Ruul nods at Niles' warning.
"How do you feel? Have there been no lingering effects from the poison?"
"No, I am fine. But I think I may have learned a lesson as to where to put my pecker at night. Thanks for asking. Good luck with the little healer."
"How does he make contact for mission success and get the rest of his payment?"
"Do you have any idea how the capsule of poison got into your stomach? Were you asked to swallow something?
"Have you ever heard of this Harbinger before?"
"Do you know if there are other agents of the Harbinger at Gundrun?"
"Did you know, or were you told, anything about our mission?"
When talk turns to discussion of how to transport the captives, Elen turns to Azaraunt and says to the other elf, "We have a spell that can easily take care of that need."
She summons two riding horses with two castings of the Mount spell, which will last for 14 hours, which should be more than enough. Presumably Azaraunt can do the same. If not, she'll cast two more of them.
As they leave the ship, Ally will land on Elen's shoulder, and taking a firm hold, will allow her sense of Evil to resume its function, trying to see if the evil presence that surrounded them previously is still there.
"Let's get the lay of the land in this town. If they have a functioning justice system, we can turn these people over to them. If not, we may be forced to administer justice ourselves."
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The evening moves on, wind lacking and rain not. The captain's attitude towards you becomes more and more taciturn, not even saying good night when he retires for the evening. Fortunately, with so much rain (turning to sleet in the wee hours), nothing is willing to go out hunting on this evening.
The morning starts dark and grey, with light sleet slowly filling the top deck. The upside is that, off in the distance, you can see a dock along the north side of the river. An hour later, the boat finally pulls in. However, before anyone has a chance to head up, Captain Teach talks to you all.
In a dark, almost guttural tone, he says to you in the hall below decks, "Get off my boat and take the scoundrels with you. I don't know why they wanted you dead, and I don't frankly care. But since it has happened, there has been a curse upon this ship and me. I can feel it, and don't tell me that you can't either. Get off my boat and may you never darken my deck again." He walks off without another word.
As the captain snaps at the group, Calendir answers him back - We paid for your service, which was a poor one at best captain. The responsibility of who gets on board is your own, and you failed miserably to guarantee our safety - leaning a little closer he adds - Consider yourself lucky that no harm has come to any of my travelling companions, or I would not simply be leaving this barge, without having you answer for that. And by the way... You forgot to APOLOGIZE for the danger we were put through, in YOUR barge - if a pall was brought here, it was not by us, but by those who stalked us, which you lightly allowed on board.
The wizard is unwilling to argue with the irrational captain, even though he is taken back by his attitude. He departs somberly. When Niles greets them though Azaraunt notes When the captain is in a better mood remind him that I came to his aid when the bandits attacked him in his cabin. Remind him who stood between him and naked blades. Remind him also that we were paying guests who did not ask for a return of our payment when we were attacked by thugs he let on his boat.
"I will. Captain Teach can be stubborn sometimes, but he is a good man, and eventually he will come back around. He is not one to hold a grudge." Niles smiles at you as you depart the boat, confident in his statement.
Macavity returns the caustic dismissal from the captain with surprising and genuine gratitude, "Thank you for delivering us up river. You are a professional of your word. That is genuine treasure in these parts."
Macavity Jedi jumps (standing jump 26-feet taking 10) from the boat to the shore and scouts a perimeter at maximum bow-shot to the gang plank. When the troops are ready to roll, he will take point and lead at a distance where he can still deliver and understand arm signals to the lead rider.
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If all agree, Calendir will travel ahead of the group, in a position between Macavity and the bulk of the travellers.
This way I can relay any information from Macavity to all, it will provide us a safer distance to react in case he finds any dangers ahead, and will allow me to provide quick assistance upfront or at the rear - he arguments.
If all agree, Calendir will travel ahead of the group, in a position between Macavity and the bulk of the travellers.
This way I can relay any information from Macavity to all, it will provide us a safer distance to react in case he finds any dangers ahead, and will allow me to provide quick assistance upfront or at the rear - he arguments.
"How does he make contact for mission success and get the rest of his payment?"
"Do you have any idea how the capsule of poison got into your stomach? Were you asked to swallow something?
"Have you ever heard of this Harbinger before?"
"Do you know if there are other agents of the Harbinger at Gundrun?"
"Did you know, or were you told, anything about our mission?"
When talk turns to discussion of how to transport the captives, Elen turns to Azaraunt and says to the other elf, "We have a spell that can easily take care of that need."
