"Here's what it is boy," Karina says to Runt, drawing her knife and idly trimming her fingernails, "you're going to tell me everything you know. You're going to do it quickly." The short Taldan woman fixes Runt with a humorless stare. "Oleg will execute you and hang you from the wall unless someone convinces him it would be in his best interest to do otherwise. I can do that, but I need reason to spend that effort. I don't care if you live or die, so you'd best give me a reason to care, and you might just see tomorrow."
Wetscale was glad to have removed himself from those proceedings. He could hear the earlier squabbles, but they trailed off. A pang of worry struck him when the watchman was mentioned. Well, I am to fix this roof anyway...
The agile fighter made his way up to the top of the tallest structure, partially to inspect it, but moreso to get a lay of the land around. And maybe catch a glimpse of their scout.
Karina was leading one of them to the stables. It was an odd change of ways; in the past, Wetscale had been the one to tend to the horses. Although there weren't others' to tend to, he was sure the prisoner would soon wish he were a horse instead.
Runt nods his head emphatically. "It's not my fault! I didn't do any of that stuff - they made me come along, see? All those beatings and troubles and things, none of that was me. I never wanted to hurt no one, I swear! Just - don't let him- I don't wanna-" He slumps down against the far wall of the stable, as though those few words had exhausted him. Slowly, he speaks again. "It's just all wrong, ya know"
Meanwhile, Wetscale easily ascends to the walls of the Trading Post, nimbly hopping up the walls of the bunkhouse and onto the battlements. He peers out over the horizon, eyes peeled for trouble. Though a wall of trees rise to the south and the plains stretch out around him, he sees no signs of trouble.
"I don't really care what you did or did not do," Karina says, her deameanor not changing in the slightest. "I need information. Where is your base? How many of you are there? What sort of arms and armor do you have? Any who wield magic? Any large heists in the planning stages?" She pauses assuming the bandit probably can't handle that many questions that fast. Once the deluge seems to have sunk in a bit she adds, "Those of the sort of things I need from you to advocate on your behalf. Now, speak."
The bandit appears caught somewhat offguard by Karina's businesslike manner. He opens his mouth, then quickly closes it again, nodding furiously. Struggling to find words to answer even half of her questions, Runt speaks slowly and deliberately. "Honestly? I don't know how many of us there are. I'm just from one camp, just us new guys. It's a little ways south'a here, maybe a few hours on horseback. There's some mean fella in charge of everything, but I ain't never seen him. Heard he's a real piece of work, though." His voice grows stronger, more confident as he speaks. "Lady named Kressle's in charge of our camp. She's, uh," he pauses. "Unpleasant. Scares everyone half to death. There's a few other bosses around, too, but I don't know who they might be."
Tyanos strides forward towards the boy.
"Well then how about we start small. Your camp, how many are left not counting those we have and this Kressle woman? It would help if you knew the layout of the camp and it's defenses. Like say look out points and ambush spots. Personally I do care about who lives and dies, not one for killing when it's not needed. But a certain amount of effort is required on your part for me to help."
Runt glances at Karina, as though unsure if he should be answering another person's questions. When she does not object, he proceeds. "Um, maybe a half dozen or so? People come and go all the time, yeah? Sometimes Kressle makes 'em go permanently, if you know what I mean. The ones that don't work out. Or listen. Or whatever." He shudders. "Look, I've been helpful. But... if you go up against Kressle, she's gonna skin you and wear it like a hat. She's a mean b-" he remembers the lady in the room, then stops abruptly. "Mean sonova. And she ain't even a son. But the thing is, if she kills you, she's going to slaughter me. My soul'll be too cut up to make it to any boneyard, let alone the Gray Lady's! I don't know what more you want me to do!"
All we need is the truth. Any information would be helpful. Could you draw a map to that Kressle's camp? What does she look like? Why are you so frightened of her? I don't believe in unecessary killing. I try to be merciful, and if we have to execute some of you for banditry, I'll do it as painlessly as possible. I would prefer a symbolical "death" of your banditry, meaning you going away and abandon all outlawness. After all, if Kressle hear about you surrendering, she won't be that happy, and she doenst seem as merciful. But understand we cannot take the risk of Oleg's post being attacked again by unrepentants bandits.
