A Game of Kingmaker

Game Master Wandering Wastrel

"And then you return, and you try to put the blame on Petrov when, what, you knew him to be innocent? What was that, to try and hide your guilt by placing it on another?"

Tristan nods. "I agree there, at least."

Go go bardic lawyer!

When Jhod and the others were finished, Tristan stands, agreeing with Arianna. "By all means, let us inform Garess. I am not saying that Oleg should not face some punishment. He has done ill, and must account for it. But try and see it from the other side - he had no help, and to survive in relative safety he cooperated with the only people around who had any power. The same story has been told over and over again in the history of the world. Oft have men come to evil out of what they may see as necessity. As I said with Petrov, if we do not offer those who've worked with the bandits - or even been one of them - some way out that doesn't cost them their lives, we'll have many more enemies, and more devoted to it."

Diplomacy (Jhod): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31 To get Jhod to calm down a bit.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23 Arianna: If this role is high enough for you to think it should succeed, Tristan will ask to go with you to speak to Garess (having guessed your intention). Up to you though!

DECISION TIME... Side with Jhod, or side with Oleg?

At Oleg's 'offer', Tristan's expression hardens somewhat. He shakes his head. "No, Oleg. You're in no position to be bargaining. I argue for mercy - and will continue to do so - but you must come clean. Share what you know, and what you've done. The whole of it. And Garess at least will learn of it. For your own sake, I would urge you to tell your wife as well."

Nodding at Tristan, Nariel drops the matter realizing his position was in-line with her own after all. Glancing over at Oleg, the elf kept her facade entirely steely and neutral, though secretly she felt pangs of sorrow for him. Begging for clemency seemed so out of character for the gruff man, but she understood he was distressed about all he was about to lose.

Stepping in beside Tristan, Nariel finally softened her tone and appeared sympathetic and soothing in her response "Tristan is right Oleg, you should accept your part in this tragedy. You have always struck me as a man who holds honour and accountability true; this bargaining... it is beneath your dignity."

Aivar sides with Tristan and Narièl in all of this. "You now have the choice to do what's right, Oleg. Think of your wife. Think of your sons. Think of the person they want you to be, and you'll know what's right."

There's no way in Hell that Aivar would exchange clemency for the feeble promise of knowledge that he 'just happened to remember'. After all, Aivar had seen men and women led to the gallows and execution block, and it was a reoccurring thing that the condemned would try to make a bargain right until the bitter end. In the end, nothing tends to be more valuable than your own life, and all of those who are about to lose theirs know there's a reasonable explanation for the events leading up to their execution. And if those around them would just listen, none of this has to happen. That what Oleg had done, out of a misplaced sense of love for his wife, for she'd reject any such gifts if she knew the truth of it, most likely still sounds reasonable to the man.

And, as fate would have it, Oleg finds what he needs in their collective words and encouragements. Aivar stays behind and listens to Jhod, but one ear is prominently perched towards the door. If there is to be a ruckus, he wants to be the first to hear it so he can intervene. "We're only mortal, after all, and all of us know what it is like to be afraid, to feel that all that you love and hold dear is about to be taken from you. For Oleg, it is clear that after the loss of his sons he simply could not stomach the idea of his wife suffering any further. Misguided? Yes. Wrong? In the end, yes, but when the heart beats louder than one's thoughts, foolish things are to be expected."

He then sighs, knowing that no matter how he spins it, the truth of the matter is a lot heavier and heftier than he'd like to admit. People had died. People had lost friends. Would all of them still be here if Oleg had been honest from the start? Aivar feels his heart sink - no, they wouldn't. Perhaps other faces would have gone missing whereas some of the now lost would still be here. In the end, they had been dealt a cruel hand, one that would always end in a gruesome reckoning. "I'd honestly prefer an outcome where those that have suffered the most in all of this won't be the ones still suffering when all is said and done." His eyes glance over Merrim and the doorway. "An outcome, for our future's sake, that sees us planting seeds so that right may grow out of what's wrong. It is up to how Garess reacts whether or not such an outcome is possible, for I will not hold it against him if he demands the highest punishment. It is like my father used to say: betrayal is a poison that can't be tolerated within the body of our society."

