The bandits ride easily into the trading post, where they begin circling the courtyard in confusion. "Where is that bastard. COME OUT AND GIVE US OUR TRIBUTE OLD MAN!" Yells Happs obliviously, just before the trap is sprung.
Marcus: 11
Kata:
Kheldor:
Anton:
Oleg:
Bandits:
Happs:
Alright, everyone will go before the bandits. I don't see this lasting long.
The air is full of chanting which finishes almost in synch as Kata and Kheldor both finish their spells quickly, throwing their incapacitating spells at the group easily.
Bandit 1:
Bandit 2:
Bandit 3:
Bandit 4:
"Where... is..." Happs starts before he falls from his horse in a sleepy haze. Three of the other bandits fall at the same time, with the fourth beginning to wheel his horse in fear as Kheldor rises and throws his spray of colored lights, causing him to fall as well. Three of the horses fall as well, equally susceptible to the spells.
Marcus comes rising from his hiding position, Anton steps around the door and Arkady comes quickly forward with his horse... only to find that the battle is over before it has begun.
From up on the catwalk, you hear Kata's laugh ring out, "Well, that was quick. Let's see about binding our bandits and we can learn more about them and their friends." Kata makes her way back down to the courtyard from the catwalk. "I'm not sure about Kheldor's spell, but we only have a minute before the ones I hit wake up."
Arkady vaults off his horse, pulling a coil of rope from the saddle. "Marcus! Oleg! Come help me bind these men!" He figures Anton won't be cool with the idea, and looks to Kata for guidance on which to send first. "Gildas! Guard!"
Kata walks into the courtyard, keeping an eye on the bandits to make sure none of them are waking. "I think we'll want to talk to Happs first. Then we can see about cross-checking his story with one of the others. Let's get the horses that aren't out cold into the stable and we can put the men we aren't questioning in there too under guard. I'll talk to Happs in the bunkroom. At least one of you should join me. And anyone talking to Happs needs to act like his friend, we'll get more cooperation that way."
Anton takes his station behind the door, having no better plan of battle. He plans to close the door and then begin his spells that take some time. The loutish oaf of a bandit leader rides in and the most hellish set of events happens. The bandits are caught completely unawares and rendered helpless without any chance to show courage at all. Anton is speechless for a moment and then rushes out. In a bellow that could wake the dead, Anton roars, "That was no battle, we may as well jump them in the privy. Question them all you like, but anyone that attempts to take their lives, before they've had a chance to prove their courage, WILL answer to me, on my blood as Lebeda, on my faith in the Lord in Iron." Anton looks quite angry, angry enough to take everyone on, right here, right now. Even angry enough to forget courtesy!
Kata looks up at Anton, clearly confused why he is so angry. She draws herself up, looking Anton in the eye. "That was the best kind of battle. Suppose these bandits were armed with bows. You might have cut one of them down, but can you imagine if a stray arrow struck Oleg or one of us more lightly armored than yourself?"
She takes a deep breath, "I will question them. Any of you that wish to participate may, but at least one of you needs to watch the other four. After we know what they know, we can determine what to do with them. Assuming they are as evil as we believe, I could care less if they are executed in trial by combat, by sword, or by the rope."
Arkady steps between the two, making hasty calming motions. "Cousin, Anton desires to test himself in battle, to give his god the chance to show which side he favors. I can understand that. If any of the bandits prefer execution by the sword, I will not stop Anton from carving them to bits in a fair fight." He waits for a second to see how she takes this, then turns to face the angry half-orc, looking him in the eye. "But understand this, also, my comrade-in-arms. You heard these folk; they did not coming seeking Gorum's test, or they would have challenged Oleg to fair fight instead of demanding he serve them as a slave. They do not think strength should test itself against strength; they think it should be spent only against the weak. You heard me tell Kata: I will not stand between if they desire to face your sword rather than mine. Let us first speak with them, though, and see if they have the courage to face a true warrior man to man, or if they are only cowards who gang up against the common folk."