She summons two riding horses with two castings of the Mount spell, which will last for 14 hours, which should be more than enough. Presumably Azaraunt can do the same. If not, she'll cast two more of them.
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If all agree, Calendir will travel ahead of the group, in a position between Macavity and the bulk of the travellers.
This way I can relay any information from Macavity to all, it will provide us a safer distance to react in case he finds any dangers ahead, and will allow me to provide quick assistance upfront or at the rear - he arguments.
** spoiler omitted **
With a sidelong glance at the raven perched atop Azaraunts' shoulder, Calendir offers a nod.
I am ready for departure, and yes, I think those thugs should walk - maybe it will help them clear up their ideas. I have a feeling no one will care much about them when we arrive at Gundrun though... Do we know if there is any sort of implemented rule there?
As they leave the ship, Ally will land on Elen's shoulder, and taking a firm hold, will allow her sense of Evil to resume its function, trying to see if the evil presence that surrounded them previously is still there.
There is definitely a taint in the air, with a large mass centered over the boat. You notice this as you move towards the village. However, there is also a general feeling of unease and evil almost everywhere. It is not nearly as intense as on the boat, but you feel it nonetheless.
Macavity returns the caustic dismissal from the captain with surprising and genuine gratitude, "Thank you for delivering us up river. You are a professional of your word. That is genuine treasure in these parts."
Macavity Jedi jumps (standing jump 26-feet taking 10) from the boat to the shore and scouts a perimeter at maximum bow-shot to the gang plank. When the troops are ready to roll, he will take point and lead at a distance where he can still deliver and understand arm signals to the lead rider.
Azaraunt tries to follow Ruul's instruction, but at least at first the movements are foreign to him.
[dice=Dexterity Check]1d20+5
I fear this will take additional practice, but I am dedicated to the endeavor.
If all agree, Calendir will travel ahead of the group, in a position between Macavity and the bulk of the travellers.
This way I can relay any information from Macavity to all, it will provide us a safer distance to react in case he finds any dangers ahead, and will allow me to provide quick assistance upfront or at the rear - he arguments.
** spoiler omitted **
With a sidelong glance at the raven perched atop Azaraunts' shoulder, Calendir offers a nod.
I am ready for departure, and yes, I think those thugs should walk - maybe it will help them clear up their ideas. I have a feeling no one will care much about them when we arrive at Gundrun though... Do we know if there is any sort of implemented rule there?
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As the group prepares to leave the boat dock Axaraunt asks that they pause for a moment.
These thugs, Digory included, are hired killers, willing to murder for gold and seemingly unconcerned about who they have to kill or why. My sense of law said that their fate was to be decided by the captain of the boat, but he has transferred that responsibility to us. They are now our prisoners and responsibility to feed and jail. And their possible future crimes are also our responsibility
If we let them go, the only thing that is sure is that they will ply their trade again. In truth in this harsh environment they have little choice. Back home we have a quick and humane way of dealing with such men. Consider that the smith that rules the town ahead may not be pleased that we bring such a burden to him. Also consider that if we ask him to administer his justice to these three that we must abide by it, even if it is torture, or slavery, or, ... freedom.
"Oh, no, I think you misunderstood me. Your boss, Digory, was poisoned, but there's no indication you were." She casts Detect Poison on each of them to make sure this is true, then asks, "What I mean is, did you see anything slipped into Digory's food, or anything of that nature? As for death, I can't say whether your future holds that or not. It rather depends on the nature of the town we are approaching."
Macavity Jedi jumps (standing jump 26-feet taking 10) from the boat to the shore and scouts a perimeter at maximum bow-shot to the gang plank. When the troops are ready to roll, he will take point and lead at a distance where he can still deliver and understand arm signals to the lead rider.
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Numair gleans all he can from Ruul's patient instruction. He doesn't mind a few bruises, and is willing to endure cuts, scrapes, and even broken bones to learn to fight better.
Unfortunately, his spirit has not yet recovered from the ordeal of walking death's halls, and he is uncharacteristically clumsy.
After the brief break, in response to Ruul's comment about Elen, he looks over at her and then back at the bull. Elen? I have known her for several years. She is a trusted friend. You see admiration in women everywhere, Ruul. I do not think she feels that way about me.
He will remove his breastplate for the second round, as requested. Though he keeps trying, subtle signs of his frustration show through and eventually he's had enough.
Friend Ruul, today is just not my day. I appreciate your tutoring and look forward to resuming our lessons soon. For now, I must retire.