And if Oleg's words were about to break Lana's heart to the point where she can't fathom seeing the sunrise ever again, nothing would grow in this garden ever again.

"I couldn't have said it better, Aivar," Sasha adds. Jhod's outburst had shocked her into silence, but the rogue found her voice again when Oleg left the room.

"I'm something of what might call the 'live and let live' type, but people died. Sergeant Whiteleaf is dead. Petrov lost an arm. Something must be done. Perhaps we should take Garress's council in this."

If the mercenary doesn't kill Oleg outright, she leaves unsaid. She doubts that Garress would do something like that without a proper trial though. Whiteleaf had claimed that his commander was "one of the good guys."

Tristan is able to pick up that Arianna was being cold to protect herself. My bluff is +0 no point in rolling

Arianna huffs. "What good would the 'highest punishment' do? Not gonna fix it. Maybe it'd keep others from working with criminals, but I doubt it. We don't have the means or the authority to exact any other form of punishment. What else can we do except keep Garress from getting f*%#ed over?"

She looks at one of the gold pieces again. "How does a chest full of gold bearing the symbol of the ruling house of Brevoy turn up--" She cuts herself off and shakes her head furiously. "Nuh-uh, not going to finish that sentence. No way, no how."

"What Oleg did was wrong, but he doesn't deserve to die for it," Raquel says. "I agree that he can't stay here though. Send him away, and make it clear he is not permitted to come back. Give him a chance to start over somewhere else, somewhere that he might make better choices this time around."

Given the circumstances, Nariel was finally at ease with the decision her companions had landed on. While still harsh, exile would give Oleg a chance at a new life and remove him from the wrath he would surely face at the hands of military justice. More importantly, it would preserve the chance for a family that seemed to coalescing for Merrim and Svetlana. Summing up what had been discussed, Nariel quietly said "Exile it is then."

Looking over at Sasha with a nod, Nariel added "Seeking the council of Garess would perhaps give him the impression that he has some say in the decision. He might be more frustrated if he put his thoughts forward only to have us go with our decision anyway." Appearing resolute, Nariel added "There is no perfect solution, and there never will be. We have a consensus and arrived to as fair a decision given the circumstances, one that does not involve anymore killing. Garess will have to live with it."

Turning back towards Oleg with a quizzical look, Nariel continued to press him "Oleg, you said you had more information? What is it?"

""How does a chest full of gold bearing the symbol of the ruling house of Brevoy turn up--"

After Arianna's aborted inquiry, Tristan gives her a tight smile. "A great deal of trouble lies at the other end of that question, indeed."

And I fear we're already too far in to avoid it.

"Seeking the council of Garess would perhaps give him the impression that he has some say in the decision."

"I would prefer it that he does have some say, but if we've decided than so be it. If we ensure Oleg safe passage somewhere. I won't have him executed by proxy by shoving him out the door on his own."

At least this way they weren't putting the man to death. At the same time, Tristan can't help but wonder who they were to be making such decisions. It seemed to him that Oleg was the inhabitant here, and they the guests - some flimsy paper charter had given them this much power over his life? But then, they'd already fought and executed bandits as well. And of course, they were many, and strong, and Oleg could not fight back. A saying of the laborers from back home comes to his mind.

Jhod's brow furrows slightly as he listens. "What does tha mean by 'exile' in this case? And tis mayhap not my place to say this, but the Captain shed blood alongside tha, and lost men defending tha and this place. Seems to me tha does him a disservice in denying him a voice in this matter."