He looks quickly to see if any of the bandits are recovering, hand on sword hilt in case it is necessary to draw. "And it may be some of them have more courage even, the courage to abandon the robber's path, to choose right rather than wrong. Would not that serve our ends here in the Stolen Lands? Would not Gorum rejoice to see his priest leading worthy battle-companions in a greater fight? I admit the chance is small -- Marcus has convinced me there -- but I will not believe it does not exist. I am with Anton here; we should give them a chance to show their true metal, to show that they are men and not beasts."
Khel looks quizzically at Anton. "We won, plain and simple. They didn't get their payment, nobody on our side died, and since none on their side died, we have plenty of people to question, in order to learn more." He grins a mischievous smile "However, if you are dead set on testing your prowess in combat, we can rouse the bandits and you can challenge them all to a fight. Perhaps they'll even be gracious enough to fight you one on one."
"Goading an angry Gorumite is not the wisest course of action, Kheldor," Marcus steps down from the battlements, although his crossbow is still loaded and cocked, "I'm beginning to suspect you're a touch short on common sense."
"Kata, if you don't mind, I'd like them questioned in the open. No need to mention their fates until we need to, but I'd be wary of splitting the group. We don't know what they are capable of," Marcus smiles broadly.
"Anton, if you like you may challenge them to honourable combat once they have been questioned," Marcus says to the half-Orc.
"An angry Gorumite is a happy puppy compared to a bored Kunthonite. You know nothing about me Marcus, and until you do, I would like it if you did not speak to me, unless you have something useful to say"
"Can we please secure these bandits before they wake up?" Arkady grumbles, with a coil of rope in one hand and gently caressing his sword-hilt with the other. "And what is a Kunthonite?"
"They are followers of Zon-Kuthon," replies Marcus, his finger within a hair's breadth of his crossbow's trigger, "An interesting analogy to make, Kheldor." Marcus falls into silence but appears to be watching Kheldor intently, ignoring the bandits on the ground. As Arkady begins to move the prisoners, Marcus seems to snap out of his reverie.
"Come, let us see these men questioned and... dealt with as is appropriate," Marcus switches his gaze from Kheldor to the unconscious bandits.
The prisoners are tied up with plenty of time to spare and everyone sits uncomfortably until they awaken. "Ugh" seems to be the common chorus asked they awaken, with each bandit looking around him and then realizing his position. "Well ain't this a fine kettle o' fish." says Happs with a grimace. "Since you took me alive I assume ya want something. So spit it out while I'm young and pretty."
edit nija's by Ryuko. Not rewriting this post.
Anton is about to go full blood rage when he realizes that they just do not understand. Not battle, Gorum, not him at all. Not wanting to break with the group that can, with guidance, bring the blessing of battles fought for reason, he calms himself with visible effort, Forgive me Gorum but I face the clever in battle here, wit is the weapon of this battlefield. Anton says with a strained calm, " I have spoken of this but you have not listened. Arkady, I do not care about morals, battle came to Oleg and his stead, wither he wanted it or not is unimportant because everyone must fight some battle in their life, if they are not a coward, and violence is popular because it does not require consent. I stand by Oleg not because it's the right thing to do, in the eyes of moral gods, but because he has courage to fight for what is his and he yielded only because he was ridiculously over-matched. Otherwise the bandits could do as they will, if stronger AND are willing to pay the price for it. If they lack the valor to take responsibility for their actions, if they only bully because they are too weak to do anything else, kill them, if stronger kill them but give a chance at an valorous death. Or count them redeemed and have them prove it by deeds not prattle." Anton turns to the mages. " You admire your cleverness in a bloodless non-battle, doubtless your gods like that, but you cheated yourselves and them of really putting everything on the line for what you believe in and are will to kill and die for. Only when you and your enemy's life is at risk, only in the center of battle with rage in your heart and fire in your blood, do you achieve true worth. I see all of you are too inexperienced to know that but in this land you will learn it." Anton looks to see if he made his point.
