Zarabeta quickly restrains any fallen hellknights that are still unconscious from her spell (or other effects), and snatches up their crossbows and swords, fastening to the saddle of one of the horses.
"We should drive the wagon off, and any horses that are not ours, to deny them those resources. The more valuable material they lose, the worse they appear in the eyes of their superiors."
Her mercenary streak cuts in as she speaks, and she frisks the fallen men for coin-purses or items of jewelry as well, although she'll make no attempt to disguise this or hide things from the others.
Speculating that anything of true value would likely have been within the wagon, she'll check it as well.
Marius shakes his head..."The horses wouldn't go far...and would probably return to the next bunch off Hellknights anyway so it would be best to lead them away from here if we want to deny them to our foes...but we can certainly take their weapons"
"The fact that they return shamed yet again will stand us in good stead.." he looks down at the recumbent Giobanni..."|Though I feel sorry for this one in a way...his honour was his undoing we should always remember that"
"Let's make sure none of them die, though," Waifrin adds, going to check on the fallen, then grins. "They'll find this wagon whether we use it or not. So let's lock the worst injured, and him," she indicates Giobanni, "inside it - for their own protection, of course. We can take those horses though."
She turns to the half-elf.
"So you are Arael, well met."
Marius shakes his head..."The horses wouldn't go far...and would probably return to the next bunch off Hellknights anyway so it would be best to lead them away from here if we want to deny them to our foes...but we can certainly take their weapons"
"I agree. We take the horses and deny them the ability to catch up to us that much more," Akorian states as he calmly reloads his crossbow in case the retreating riders decide to make another charge again. "Once we get clear of this place, we can set the mounts free. They'll know to return to where they're well-fed and cared for soon enough."
"The fact that they return shamed yet again will stand us in good stead.." he looks down at the recumbent Giobanni..."Though I feel sorry for this one in a way...his honour was his undoing we should always remember that"
"It wasn't his honor that laid him low," the priest responds, "He dealt truthfully with us in every way. Rather, it was the dishonor of his own men that led us down this path. I'll see what I can do to make sure all of them survive. But let's round them all up...and bind them or lock them in the wagon. We'll leave it here. And hopefully, the rest of those armigers will stay here to free them rather than ride after us."
"Either way," Akorian continues, "We need to start splitting up and get out of here. At least two riders made for Westcrown...and who knows if the one using magic on the rooftop had a means of contacting Citadel Rivad. We can't linger here. But travel in groups of no less than two or three, in case they give chase."
He gestures at Janiven without using her name. "Get the others out of here," he demands, "They need your leadership right now. It's the first time many of them have probably participated in bloodshed of their own making. Now look after them while we see to Arael. And may the Everbloom see us all safely home."
Marius starts loading the unconcious and wounded Armigers into the coach starting with Giobanni.
He grins and winks at Waif as he does so...
"Cut the string on that bow..or better yet hit it with that...whatever it is you do...I think we ought to cost them as much in replacements as possible"
once he has moved the men he moves to the front of the coach and cuts the traces of the draught horses..."and that should stop them moving this in a hurry...pity we couldnt take the wheel nuts off as well"
Waifrin nods and scrambles back up onto the wagon. There she uses the point of a dagger to knock the pin out of the trigger mechanism and throws it away, then cuts the bowstring for good measure. When she scrambles down she examines the wheels - if they are held in place by pins, they aren't any more ...
"You know, we could always sell those horses," she remarks quietly to Akorian. "I might know a man who can find a buyer, and I suspect Raven knows several."
"You know, we could always sell those horses," she remarks quietly to Akorian. "I might know a man who can find a buyer, and I suspect Raven knows several."
"We aren't thieves," Akorian responds without anger, just a sense of conviction, "We don't have to be quite that mercenary. The important thing is we keep them from using the horses. Besides, trying to find a black market for the animals could call more attention to us than the money's worth. And they'd be exceptionally hard to keep hidden from the Hellknights. It's really all about what's an acceptable amount of risk. I don't think selling the horses is worth that risk."
"Please don't take this the wrong way, Akorian, but you are awfully naive about some things," Waifrin shakes her head sadly. "I've had to steal, cheat, lie and fight my way around life, and done some other unpleasant things too, just to avoid starving. Horses get stolen all the time, and dealers have their ways of making sure no-one knows where they came from. We need money, and so does our cause. Now you were prepared to mob a man and break your promise to him to get what you wanted, and I'm prepared to sell a few horses on the black market to get us funds. I'd say that makes us as bad as each other."