Aivar remains calm and listens to what everyone has to say, making sure to look at whoever is talking to ensure they know they're being heard. "I stand by what I said earlier: it is up to Garess whether or not Oleg can be shown any clemency. If the captain does demand more, we either form a make-shift jury or assign an arbiter of the law, and do what must be done. Of course, we can bring the matter back to Brevoy proper, but I doubt anyone involved is wanting that. If Garess doesn't demand a harsher punishment, we can put our heads together and figure out how to solve that particular mess."

All these words, however, did little to solve the actual problem: what Oleg had done and how Garess wants it to be resolved. "So, with that out of the way, how do we want to break the news to Garess? I say we, and with we I mean Jhod, I and whoever wants to come along - we find a quiet place somewhere outside the outpost sometime tomorrow morning, and bring along both Oleg and Garess. I'd prefer Oleg to tell Garess himself, but if he can't, I will. We can find out then and there what will happen next."

Sasha nods slowly. "I can go with you," she offers. "If you want."

Her expression flat, Nariel shrugged her shoulders "If Garess demands nothing less than execution, consulting with him will be problematic. You had best hope that he is agreeable to whatever is being proposed, which at this point I am unclear on."

Glancing over at Aivar with one eyebrow raised, Nariel shakes her head "Aivar, if it comes to a trial, I would not hazard to conduct one out here with any sort of makeshift jury. There is not a faint chance of Oleg receiving a fair and unbiased jury given what has transpired." Pulling out the proclamation, Nariel unrolls it giving it a quick glance over "This document bestows broad powers on us with respect to the law in the frontiers here," pausing a moment, she re-reads a section "The carrier of this document should strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by the sword." Rolling up the scroll again, Nariel pauses a moment "Not to get to legal here, but it can be argued that we have already set a precedent on the administration of justice when we spared Petrov who was a repentant bandit, and against Oleg's wishes I should add. Now Oleg is the repentant criminal. My feeling is that we make a decision, and stand firm regardless of how Garess might feel about it, lest we risk Oleg's life in the form of martial justice. Garess is a mercenary, we are duly appointed by authorities in this land."

Clearing her throat a second, Nariel adds "My impression is that leadership is required here, a firm hand. But I have said my piece, and will do my best to support whatever consensus is arrived at here. I am not from Brevoy, and perhaps my foreign view of justice disqualifies me in matters of sovereign law and justice here. Kyonin is a very different place than Brevoy."

"I agree with Nariel. If there ever were a time to assert our authority, it is now."

Ah, legal speak! Aivar could already feel how the sponge inside his head was starting to soak up thoughts he couldn't quite process. Not at the pace Narièl could, anyways. The paladin's thinking pose consists of him staring intently at the person speaking with lips ever so slightly parted. "Uh-uh, I see." Suddenly, there is an urge to bite his nails, and resisting it causes his toes to start wiggling by their own accord inside his boots.

"One could argue for and against, but knowing both sides means it is easier to find the middle ground. I still stand by the notion that Garess needs to know and, that if he is to demand severe punishment, it is within his rights. Do not forget that those who suffered most, are Garess and his men. Some of them paid the ultimate price. Betraying their trust and not giving them a sense of justice ..." Aivar had considered the possibility of Garess and his men turning against them if they are to protect Oleg, or one or more of them opting for vigilante justice. He does not think Garess to be the type, but the man had lost a friend through betrayal. He doesn't voice any of this, for he refuses to use fear to sway his friends to his side in this.

"This is why I prefer to meet with him. I am sure we can come to an agreement of sorts, one that doesn't involve anyone being hanged. Let's say, for argument's sake, that we enter the talks with the believe that Oleg deserves a second chance. One that comes at a cost that isn't his life. This will give Garess an idea of what he can and cannot demand and we'll take it from there. Would that work for everyone present?"

Raquel nods in agreement.

Tristan likewise nods.

"So, with that out of the way, how do we want to break the news to Garess? "

"You could just tell him." The voice comes from behind you, at the open doorway, where the Captain stands. Even the short walk from the barracks (the idea of having an internal door from the taproom to the barracks was universally rejected as a Bad Idea) has been enough for the heavy Summer thunderstorm to soak him to the skin; his hair is plastered to his scalp.