"And any trial we may hold here would be a formality, we are all witnesses to the fact they are bandits, the only decision is what to do if we determine they are penitent by whatever standard we choose. Just know this, we must determine if they have the courage to own their deeds and suffer for it accordingly, if they are coward kill them like trussed pigs, roast them on a rope if that pleases you, for all I care. If they show courage or we need to give them an opportunity to show it, they die with blade in hand, not as a Trial by Combat, but an execution by combat, it need not be fair just courageous, they can at least have the chance to fight on the Eternal Battlefield with Gorum forever. If they die without that chance, be prepared to kill me or die trying, I'm done talking about this, let's get them bound for now, let the clever ones have their prize of facts"
Marcus smiles at Anton's words. At least someone is on the same page as me, Marcus thinks to himself.
"Apologies if I offended, Anton," Marcus appears contrite, "It is good to see that you and I, at least, agree to the fates of these men if perhaps by different routes."
Looking at Happs, Marcus smirks. "Mister Happs, I presume," Marcus' words did not hold a question, "It seems that the Swordlords have finally seen fit to tame the Stolen Lands and they take a rather dim view of banditry. Anything to say in your defence?"
"You claim I lack courage, yet that is only because I don't desire to full on wade into battle, blade drawn, cutting down my enemies before me. You desire that because you follow a god who preaches such. Me? I am trained in the shadowy arts of deceptive magicks, by a religion who prides itself on finding the boundiries of mortal pain and suffering and shattering them like so much kindling. If I lacked courage, would I have come here, into a land with no true law or governing body? Doubtful. I could have stayed where I was, and eked out whatever existence I could. You may be brave, but you are incredibly closed minded to believe your's is the only right path or way to live one's life."
When Marcus starts to question Happs, Kheldor fades back into the shadows, watching the bandits closely.
"It'd be Mister Bydon if it was Mister anything. Not that it is. Call me Happs and leave your silly honorific to yourself." Happs squints up as you finish. "Really now? The Swordlords claim this land? Well they should get in line. Pitax, Daggermark, Numeria, The Stag Lord and just plain Lawlessness got a claim first." The bandit spits into the mud. "But the truth is simple. You have what you hold."
Knowledge (local):
"Ah, 'you have what you hold'. You hold to the River Freedoms, hmm? A man like you must value his freedom," Marcus looks up at Kata, "You're going to tell me about the Stag Lord, or my friend here will put a spell on you which will compel you to tell me everything you know."
Knowledge (local)
"A simple law to follow when you win, now we have and hold you accountable for it. Make an account for your actions and your words will be considered.
I will consider all he says, without pity or mercy. Doesn't mean anything good for Happs will come of it. Anton makes a chilling smile.
Arkady stands back, watching, ready to intervene if anyone looks like breaking loose or starting to shed blood. At least the threat of fighting over their captives seemed over. That was very close.
Justice would be a harder matter. Execution seemed logical; certainly his father would not have hesitated to hang from the nearest tree. And these men's crimes, so far, seemed to deserve that -- robbery in such a lonely land was merely a slower murder. But Erastil taught that any man could turn away from waste and make himself useful.
He had no idea how to do that.
At least everyone (finally) seemed ready to interrogate the prisoners, and Arkady frankly had little skill in that. Watch and learn, his father had told him once. Even if you do not do their work, you must know what they can do, and how good they are it, if you are to command them to best effect. The old huntsman who followed Erastil had said the same, Watch and learn. It's no shame to know what the folk know, no matter what your brothers say. Not to break in on an expert at work, that was an old lesson, as old as the burn scar on his hand where he had once reached in to touch the smith's bright anvil..