At the mention of executions, Runt shrinks back into the corner of the stable. "I- I- I don't think that'll be necessary. I've given up, yeah? Like I said, I never wanted- this was never- It's not my fault, really!" He pauses again, looking to each of you and hoping for a sign of sympathy. After a moment, he continues when no one jumps in. "And I can't really draw you the map. Saerin, the boss, the elf, he's the woodsy one. Kressle, too. She's another tracker. Rrough lady. Carries a dozen axes or something, cuts anyone who so much as looks at her funny. Really hates men, dunno why. Supposedly she's working for some other fella, but she ain't told us nothing 'bout him. I wish I could give you a better description but, uh, I try to avoid her. 'Fraid she was gonna kill me."
Runt shrugs as best he can with the ropes keeping him bound. "Wish I could give you that map. I just don't know my head from my ass in the Narlmarches. Er, the woods over there." He nods his head towards the south; towards the large treeline you saw the bandits emerge from.
Can I talk to you all over here Thomas quietly says from by the door.
When the others have come over.
Lets let this one stew in a separate area, and see if we get the same answers from one of the others, and him later. I will get the pudgy one.
Playing bad cop the ranger points out. We want to be lenient with you, but so far the charges against you include extortion, attempted robbery, robbery, assault, and attempted murder. it does not look good for you. You see, your own actions are your fault, really. You think about that, and how else you might be helpful. Because we are going to go find Kressle, and from what you have said, you really really want us to win.
"Just a moment before we move on to the next bandit if you don't mind."
He goes over to the boy bandit.
"Would you tell me what lead to your current profession of banditry. As well as anything you know about an attack on a farm near by."
Both subjects should be well known to the boy, one being his own life after all. The other made sense what with the location of the attack and their camp, it was doubtful another would be so close or range so far. He had a hunch about something.
Before joining the others to interrogate the prisoner, Dendarial quickly checks over the piles of junk they'd collected from the bandits. He finds: four suits of leather armor, three shortswords, a dagger, a broken light crossbow, a composite shortbow (+2 str), two vials of alchemical fire, and about 46g in various coinage. Also of note, the elf was wearing a bronze amulet fashioned in the shape of a stag's skull. The others had nothing similar.
Runt continues his exaggerated nodding, quite eager to agree to anything that involves him not being hung on the walls of the Trading Post. He looks at Tyanos, then shrugs. "I don't know anything about any farms. We've been uh, 'working' almost only with Oleg's place. But then again, they don't really tell me much." He casts his eyes downward. "A couple months back I was traveling through the area. There were three of us. Killed the guard, then demanded surrender. My friend ran. Kressle put an axe in his back." He shudders. "Said I had two options - carry the goods back to their camp for them, or die then and there. The answer was pretty clear."
"Press ganged and coerced." Karina says, her mind already moving on to the next bandit. "We won't learn anything important from him, we should just get the next one."
There is one more thing.Dendarial holds up the stag's skull bronze amulet and asks What is this little trinket.
He shrugs. "Belongs to the boss. Kressle has a silver one, too."
Hmm. I'd bet that Kressle' boss has a gold one. Its some indicator of rank to the bandits. Dendarial speculates
Dendarial, can you watch the runt there ?Thomas asks pointing into another stable While I go get Pudge
Walks out of the stable, and grabs pudge come with me Then proceeds to walk back into the stable with him.
Tyanos remained silent as they moved on to the next bandit. After all there were going to judge their lives in the end. He had a firm choice on Runt, now on to Pudge. In some ways he preferred things be settled in a fight but he was not foolish enough to think he would win every time. It pays to put in the effort of deciding ones fate for who knew when your fate would be decided in turn.
May I get a closer look at that amulet, Dendarial?
Hadin's face is truly pale now
Pudge is a little more resistant to coming quietly. Not only is quite a bit heavier than Runt, but he's quite obviously opposed to any kind of happy cooperation between bandit and adventurer.
With a little bit of effort on Thomas' part and a good poke from Oleg's javelin, though, they manage to convince Pudge to join them in the stables.
Unfortunately, no glimpse of the scout was available. But the land here seems good. It was a bit exciting to Wetscale to see so much uninhabited land. That's really why they were here: to start something for themselves.
Refreshed, he descended from the ground and made his way to the outside of the stable. He'd seen some milling about with the place, so he didn't want to disrupt anything delicate inside.
Upon meeting-up with his cofoudners though, he indicated the absence of detecting the runners.
May I get a closer look at that amulet, Dendarial?