From his slightly puzzled look, it's clear that he hasn't been there long, no more than a few seconds, certainly: enough to perceive that you are discussing something serious, and bad; but not enough to know what it is.

"I came by to pass on my compliments and those of my troops to the cooks, and their thanks for the venison. A welcome change from military rations. Anyway, then, bad news, is it? Well, come on, lay it down - has the Regent died? Are we now in civil war? Or perhaps Pitax has invaded? Or is it something else? Floods? Or perhaps dragons? No, no, don't try and spare me, tell me everything in one go, it's no good taking the limb off in bits and pieces. Far better to do it all at once."

Aivar visibly deflates when Garess' voice catches them all by surprise. He takes a deep breath while staring at the captain, needing a moment to collect his wits. "I am afraid that what we have to tell you will shock you, perhaps even make you want to draw your weapon and do something you might regret. Please, I request this of you as someone who cares, close the door and have a seat." Not wanting to tower over the man, Aivar pulls out a chair and sits down - regardless of whether or not Garess obliges.

While the way he talks might make him come across as cool and collected, there are a thousand things about him that will make anyone who is familiar with the paladin aware of just how nervous he is right now. The slight muscle spasms in his wrists. The tip of his tongue coming out to wet his lips. The taut manner in which he blinks his eyes yet maintains an intense look that is pointed right at Garess. "Upon looting the Stag Lord's lair we stumbled upon a rather large sum of gold. All of it was neatly packaged in velvet pouches. This we found out - for it indicates the money came in said pouches, making us think it was some sort of payment. From who? To who? Fast forwarding to us returning to the outpost, it was Jhod who put one and one together." Aivar turns to Jhod, but doesn't nod or otherwise address him. In fact, it gives the paladin a moment to think of how to proceed from here on and to give Garess the opportunity to process all of this.

"The short of it is that Oleg facilitated the transfer of said gold to the bandits. Before you scream bloody murder - hold on, and let me tell you this. The request for him to do so came from higher-ups in Restov. In a sense, he did as was ordered, but alas, I'm afraid we must now down that poisoned cup together." Aivar struggles to maintain his composure as raw emotion overwhelms him. Couldn't he just hug the man? Tell him everything would be alright? That, given time, this pain too would grow dull and fade away? No, tell him.

The paladin's chin dips down and he chews on his cheek. He slowly raises his face to meet the captain's inquisitive eyes and finally, he drinks deep from that poisoned chalice. "As my companions and I started clearing up the bandit presence, Oleg got visited by some goons from the higher-up in Restov. They told him that if he wanted his wife to live, he has to continue to cooperate. Said exchange of words was accompanied by a proper beating. He was then written to not be here around the end of Desnus - the time of the attack. I ...", and Aivar raises an empty hand, wanting to give Garess some support - anything that might help the man come to grips what he had just told him. "I am sorry. It seems that there are forces at work and those forces do not want us to succeed. My companions and I, however, are hell-bent on finding out who is responsible and we are certain that Oleg will help us find out who is behind all of this. It is, after all, the very least he can do."

With the dice cast, all Aivar could do is hope that Cayden - Raquel, please, have Him bestow some of his luck upon us - smiles upon them and make the dice land the way they want them to: no violence, but cooperation.

Arianna listens to Aivar, nodding along. "Right. Stars above," she says. She puts her hands together. "I just want to let the record show that I don't think it was actually the swordlords who responded to Oleg's plea for help, because that would mean the swordlords are bankrolling bandits, which makes no sense, Aivar." Her red face betrays her own embarrassment.

"The point of all this is, Oleg knew that there was something coming at the end of last month. Didn't know what, exactly, but fearing for his wife's life, he said nothing and left for a few days. And here we are."

