Well, by blade or rope are the most generally accepted methods of execution, but the leader of your group is empowered to make decisions based upon his investigations or observations in each case. The crown chose you, so the crown must feel you are competent enough to handle enforcing the law. That, or they are simply waiting for you to cross up so they can drop the hammer on you. The last comment seems directed at Tomnus. The sheriff is watching him closely, albeit out of the corner of his eye.
Sense motive:
Tomnus looks at the sheriff and smiles gruffly I'll keep that in mind. Oh by the way has anyone from the Veric's Rangers been through here recently?
Either way, the sheriff, non-plussed, responds.
No, yours is the first group to reach our fare haven. I'm sure the mayor will be interested in opening the doors wide to you, as your group is one of the two most likely to bring support and prosperity to the Crossing. He hasn't returned from lunch yet, or at least I haven't seen him, so if you'd like, I can escort you to our closed Town Hall, or show you to the Traveler's quarters. The mayor may be a bit ecentric, or is unusual a better word, but I'm sure he'll be willing to donate it's use to you for the evening. We don't have much, but should you and yours tame the Greenbelt, trade will resume and everyone's fortunes will shine once more.
Actually my compatriates and I were just going to look around on our own for a little bit, that is if you don't mind. I'll be sure to keep them out of trouble. His grin grows wide as he speaks.
His grin grows wide as he speaks.
If nothing else presents itself Arumil makes his way to set up camp.
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For a week Hazen watched as another day passed. No caravan made it's way to Nivakta's Crossing. The town grates on his nerves, and those of his companions. He sits in the Broken Wheel, Shir'raka perched on a chair back, Bomas curled up beneath the table. No new faces, no new leads. If something doesn't happen soon, he may head to Restov and join a caravan for the boring journey north. Maybe a sailing vessel out of Port Ice, over to Mendev and some excitement in that direction, he mutters to Shir'rake, who turns to face him, giving a soft ruffle. Ok, so it's still frosty for another few weeks, maybe it's not so bad on the lake. Clearly he believed that little more than the eagle. Bomas simply snored on.
When Tomnus arrives at the Broken Wheel, he notices Ozaziel chatting with an armored young man at a nearby table. Oz and the soldier seem to have come to an agreement, at which Oz stands, shakes the man's hand, and turns to leave. Seeing Tomnus, he pauses long enough by his companion's side to speak with him. I spoke with the Mayor's assistant, and have been informed of business I must attend to back in Restov. I will not be able to accompany you further for the time being. The young man I was speaking to, Hazen Stark, has agreed to act as a guide and companion to the troupe until such time as I can return. I hope all goes well on the journey. Good luck and good hunting. With that, Oz turns and rushes out the door.
The young man, dressed in studded leather and chain mesh parade armor, closely resembles a few of the soldiers seen back in Restov, though his equipment seems more worn, broken in, and well used. He seems to be talking to, if not with, the grey eagle and white dog that share his table. Neither animal seems to respond.
Sensing eyes upon him, he looks up, notices Tomnus, nods and smiles.
Just as Arumil and Radu finish setting up camp, a rider approaches from the Crossing. It is the soldier you met earlier, Sgt. Back. He hails you, asking to approach.
He bears a letter from Ozaziel, indicating Oz has been called back to Restov. He has hired a Brevic native, Hazen Stark, to act as the group's guide and protector, in his absence. He further states he leaves the matter of responsibility over the charter to either of you, to be determined amongst yourselves. He requests however, you inform the good sergeant of your decision, that Restov may be properly informed of the change. It seems under Brevic law, one person must be held primarily accountable on charters and writs involving matters of life, death, and punishment.
Tomnus looks a little confused as the man has a small conversation with his bird. What an odd little fellow...he'll fit in very well with our current band of misfits. He walks up to the table and then takes a seat, extending his hand to the young man.
Name's Tomnus. So your the one that's going to be replacing Oz? Well what do you do that will be a benefit to our little misguided group?
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Name's Hazen, Hazen Stark. I don't know about replacing anyone. The man said he had business back in Restov, and needed someone to see his associates safely to Oleg's Trading Post. Then stick around and keep them safe as they explore the Greenbelt. I'm formerly a tracker and scout for the Crimson Militias. Seems up my alley and looks to be a chance to get out of this burg.
The bird ruffles its feathers, the dog moves slightly, rustling its harness. Right, sorry, this is Shir'raka, referring to the bird, and he's Bomas. They kept me company on many a long patrols, we sort of developed a way of talking to one another.