Meanwhile, he decided, he would test Old Deadeye's gift. Were any of these folk truly foul, or were some of them reachable, not yet fallen? If even one of them is reachable, it will be a great gain. And maybe their words will give me a clue.
"You want something you have to give something." Happs says with a little wiggle and a few writhes before he stops. "Got a damn itch on my nose... anyhow, I got information that'll help you. I won't give it to you if you're just gonna kill me, so what say we make a little trade?" The bandits dark eyes are bright with a knowing grin.
Kata listens as the debate about the right type of battle and what to do with the bandits picks back up again. Sigh, I guess we'll get it figured out eventually. I'm certainly not going to be wading into battle with a knife, but if Anton wants to, I won't stop him. And frankly, I could care less how the bandits are executed as long as we're right that they're all guilty.
When Happs begins to speak, Kata perks back up and listens to him talk.
She kneels down to look him in the eye. "Oh, I'm definitely willing to give you something for your cooperation. Let's just get to know each other a little better first."
She wiggles her fingers and coos softly, "Can't we all get along for a little bit. I'm sure you have some things to tell us."
"Eat s!$@ you spellcasting b!~~$. Your mind games won't work on me." Happs says, though the terrified look in his eyes puts the lie to his calm.
Arkady continues to watch, looking at the other prisoners to see if any of them show signs of breaking with their leader or being ready to spill the beans. "We should have questioned them separately," he mutters, not quite under his breath.
For a moment, Kata flinches, taken aback that she hasn't been successful. Then, she replies to Arkady, "Dear cousin, I'm sure our new acquaintance Happs is willing to talk to us. It is fine if his friends are here."
I should have done this the first time. That will teach me to be overconfident. This time, Kata gets a wicked gleam in her eye. Somewhere far off, Happs can hear laughter.
Her fingers twitch again as she suggests, "There, that's much better isn't it. I'm quite sure you're willing to talk to us."
Kata almost feels a whiplash as Happs pushes her spell off. "Get the hell out of my head witch." He says through gritted teeth.
Arkady is unable to tell much about the other bandits other than that they seem willing to follow Happs' lead.
"Bastard! I'm the least of your problems. Good luck with the boys." Damn, first time that's happened. Guess I got lucky with the first spell.
Kata stalks off away from the bandits whispering, "Sorry guys. His will is too strong for me today. Must have something to hide. Maybe Hatchet-Woman is scarier than me. If one of you wants to try to scare it out of him, you're welcome to try. He's not going to be intimidated by me today. I can give you a little added oomph if you want to try."
Anton listens to the interrogation, but has never taken lead on one, so knows little of its nature. Now does Happs have real courage or only the skill to twist bad situations to his favor? He seems as slick as a courtier. Strange to find that here.
Sense Motive
Is what he knows something I care about?
Kheldor speaks from the shadows, his eyes glowing slightly within the darkness. "I am sorry Happs, the girl is a touch overzealous. Look, none of my fellows here have any idea what it's like to struggle to make a living, especially within the rugged wilderness that is the River Kingdoms. I do however, in fact I spent over a year in that lawless land. You said you had information that could help us, but wanted something in return? I will start by offering you your freedom and life, but only if what you have to tell us is truly useful."
Arkady moves over to stand beside Anton, now that Kheldor seems to have taken over negotiations, and speaks to him in a low voice, while continuing to watch the bandits.
"I have useful information my friend. And I can tell you it, but not in such... problematic circumstances." Happs seems more in his element now, making a deal. "You let me out of the rope, escort me to outside of the fort and then give me pen and parchment. I'll write the information down and then place it on the ground. Then I'll ride away as you get it. That way I don't die immediately after." The bandit looks thoughtful for a moment. "And don't worry. I won't ride back to camp or anything. No need for anything there, and Kressel may be a nice piece, but she ain't worth dyin' over. Besides, I wouldn't face The Stag Lord after selling him out." He squelches about and tries to stand, then seems annoyed when he can't manage it. "No, I'll be riding far from this cursed patch of dirt. Maybe west to Pitax, I hear they're always hiring soldiers."