Captain Garess is silent for a long minute or so, before he puffs out his cheeks. "Well, I didn't see that coming. Maybe I'm just getting old and doddery and need to be put down."

He broods silently for a moment, clearly thinking about what you have said.

"And I agree with you, Miss Wending. It sounds like Oleg's letter found its way to the wrong people. I can't see the Swordlords sending you out here with one hand, and financing the bandits with the other. Well, they could do that easily enough, but what do they gain from it? No, if you want to find the source of the funds, it's not as simple as looking to Restov. You'll have to look further afield. And regret what you end up finding out, I shouldn't wonder."

"But let's come back to the present. What do you intend for Master Leveton?"

"He deserves punishment for his crimes," Raquel says. "But we are sympathetic to the circumstances of his actions. We don't believe execution is warranted. We were debating sending him away, though it's unclear if that would be feasible since we're technically not within Brevoy's jurisdiction. Perhaps there is another sentence that would be appropriate that still spares Oleg's life?"

The fact those present are directing their anger and emotions at him makes Aivar feel a little better about the whole situation. Perhaps no blood will have to be shed after all. As for Arianna feeling embarrassed, Aivar felt guilty for having to repress a smile. Had he really mixed up the details?! Wouldn't be the first time you lose track when there are too many details involved.

"I'm going by what I've been told. Reason, however, as you all so kindly pointed out to me, suggests that swordlord involvement would make little to no sense. I'd suggest that, in order to avoid getting bogged down in speculation, we leave this topic behind for now and move on to the more pressing matter of what to do with Oleg. As Raquel said, we do not believe execution is warranted." What he wants to say next causes the paladin to shut up for a blessed moment. Ordering his thoughts, Aivar suddenly feels like he's walking on eggshells. He knows that he has to phrase what he's about to say perfectly, or else he might set the entire place on fire. "I feel that Oleg needs to do three things. One, apologize to you. Secondly, pay you and so, your company, wergild for damages suffered. And thirdly ... I want him to pledge to donate a part of his future earnings, say a quarter of his profits, to the families of those who lost their lives defending this outpost. That, or a set up a fund of sorts. As the Stolen Lands aren't quite Brevoy yet, I figure that it would be fitting for him to stay here."

Captain Garess looks at Raquel cautiously. "We are in fact within Brevoy - at least, according to the last map I saw, the boundary edge is the South Rostland Road. I could be wrong, though. Maybe your information is better than mine and the borders have changed, or the mapmaker I bought it from was out of date. Or confused, I shouldn't wonder."

I did tell you already that the trading post is in Brevoy

He turns back to Aivar: "As for the offer of weregild, well now. If Oleg had harmed my men himself or worked to let the enemy into the fort, I would definitely be thinking that way. By the Goddess, we'd be having a different conversation entirely. But as it stands, no. And I know how tempting it must be, here on the edges of the wilderness, for you to want to take the law into your own hands...but nothing good ever comes of that. I'm not an officer of the law, I'm only a humble mercenary, and I've no idea what laws he's even broken. Instead of deciding for yourselves what punishment to inflict, why not deliver him to the local magistrate?" He sighs. "Like as not they'll be corrupt; and open to a bribe, I shouldn't wonder, and you won't get the justice you were hoping for, but you'll have done the right thing. And who knows? Maybe they'll deliver an honest verdict. It's been known to happen."

Listening intently to the conversation, Nariel raised an eyebrow at the musings of who could be behind the current plot. Leaning back against the wall with her arms folded, she also smiled ever so slightly at Garess. It was just a faint of a smile though, one that suggested she was perhaps pleasantly surprised by his reaction. Humans do surprise me on occasion, I thought for sure he would demand vengeance. Instead, he is thoughtful and even sympathetic in this instance. How noble of him.