Leaning closer to Tomnus, This Ozaziel guy seemed a little 'different', is this deal something I should be concerned about?
He's was probably the most normal out of us but no you shouldn't be concerned. We just formed up as a group a couple of days ago so I think most of our problems are caused by finding the hierarchy with in the group. Tomnus pauses after answering the mans question and then leans in So how long have you been in town? I'm looking for some information.
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I have been here for just over a week. No one has passed through, no one has really left. This town has been calm and quiet, too much so. I've posted guard duty over a masoleum with more life than this place. As the barmaid passes, Hazen signals for another drink, this time two. So what information do you seek?
Tomnus draws a little closer. I was wondering if you've noticed any strange lawless activity happening here. We've been tasked to deal with the baditry problem in the area and while I understand most of the activity is focused north of here, I was wondering if you've noticed anything around here. I aim only to take out any threat to this town as I have been conscripted to do.
Hazen can tell you he really hasn't noticed any illegal activity, at least not bandit related. He's noticed that a few people seem to come in to pay respects to the innkeeper, and he usually in turn directs them to a few local merchants afterwards, probably the local thieves guild, if he had to hazard a guess.
Further, told in a hushed whisper, Of course, with King Surtova ruling the kingdom, and Surtovan 'family' rumored leading the Guilds of Thieves, Poisoners, and Assassins, nothing occurs 'illegally' in Brevoy. When something 'not legal' does occur, the culprit, their friends, familiies and associates, pay a very high, very permanent, price. Probably the reason why the Throne takes an interest in the Greenbelt bandits and Stag Lord. Bad for associations back home. Competition threatens the monarchy, I mean, the monopoly.
At the mention of the thieves guild Tomnuses eyes seem to glow they light up so much. This thieves guild you speak of, do you know how I could gain entry to their meeting place?
Not really, no. You might try talking to the innkeeper. He seems to know more about what happens around here. Be careful.
Sensing his new associate is heading to get himself into trouble, Hazen decides he should be elsewhere. Do you know where your associates are camping? I should probably introduce myself...and my companions. With that he stands, the bird hopping onto his gauntlet as the dog moves towards the door.
Tomnus nods his head I will be heading to the Inn then. As he gets up to leave the man asks him where the camp was. I'm not really sure, I think somewhere outside of town. Just look for a regal looking human bossing a servant around and you'll be in the right place. There should also be an elf with them. Tomnus then leaves the bar and goes to the inn and asks to speak with the inn keeper.
Tomnus, the Broken Wheel is the tavern/inn for Nivakta's Crossing. You are already there.
Radu and Bogdomil (mostly Bogdomil) have set up their tent and are feeding the horses when Arumil arrives. They've chosen a space far enougn from the walls to avoid any of the town's sewage disposal areas, but within a hundred yards, at most.
At Arumil's update, Ozaziel has also been re-assigned? This does not seem auspicious... Hopefully, Tomnus does not find any of the individuals looking for him, in his tavern crawl, as we can ill afford the loss of anyone else.
He consults the paperwork that Arumil has returned with, Rather a lot of men condemned through dubious legal shenanigans. 'Tried in absentia,' indeed! Vagrancy, a capital crime? I remember when the punishment for vagrancy was a boot to the arse and some harsh language! It seems to be our discretion however if most of them are to face death, or some lesser fate...
Arumil looks at Radu.
"Those with no respect for life deserve none in kind but as you stated some offenses seem overly harsh. Best deal with things using our own judgement, after all we are the ones taking all the risk and trouble."
He thinks for a moment.
"Would you mind putting your name to that charter. I would not approve of Tomnus and surely an elf from Kyonin would cause to much of a fuss."
"I fear that they wish a name appended to the charter merely to have someone to blame, as I warned Ozaziel, but I would be the logical choice." Radu says, as he writes his name on the document.
Tomnus will then go up and speak with the inkeeper. Evening good sir, I have just recently been tasked with helping out the sheriff of this fine town and I was wondering if you happened to have any information on a local theives guild if one were to exist?
Either a Diplomacy or bluff roll which ever seems more appropriate, same modifier so I'm only rolling once.
"I fear that they wish a name appended to the charter merely to have someone to blame, as I warned Ozaziel, but I would be the logical choice." Radu says, as he writes his name on the document.
