Rhasa watches him go. "Well, that is one less bandit we need to execute today. Even if he won't deliver your message, and I don't think he will, I hope he received mine loud and clear." She looks at the others, watching from the campfire, "If you meet him again after this, you be sure he knows that the next time I find him involved in banditry, the results will be different. That same goes for each of you that we release. Do you understand me?"
The 'bathroom bandit' watches and listens wide-eyed as Rhasadolara and Lothar jockey for his attention.
"Taking that sort of a message to the Stag Lord is certain death," he says, before fleeing as soon as he is released.
Lothar's smile was a dark one as he kept his eyes focused on Kressel. The message will be delivered in time. His cooperation at this time was never truly in doubt. He, like those of his ilk, is a dastard, timid and easily intimidated. Just like she is. He put away the dagger, his eyes never straying from the bandit leader. She has already experienced what the Taldan call the petit mort, the little death. Ending her physical existence would have been far more merciful than allowing her to continue to lead the empty and unfulfilling life she has now. Unless, of course, she can prove herself to be more than the Stag Lord's rabid dog. He was speaking directly to Kressel at this point, the Vudran doing his best to appeal to some small sliver of humanity that might possibly remain within. Can you be more than the role given you by your master? I wish to know because perfection means allowing you this one chance to prove to yourself that you are not completely dead inside. Or will you continue to be his pet and suffer the fate that comes along with it?
Lothar waited for Kressel's answer, his gaze never wavering from hers in the slightest.
I am still here reading the posts, just don't have any input yet. Too much guilt and want for revenge just leads to bad decisions. A rash move now, without any thought behind it can be worse than waiting a couple of hours as long as the bandits are quiet. Once the new morning comes, and his penance is over Gorguk will join in again in the discussion of what to do with them.
"It will be nearly a full day afor I can heal Kressel again."
Lothar tore his gaze from Kressel to look squarely at Rhasadilara. The unconscious mind hears far more than you would think. This humble one is just laying the future groundwork for our conversation to come. You spoke of my rashness before. It would not do to have you or anyone else believe that this humble one is merely reacting from emotion. This humble one wishes for you all to understand that what he is doing goes far beyond the moment, which is the place that emotion speaks. Lothar then looked at the others that stood nearby, weighing the uncertainty in their eyes before continuing to speak. This humble one did not undertake this endeavor only to fail. The goal we all seek is victory. But, ultimately, it all will come back to this one point: any victory we hope to achieve will rest on hearts and minds on those that we encounter. We can't just rely on merely the strength of arms to see us through this. So I propose that in addition to our use of force, that we apply a judicious propaganda campaign to aid us, which will ultimately harm the Stag Lord. Through the charter we've been given, we represent the strength of the people. Only strength can cooperate. Weakness can only beg. The Stag Lord's understanding of this is limited, as he relies primarily on brute force. We must be more than this if we are to take down the threat he represents. But if we do this, then we all must be walking the same path, toward the same goal. Once begun, there can be no turning back.
He waited to see how the others responded to this. Lothar knew what he was proposing would take the team down a road that, once set upon, could end with only one destination.
Revolution.
Ultimately, Lothar believed this to be the Stag Lord's goal. That he was amassing an army to bring down those in power in an attempt to grab it for himself. This could not be allowed to happen.
Rhasa listens to Lothar's response, eyebrow raised. "I understand that your ... education and training have shown you how to look at things differently and approach things differently than another. I could see that in your fighting technique."
In a much lower voice, intended for him alone, she adds, "My concern was that your emotions had overcome your training, that you were reacting to the pain rather than acting on a plan. Perhaps I underestimated you. For that, I apologize. But the fact remains - the charter is for the group and the decisions should be those of the group. Even if your... tactic was planned, it was done without letting the group know what you were about. If the members of the group all act independently, that will undercut the group's ability to succeed in this endeavor."
Watching the trees where the bathroom bandit had fled, she continues, her voice at a natural level, "I still do not think he will deliver your message directly to the Stag Lord, but perhaps you are correct. Others that he encounters may learn your message and thereby deliver it to our quarry. Hopefully, you scared him into an honest way of life."
Looking around at anyone from the party within earshot, she asks, "I think one of you mentioned that you encountered the bandits that left earlier. Did any of them survive? How did you handle the survivors? Would your course of action there guide the decisions made here?"
Rhasa listens to Lothar's response, eyebrow raised. "I understand that your ... education and training have shown you how to look at things differently and approach things differently than another. I could see that in your fighting technique."