Finally breaking in, Nariel lent her voice to the Captain's suggestion "Indeed Captain Garess, perhaps that is the most prudent course, though I am leery of submitting to a magistrate in this instance," glancing in a north eastern direction, Nariel sighed "leaving matters to the courts can be... unpredictable." Turning her attention back to the conversation at hand, Nariel added "As to his crime, Oleg is likely guilty of accessory to banditry at the very least, his requisite intent being one of omission. I am uncertain what the penalty would be in Brevoy, but I could easily find out with access to a proper library."

Looking over at Aivar thougthfully, Nariel responds "A weregild is likely unpractical in this situation Aivar, though it was a good suggestion. I only say this because while Oleg and Svetlana are not living in poverty, neither are they wealthy enough to make a weregild or reparations to the widows of the deceased meaningful or useful. Uncomfortable as I am with the notion, the Captain might be in the right when he suggests a local magistrate. Having said that, I might suggest we argue on his behalf as advocates, plead for a reasonable outcome," pausing a moment Nariel rolled her eyes as she sighed "or even bribe the magistrate if necessary, something that I find both distasteful and ethically dubious... but, an act that lends itself to the real politik approach that might be necessary to secure a favorable outcome."

"Finally, somebody speaks sense," Arianna grumbles, and then points a finger at Nariel. "Not you! Why the hell would you even say something like that? The idea here is to ensure justice is carried out, not continue to subvert it! My god has everyone taken leave of their senses today?"

Captain Garess coughs. "Indeed. When I said magistrates were open to bribery, it was not a suggestion. I can have no part of that."

Jhod also looks deeply uncomfortable at Nariel's words, but is reassured that Arianna appears to be of a different opinion.

Remember that I said you can gain/lose influence according to your dice rolls? Well, you can also gain/lose influence with your actions (or inaction, on occasion). Some NPCs you meet won't even blink if you suggest legally/morally questionable actions. These two will: Garess is LG, and Jhod is an NG cleric of an LG god. Subverting the law is very much not their bag.

Raising an eyebrow reflexively at the blow back from Arianna and Garess, Nariel shrugs coolly adding "If the magistrate is corrupt as Garess has suggested he might be, I was only suggesting that either you play ball or risk a harsh sentence in Oleg's case if you hand him over. If you are comfortable placing him in the hand of a corrupt magistrate and simply walking away, then so be it, though I would argue that is as morally bankrupt as bribery, except it is a course an action that ends badly for the Levetons. Remember his fate is in our hands at the moment."

Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, Nariel adds "That said, I apologize if I have offended your sense of lawful and order. It has always been my way, voice all options, however unpalatable, in order to proceed in the best manner. In situations like these, when all options seem fraught with dilemma, it is best to look at all options and choose the least awful of your choices."

Fair enough, just thought I'd lay out all the options.

"No bribery, no manipulation. Let's just deliver Oleg to the magistrates and let them decide his fate," Raquel opines. "We will make it clear he acted alone, though. Svetlana does not deserve to suffer for her husband's actions. At least, no more so than she will already suffer," Raquel says with a scowl.

Unlike some, Aivar tries to stay cool and does what he can to find his way back to the path of reason and logic. "The right thing is doing that which ensures all of us can move forward, and keep on moving forward. Justice, compensation, and keeping sight of the horizon, if you will. And yes, I must admit that I was afraid you'd ignite into a red hot rage upon hearing all this, hence my initial reluctance and my suggestion of compensation. Alas, I must confess that I am afraid that escalating this matter to the local magistrate will throw all of us into the bog of lengthy investigations and trials, which, I'm sad to say, would most likely take away the opportunity for us to go and figure out who is behind all of this. For me, that's where finding justice in all of this lies. But if it is to be that way, it must be so. I do want you to know that when I said that I take your feelings in all of this to heart, it wasn't an exaggeration or lie. All of us here owe our lives to you and your soldiers."

Well, that went sideways and then some. "It's been a long week for all of us, so perhaps we should adjourn and meet again tomorrow? Much has been said leaving us with a lot to consider and process. It is clear all of us are yet to see eye to eye, and I'd prefer we figure out a way to make it so."