"Please don't take this the wrong way, Akorian, but you are awfully naive about some things," Waifrin shakes her head sadly. "I've had to steal, cheat, lie and fight my way around life, and done some other unpleasant things too, just to avoid starving. Horses get stolen all the time, and dealers have their ways of making sure no-one knows where they came from. We need money, and so does our cause. Now you were prepared to mob a man and break your promise to him to get what you wanted, and I'm prepared to sell a few horses on the black market to get us funds. I'd say that makes us as bad as each other."
"Hardly, my dear," Akorian notes, "Mobbing a man to free Arael rather than allowing him to continue delaying us serves a much different purpose than rounding up their horses to sell for money to 'fund' our cause. Are we somehow lacking in coin for something? No. We aren't. You're speaking from a survival instinct and nothing more."
"So, in my eyes, it's you who remains naive," he tells her, "You fell into a life of stealing, cheating, and lying to survive. That was a necessary choice that isn't necessary any longer. And yet, you continue to value that course because it's the only thing that got you this far in life. But you come from a noble family whose original ideals would not uphold such a dishonorable action."
"There are other ways to accomplish what you want, my dear. You just have to have the courage, commitment, and determination to find them. And, in that, lies the greatest strength and hope of all. For that, leads to a better life, free of fear."
"Look, regardless of my personal philosophy...which you may choose to dismiss as the theology of a faith you don't share, but seem more than willing to accept blessings from...the fact remains that taking these horses and attempting to sell them poses a great risk to our ability to avoid further attention from the Hellknights as we nurse Arael back to health," the priest goes on, "That should be our focus right now. Not rounding up as many valuables from the armigers as we can find. And then making plans on how to sell them to some underground source for extra coin."
"But don't get me wrong," he finishes with a nod towards Raven, "He and I know the value of turning commandeered resources against an adversary. That time will certainly come. But it isn't now. We have more important things to attend to...so stick to the plan. And let's get everyone safely out of here first."
Waifrin looks awkward, almost abashed at Akorian's lecture. Instead of rounding up and flaring back at him she looks away, uncertain as to quite how to respond.
"Well .. you're the first noble I've met in recent years that actually lived up to that code in any way, so forgive me if I seem a little unfamiliar with it," she mumbles grudgingly. "Most nobles I've seen have acted just the same as the worst scum ... except my own family," she adds sadly, clearly thinking of something that pains her. "And .. I never said I didn't share your faith ... I just don't know it very well yet," she adds. "All I've really known is the Asmodeans, and you're a whole lot better than they are - as a nobleman, and a priest."
She rallies and looks him back in the eye, placing her hand on his arm.
"You're right, I don't like to look a gift horse in the mouth, but it would be a risk. If you tell me more about the Everbloom later, maybe I will be a believer."
Zarabeta blithely ignores Akorion's flowery words about not needing money, responding to Raven's quip instead. "Oh, your heart is perfectly safe, clever-handed one, as I would not know where to fence such a treasure."
She takes whatever coin and jewelry is present, securing crossbows and blades to the horse she's been assigned, which she will walk beside as they depart.
"Well .. you're the first noble I've met in recent years that actually lived up to that code in any way, so forgive me if I seem a little unfamiliar with it," she mumbles grudgingly. "Most nobles I've seen have acted just the same as the worst scum ... except my own family," she adds sadly, clearly thinking of something that pains her. "And .. I never said I didn't share your faith ... I just don't know it very well yet," she adds. "All I've really known is the Asmodeans, and you're a whole lot better than they are - as a nobleman, and a priest."
She rallies and looks him back in the eye, placing her hand on his arm.
"You're right, I don't like to look a gift horse in the mouth, but it would be a risk. If you tell me more about the Everbloom later, maybe I will be a believer."
Obviously touched by Waifrin's words and confidence in him, Akorian nods. "Hope persists," he assures her, "As long as someone rightly lives up to the promise it holds forth."
"Let's not have a debate right now -- let's just get Arael back home!"
"Agreed," Akorian responds, "Everyone round up your...." And then he pauses as he realizes Zarabeta found the time to bring together the horses for everyone. "Ahhh! Well done! You're a step ahead, as always, my dear!"
"Why don't you and Akorian go on ahead with Arael," Marius grins broadly..I'll go with Zarabeth and Raven and Mother can follow on behind..sound like a good plan?"