*****
As they depart the boat, Numair considers the thugs, and speaks to his companions.
I am ordained in the service of Sarenrae, and invested with the authority to perform high justice in lawless lands. These men are unquestionably guilty of murder. Redemption from such a crime is possible, but requires great committment from the guilty. Few are willing to tread such a difficult path. If they are willing, I will indenture them into the service of righteousness that they may earn forgiveness. Death by beheading is the punishment for murder, should they reject redemption from me. If you do not feel like delivering them to my justice, I will equally accept relinquishing them to the civil authority of this town.
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After watching the Paladin receive his wrestling lesson Azaraunt suggests with a laugh Perhaps you and I are more suited to spar Numair.
To the Paladin's offer he adds This is no small thing, to be responsible for another's actions, when the other is a known evil. I understand that burden better than most. The bird on his shoulder gives an unhappy caw at this. And while I recommend against you taking on such a burden, Numair, I would not speak against you if you wish to do so. I for one think that all three of these men will lie to save their necks and will betray us when it suits them best. I have arcane bindings to ensure my charge does not betray the group, and still some among us resent its presence. What protections might you offer?
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I do not really understand how that works Numair, or how can someone be somehow invested with an authority to dispense justice wherever he goes - how does one come to decide that a land is considered lawless? I have travelled through many places where there were laws, but they were yet as foul as many monster infested holes - in such a place, would you adhere to those laws or, finding them unsuitable, you wouold be considered invested with the authority to ignore them, and dispense your own justice?
Do not take this the wrong way, but I am put off by absolute tenents and perceived rights and authorities - I will of course defer to the will of our group, but as far as I am concerned, I would not have these men in my company, indentured or not. I do not trust them, and I do not intend to.
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The burden of indenturing them on a mission of such sensitivity is one I have well considered. Bringing redemption is not an easy task, and often lies at odds with other responsabilities. Such men will cling to any chance to escape death, and will betray us without question. Still, I would do my godess wrong were I not to offer you the option. I will not insist we bring them, though Digory might accompany us a while longer.
Calendir, you also cut to the chase. Laws of the land must be respected. I struggle with even the laws of my own land, Qadira, which says that slavery is permissible. I do not impose my own justice in such places, but, in places such as the Wound, my own moral compass must be the anvil upon which I forge my decisions. Your opinion matters equally to mine, Calendir, and I would never compel you to stifle yourself.
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To both Numair and the Ruul, the half orc offers - Very well then, I understand and accept your reasoning... Looking at the captives he adds - But I disagree with you Ruul, they did not surrender out of what one could eventually argue to be a respect for the adversary, they surrendered because they wanted to live, and they had no alternative. If they so much glance at any of us sideways, I will not hesitate in putting them down on the spot.
[dice=knowledge Local]1d20+15
***
"What would you suggest?"
"Oh, no, I think you misunderstood me. Your boss, Digory, was poisoned, but there's no indication you were." She casts Detect Poison on each of them to make sure this is true, then asks, "What I mean is, did you see anything slipped into Digory's food, or anything of that nature? As for death, I can't say whether your future holds that or not. It rather depends on the nature of the town we are approaching."
"um, no ma'am. We were to busy staring at the bar maidens to pay any attention." The way they say it, it's almost like they are in a confessional.
Numair gleans all he can from Ruul's patient instruction. He doesn't mind a few bruises, and is willing to endure cuts, scrapes, and even broken bones to learn to fight better.
Unfortunately, his spirit has not yet recovered from the ordeal of walking death's halls, and he is uncharacteristically clumsy.
After the brief break, in response to Ruul's comment about Elen, he looks over at her and then back at the bull. Elen? I have known her for several years. She is a trusted friend. You see admiration in women everywhere, Ruul. I do not think she feels that way about me.
He will remove his breastplate for the second round, as requested. Though he keeps trying, subtle signs of his frustration show through and eventually he's had enough.
Friend Ruul, today is just not my day. I appreciate your tutoring and look forward to resuming our lessons soon. For now, I must retire.
*****
As they depart the boat, Numair considers the thugs, and speaks to his companions.I am ordained in the service of Sarenrae, and invested with the authority to perform high justice in lawless lands. These men are unquestionably guilty of murder. Redemption from such a crime is possible, but requires great committment from the guilty. Few are willing to tread such a difficult path. If they are willing, I will indenture them into the service of righteousness that they may earn forgiveness. Death by beheading is the punishment for murder, should they reject redemption from me. If you do not feel like delivering them to my justice, I will equally accept relinquishing them to the civil authority of this town.
