"Let's separate them for the questioning. That way we can better tell if they lie to us. The middens ought to serve as workable cells until all is in readiness for them too."
Queslin will see that the horses are taken care of and make sure they are in the area of healing if possible. He'll go through the saddlebags and let all know what, if anything, is inside them. He'll find a suitable location to 'dispense justice' as well. Preferably outside the trading post, but if nothing is close enough, the gate will do.
Before dismissing his eagle Devlin calls it over to perch on his arm, "Well done my friend, rest now."
"Put your cloak back on Delfey, you're scaring the horses." Devlin grins.
After having the bandits stripped of their gear, bound and healed up, they are led to the middens.
With the channeled healing of Branomonrik, most of the horses are healed up as well.
Oleg helps the explorers to get the horses in the stable, where it is getting cramped with 9 horses (7 from the bandits, plus two from the explorers) and an ox.
There is no tree near the post, so it either is the gate or a sword.
(Oleg is okay with them being hanged from the gate.)
Equipment found on the bandits is piled on a heap on one of the tables nearby. It consists of:
-5 pcs. of leather armor,
-4 longbows,
-1 composite longbow from the bandit leader,
-a total of 100 arrows,
-4 short swords
-1 dagger,
-10 days of trail rations,
-coins worth 57gp in total.
Majet begins the questioning
"Okay lets keep this simple Who sent you? how many more of you are there? and give us one good reason we shouldent have you hung?"
Anything on the horses beyond saddles and bags?
I'll inspect the bows and arrows to insure their quality.
The first bandit questioned doesn't seem to be that collaborative, spitting Majet in the face, looking grim, staring at the questioners.
Of the 7 horses, 5 have riding saddles and the others have pack-saddles. Appart from that they only have some winter blankets packed.
The bow seems to be trimmed for some strength, though it is easy for Queslin to draw him (composite longbow for +2 STR). The arrows are simple but practical, normal arrows.
Someone else will need to search the captives. I'm preparing to aid them on their journey to their next life.
If no one has an issue with it, I'll use the composite longbow.
Everyone without a horse might want to take one.
The first bandit questioned doesn't seem to be that collaborative, spitting Majet in the face, looking grim, staring at the questioners.
Big Ern half-heartedly kicks the guy in the balls. "Hey, that's my apprentice. Only I'm allowed to spit on her, jerk-off!"
"Ooof!" the bandit exhales in pain, before getting back at Big Ern: "Your apprentice? What did you teach her? How to suck c§!& ? I bet you know how that works..."
Majet face goes completly emotionless at being spat on and the thugs comment "You want to play this game the hard way fine then" Her voice being as emotionless as her expresion she pulls a flask out of her bag "This is concentrated acid." She begins to explain while letting a single drop of it land on the ground to sizzle away "Now Here are the rules You lie to me or I think you are lying the acid goes in your face. If you spit on me again it goes down your throat. if you tell me to suck &(&*'s again......well I'm sure you can guess were it will be going." All the while her expresion and face are completly emotionless.
The bandit sees the acid sizzle at the ground, but still doesn't seem to be frightened. Without saying another word he spits at the gnome again, calling her bluff.
Big Ern looks at the trussed bandit with muted sympathy; were he in the same situation, he would be swearing and spitting at his interrogators as well.
"Fine then" She goes to smash the acid flask over the man's face
Devlin see's what Majet is doing and yells out, "Stop! I can't let you do that!" Devlin walks swiftly over and gets between Majet and the bandit being questioned. With his back to the bandit Devlin winks at Majet and says, "I can't let you waste your expensive acid on this waste of flesh. Allow me to melt his face myself." Devlin turns around and asks the bandit, "Are you sure you don't want to talk? She has just the one flask of acid, I can burn you as long as it takes" Devlin grins and mimes casting acid splash.
"Well may as well just hangthem then." Majet responds "Thats what we were going to do anyway."
Stepping forth and striding in front of the others who gather around with threats, Matius offers the sniveling brigand a knowing smile as he crouches close in front of him and holds up a finger to the rest of the group." One moment friends." With this he turns his full attention to the bandit." Hey there guy, looks like this payment didn't quite turn out the way you expected huh?" He begins, his ego wouldn't allow him to conduct the conversation without taunting the men." Yes well I understand how things are here. In fact I'm from this very area. I grew up earning a living in much the same way you probably did. That being said, I'm sure I was alot nicer about it. No one should ever refer to a lady the way you referred to good Majet."He pauses for a moment to shake his head" Now good sir, as my companions mentioned-We are in need of information. The more you tell me the better your chances are that I don't unleash the magic fellow or the savage little gnome with the acid on you. If you're having a hard time thinking then some suggestions are things like How many bandits? Leader's name? What type of weapons? Spellcasters? Where is your hideout? Traps? Lookouts? Oh and of course who was the lady that came with you on the first visit?" Matius stands and looks back at his companions." Now speak fast because he's been itching to use his newest face-melting spell." With that he leans forward with his hand behind his ear mockingly.