Akorian's mask hides the angry expression on his face, but the tone of his voice does not.
"Stop...using...names!" he demands, pointing with each word in Marius' direction, "Our adversaries aren't all unconscious, you know. Sort out who you wish to accompany, but we all leave by different routes. Arael? You can share a horse with her." He gestures at Waifrin since she's the smallest of them. "The wagon will be much too slow. And better we get you out of here most of all."
The priest grabs the reins to his horse and mounts up.
"Let's go."
Marius gives Akorian a long measured stare... the grins again and mounts up...
"As you wish...my Lord. ." he comments mockingly from the saddle...then turns his horse eastwards...
"I think we shall move south and east from here my lady" he says to Zara..."then we come in by the southern gates and move through the city...if that meets with your approval off course.."
Akorian ensures Arael is seated comfortably with Waifrin astride her horse and then leads them on a different route. Along the way, he worries incessantly about the rest of their team. Judging by Marius' skill-at-arms and Zarabeta's magic, they should do well if anyone tries venturing after them. Hopefully, Raven's penchant for going undetected and Mother's survival skills and commonsense will see them safely back. Janiven and her crew should have more than enough numbers to defend themselves if accosted. And that just leaves him, Arael, and Waifrin to find their way.
"Courage," he mutters to himself, "Milani favors the bold."
As they ride along, he consistently checks the horizon and the treeline to ensure they aren't followed. And, before circling back to town, he makes sure he and Waifrin remove their masks.
"Well done back there," he compliments the young girl, "I didn't expect that many armigers in the escort. But, collectively, we handled them rather well, I think. It's nice to see you free of Citadel Rivad, Arael."
"Thank you. I'm sorry about their leader on the roof, but after he toasted his own men, he had it coming."
"The Everbloom's doctrine praises those who lay an evil tyrant low," Akorian responds, "And a man who would torch his own allies to strike at others most certainly has an evil heart. So I don't begrudge your action. He did indeed have it coming. The important thing is we didn't ride in there with the intention of slaying anyone. But accidents do happen and circumstances change the best of intentions sometimes."
"Truthfully, I'm more concerned about Marius," he changes the subject, "He gave out all our names back there. And all but announced which direction he intended to take. If even one of those armigers we saved remained conscious, we could all be in a lot more danger. He also strikes me as a little too...overeager?...to bring his blades to bear. And although, that's often required when rebelling against those in power, Milani's faith teaches there's a time and a place for such action. Slow and steady...a methodical approach...is the best means for striking at the underpinnings of an ill society."
"I just hope Marius realizes that before he gets in over his head and gets himself...or one of us...killed," he finishes, "When you get an opportunity, do you think you could talk to him about that? You yourself have to struggle to control your own power, yes? Maybe you can help Marius do the same? I think it's important that we all support one another. And doubly so when our families are involved."
Aside from a beating, Arael suffers from no serious injury. Apparently the Hellknights were saving that for their professional interrogators at Rivad. Despite the bruises, he is still a handsome man and an aura of purpose shines through his low-key demeanor, like a fire still burning in a well-charred log merely awaiting open air to burst into glorious flame. He thanks the party profusely for the rescue and offers to heal any who have been hurt.
The other rebels pull up in the wagon. Janiven eyes the scars from the armiger's crossbow bolts in the wagon's side and asks if any casters can mend them. She wants everyone completely healed up too. There must be no sign that any of them have been in a fight. Finally she observes that it might take a couple hours for the Hellknights from Westcrown to get here, but you'll meet them much sooner on the road. There's a side road that cuts north to the capital Egorian. If you can beat the Hellknights to that junction you might avoid them altogether.
The coach: you may sabotage the crossbow to heart's content. Although, as Marius observed, there are no lugnuts on the wheels, the front left wheel has had a wedge driven into it to keep the iron band of the hub tight on the axle. Removing the wedge will allow the wheel to work loose after a few miles of travel. Searching the coach reveals nothing aside from Arael's few possessions.
You have eight prisoners. (The driver, 4 armigers brought low in the first attack, 2 by the other rebels, and 1 from the second attack.) From them (and the corpse of Shanwen) you scavenge 2 lances, 5 longswords, 6 light crossbows, and 9 daggers, and nine pink healing (CLW) potions and an assortment of coins worth 200 gp. The armigers are clad in their faux plate leather. The corpse is in full plate armour.
