Silstaren looks with interest at the charter Royston shows him. "Thank you."
"If we were wise, says Eamon, "one of our first acts would be to have that printed up in several handbills. I think it may become useful. Given that no judicial system exists in the Stolen Lands beyond the rule of the sword, we are starting one here and now. Like it or not, these men are our test case."
"We are given the explicit charge to explore and 'to strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior'. The nature of that strife will probably be violent much of the time. When it can be more civilized, it will be."
"What is your interest in our charter, stranger?" the knight asks Silestaren.
"Need I have an interest beyond learning the news of the day? " Silstaren smiles. "But as it happens I find myself without resources or prospects, and nursing a grudge against bandits in general. So my question to you is, are you hiring?"
"Our resources are limited at the start," replies Eamon. "But are as potentially large as the grant of land you have just read. What skills have you, that you seek such dangerous employment?"
"I've worked as a merchant guard in these lands for three years. I know sword and bow. I can track and live off the land."
The young knight extends a hand. "Find yourself someplace to bed down for the night and some dinner. I'm sure the Expedition can use a man with your experience. My companions and I will discuss it over dinner."
Silstaren takes the paladin's hand. "That is acceptable. I am Silstaren."
Since introductions are being made, Halloran steps forward and offers his hand as well. A pleasure to meet you Silstaren, I am Halloran..
Oleg:
"Since we are all introducing ourselves, I'm Oleg and this is my wife Svetlana."
Svetlana:
"How do you do?"
she politely bows abit.
"I am Alkaid, a priestess of Kurgess."
Royston finishes storing his charter and then offers his hand in friendship.
"It's always good to see another friendly face."
"Kurgess!" says Eamon, delightedly, knowing the demigod's connection to athletic competition. "I love a good competition. I've got to watch these bandits this evening but we should arrange a ball game for tomorrow! Just to let off the steam."
A pleasure to meet you, Halloran nods back to Alkaid, then turns to Eamon. Speaking of the bandits, isn't it time to decide their fate?
Eamon, who has spent all night with the prisoners, answering their questions and talking to them without lecturing, returns to the room where they have been imprisoned. He pauses before opening the door to pray for their souls. Then, he opens the door and leads them out into the square where stand the Expedition members and probably everyone else at the trading post.
"Prisoners," he says. "You have been caught in the act of banditry. Under the authority of the Sword Lords of Restov, your lives are now forfeit, sentence to be carried out immediately. You have been given a generous opportunity to save your lives and, if you will, to change them. Those who will repent of banditry and swear never again to pursue it or any other evil act may cross over to me. Your incarceration and labor will begin today."
He regards the prisoners with the grim visage of justice.
For those that choose the path of repentance, I will help you in anyway I can and show you the blessings of the path of Good.
Lina
"I'll gladly walk the path of good, especially if the blessings of good get me a figure like yours, as I hate getting mistaken for a boy."
The other 3 bandits look at Lina and in unison say
"You were a girl?"
Silstaren watches the proceedings with interest. He slowly edges toward the front of the crowd.
Lina
"So what, if I am."
reply @ Lina
"I am sure you may get what you wish for."
Happs:
"I will forgo banditry and walk the path of good."
Jack:
"I will forgo banditry as well."
Charlie:
"Forgo banditry and live another day or die today.
I'll take a reform session please."
Silstaren stares at each of the bandits in turn as they declare their repentance.
Sense motive , , , ,
Well then, I guess we'll see if second chances pay off. Turning to Oleg, Halloran asks him Yesterday, you said something about your wife's wedding ring?
Silstaren waits for Halloran's business to be finished before asking the bandits, "A small caravan of two wagons and and four men was attacked east of here. Some of the bandits fled this way. Were you among them? I only ask to settle the matter in my mind. You need not fear reprisal from me while you are under the protection of these good people."
Happs:
reply to Silstaren
"Sorry, but you got the wrong 4 bandits."
Oleg:
reply to Halloran
"Ya, they took it on their first raid of the place."
"Is there anything else besides a ring we should be on the lookout for as we explore? Neighbors who have gone silent, perhaps?"
Once he's done speaking with Oleg and his wife, the cleric will go over to the former bandits to ask some questions.
"Could any of you please let me know the meaning behind the symbol on the medallion you had with you? Also, the location of any brigands or hazards would be welcome."
Royston speaks calmly and without accusation. He's not judging them or their claims; he's speaking to them like he would any fellow traveler.