Arianna takes a deep breath, stands, and steps away with a quiet murmur of "'S been a little bit. Gotta check on something."

She goes over to the kitchen door. She listens at the closed door for a moment. If she hears either Oleg or Svetlana speaking within, she backs away again. If she doesn't hear either of their voices, she quietly cracks the door and peeks inside, saying nothing as she does so.

"The swordlords may not be directly be funding the bandits, but somebody with access to new-minted coin is. And that person, like as not, is going to be somebody with influence. Playing the usual games to acquire more of it, I shouldn't wonder."

Tristan takes another swallow ale. "I don't like the idea of being responsible for Oleg's punishment, but I like the idea of fawning it off on some shady hinterlands magistrate even less. Especially as - if I were this mysterious figure handing out so much gold - the first thing I'd do is get the local officials on the payroll."

Arianna hears the low murmur of voices through the door. Nothing seems to be amiss.

Jhod gives Aivar a slightly reproachful look as Tristan and Nariel continue to propose creative alternatively-legal strategies. "Tha were worried about the Captain igniting, but it's tha companions that seem wanting to dispense their own justice."

Captain Garess looks unperturbed. "Oh, I don't doubt that your mistrust of the law is well-founded and fully thought through. You've more experience in these matters than I have, I shouldn't wonder. And I'm sure you've good reason for taking the law on yourselves. Of course, once you do that for good reason, you open the door to bad reasons - and then one day you're like Master Leveton in there, going along with something terrible for the best of reasons, and reassuring yourself that anyone else would do the same in your shoes." He nods. "And Master Kurisyl is right - we should look on this again in the morning. It won't look any better, I shouldn't wonder, but at least you'll be well-rested."

Jhod sighs wearily. "Aye, no doubt will still look grim tomorrow. But I'll go with friend Oleg to the magistrate and plead his case. If he pleads guilty there's no cause for trial, and mayhap we can let undisturbed those questions that fret us now."

Gonna move this scene on later today in case anyone has a final point they want to make here.

Aivar gives Jhod the slightest of nods to express his gratitude. "I really appreciate you doing that, no matter the outcome. But now, I need some rest before all these thoughts and worries manage to cause permanent damage to my brain. For what it's worth, I am grateful that all of this could be ... hrm, resolved isn't the word, but let's stick to that - resolved without violence. A good night to you all, my friends."

4 SARENITH (VI) 4719

And so, a long day concludes. The driving rain, the rolling thunder and flashes of sheet lightning persist until the storm blows over some time in the early hours of the morning; of course, the day's events indoors have been dramatic enough that some (or all) of you may simply fall into an exhausted sleep without noticing the weather outside at all...

5 SARENITH (VI) 4719

The new day dawns bright and early, with larksong at sunrise. The lowering, heavy clouds from last night have passed, and the sky is blue and clear. Only the wet, muddy ground, and the sight of the tall grass lying flat against the earth, give a clue as to the violence of the storm last night. Even at this early hour, the heat of the Sarenith sun is at work and the air is muggy as the ground dries out, the rainfall evaporating almost as you watch.

Breakfast is a staid affair: Merrim acts as serving girl, passing to and from the kitchen. She confirms that Svetlana is inside, but says no more beyond "She don't want disturbing - by anyone." Oleg is nowhere to be seen.

Afterward, Jhod (who by the look of him has been up all night) somewhat unhappily gathers up and sorts through the various bundles of documents he has prepared for the arraignment, asking each of you to sign and confirm your statements. He harnesses a horse to the cart, with Oleg's help (who has sidled out of the house, refusing to meet anyone's gaze), and the two of them depart for Nivatka's Crossing.

Svetlana does not come out to watch them leave.