In a much lower voice, intended for him alone, she adds, "My concern was that your emotions had overcome your training, that you were reacting to the pain rather than acting on a plan. Perhaps I underestimated you. For that, I apologize. But the fact remains - the charter is for the group and the decisions should be those of the group. Even if your... tactic was planned, it was done without letting the group know what you were about. If the members of the group all act independently, that will undercut the group's ability to succeed in this endeavor."
This humble one is driven by emotion, but they have not overwhelmed his logic. A plan is foremost in his mind, even if that plan is not always recognizable to those that see it. There is truth to what you say in regards to the charter. This humble one apologizes for not taking the time to discuss this with you all. In response to this, this humble one puts the matter forth to you all now. As has been stated, if we do this, then we all must be walking the same path, toward the same goal. There cannot be an apparent goal and then hidden goals that undermine the stated one. The strength of our convictions will see us through this, but only if we can trust one another to do that which is right.
Lothar looked to Gorguk. This humble one leaves it to you. If any of you feel that you cannot trust me to do that which is right, then this humble one will step aside and take himself away from both this charter and the group.
"The bandits at Oleg's are dead, some of them during the initial battle and then an unrepentant Happs by my hand, and buried behind Oleg's."
"If it is decided to end one of these in their journey, then I do not mind carrying out that end, though I did say that I was not digging all the graves, this time...."
"Perchance some of the bandits here now can dig a grave in case it is needed."
"No need - I will save you the trouble of removing any rabid examples from our presence. And... we are in Erastil's domain out here. He doesn't bury his children the animals - he lets their bodies return to the earth and feed it and feed those that remain behind." She smiles, "Not that I propose that we consume any bandits we must kill. Rather, I suggest that we leave them for Erastil's children to dispose of. Wolves, bears, hawks - they will grow strong from the body. Trees and other plants will grow strong from what's left behind."
She shakes her head and looks at the bandits, no doubt listening to the exchange, "No, no need for burial for someone you won't miss when they are gone. If you respect the deceased, then by all means, respect the corpse they leave behind. These have not done anything to earn our respect." Louder to make sure they can hear her clearly, "However, it is within their abilities - it is their choice - to become someone worth respecting. Leading us to the mites would be a start. Helping us end the reign of the Stag Lord would go a long way. I'm sure they can think of other things they can do to avoid becoming wolf chow."
"Barnabus, please awaken this one," she nudges Lothar's defeated bandit. "Let's tell him how the rules of his life have changed."
Lothar looked to Gorguk. This humble one leaves it to you. If any of you feel that you cannot trust me to do that which is right, then this humble one will step aside and take himself away from both this charter and the group.
Since directly asked, Lothar it is not a matter of trust. I do trust that we all will do the right thing given the opportunity. The problem arises when one of us thinks that he/she must act quickly and therefore forego the council and wisdom of the others when there is still time. Do I think you were wrong in your assessment of the bandit, no. In fact, Cal and I were thinking of how to do the very same thing...to undermine the Staglord from within. We were even going so far as to decapitate the unredeemed bandits and send the heads back to the Staglord. If there was any problem it was the hastiness of your actions. I know you said you have a plan and that it was not emotion that made you act so. That is all well and good; but we, as a group, need to decide the fates of those we interact with. Our choices from here on will shape the lives of everyone here: the good and evil alike. If you do feel that he was not redeemable, then why set him free? What if tomorrow he kills another innocent and it is because we let him go with just a warning? Those are the issues I am wrestling with.
I know that life is not easily given yet quick to be taken here. That point was proven with Kylia. I want to be able to give them all a second chance at their own lives, but will not take that risk lightly. If the bandits are forthright and honest I say give them a second chance. Those that hide the truth are also lying to themselves and need to be punished for their crimes. Is that punishment death by our hand or servitude? The character of the bandit will decide that fate.You acted honorably, but hastily. Put your mind at ease in this matter. What is done is done. All I can ask is that in the future, if there is time, we as a group decide what is to be done.
His meditation interrupted for now, Gorguk will focus on the bandits until a verdict has been reached and then finish his self inflicted penance.
Barnabus notes the unconscious bandit indicated by Rasadilara.....
Applies the healing hex to this one...
"I have done what I am able and you have requested."
"Perchance the most ungrateful example o using my healing ever!
"Lothar, as Gorguk said, he and I have been discussing this and other things, and are in agreement that some kind of campaign to unnerve the Stag Lord would be beneficial, if he can be unnerved from what we hear of him. If not we can at least keep him of balance."