Intimidate
"There's just too many bandits for you. 'soon as the Stag Lord knows you're here, he'll gather some more just to make sure every single one of you's going t'hell." the bandit lets out, staring into your eyes with cold hate.
Branomonrik says nothing at first, but as the others qreastions are getting nowhere he speaks at last"Look lad, by this days end you will be standing before Pharasma.' He says with an even tone "All your sins lad out before her and your judgment. Do you really wish to go before your judgment with no balance to the scales boy? Would you consign your souls to the burning pits of Hell? He says moving to stare at the bandits "You tell us what we need to know and ask Adabar to forgive your sins against civilization and maybe, just maybe he will speak on your behave before Pharasma. Your souls my yet be spared the bits of hell and the tender kindness of it's legions.'
Intimidate aid another
With that he stands and and looks to the others "Finish your questions, when Queslin is done we shall mount them on the horses and send them to Pharasma's judgment. '
Michael has been watching the developments with amusement for a while, studying each bandit in turn
He checks the horses over while the others debate, looking for one of good spirit, strength and stamina to claim as his own.
Handle Animal +6 (+2 Cha, +1 Rank, +3 Class Skill)
As the interrogation seems to be hitting a dead end he wanders over, glares at the quite bandit for a few moments and asks "do you share your companions desire to die?"
Agerron, having hung back a bit, steps forward, having heard enough of the obstinate bandits. He'll step up and slam one in the face with his fist, hopefully knocking a tooth or two out.
"I'm not squemish about making this hurt. You're going to be hung, but it's up to you whether you want it to be over quick, or nice and painful. All you have to do is tell us what we want to know."
intimidate
"THAT IS ENOUGH! I will not let you torture a prisoner. We were sent here to help bring civilization to the area not be a part of the barbarity. These men will be punished for their crimes, but not tortured. The punishment for banditry is death. We have it in our power to show them leniency or even alter the punishment if we feel they are repentant. He does not wish to provide us with information in return for leniency. That is his choice. Our choice is do we hobble him, cut off an arm, or execute him. I suggest execution. No matter what we choose, from now until the moment of his death, he will not be tortured or we will have a problem. Now take him outside the walls and cut his head off or return him to his cell until we get a rope ready."
"Rightly said. We are not lawless heathens. These men will face the rope and then the gods own judgment. I will not see them maimed or harmed. That is malice and spite not order and lawfulness.' With that he nods toward Queslin "If the rope is ready lets get to it" He says moving to grab one of the men
"You don't know what you are getting yourself into. By nightfall Kressle will know something went wrong and send for the Stag Lord and all bandits in his fort. It's only a matter of time until they catch you."
the bandit says, though he looks a bit more scared now. It seems like he doesn't fear death as much as whatever should await him should he be caught babbling secrets.
The horse that the bandit's leader rode is in a bit worse of shape than the rest, but appart from that, they are pretty much all the same, expect for color.
Agerron's punch the bandit takes with a smile as he spits out two teeth: "You are so weak. All of you. I saw the Stag Lord crush a man's hand to mush with one bare hand! That's how he's going to take care of you."
In the most monotone voice he can muster, Queslin speaks to the prisoner.
"I see. Is there anything else we need to know about the Stag Lord?"
"Your boss is so great that he sends you all to bully a trading post therfore taking no risks to himself and lI'm going to guess that any wealth you take he takes most of right?" Majet asks having calmed down a bit
In the most monotone voice he can muster, Queslin speaks to the prisoner.
"I see. Is there anything else we need to know about the Stag Lord?"
"He's no mere man. He got a stag's skull where his head'd be. He'll kill you in your sleep if you're lucky. Gettin' to his fort's easy, if you knew where it's at. Gettin' in will leave you bloodin' in the dirt."
"Your boss is so great that he sends you all to bully a trading post therfore taking no risks to himself and lI'm going to guess that any wealth you take he takes most of right?" Majet asks having calmed down a bit
"You know nothin'. This tax collectin' here's plan of Kressle. Stag Lord don't care how we be handlin' our business."
Branomonrik sighs "So you know nothing or will not tell of anything. Looking to the others he shrugs 'Are we done here? These two have an apportionment with Pharasma" He says point toward the rope 'And we still have to bury the bodies, daylights burning after all"
"I agree with Branomonrik and I'm not willing to make the effort to hang him up."
Queslin takes him (drags if necessary) out of the trading post and cuts off his head.
Branomonrik follows Queslin out helping drag the man if needed 'Hanging is less a mess you know" Once at the spot Branomonrik looks at the condemned man 'May Adabare or what ever god you hold to have mercy on your soul." An then once the deed is done walks back toward the outpost.
"I still say hanging is less a mess " he grumbles. "We could have did em all at once, even had horses to help...Elves!" he mutters
Michael mutters "Bloody do gooders.." just loud enough for Agerron to hear and gives him a slight shrug of his shoulders to indicate he thinks the loud mouthed bandit got what he deserved.