Hadin's face is truly pale now
Of course my friend. The ranger hands Hadin the amulet. Seeing his expression Dendarial asks What is wrong? Have you seen this token before?
Hadin shows the ranger his own holy symbol, cut into the wood and representing stag's antlers.
I just hope there's no link between these bandits and Erastil... How could it be? Maybe they seek to disrespect Ol"Deadeye?
Hadin definitely recognizes some similarity between the icon and his divine patron, but it is hard to tell if the link is deliberate. Undoubtedly, the great stag is most commonly associated with Old Deadeye, but so too did several other hunt-inclined deities favor the beast. And, with its common majesty across all the wilderness, depictions of stags tend to be common in many arts.
Thomas pushes Pudge into the original stable where we talked to runt.
You will tell us everything we need to know
Pudge grits his teeth as Thomas gives him a firm shove into the stable. He glares back at the man, teeth bared like a cornered animal. "I ain't telling ya nothin'. The boss'll have my head if'n I talk, and Kressle'll have my head if'n he don't. Whatever ya've got ain't nothing compared to them! 'Sides, ya already took the Runt, probably left him for the wolves in the 'Marches. What hope do I have?"
While able to hear some talking within, Wetscale could not make out the words. It was probably for the better anyway - he didn't want the choices here to be harder than they had to be.
Runt is still alive and sitting over there. Thomas points to the stable that runt is in. You tell us what we need to know, and by Iomedae's name, you might survive.
Pudge spits at Thomas's feet. "The Inheritor can bite me arse. I ain't gonna be the one to rat out nobody."
Aye, but you are, even if I am not the one to take it out from you.
Thomas grits his teeth, to avoid punching the prisoner, as he looks at the others. he is all yours.
"Here's the long and short of it fat@#%," Karina says, her tone utter derision. "That big guy out there is going to string you up on the palisade. If that's what you want, we can get it over with, otherwise you can start talking." She waits just long enough for the bandit to start to speak and interrupts him, "That stringing up will happen while you're still alive."
And do yourself a favor: don't even try to lie. We want information. All you know. And I'll try to set aside my willingness to punch some sense in you... Remember I'm still angry over this wedding ring affair.
The mention of hanging causes Pudge to grimace, but his resolve seems to hold steady. He redoubles his efforts, even less helpful than before. "A hanging ain't nothing. If'n ya think that's bad, ya ain't seen Kressle work. There's plenty of fates worse than death, and plenty worse than a good n' quick hanging." He leans in closer to Karina and laughs. "Just ya wait. Kressle'll get ya, and then she'll have her way with ya. Not too many other ladyfolk out here for her to play with."
He squirms as though trying to loose his bonds, but instead simply turns to face Hadin. "And for ya, I imagine Kressle'll love your fascination with the ring. Might just take all your fingers so's you can't never have none. If'n you're lucky she'll kill ya soon after."
It's not exactly the information you're looking for, but as far as you can tell Pudge believes everything he's saying. Whoever Kressle is, he's quite obviously more afraid of her than he is of you.
Tyanos for his part mostly watched. Seemed the man was too foolish or unwilling. Both traits that were dangerous.
"Well seeing as you have shown not a bit of repentance and have done nothing but threaten. I think we should not waste anymore of our time. Yours is just about run out. Give him to Oleg to hang is my say, we can move on to the next one."
His utter indifferent and casual tone the first biting cold reminder that he is Ulfen. Their justice is not kind to the honorless.
Dendarial looks the man over. I told you there was no redeeming of bandits. Stupid of you all to even think we could turn something like this back into the world to work its evil. If he wishes death over talk then let me open his throat right here. Den takes a step towards the man, pulling a sword.
Listening to pudge's comments, Thomas nonchalantly goes over and grabs a coil of rope.
He then starts to tie a noose into it.
It pains me to make this judgement, but it must be done. In the name of the Inheritor, and for unrepenant banditry, you are found guilty. Punishment is death.
Pudge shrinks back and away from Dendarial. Slowly, he gives a wide, evil grin and laughs. "You'd sure get along nice with the boss. Saerin's a big fan of bleeding men dry. You want my help? Then I'll need a full pardon, written and signed by King Stavian III of Taldor, along with a big ol' bucket of coin. Then maybe I'd be willing to betray my friends!" He gives another curt laugh, then stops and nods his head towards Thomas and Tyanos. "Here your friends talk of hanging and ya want to gut me? Ha! Go for it, ya pointy-eared cur! I'll see you all in Hell."