Sense Motive:
"Happs, Happs, Happs," Marcus cradles his crossbow, "Your information might buy your life, but not your freedom. If your information is good, then you'll serve time as our prisoner. Or... well, I don't think you'll enjoy the alternative."
"As for the rest of you... got anything to add?"
Arkady asks Kata quietly for some help. "Bless me, cousin; I must try what I can." Then he moves forward into the sunlight, letting the sun shine on his tabard, and placing one hand on the mane of his horse, obviously claiming the status of nobility.
"Yes, what of the rest of you? You see what care Happs has for you, letting you all die as long as he can run away and live. Make no mistake, banditry is dead in these lands henceforth. There will be no place for it. But for those willing to fight against bandits, to protect others... there will always be a place in my service, as long as you act with honor. Will one of you be willing to earn an honorable place, secure from the treachery of cowards and the ravages of winter? Guide us to the lairs you know, fight beside us, earn our trust, and I will be your lord in living and dying, in hearth and battle, first to advance and last to retreat, till death or the ending of the world unloose our bond."
He looks again at them, trying to project an appeal like he has seen his father do, when swearing men to his service, or sitting in judgment. "But I only have room for one in my service this day. I have no use for fools or cowards. I will punish treachery and folly as surely as I will reward courage and loyalty. So choose swiftly."
Kata, still petulant and seething, seems distracted. Happs's words bring her back to the moment and she watches him, wondering what to do before Marcus and Arkady speak. Arkady's words break her out of the funk, "I will Arkady, may your words sway these men where my magic could not."
The Taldan boy speaks up after Arkady's inspiring speech. He manages "Milord, I know a lot about the-" before Happs headbutts him savagely, then turns over from his now prone position in the mud. "Shut yer trap Devlin. You'll not say another damn word or you'll be dead. By my hand, Kressel's or Stag Lord's." The boy falls back, his nose quite smashed and bleeding freely from Happs' strike.
The old Varisian simply looks up at Marcus. "Just sick of traitors. Sad when there's no layalty." He says, his accent thickening the words. "Me be the Stag Laird's man, and ye'll not hear a word frawm me."
Marcus stands up and looks at the assembled group with a raised eyebrow.
"I think that the response of this one shows unrepentance," Marcus looks at Anton, "Does this one constitute a fair challenge?"
Looking at the others, he jerks his head towards the stable where they are out of earshot of the remaining bandits.
Once the members of the group are standing with him, he sneaks a look at the bandits. "I know that some of you are intent on rehabilitating these bandits but I don't think we can let Happs go in good conscience."
Anton knocks Happs down after that display. "Silence, cur, do not offend me again. Let's separate these wolf-lings." He puts them apart from each other and hobbles and gags them. Then goes to see what Marcus wants to say. After listening he says,"Happs is a coward and a bully, no point in giving him a blade, just kill him." He too looks toward the bandits, "The old man has the courage of his convictions, I'll fight with him, since he's a bandit it need not be really fair, not a duel, an execution, but as a man not a beast. The lad I'm not sure, he may be over his head and joined by force or happenstance or just be a coward, try to win him over and judge him as you will." Anton looks over the other bandits how do they seems to be reacting?
Sense Motive
Marcus nods in agreement. "I'm inclined to agree. It seems that the young man knows something and that we can leverage that information."
Kata's eyes widen as Happs attacks the Taldan boy. Guess I was right about separating them. As Anton separates the bandits, she looks at the boy's broken nose. Not having a clue what to do she whispers, "I'm sorry that happened. I'm not trained to do much about your nose. Perhaps one of the others can look at it if you show you're repentant."
She joins the rest by the stables as Anton finishes hobbling the bandits. When Anton joins the rest she listens and agrees, "I agree that Happs and the old man aren't going to change. By blade or rope, I don't care, so do what you must by your gods. The boy clearly wants to talk to us. We'll have to see about the others."