The only issue I see at this time with letting the Stag Lord know that someone is after him, is that it makes targets of us, perhaps before we are ready to be targets. Gorguk and I both believe, through our discussion of the subject, that a direct confrontation with the Stag Lord would not be in our best interest at this point."
"There are times to act suddenly and decisively, and there are other times when we need to make a decision together. I ask that for now, until we have more experience in knowing which situation warrants which action, that we err on the side of caution and try to work as a group together as much as possible. We will come to 'trust' on another more by doing so I believe."
"I have had one thought though while I have been preparing to send Kylia into the next realm. One of the bandits said that this liquor was suppose to be delivered to the Stag Lord. Maybe we ought to question those who remain as to what the Stag Lord would do if it is not delivered. Would he send others to retrieve it? Could we then lie in wait for them? We could certainly take them on one small group at a time."
"Just a thought anyway."
#5 is babbling;
Kressel unconscious;
what was the verdict of the 2 that surrendered (#3 Gibel and #4 Finlee) according to our insightful DM 1 is a liar and 1 goes with the flow without caring whose side he is on or who he hurts; detect evil then sense motive
cook is ok so far;
The rest are dead
In the meantime, what are we to do with this one that hasn't shut up yet and filling the air with his vulgar profanity? Did Lothar knock something loose in his head? If so, it would be a mercy to end his torment rather than let him suffer like an idiot.
What say you all to leaving Kressel asleep. Once we are done here and my nightly vigil is done we return to Oleg's with her. That way, Kressel can speak for her actions in the presence of her accusers. This way we will determine what type of person she is and can judge accordingly. If you are opposed to that, then let us wake her and get her story now and then decide.
*Forgot all about detect evil so added that in above. Will detect evil on all the bandits that are here.*
Rhasa has moved so that she stands on the far side of the captives (and the fire) from the babbler. She says to herself, but not trying to hide it from anyone (least of all the other captives), "If there's a rabid one in the pack, I'm guessing it's him. We probably shouldn't waste our time asking him why he's a bandit." If either Gibel or Finlee look at her after she says this, she will give him/them a grim smile and draw her index finger across her neck in an unmistakable message.
She calls out louder to those standing closer to the enraged prisoner, "Stuff a rag in his mouth. Keep pushing until he stops making noise. I think he's answered all my questions - and I didn't even need to ask them."
Looking at the four conscious captives, she says, "I don't know if I've really earned a say in any of this, but if I get a vote, I think I know how I would cast my ballot."
Gorguk: You try to assess the bandits you've spoken with.
- Dyfrig - not evil in the slightest, motive: trying to do the right thing
- Finlee - slight tinge of evil, motive: survival, perhaps turning over a new leaf
- Gibel - evil, motive: survival
- The just-awakened fellow - very evil, motive as yet unknown
As for Kressle, even unconscious she's pretty evil!
Well that definitely helps the situation. Gibel, the mad man and Kressel all appear to have black hearts. Finlee with guidance and correction may be able to change his ways. While Dyfrig is just a lost sould trying to find his way in life. In light of this revelation from Erastil. I would propose that Dyfrig be free to go and Finlee enter in to servitude to us or Oleg for a period of time much like Walter. The others, unless we wish to gather more information from them about the surrounding area deserve their fates and the fulfillment of the charter.
"In that case I suggest we have individual responsibility for reforming some of these bandits. I think Gorguk and Calindar can help Dyfrig, perhaps Rhasadilara and I can see to Finlee. I am not certain yet about the one named Gibel."
"I fear the path you tread is too much for Finlee at this time...."
"Does this mean on your word Gorguk we shall dispatch this Kressel that she never wake from her nightmares?"
While I trust the information that is given to me by Erastil's gift, I would not presume to know how to interpret all that knowledge myself. I am still under the recommendation that we need to hear her story. Not that I doubt what Erastil has shown me, but so that I may judge more adequately in the future. If what I beleive is true, her attitude and story will leave us no choice but to end her life. So to answer your question Barnabus, no I would not have everyone act in such a way based on my testimony alone, but rather have as many facts as possible. Perhaps, after I have dealt with more people and have become a better judge of charatcer I will be more discerning and sure of myself. As for Gibel and the mad man, I see no other alternative but to comply with the requirements of the charter that I have been tasked to follow.
I agree that at this moment I would probably do more harm than good in trying to reform Finlee. I would think that Cal would st be most suited to this responsibility. As for Dyfrig, I do not believe that he needs reforming just an honest chance to live his life. What if we take him on and hire him to cook and care for our animals until such time that he can find better employ?