Janiven wants to dump or cache that gear once you are well away from the prisoners. She doesn't want to keep anything that might connect you with the fight including the livestock below.
Captured livestock: You have two draft horses, and 5 light horses, one of which was hobbled by caltrops.
Regarding the return home --
Marius Goddon wrote:
"Why don't you and Akorian go on ahead with Arael," Marius grins broadly..I'll go with Zarabeth and Raven and Mother can follow on behind..sound like a good plan?"
I take it you are in four groups?
1. Akorian, Waifrin, Arael
2. Zarabeth and Marius
3. Raven and Mother
4 Janiven and the other rebels.
In that order? And by what route will you travel?
Waifrin listens attentively to Akorian as we ride for the road junction.
"My cousin suffered as much as I did at the hands of the Hellknights, Akorian - and I suffered a lot," Waifrin points out. "He's been showing great restraint in spite of that; remember he laid some men low but he didn't kill them."
Waifrin thinks a moment.
"I'll talk to him about his mistakes if you will promise me to ask his opinion the next time we have to plan anything like this again. He knows what he's doing, after all, and his experience of other nobility is like mine - largely unpleasant - so he doesn't like taking orders off you. Give him respect and he'll return it."
Janiven eyes the scars from the armiger's crossbow bolts in the wagon's side and asks if any casters can mend them. She wants everyone completely healed up too. There must be no sign that any of them have been in a fight.
Finally she observes that it might take a couple hours for the Hellknights from Westcrown to get here, but you'll meet them much sooner on the road. There's a side road that cuts north to the capital Egorian. If you can beat the Hellknights to that junction you might avoid them altogether.
The coach: ...there are no lugnuts on the wheels, the front left wheel has had a wedge driven into it to keep the iron band of the hub tight on the axle. Removing the wedge will allow the wheel to work loose after a few miles of travel.
You have eight prisoners.
...you scavenge 2 lances, 5 longswords, 6 light crossbows, and 9 daggers, and nine pink healing (CLW) potions and an assortment of coins worth 200 gp. The armigers are clad in their faux plate leather. The corpse is in full plate armour.
Janiven wants to dump or cache that gear once you are well away from the prisoners.
I take it you are in four groups?1. Akorian, Waifrin, Arael
2. Zarabeth and Marius
3. Raven and Mother
4 Janiven and the other rebels.In that order? And by what route will you travel?
"My cousin suffered as much as I did at the hands of the Hellknights, Akorian - and I suffered a lot," Waifrin points out. "He's been showing great restraint in spite of that; remember he laid some men low but he didn't kill them....I'll talk to him about his mistakes if you will promise me to ask his opinion the next time we have to plan anything like this again. He knows what he's doing, after all, and his experience of other nobility is like mine - largely unpleasant - so he doesn't like taking orders off you. Give him respect and he'll return it."
"I will certainly ask...and value...his opinion," Akorian replies, "And I'll afford him the respect he deserves. You're completely right about that."
"You know, as a noble, I'm used to giving commands..." he shares, "Or, more properly put, providing leadership, I guess. And I'm motivated by a number of factors in taking personal responsibility for how we operate. As a student of Chelish history, for instance, I know how our nation once prospered...not just economically, but morally. And I feel an obligation to steer us there again, even if I have to oppose my own family's alliance with House Thrune. On top of that, however, my faith drives me to oppose the diabolic rule of Thrune and their use of devils and Hellknights to maintain 'order'. Those two elements make it very hard for me to let go of certain parts of the planning...and yes, responsibility...for what we do and the risks we take."
He pauses a moment.
"You know, something?" he finally asks, "In Milani's faith, her followers prepare themselves to die. In fact, most of us approach everything we do in the Everbloom's name with the knowledge she may use our deaths to accomplish a greater good. So, someday I may have to lay down my life for Westcrown. And I'm prepared for that eventuality. That means, if someone has to take on the greatest risk...or the greatest burden...for our cause of seeing Westcrown and Cheliax free from tyranny, I'd rather it be me than any of you. I'd rather suffer that outcome than anyone else. And that's why I champion my own plans so strongly, I think. Because if they fail, I want it to be my responsbility. That's my calling as a follower of Milani. And through my faith in her, I know I'll be rewarded in the next life for carrying out her will. So it's important to me to ensure whatever we do furthers her goals for our future."