"Do you really mean that?" says Digory as he is helped up to Elen's Mount.
Without another word, Calendir steps away to tend to the horses, making sure they are fit for the journey, after the cramped space of barge travel.
Handle Animal: 1d20+9
The horses look a bit tired, having been stuck below decks, where it felt even colder than it does now. Nonetheless, they enjoy the relatively fresh air and before long they are moving about with their usual grace.
The caravan starts moving forward, the hill slowly rising away from the docks. A few workers look at you with mild distrust in their eyes, the look of people not overly thrilled with outsiders, especially in this part of the world. You make it over the hill easily, the horses not even winded. Over the top of the hill, you see a small village working its way around a valley. You can see several houses, farms, and mills surrounding the one main street, which meanders back beyond the village to the northeast.
Clopping along the main road, you can see hardened people here. Almost none are afraid of work, and you see even children helping their elders with chores. Almost all of them give you hard glances, if any at all. The impression is that they are used to seeing outsiders here, not that they are impressed. The houses and stores along the main road have a weather-beaten look to them, made of mostly wood and thatch, the merchant shops and taverns look a little better, using stone instead of wood.
Soon, what is likely a defender of the city (and not a constable) approaches your caravan, wearing plain leathers and carrying a sword on his belt. "Hello, good travelers. What, prey tell, brings you to our humble land?"
The raven, now invisible but on the wizard's shoulder considers the defender noting what magic he might carry and if he is of good alignment.
Ally does the same as Imbrukar, from Elen's shoulder, except of course sensing evil.
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Numair nods at Digory.
I swore you a fair trial, and I meant it. There are many who would roast you over hot coals and pull out your guts for the crimes you committed. You admit to your guilt, but have been very cooperative. Perhaps your employer's contigency has spurred you to revenge, or perhaps you truly seek to atone. Redemption is worth seeking, though it is not easily done. Were we not within walking distance of a city, your fate would hinge on your decision. But Gudrun lies just ahead so you are spared that. If you feel you shall get fairer justice from the city watch, then you are welcome to it.
I do not kill wantonly or callously. I feel keenly every life taken, for I have delved into the underworld itself in search of lost souls and know some of what lies in store for them. A clean death is the mercy I grant those that choose the darker path, those with too much blood on their hands. And if I am to pass judgement on someone, it will be my hand that holds the blade. That much, at least, I owe them.
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It is as Ruul says. We are bound north, and seek to stay here this evening.
He glances around at the worn buildings and weathered people.
Your town looks as though it struggles, being this close to the Wound. I have seen many such in my travels, and offer what aid I can. Not charity or false generosity; I will pay fair prices in hard coin to re-stock our provisions.
The raven, now invisible but on the wizard's shoulder considers the defender noting what magic he might carry and if he is of good alignment.
The defender is not carrying any magic items, and he appears to be neutral good (you have a bit of time to make the spell work to its full potential).
Ruul greets the defender with a sharp nod.
"Well met. We are passing through Gundran on our way to the Camp northeast of here. We just need a place to rest and resupply before the next leg of our journey", the bull explains while grasping his holy symbol.
[dice=Diplomacy w/ Enhance Diplomacy]1d20+18+2
"If you could point us towards an inn that can accommodate our large party, we would be grateful."
"Also, on the way here we were attacked by these bandits", the minotaur says while gesturing to the prisoners. "We captured these ones alive. The captain of the vessel put them in our hands and now we would like to hand them over to whoever keeps the peace here for punishment."
The town guardsman give you a sour, almost indignant look. "You look brave 'nough to go up there, but to this day, I do not understand why you treasure hunters want to go and kill yourself over such unholy filth." Turning up a wan smile, the guardsman looks at you and continues, "It's not my place to judge, however, so I apologize. Anyway, the Tarry Dragon is the place you'll want to go to for bedding. It's the only inn in town, as you can imagine folks around here not liking so many strangers as have come across theses past few weeks."
Noticing the thugs (but not Digory on the horse), he says to you "Clanliege Clefthorn will want to hear your petition on the matter. If those men have done what you said, the clanliege to ensure that justice will be met." He points in the direction of northwest, where you can see a castle. Even from this distance, you can tell that the castle has seen better days. Although the outer walls are intact, you can see, even from a distance of almost a mile, a few piles of rocks where fortifications might have once stood.