Upon questioning the others you find that one seems to be mute, but attempts as best he can if cut free that he would like to help. The other simply looks morose and says that he'll be dying anyway, since if he gets away he's wanted in Numeria for a rape, Brevoy for a murder and that if the Stag Lord finds out he didn't fight to the last he'd have the man killed.
Arkady considers, trying what may be made of each of them, and attempting to weigh the individual cases rather than just a blanket condemnation. "I'll take this young Devlin under my wing and see what may be made of him, if you agree." He glances over at the others, especially Marcus. "Not that I will be a fool about it; the boy must earn his pardon and show his courage before I trust him at my side with a blade. Till then I lead him on a halter."
He spits to the side. "Happs is a coward and a fool. He turned his back on men he led, with never a thought for their lives. He would turn on us as easily. I would let him run back to the Stag Lord in hopes we meet him again and he lead again as badly, but he might learn something, or the others might from his mistakes. String him up."
"Pity about the old Varisian -- my father used to say 'There's no better man-at-arms than a hard-bitten poacher' -- but he has chosen his master. Fight him with my blessing, Anton. Arkady thinks hard for a little while. "This Stag Lord worries me. He may rule by fear, but there is more to him than fear alone if such a man owns him as a master."
He shakes his head slowly as he considers the remaining bandits, speaking with some pauses as he works it out. "One of the two is self-confessed of rape and murder... he would have spoken differently if he were innocent." "As for the mute... I cannot see any way to learn much of him, nor how to trust him. Since we have no prison or workhouse to hold him while we seek a healer, he must hang with the other. I suppose they could volunteer to fight Anton instead."
"One thing, though. What does Oleg say? He may have seen some of these men before. A man shows what he is when he can do as he wills, and when they came here before they were not under threat of death. He or his wife might have a truer picture of them than we can form on such brief acquaintance."
Anton listen to Arkady's thoughts, he says, "You mean to take the boy as servant then use him, ask him what he has seen of the others, how they behave in camp, mayhap the self-confessed murder as well, he appears to regret his choices in life, find out more, after that we can better judge, maybe even be fair about it, which is better, I do believe in that much." He takes the boy Devlin to Arkady. "Arkady of whatever house and faith your are, are you willing to offer to be this man's master, to be responsible for his conduct this day forward, for you and your heirs, while he give faithful service in your judgement, and hold the power of life and death over him?" Assuming he says yes,
"Devlin the bandit, do you swear to be his bondsman, to give faithful service to Arkady and his heirs, for life or release, in parole for your crimes?" Also assuming assent.
"Gorum aid this new candidate for a warrior hurt by the treachery of a coward."
Anton grasps his Symbol of Gorum speaking in oddly melodious tones.
A dot of golden light appears in his eyes and on his Symbol. The dots flash to fill his eyes and Symbol which he sweeps around him. Out of his medallion, green and gold glowing motes fly out, and fill all the area within 30-feet of him. Injuries are restored and the motes turn red as they fill with the blood of the wounded. The motes sweep back into the glow of the Symbol and the lights go out like an eye blinking shut.
Standard action:
Channel Positive Energy:
Channel Positive Energy:
Status change: Use 2 of 6 channels leaving 4 channels.
Healing the lads nose. (Appears the Gorum is not so approving...)
Arkady places his hands over the boy's, ignoring the blood dripping from his nose. "As you keep faith with me, so will I keep faith with you. Valor and service will I reward, treachery and dishonor will I punish. I will be your lord in living and dying, in hearth and battle, first to advance and last to retreat, till death or the ending of the world unloose our bond."
He waits for Anton to finish healing, then steps back. "First command, boy. You came riding in here, so you know something about horses. Strip to your breeches. Get all the bandits' horses stabled, fed and watered. Light fodder, mind you; we may be riding hard shortly, and I'll have no horse foundering."