"But I'm hardly perfect in my pursuit of any of that," he admits, "None of us are in this life. No matter how well-intentioned we may strive to be. That's why a major tenet of Milani's faith revolves around hope. It's not just about bringing hope to others. It's about applying hope to yourself and the positive changes you can enact in yourself. It's about rebelling against all those things that hold you back from doing what's good, rather than what's evil or self-serving."
Waifrin thinks a moment, digesting Akorian's words.
"Isn't that being rather inconsistent?" she counters thoughtfully. "I mean, taking responsibility and all I respect, but if you are the person making the decisions and doing the planning, doesn't that make you the leader? And if you're the leader doesn't getting you killed strike a major blow against all of us? What I mean is, if you are going to be the leader of us, that's one thing, but you can't do that and be the person whop takes the most risk. Leaders need to be protected, and you certainly aren't the only one prepared to die to for our cause," Waifrin points out.
"You can be the Martyr or the Leader, but you can't be both - that just leaves the rest of us in the lurch when you go, and I really don't think it's very fair of you to ask us to indulge you."
Once the men are down, Zarabeta calls Uqabi to her, and feeds him some dried fruit, rewarding him for warning her of the approaching men (and ignoring for now that his warning came at the same moment that half of the party could already see them anyway).
At the mention of disguising the damage to the wagon, "My magic could conceal the damage, but the effect would only last an hour, not long enough to last until you reach the city. I would recommend instead covering the damaged area with some cloth, in the manner of a decorative tabard of sorts. Covering the opposite side with cloth as well should make it resemble livery, and not raise suspicion."
Regardless of the wishes of Janiven, Zarabeta makes sure that the coin and the curative potions are squirreled away, and is more than willing to dispose of any non-masterwork weapons somewhere where the Hellknights will not be easily able to recover them, probably by burying the items in the woods, wrapped in cloth taken from the prisoner's cloaks.
The most valuable item is, of course, the suit of full plate armor, which there is no obvious way to smuggle into the town without Janiven noticing, so when Zarabeta finds a suitable place to hide / cache the gear, she'll attempt to pile some stones or sticks to make a sign visible from the air, so that Uqabi can spot the cache from the air, for ease of returning to it later.
Once the gear is buried, and concealed as well as Zarabeta's limited outdoor skills allow, she'll make sure that her mask and robe is concealed as well, folded comfortably out of sight under her horses saddle, as she doesn't wish to enter the city with those incriminating items on her person. She'll warn whomever she's with (Marius?) to similarly hide his own mask and robe, while using prestidigitation to curl her hair up in a Varisian style and add red henna highlights, retouching it and fiddling with it as they travel.
She'll send Uqabi ahead once the city is in sight, to head to her room and (hopefully) warn her in advance of any trap awaiting there.
Zarabeta blithely ignores Akorion's flowery words about not needing money, responding to Raven's quip instead. "Oh, your heart is perfectly safe, clever-handed one, as I would not know where to fence such a treasure."
Raven chuckles softly at the woman's retort. "I do believe I will take that as a compliment my lady, but if I am permitted to make a suggestion? If one cannot fence a treasure, one might be inclined to keep it for, shall we say, personal use, at the very least for a while." Adding a wink of a golden eye to the words, the elf finishes up with the search and joins the rest of the group in time to find himself paired with Mother Vangelis.
"Ah, this should be interesting indeed," he mutters to himself before turning to Mother. "Any suggestions on the route we should follow? If I am not mistaken, you know a thing or two about this countryside?"
"Isn't that being rather inconsistent?...I mean, taking responsibility and all I respect, but if you are the person making the decisions and doing the planning, doesn't that make you the leader? And if you're the leader doesn't getting you killed strike a major blow against all of us? What I mean is, if you are going to be the leader of us, that's one thing, but you can't do that and be the person whop takes the most risk. Leaders need to be protected, and you certainly aren't the only one prepared to die to for our cause," Waifrin points out, "..."You can be the Martyr or the Leader, but you can't be both - that just leaves the rest of us in the lurch when you go, and I really don't think it's very fair of you to ask us to indulge you."
Akorian gives a hearty chuckle. "I assure you," he replies, "I have no intention of leaving anyone in the lurch. Nor do I intend to throw my life away if I can help it. No, I only bring it up to help you understand the depth...and source...of my commitment. Thus, the sense of responsibility I feel in making sure I give my best at all times and ensuring those around me do the same."