"I would agree to taking Dyfrig and Finlee into our group so that they may have better opportunities. Dyfrig is no warrior, but he showed good attention to the bandits' camp while I observed them the last few days. Finlee has some skills, I would wager. I believe he could serve as another blade for us, as well as a guide to this sycamore tree that was mentioned."
"The others...," she shrugs and reaches back to touch her blade's hilt, "just let me know when."
Good Luck
"I would agree with keeping Dyfrig and Finlee as well, they may yet prove to be better then they are now, given a chance. As for the others, I would put my trust in the information that was given to Gorguk by Erastil. We will probably find that they are much like Happs and will do little to aid us with information or otherwise, not that I would necessarily trust what they had to say anyway."
"I would have given Gibel a chance to prove himself, but I do not doubt what the Bowfather has revealed. And I do not doubt that you have told us what was revealed to you. So."
She certainly seems to think a decision has been reached.
"Lothar, your plan. Considering what Gorguk has seen, how would the plan have us proceed?"
"Gozreh is silent as always those in harmony with nature doing as is natural."
"What is the method of execution for banditry?"
"What is the method of execution for banditry?"
I believe the punishment for unrepentant banditry is the sword or the rope
"Lothar, your plan. Considering what Gorguk has seen, how would the plan have us proceed?"
Lothar raised his head at Rhasadilara's query, his expression a thoughtful one. There is information that this humble one thinks can be had from Kressel. But given her current spiritual state, Calinder has the right of it when he says she would not willingly aid us in getting that information. That being said, this humble one believes that she can still be of use to us.
The Vudrani magician reached into the folds of his black silk kasaya and produced first his wand, then the silver stag amulet.
This humble one would need to spend some time with her. He nodded toward Rhasa. Given this humble one's intention, it would do to have her standing by. The rest of you would be ...less resistant to what this most humble one will do. In addition, she should serve as a reminder to keep this one grounded fully in the task at hand. This humble one is familiar with certain aspects of the elven mind that make her less susceptible to the technique that will be employed.
Attempt this if you will, I will be over yonder tending Durok and watching Finlee and Dyfrig. Call out if you need anything.
During this 'inquisition', Gorguk will attempt to find out if Dyfrig would be willing to take a job as a hired hand for us. What is the going rate for a servant like this? (hireling trained 3sp per day or untrainded 1sp per day or compromise with 2sp per day?) As for Finlee, I will try to impress upon him the consequences of his previous actions and that if he serves Cal for a period of time (3 months...longer?) that his past shall be forgiven unless he returns to his banditry ways.
Lothar took Rhasadilara aside to discuss his intentions. As a bearer of one of these - he displayed the amulet - this humble one is certain that Kressle has knowledge of those that are close to this Stag Lord. We have an opportunity to learn about his inner circle - assuming that they bear tokens such as this. We learn about the others who bear stag head's like this and we're one step closer to bringing down these bandits. Find a weakness and exploit it. If a weakness cannot be found, then we'll create one. We have the means. The time has come to put them to use. But this humble one won't mislead you, Rhasadilara: Kressle, by all indications, is strong willed, so this will not be easy. Do you still wish to stand with this humble one as he attempts this venture?
Lothar took Rhasadilara aside to discuss his intentions. As a bearer of one of these - he displayed the amulet - this humble one is certain that Kressle has knowledge of those that are close to this Stag Lord. We have an opportunity to learn about his inner circle - assuming that they bear tokens such as this. We learn about the others who bear stag head's like this and we're one step closer to bringing down these bandits. Find a weakness and exploit it. If a weakness cannot be found, then we'll create one. We have the means. The time has come to put them to use. But this humble one won't mislead you, Rhasadilara: Kressle, by all indications, is strong willed, so this will not be easy. Do you still wish to stand with this humble one as he attempts this venture?
The very thin elf just smiles in return, "Of course. Ready when you are."
"I have found it better tah use tha fates themselves against tha enemies rather than find a weakness, I create tha weakness."
"I agree that tha necklace identifies leaders or trusted persons within tha bandits."
The very thin elf just smiled in return.
Of course. Ready when you are.
Lothar nodded his approval and led Rhasa over to where the bandit lay unconscious. He squatted down near her head, which he grabbed, and motioned for the elf to grab her feet. With Rhasadilara's assistance, Lothar would change the venue for interrogation, taking Kressle a spot not too far away.
Their destination: the site of the destroyed watchtower.
The place where Kylia died.
Once they had set Kressle down, Lothar turned his back to the prone body and took a moment to prepare himself what he was about to do.
