patrols operate out from here, ten to be precise. However, only four to six are active at time, depending on the time of day. It is a weathered wooden building, two stories tall. When you enter, you notice the half-elf you traveled with sitting in a chair, apparently waiting for something.

Alaris, this is you, if you didn't guess. After visiting the Church Coalition and asking around, you find out that they have been posted in Patrol Station 12, and are given directions. You make it there an hour before they do, as they are still visiting the Pen.

[Rolepgeek]

Gartens attempts to find out the typical operating procedure, expected conduct, etc. for the members of the Church Coalition.

[My Name is Immaterial]

Gartens attempts to find out the typical operating procedure, expected conduct, etc. for the members of the Church Coalition.

Your primary job is to patrol, which is done in pairs. These pairs are typically given two to six streets to patrol for about six hours, at which point they switch off with another pair and move onto another area for another six hour shift. While on patrol, you are expected to assist those in need of assistance, stop crimes in progress, investigate crimes that have been committed, keep a decent decorum as you are the Coalition's face on the streets, and generally keep the peace.
When investigating crimes, you are only allowed to search a premise with a warrant from HQ. The process for acquiring a warrant is rather simple, have reasonable suspicion and some evidence. While searching a premise, you are not allowed to destroy property, or generally commit a crime.

Generally, the Coalition strongly encourages their members to abide by the Rule of Evidence, the Watch Detective's code. Violating it more than minorly the first few times will result in a personal discussion with your superior. From there, your discretions will be sent to the higher ups, eventually resulting in a tribunal or expulsion.

Spoiler: The Rule of Evidence. (click to show/hide)

Proof, not suspicion, is the only evidence that matters. A suspect may not be charged with a crime until unimpeachable evidence of his or her involvement has been uncovered, or a confession has been obtained.
Unnecessary violence in the apprehension of a suspected criminal is not permitted. A suspect should be brought to justice rather than killed whenever possible.
Seizure of a suspect's goods is not permitted, unless such constitute evidence to be used in prosecuting that suspect or another.
Evidence gained by detection magic, psionic powers, or other magical or supernatural means must be backed up with either physical proof or uncoerced confession. Only concrete forms of evidence satisfy all members of a community.
Interrogation of a suspect is not permitted unless he or she consents or is charged with a crime.
Detention of a person suspected of a crime is not permitted unless a specific charge has been made.
Protection of the innocent takes precedence over apprehension of a suspected criminal.
A watch detective may not knowingly commit crimes.
Violation of these codes may result in the release of a suspect and/or the dismissal of the watch detective.

[AlleeCat]

Alaris waves at the newly minted officers, "Hey guys, what took you? Heard about the grisly murder yet?" Saying "grisly murder" in the same way one would say "spooky ghosts."

[Remuthra]

"Grisly murder?"