"I have no idea when the Everbloom might require my death to achieve a greater good, perhaps by inspiring others to go further and do more than I could achieve on her behalf. Thus, I'm a bit...controlling?...I suppose in trying to finely craft each action of this group Arael and Janiven have formed...as well as the manner in which we conduct ourselves."
"My intent is sound," he reasons aloud, "But my execution may be a bit flawed. And thank you for pointing that out. If I lead by example...even unto martyrdom for our cause...it does no good if those around me resent my exclusion of them from the planning and the assumption of risk."
"You're mortal," Waifrin smiles, "so are the rest of us - I hope - and we're all in this together. I admire your ethics - of all of us you're here out of choice when you could so easily not choose to be here, and who would reproach you? Marius and I, we don't have much choice, we're escaped slaves from a disgraced family. If we're caught they'll make examples of us no matter what we do. If you share your decisions, as well as the risks, then we'll all respect you the more."
Waifrin gives Akorian a penetrating look, and a smile. It's clear that she does 'respect' him already ...
"...Marius and I, we don't have much choice, we're escaped slaves from a disgraced family. If we're caught they'll make examples of us no matter what we do...."
"The Goddon name isn't so disgraced or forgotten that I failed to recognize it," Akorian replies, "And, like the Henderthanes and many of the other noble houses, there's a history of better times and better hearts in your family. Milani's faith preaches that as long as we still draw breath on this plane, we have hope...and a chance to make a difference."
"So, if you continue to see yourself as an escaped slave...brutalized by the Hellknights...you'll find yourself shackled to the past," he advises, "But if you let go of it and embrace your family name once more...and make something better of it than your parents managed to do...you'll come out on the other side with a much more promising future, free from the fear and pain of all you experienced before."
"That's the hope I have for myself, as well," the priest confides, "After all, the sins of my family are great indeed. Through our arms, so are the legions of Cheliax and the Hellknight orders kept so well-equipped. And House Thrune uses that powerbase...as well as pacts with all sorts of hellspawn...to enact their tyranny. I can only hope my choice to let go of their past and embrace a brighter hope offsets the atrocities we've allowed to happen."
"If I can do that," he assures Waifrin, "So, too, can the sons and daughters of House Goddon rise up to make a difference once again for Westcrown and Cheliax."
Marius leads Zarabeta away in the direction he spoke so freely off...then after about a quarter off a mile he turns sharply northwards...
"Our beloved leader underestimates me Lady.."he explains "now if any of our erstwile opponents seeks to inform his masters as to the way we went...they will go on a wild goose chase."
After another quarter mile he pauses whilst Zara caches the loot from the fight...while she does he removes his armour and arming doublet and slips on a clean shirt from his pack. Rolling the armour up in his Cloak and securing it behind him on the horse he grins at her.." And now..we are just two young lovers out for an afternoons dalliance... Akorian thinks me a fool..in some ways, I think, he sees us only as tools to achieve his ends...well Marius Goddon is no man's tool..not any more"
Half a mile further on he dumps the horses.
"And now let us ride back under the city walls...no skulkng, no furtive creeping through trees and bushes..just a couple out to enjoy themselves..what say you?"
"How can I embrace noble blood when, having seen what I have of the world, I know that noble or slave makes little difference in the man who bears it?" Waifrin asks. "Leaders should be chosen by those that are lead, not imposed by dint of being the descendent of one achieved greatness by unknown means - I mean no offence, you are a good man, but many of your peers are less so. My parent's mistake was not to throw their lot in with House Thrune, though they didn't defy them either. All it took was an accident of one servant to condemn us all, no more and no less." Waifrin sighs, lost in an old sadness.
"I can barely recall what they look like, or tell where our home stood ... I just remember it all burning ... with my father inside." Waifrin's eyes' are dry ... she has, in the long, hard years, forgotten how to cry.
"Ah, this should be interesting indeed," he mutters to himself before turning to Mother. "Any suggestions on the route we should follow? If I am not mistaken, you know a thing or two about this countryside?"
"I reckon I know a side road that shouldn't be too busy," she nods, thinking for a moment while stripping off her disguising hood. "I'm not sure why we needed to split up, though; I guarantee the Hellknights know where Arael and the rest of us are heading, anyhow."
"How can I embrace noble blood when, having seen what I have of the world, I know that noble or slave makes little difference in the man who bears it?" Waifrin asks.