Happs:
reply to Silstaren
"Sorry, but you got the wrong 4 bandits."
"Did anyone pass you on the road?"
Happs
Reply to Silstaren
"Nope, as we came from the south. Judging from the sound of your arrival, you likely came from the north."
reply to Royston
"The amulet is like a pass for things and that's all I know about the amulet. As for the ring I think the group still has it, unless it's been offered to the Stag Lord, and I don't know anything more about him.
The camp is south of here in the woods near a creek or river."
Svetlana:
reply to Royston
"I don't think so."
"Thanks."
Silstaren frowns. No leads. He turns away to listen to teh other conversations.
Royston thanks the former bandits for their information and then turns to the others who want to tame the region.
"It sounds like we have a place to start with this camp to the south near a body of water. It might even be where your bandits when," the cleric says, looking at Silstaren. "We have no idea how often they move camp or when these people are expected back. So the sooner we go there, the better off we will be. If we can get the drop on them, we can demand their surrender and offer them a chance at a new life. The choice can be on them."
Well, I suppose there's no time like the present, we can take the bandits horses and set out this morning. Turning to Silstaren he asks, Do you think you can follow a trail that's maybe a day old?
"I'll stay here and watch over the lost sheep."
Royston thanks the former bandits for their information and then turns to the others who want to tame the region.
"It sounds like we have a place to start with this camp to the south near a body of water. It might even be where your bandits when," the cleric says, looking at Silstaren. "We have no idea how often they move camp or when these people are expected back. So the sooner we go there, the better off we will be. If we can get the drop on them, we can demand their surrender and offer them a chance at a new life. The choice can be on them."
Well, I suppose there's no time like the present, we can take the bandits horses and set out this morning. Turning to Silstaren he asks, Do you think you can follow a trail that's maybe a day old?
"Depending on the ground, the weather, and number of bandits, I can." Silstaren inclines his head toward the repentant bandits. "If you trust one of them, they would make a good guide, but first let's learn some more."
Th elf spins smoothly back to Lina, "Please step aside with us." He sweeps his arm out to politely usher her to a more secluded area. Then he begins a series of questions. "How far away is the camp? Are there any landmarks near the camp? -- Does the camp lie on this side or the far side of the stream and how close to it? How many bandits are we likely to encounter at the camp? Are more bandits likely to be there at one time or another? "
When the quizzing is done, Silstaren says, "I must resupply before I can ride out. It shouldn't take long. Please excuse me."
The elf looks up Oleg."Master Oleg, let us discuss your wares."
While your asking them questions, ask them who this "Stag Lord" is, I don't believe I know him. Halloran says to Silstaren.
Oleg:
@Silstaren
"What are you looking for?"
@Silstaren
questioning the bandits you get the same answer, south, trees and a river.
And none know who the stage lord is as they have never seen him.
Closed mouth lot. Reasonably certain the bandit's stories are consistent, if not especially helpful, Silstaren turns to the question of provisions. "Pardon me while I speak with Oleg."
@Oleg: "Nothing much. Five days provisions for my mount and me. I thought I overheard you mention a discount for those endeavoring earnestly against the bandits?"
After he negotiates the purchase, Silstaren asks for a bit of privacy so he can retrieve his coin from its cache in the bottom of his quiver. He returns with a platinum piece. Since he doesn't expect Oleg to have change, he'll leave the coin on accountant with the trader.
"Finally, common sense prevailed!", Rory nods sarcastically. "Suppose we get a bandit to lead us to the hideout. What then? He's going to warn the rest with their pre-agreed danger signal and then join their side as the fight ensues. Right, folks?" He casts a casual glance to the bandits without expecting a reaction.
"Let's ride out and make a name for ourselves, and then this Stag Lord will be on the lookout for us, not the other way around."
Sir Eamon laughs as he prepares to ride forth. "And that's your idea of a good thing, is it Rory? Well then you are a mad man and I'm glad to ride by your side."
@Rory
Silstaren shrugs. "Any tracker can lose the trail. Suit yourself."
His business with Oleg concluded, Silstaren stuffs his saddlebags with food and tops off his waterskin. When everyone is ready he walks his roan out the gate and starts looking for the bandits' tracks.
Rolls if needed
Perception
Survival to track
are you going to explore a hex or travel through it?
which nearby hex are you travel to or through?
(East, West, South East, South West)