"Bring in the next one after Oleg flings him off the wall," Karina asks, her voice impassive.
Done Tomas states in a cold voice. Hadin, you want to help me get him out there to Oleg
Then he struggles with Pudge to get him out and turn him over to Oleg.
You can hang this one.
Looks over at Torc Your next, come with us
As Pudge exited, Wetscale looked down at him. He was likely to give the man a shock, but the feeling wasn't mutual - his was more of curiosity. There's so much open land out here. Why resort to theft?
Before the next is brought in, he steps inside with the others. "I have climbed to their roof. I could not see any scout of theirs running, but there are many trees. It will be difficult to find them without help. They may also ambush us if we must go through the forest."
Tyanos turns to Wetscale.
"He was most likely lying. The words of the arrogant mean little to me and often hold not but lies. After all if he was so cautious he would have stayed outside and had his men come in alone. Bravado aside he would not risk his life, bandits rarely do."
I don't think we are in immediate risk. Maybe we should do what we can to ensure the safety of this place after all this.... unpleasant business with the bandits.
I just hope this stag badge from the bandits is nothing but a coincidence.
Oleg's eyes light up at the mention of hanging. Pudge, to his credit, remains silent - though he fixes a deathly glare in Thomas' direction. "Have a seat, friend," Oleg says with perhaps a bit too much enthusiasm. "It's time ta mete out some proper frontier justice, methinks." He turns his javelin skyward and leans upon its haft, a vengeful smile plastered across his face. "Oh, have I been waiting fer this." Svetlana says nothing, but goes to retrieve several lengths of rope.
Tork, still with something of a headache, fumbles his way to his feet and follows after Thomas without further incident. As soon as he enters the stables, he recoils away from Wetscale. "Whoa! You still have that thing here...? Uh, please tell you're not feeding me to him..."
Tyanos fixes a indifferent and steely gaze on the bandit.
"That depends on you. As well as Wetscale if he would chance his health on consuming you should we find you wanting. Personally I don't understand the difference in being eaten by worms over something else. My people burn their dead if found worthy."
As Thomas enters with the next bandit, Karina rises and walks to the door. "Turn around and watch this, bandit," Karina says, indicating the hanging about to take place. From the entrance to the stables, the young woman stands watching the execution proceed, the trussed up bandit beside her. She carefully keeps her visage neutral, having never witnessed an actual death, much less ordered one, before this day. Once the deed is done she turns to Tork and says, "Your fate will be the same as his, and by the laws of this land, deservedly so. I do not think you want that to happen, though I do not care either way. Use that to your advantage. Speak. Tell me all I wish to know and I'm certain we can have your life spared."
Your one chance at redemption, and survival is dependant on what you say. Thomas turns Tork around to face the yard This could be your fate, so think carefully.
By the inheritor, I dislike that, but justice must be served, and we are giving them the chance.
A grim pleasure overtakes Oleg as he watches Pudge squirm in his death throes. It's obvious he wants to turn away from the grim sight... yet he's getting a grotesque satisfaction out of seeing his tormentor put to the noose.
As the man dangles, lifeless, Oleg quickly cuts the rope and drops the carcass to the ground. He offers a sign of approval to his observers, then asks, "Who's up'n fer helping me hang this bugger's corpse from the walls? Tell all his friends that Ol' Oleg ain't playing their game no more!"
Tork takes a moment to look around, partly in shock and partly in terror. He settles his eyes back on Wetscale, sweat forming on his receding hairline even as Karina speaks.
"Speak. Tell me all I wish to know and I'm certain we can have your life spared."
He finally breaks eye contact with Wetscale and reestablishes it with Karina, wavering. He gives a quick and curt nod. "Yes, of course, ma'am." His tone was formal, almost courtly. He looked uneasy, but his endless worry seemed to falter as he spoke. "How... what... I don't know where to start. They call me Tork, and I'm from out near Galt. Tried to settle down in a new place. It went bad. No food, no shelter, nowhere to go. People dying left and right from some sickness." He stops, leaving the rest of his life story untold. "I... I'm not proud of what I've done to get here. I'm just not sure how I can help you. I don't know anything! Besides, I probably deserve the same fate as the rest..."
Walking aside with Karina and out of earshot of Tork It sounds like this lad went the way of the bandit for survival, and not by choice
Oleg, I will not let you hang them from the walls. the punishment is enough.