"It makes a difference only inasmuch as a nobleman receives a more thorough education...more often has an established family name which serves him in influencing others...and also a history to live up to in safeguarding the present and future of all Cheliax. Those things aren't built overnight. And they don't come easily to the lower classes," Akorian interrupts, "That's not to say a slave cannot rise to such a calling or be possessed of a noble spirit. Of course they can. And everyone should be measured according to their actions and not just their advantaged birth or lot in life."
"You're correct to perceive the unjust behavior of the current ruling class in Cheliax," the priest explains, "There can be no denying that those who hold ultimate power in the government have led our nation astray. But that doesn't damn the entire nobility. It only damns House Thrune and those who continue to support their wicked, heavy-handed ways."
"But there's always hope. There's always a chance to change who and what we are," the priest goes on, "And once our leaders find the right path...the one that leads to benevolent rule over our people, then we...as the governed...must hold them accountable for staying on that path. Otherwise, we risk exactly what House Thrune has managed to deceive us into allowing. They convince everyone that they provide safety and certainty in a time of unrest...when Cheliax teetered on the brink of utter savagery and barbarism. But we've given up all our freedoms and traded them for that false sense of security."
"Leaders should be chosen by those that are lead, not imposed by dint of being the descendent of one who achieved greatness by unknown means - I mean no offence, you are a good man, but many of your peers are less so. My parent's mistake was not to throw their lot in with House Thrune, though they didn't defy them either. All it took was an accident of one servant to condemn us all, no more and no less."
"Your parents did the right thing," Akorian says, reaching out a hand to touch Waifrin's arm with reassurance, "Sometimes those who take a stand for the greatest good have to fall before others rally to their cause. The annals of Milani's faith provide many parables of that universal truth."
"But what you must avoid," he advises, "Is the danger of falling into a depression and hopelessness at their loss. This is essentially what all of Cheliax allowed to happen when Aroden failed to appear here in Westcrown according to prophecy. Lives fell apart. Depression and hopelessness ensued. And evil crept into our once-noble nation. An evil so profound that it consorts with hell itself."
"I don't know about you, but that makes me angry," Akorian shares, "Angry enough to take up arms. I use the memories of those good people whose lives shattered in those days as a reason to struggle on in their name. And I believe you should do the same...in honor of your parents and the stand they took against House Thrune. While they may have avoided outwardly denying Thrune's rise to power, they still made the right choice in not empowering it. And that's not something I can claim for my own family."
"Look, the world is filled with evil people in all walks of life, Waifrin. Noblemen are not inherently bad. Quite the opposite. Most noblemen are fair-minded and understand their responsibility to those who look to them and their family for sustained and honorable leadership. The Henderthanes have lost their way. But the Goddons never did. And it's people like your mother and father that encourage me to try and change my own family's failings. You should be very proud of them. And, as their daughter, I think you should carry their spirit with you...like a torch ready to guide those fighting for freedom, to burn down the establishment imposed by House Thrune, and to usher in a better age for our people. If you and I...blessed with our ties to the nobility...don't have the courage to champion that undertaking, what chance will the slaves or working class have in doing so?"
"Because of your life experiences...and my studies into the faiths of Milani, Aroden, and Iomedae...our eyes are now open," he finishes, "We have a greater understanding of both our nation's past, its current problems, and a stronger vision of where our future can go, than anyone else. So this calling...to make a difference for Cheliax...is ours. And we must pursue it in the proper way...with a truly noble heart as well as the determination and wisdom we've obtained because of our station and insight."
Waifrin sighs, lost in an old sadness. "I can barely recall what they look like, or tell where our home stood ... I just remember it all burning ... with my father inside." Waifrin's eyes' are dry ... she has, in the long, hard years, forgotten how to cry.
"If you like," Akorian somberly offers, "I can search the archives of Westcrown for the site of your parents' home and take you there. It might do you good to look once more upon their legacy."
Waifrin finishes wiping the blood from her leathers as they ride, then quickly fixes the rent in them in a way that shouldn't show. Soon, no-one would guess she had been involved in a fight, much less nearly run through.
"Thank you, Akorian," she takes his hand and squeezes it gratefully. "That means a lot to me, and I would like that. I've heard that in Andoran they select their leaders by voting, and all men are equal - no slaves, and nobles have names only, they have to earn their privileges like everyone else. I think that's not a bad system," she smiles.