Arkady looks Devlin up and down, carefully (and obviously) marking all his features. Once Devlin leaves, he leans over to Marcus. "A little test, there. I'll check the horses after he stables them, see if he's tampered with the gear, and how good he is at tending horses. It's how my father started with me. Meanwhile that gets him out of the way while we deal with the others."
When Happs headbutts the boy, Kheldor says "That particular action cost you, though how much we will see. Let me speak to my companions and see what they think"
At the stables, but before the whole bit with Devlin "I do not plan to let Happs go myself, but I'll not tell him that. Let us make it seem like we're going to allow him to leave once his given us what information he has. Then we will stop him before he gets too far. Do not worry, the shadows move faster and have a farther reach than a mere man on a horse. As for the mute, just because he can not speak does not mean he won't be useful. Let us see if he can provide us aid, if not, we can execute him later. As for the old man, I would prefer he die by Anton's blade in combat, but if you must kill him out right, so be it."
"If you think you can get any useful information from the mute," Arkady says, "then let him be your responsibility, as Devlin is mine." There is a slight expression of relief on his face.
"As for Happs, we are not oathbreakers." Eyes tight, mouth firmly set. "If we mean to hang him, let us hang him swiftly. If we agree to let him go, we must keep that promise. It is right. And we may wish later to convince bandits to surrender rather than fight to the death, with more risk to us and ours. It will be hard enough to convince them anyway; much harder, if we are known to give our word falsely. I will not do it." He hesitates for a minute before the next sentence leaves his mouth. "If that does not move you, remember we have already seen Kata's magic fail twice today against Happs. What if yours fails also? I hunt well, but have no wish to track a clever coward across ground he knows and I do not."
"Because unlike what she did, you can not resist what I would do. If it will make you feel better, train a few crossbows on him. Personally though, I would suggest killing the old man first, then dealing with Happs after."
Arkady shrugs. "Leaders last, so they can see the punishment they have brought their followers. I have no problem with that order. I do have a problem with the other half of your suggestion. Ruses of war are acceptable, but we must deal fairly with a man who is wholly in our power. Kill him we must, but to promise him release and then kill him would be dishonorable."
"I'm in agreement with Arkady," Marcus nods, "Once we decide on a course of action then we must stick to it. Otherwise we become no better than them."
"Arkady, while I'm sure that a verbal agreement is enough for you I would like to have a formal contract drawn up and signed by both parties. It is important to have these kinds of things documented."
"Anton, do you have any particular method for how this sort of thing should be done?"
"Whatever we're going to do, let's get on with it. Sooner or later the rest of the bandits are going to miss their friends. We need to get information and then begin eliminating the rest. We should have Devlin and the mute both draw up independent maps of where the camp is."
"A coward deserves no consideration, I could lie to such and not feel I lost anything, but others of my family would be distressed at such deceit. It's also best if, in this land, we are known for keeping our word, even with vile enemies. That will be of much value later."
"Arkady, while I'm sure that a verbal agreement is enough for you I would like to have a formal contract drawn up and signed by both parties. It is important to have these kinds of things documented.""Anton, do you have any particular method for how this sort of thing should be done?"
Anton looks quizzically at Marcus, "I'm not sure what you are referring to? The Oaths? Our group as a whole? The rather informal trial we are holding here? You seems to like formal agreements, like so many of my cousins, are you a litigant of the Lord of the First Vault? In any case I have no objection to that when we have time."
He looks at everyone, "We can take a bit of time here to do what needs be but if we gain the location of there camp we will need to start today; I doubt that coward's punctuality, still the quicker the better. So let's get to questioning everyone that will talk to us about each other, and their camp, this Stag Lord and anything else anyone can think off - oh we did not search the bandits only tied them, they may have stuff, missives even, on them." Anton goes to search the bandits.
Perception What does he find? Anton will tell the others.