He then tilts his head to one side as if listening to a far away sound before announcing, "Old Deadeye has informed me that none of these men are evil, law breakers and bandits they are, but evil souls they do not possess."
Walking back into the outpost Branomonrik shrugs 'Evil or no, they are parasites upon civilization. A blight that do nothing but take from those who put clean honest effort into what they build. They are bandits and we hang bandits. " He says making his way toward the others "We got three left, question them and be done with it, we have graves to dig no sense in being slow about it. Do we have shoves? We are gonna need some shovels."
Queslin looks over to Branomonrik, "Actually, there was a point to that." Once back inside the trading post, he gets the other prisoner, hands him a shovel and leads him out to where the other bandit was killed.
"While we're asking you some questions, you are going to be digging a grave. If you're smart, the grave will be for him." Pointing to the headless corpse. "But that choice is yours."
"If you want my two coppers worth of advice and you'll get it for free, I would say that we do not hang them," he smiles at the dwarf, "we have an infestation of bandits in this area and if we show them no mercy, then they will fight to the death rather than surrender, they might as well go out fighting if they are going to die anyway." he shrugs, "I doubt very much we can scare them move than this demon the Stag Lord, so it is not as if they will flee from us." he smiles again, "but if they know that they will live, then they are more likely to surrender when we face them. Just my thoughts on the matter."
" If Rats are eating your grain do you catch em and let them go again? No you kill them and you keep killing them till they are gone or they leave for safer hunting grounds." He nods his head to the others 'I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a commission to tame this land. We have been commissioned and duly appointed by a lawful government to removes bandits. You would let them go now and all it shows is there is only the law they bring, only order they impose." With a grunt of disgust he looks Michael in the eye 'If you do not have the will to do your duty then stand aside and I'll do it. "
After having the first of the caught bandits killed, Oleg goes to get some shovels. He hands them over and picks up the severed head, taking it back in. Climbing the palisade he puts the head up near the gate on one of the spiked walls, while Michael and Branomonrik debate.
The next bandit get's heaved out of the midden he was thrown in, and the bindings opened to get to work a grave in the snow-covered ground. He doesn't say a word to Queslin but starts digging.
" If Rats are eating your grain do you catch em and let them go again? No you kill them and you keep killing them till they are gone or they leave for safer hunting grounds." He nods his head to the others 'I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a commission to tame this land. We have been commissioned and duly appointed by a lawful government to removes bandits. You would let them go now and all it shows is there is only the law they bring, only order they impose." With a grunt of disgust he looks Michael in the eye 'If you do not have the will to do your duty then stand aside and I'll do it. "
Agerron nods at Branomonrik. "I disagree with your interrogation tactics, but you are correct here. We show no mercy, no weakness."
He hefts his greatsword again. "And this may work a little better and less messily than your longsword, elf. I'll be happy to take over the job from you," he says, glaring at the other bandits remaining.
"Who said anything about letting them go, they have to pay for their crimes there are just multiple ways to make them pay." he smiles then adds, "I am not arguing with you, just pointing out the consequences of cornering desperate men." "That said, if we are going to kill them then I suggest we string them up next to a main road and leave them up as an example to others. An unmarked grave and one head does not send much of a message."
Branomonrik raises an eyebrow at Agerron comments "I had no interrogation tactics. I spoke the truth , their souls are bound for the great beyond. Even a man at his life's end and seek redemption."
Shacking his head at Michael "No you need to show them you have strength. Sure they will come, they always come. But see what Oleg did? You show them the price of a life of banditry. No we hag them here I say, let them know this post is no longer a easy mark. Besides an execution should have an order about it. Not like a random lynching."
The only 'main road' around is the South Restov road. South of Oleg's Trading Post, there is no civilisation, no roads. Game trails, yes.[/ooc]
Michael looks up at the heavens, nod's his head and heads back over to the stables with out a word leaving the others to their grim task.
Queslin stands watch over the bandit as he digs. After a time, he offers water to the bandit. "What is your name, bandit? I don't know if you realize it, but you don't have to die. If you give us some useful information on your bandit gang, where your camp is, how many are in your gang, something actually useful about the Stag Lord, and you give up your criminal ways, then you will be set free. I swear to you. Just give me a reason to let you go."
Diplomacy
Big Ern yawns and scratches his balls. "I'm bored. Let's finish up with these clowns, then we can follow their tracks back to their camp and kick the shit out of this Stag King."
The man is working without reaching for the offered water, speaking: "Name's Otmar. Just give me a reason to shove that spade up your a§§."
Branomonrik raises an eyebrow at Agerron comments "I had no interrogation tactics. I spoke the truth , their souls are bound for the great beyond. Even a man at his life's end and seek redemption."
Agerron, not far from the working bandit and Queslin, responds to the snide comment. "And give ME a reason to make your death slow and painful, rather than quick and merciful. One more comment like that to your betters, you vermin-sucker, and you will truly know what pain is. Whether the elf likes it or not."
"You are going to kill me anyway. Just do it already." Otmar speaks, standing in a half-digged grave.