"As for Thrune, they have much to answer for. I don't just mean for me ... I know a lot of others who have suffered, people who can't fight. That makes me angry, and when I get angry ... well I guess you've seen I'm pretty good at burning things down myself. My cousin and I, we were ready to do something ourselves when we were contacted. I'm glad we're not alone."
OOC: You might want to discuss with Thom what you find researching the Goddons ...
Mother and Raven:
The road swoops well south before swinging north to Westcrown. It is late afternoon before you pass the iron-winged pegasi of the Bladewing bridge and enter the city through the the same gate by which you left this morning. At the stable, GOrvio's uncle is rather upset. You are only the second pair of riders to return their horses and the ones he had promised to Thesing still aren't back. The uncle demands to know where the rest of his stock is.
Marius and Zarabeta:
You are first back to the stable, shortly after noon. Gorvio's uncle is in a lather. You're the first ones back, and he promised Thesing some of your horses. "WHere are the others?"he demands.
Akorian and Waifrin:
You take the northward road as suggested by Janiven. Looking back you can occasionally glimpse Marius and Zara riding behind you. YOu lose sight of them completely when you enter a wooded area. In the wood the road forks. Right turns south-east and will return to the gate by which you left Westcrown. Arael trots out in front of you and turns left.
"I think you miss the point, sir: You do not elect a leader based upon what you think will happen in years to come - you elect them based on what they think will happen. In any event, I think that the common people might surprise you at how far ahead of themselves they can think, should you take the time to ask them."
Waifrin glances at Akorian as Arael turns to the left.
"Wait one moment, please, sir," Waifrin calls after him, swivelling around to glance behind them.
For DM:
"A nation or an empire is difficult to run that way. Oh, it may work well enough for a village where everyone knows everyone else and their interests are well-aligned, but a nation is too big too complicated. The common people can't see beyond this year's harvest and preparing to get through the winter to reach planting season. They haven't the time, education, or intereset to properly run a great city, let alone a nation. I think the Andoran experiment is doomed to failure eventually. " Then he falls silent again, apparently dozing in the hot sun.
Akorian nods at the half-elf's words. Knowing Arael's seen more years than most people, he's inclined to agree with him. Also, Akroian clearly has more invested in his position among the aristocracy of Cheliax. Despite the transgressions of the current rulers, he has studied Chelish history enough to know the country's temperance and beauty in the years prior to House Thrune's ascension. But then Waifrin surprises him by continuing the conversation.
"I think you miss the point, sir: You do not elect a leader based upon what you think will happen in years to come - you elect them based on what they think will happen. In any event, I think that the common people might surprise you at how far ahead of themselves they can think, should you take the time to ask them."
"I'll trust in those educated and born to lead," Akorian offers, but with no real intention of dragging out the political discussion, "Something about allowing commoners...many of whom lack any kind of education whatsoever...to dictate the formation and function of government sounds too risky to me. Whatever leader they elected would become beholden to their whims and dictates. And I've seen plenty of bad decisions arise from 'public opinion'...a mob can become as much a tyrant as a corrupt aristocrat. Just ask those living in Galt. They've elected the guillotine as the only 'stable' component of their government. And their people live in fear surely as bad as our own."
Arael trots out in front of you and turns left.
Waifrin glances at Akorian as Arael turns to the left. "Wait one moment, please, sir," Waifrin calls after him, swivelling around to glance behind them.
"Don't worry about the others," Akorian advises, "We all need to travel separately and in different directions anyway. I'm sure your cousin and Zarabeta will be fine."
He pulls up alongside Arael and nods at the path he's chosen. "Are you sure we want to go this way? It could prove just as challenging as freeing you from the Hellknights' grasp."
"Perhaps we need to educate the commoners, then," Waifrin replies, "or perhaps they are cleverer than you think. After all, a commoner's education is all I received, so clearly I'm unfit for any role of leadership in your view. Perhaps I shouldn't even be trusted with making any decisions for myself - even those concerning me!" Waifrin snaps angrily, her voice rich with sarcasm.
"People aren't slaves, Akorian - they have a right to make the decisions about their own lives, even if they are affairs of state. I agree that mob rule is bad, but it's the common people who bear the consequences of the decisions rulers make; they have a right to some kind of ... I don't know, representation? A voice? A veto?"
If he didn't want to draw out the discussion, that was NOT the way to end it!
Akorian and Waifrin:
All Others: feel free to post. Your individual storylines will evolve.