"Well with you they would also have to deal with the church. After all to go against an Abadarian priest in his gods favor could be very damaging. When you get down to it thats who you answer to, if I should be so bold."
Arumil doubted they would think twice about dealing with a thief or mage. His people would strike back but they could do little to prevent it, such were their ways. Something he wished to change.
Radu considers Arumil's words before replying, "While Abadar will collect me when my time is due, I suspect that the local church would not see the profit in opposing any Surtova machinations on my behalf. Until such a time as we prove ourselves, we should count only on our own personal strengths, and that of the associates we can cultivate in these Stolen Lands, whose loyalties, perversely, may be easier to count upon than those who live under the thumb of an oppressor..."
Arumil shrugs.
"Forgive my misinterpretation, in my homeland churches dont much care for what profits them. You have a unique god indeed it seems. As I said before, dispite any words otherwise, Brevoy holds no sway in the river kingdoms and the stolen lands are part of them. Best keep to their ways if we wish to not only survive but thrive. Yet this is only my own view, you may have a very different one."
Evening good sir, I have just recently been tasked with helping out the sheriff of this fine town and I was wondering if you happened to have any information on a local theives guild if one were to exist?
The innkeeper stares at you for a few moments, drumming his fingers lightly on the bar. He looks you up and down, spits into a mug, then resumes wiping it out with a damp and dirty towel before refilling it from the tap. He passes you the ale, then speaks. Good sir, we are always happy to help the constabulary, in whatever way possible. Truly, I have heard there is a group of such minded individuals meeting late tomorrow night. Rumor is they are joining up over at abandoned Fort Serenko. Maybe, you can find out more there. Noting you haven't touched the ale, It's on the house. Enjoy. He then turns to deal with a barmaid and more orders from the locals.
Radu and Arumil are interrupted by the arrival of an armored young man, dressed in Brevic colors. He rides up, accompanied by a dog with an eagle perched on his arm. He stops at the edge of your encampment then asks permission to approach. He mentions he has been sent at the behest of Oz. His name is Hazen Stark, former scout of Brevoy and your guide into the Greenbelt.
"A master of horse, hound and hawk, I see, master Stark." Radu says warmly. "You are welcome to share our fire."
"Share as well your thoughts on our mission. I wish to protect and expand the mercantile aspirations of Brevoy, my church and, of course, myself, and so rousting out threats to trade and business, and opening up new trade routes and lands to develop, is a grand opportunity to me, in keeping with interests both nationalistic and personal, and also strongly in tune with the tenets of my faith. What motivates you to the task set before us?"
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As I said, my name's Hazen, Hazen Stark. I am unsure of this mission, as you say. The man who recruited me only said he had pressing business back in Restov, and needed someone to see his associates safely out to Oleg's Trading Post. Then, if agreed upon, I would stick around and keep you folks as safe as is likely, whilst helping explore the Greenbelt. As of my last posting, I was a tracker and scout for the Crimson Militias. I am my companions did not see much military action, per see, but I did travel much, and learn more, as the saying goes. This outing seemed to be more up my alley than any other jobs hiring out of Nivakta, so I jumped at it.
Dismounting and lashing his horse to a nearby tree limb, the man approaches your fire. May I introduce my companions. This is Shir'raka, indicating the bird on his arm, and he's Bomas, tracker and hound extraordinare. They keep me company while I perform my duites, chuckling slightly as he looks back and forth between you, We have sort of developed a way of talking to one another. They nag me incessantly. The dog perks it's ears up slightly, and the bird swivels it's gaze. I mean, they remind me when I've forgotten something or miss the track, so to speak. Leaning back over his shoulder, She's Trista, no finer horse in all the Crimson military.
I am happy to join your band, if invited. An opportunity to battle bandits, explore the Stolen Lands, and see ruins long lost to civilized eyes, what's not to love about this 'mission' of yours?
Radu looks over Hazens companions with a discerning eye, and, less obtrusively, the condition of his equipment, "You take excellent care of your companions, and they seem of strong breeding. Nothing overbred or precious, but sturdy and well-maintained. It is a comfort to see a man who takes such matters seriously."
Coming from a man dressed immaculately in spotless pleated white linen, looking more like a courtier pretending to be an adventurer, whose manservant is tending the fire, the words seem a bit odd, but Radu appears to be blissfully unaware of the irony...
"I trust you have some skills at wilderness survival? I fear that we may not have the proper sorts of travelling rations for your hound or hawk, and they may need to forage for fresh meat..."