May our fetters be unbound. This he repeated to himself over and over before turning and kneeling next to the bandit's head.
For Kylia!
The Vudrani magician touched the tip of his wand to the head of the bandit, spending a precious charge of its magical energy to bring Kressle back to full consciousness. Before the foul-mouthed woman could say anything, Lothar produced the silver stag head amulet and flipped it into the air, causing it to spin as it went up.
You strike this humble one as an intelligent person. That would mean that you are open to... possibilities.
He reached out and caught the token, then sent it back into the air.
If you are truly open to possibilities, then this humble one will put forth a possibility that you have yet to consider.
Again, the magician caught the amulet. And again, he sent it spinning into the air.
Once more, Lothar spoke directly to Kressle as he stood over her, his words an attempt to both draw her eyes to the rise and fall of the token, using this as the means to trigger his mesmerism.
Can you be more than the role given you by your master? I wish to know because perfection means allowing you this one chance to prove to yourself that you are not completely dead inside. Or will you continue to be his pet and suffer the fate that comes along with it?
The token hung spinning in the air...
Calinder watches with interest as Lothar and Rhasadilara cart Kressel off in the direction of the far watchtower.
He then walks over to where Gorguk is and says, "Do you think that Lothar will be able to get anything out of Kressel?"
Sense motive
DM
really wondering if he is communicating something to this Kressel that I am unaware of.....feel free to ignore the roll
Calinder watches with interest as Lothar and Rhasadilara cart Kressel off in the direction of the far watchtower.
He then walks over to where Gorguk is and says, "Do you think that Lothar will be able to get anything out of Kressel?"
Kressle comes round, looking a bit groggy. She doesn't say anything and gazes around before her eye is caught by the glint of light from the stag's head pendant.
"Where did you get that?" she asks.
The token dropped, caught by Lothar's waiting hand.
If you are concerned as to whether or not it was taken from you, allay yourself of such fears for it was not. This was given to me by another, not taken. Though it could just as easily have been.
The Vudrani magician wasn't sure that his attempt had been successful. And if he had failed, Lothar wouldn't be able to perform another attempt until this time again tomorrow.
He spared a glance toward Rhasadilara, uncertainty momentarily evident in his eyes, before turning his attention back to Kressle.
You and I both know what kind of person the Stag Lord is. You and I know what he will do if he should learn of what happened here. It is my hope that you want more than that for yourself. And so long as you are his rabid dog, you will never have more than what he allows you to have. Is that what you want? If it isn't, then we can continue to explore....other possibilities. There are questions that need answers and I believe that you can give me those answers. If, however, you believe still that the Stag Lord is worthy of your loyalty.... Lothar gestured toward Rhasadilara.
...well then, I will leave you to it and you will suffer a rabid dog's fate. The choice is yours to make. It is my hope that you choose both wisely and quickly. Time is a luxury that we do not have in abundance.
"Had you acted less hastily, I could have attempted to weaken her resolve and had tha fates intervein in your process."
"Tha offer is simple enough death for crimes against this community known as tha greenbelt o a chance at redemption. Speak now an let us know you tell us of Kressel so that we may understand how you came to be in this position right now, start at the begining if you must, but we can not know you without your words."
"I personally feel that it would be a shame not to know one whose life has led to this point an unable tah understand why."
"Had you acted less hastily, I could have attempted to weaken her resolve and had tha fates intervein in your process."
"Tha offer is simple enough death for crimes against this community known as tha greenbelt o a chance at redemption. Speak now an let us know you tell us of Kressel so that we may understand how you came to be in this position right now, start at the begining if you must, but we can not know you without your words."
"I personally feel that it would be a shame not to know one whose life has led to this point an unable tah understand why."
Barnabus:
Also
Yes Lothar may direct his actions, and suggest for others, yet no force compells compliance as everyone has the same charter and equal freedom and responsibility......
Plus I only have one set of manacles ;)
Also
** spoiler omitted **
Barnabus:
Also
** spoiler omitted **Plus I only have one set of manacles ;)
Rhasa has the right of it as far as intent is concerned.
Rhasa has the right of it as far as intent is concerned.
As for your actions, I think we'll all get our turn roleplaying -- I felt like I was taking too much bandwidth with my girl earlier. I for one am fine with your course of action.
** spoiler omitted **Rhasa has the right of it as far as intent is concerned.
"It seems tha evil one does not wish to speak, come now and tell us of how Kressel came to be both a great warrior and misguided in her path."
"It seems tha evil one does not wish to speak,