Aivar takes a moment to scribble down his statement, knowing well it will depend entirely on the personality and nature of the magistrate handling Oleg's case whether or not his words will have any effect. Regardless of the chance that it might be meaningless, he advocates for clemency. He states that the outpost is the sole beacon of civilization within the region and, because of that, the person running the outpost would always be the target of whoever it is that paid the bandits and forced Oleg to comply - or else. One man cannot stand against the many, especially when the many are backed by an apparent authority of sorts. He does stress in his statement that some sort of financial punishment is more than in order, to ensure that those left behind won't be reduced to beggar status. Corporal punishment, so he ends his statement, would solve nothing here. It will only add more misery to the already existing mountain of suffering.

"Good luck", is all the paladin has for Jhod and Oleg. It isn't exactly clear who he is wishing to be bestowed with luck. Once they're gone, he lets go of a deep sigh. All of a sudden Aivar feels rather uncertain where to take it from here. Trouble, intrigue, wealth, possibilities - recent events have left him and his companions with many important decisions to make, but last night had shown him that they were anything but a unified front. Perhaps they ought to tackle the mysterious bandit benefactor next, to bring back some sense of unity.

Oleg at first seems inclined just to nod, without catching Aivar's eye, and hope that the cart gets moving; but then he does turn and look straight at the paladin, leaning in with a whisper so that nobody else hears. "That - that information I mentioned... when those two lackeys were giving me a hiding, one of their cloaks slipped and I saw the emblem on his tunic. Green crab, and a castle, it had. Don't remember the rest of the colours."

He turns back and looks at Jhod, who has missed the exchange completely. "OK, let's go, priest."

The priests reproachful look towards Aivar does nothing to move Nariel, and her neutral expression belays precisely zero emotion. Returning a look that appears almost disdainfully indifferent to Jhod's comments, Nariel finally shrugs and adds flatly "Justice here is more often brutal and harsh than not from my observations; you will have to forgive me if I needed a few moments to explore alternatives." Putting up her hood, Nariel starts to head for the door before stopping and looking over her shoulder "Since it is decided then, plead his case well Jhod. I will assist you with some notes on his legal defense, if you think it could be of some help."

I tried to imagine the closest thing to a Vulcan losing their cool, and that's what I came up with XD

The next morning, Nariel proceeds to write up the recollection of events with respect to Oleg and his case for Jhod. Taking her time to write up the documents, Nariel makes sure they appear as eloquent and beautifully written as possible, hoping that it might help to leave a good impression with the Magistrate.

Craft (Calligraphy): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23

Satisfied, she hands it to Jhod in a rolled up and sealed scroll. Having had some time with it, Nariel appears less cold then she did the previous night, even smiling ever so slightly as she bids the Priest and Oleg on their way "Take care, and good luck."

Arianna doesn't sleep that night, staying in the common room and keeping busy, furiously resisting the urge to ask Jhod why he affects a low-class accent.

In the morning, she says somberly to Jhod, "Thank you for doing this, Father."

Diplomacy (in Writing): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Tristan makes out his statement as best as he can, hoping against hope that the magistrate is both honest and fair - yet preparing himself for disappointment on both scores.

When the priest and Oleg had departed, Tristan turns to his companions. "You know, it's a good bet that whomever was paying the bandits will hear of Oleg's discovery. Meaning they'll know we know something as well. I have the feeling we haven't seen the end of this."

In the morning, she says somberly to Jhod, "Thank you for doing this, Father."

Jhod gives Arianna a nod, some of his bad mood lifting, as he manages (with some effort) to produce a smile. "Tis the right thing to do, nay? And thanks to tha for tha sage counsel and cool head last night. They're lucky to have tha on their side."

6 SARENITH (VI) 4719

Captain Kesten Garess is disbanding his mercenary company. To those still willing and able to fight elsewhere, he gives the agreed stipend (plus a bonus) together with a letter of recommendation, and sees them out of the fort on their way to fresh adventure. To the half-dozen or so who are crippled by their wounds and will never fight again, he gives a slightly more generous stipend and bonus, along with the offer to pay their room and board for as long as they wish to stay at the trading post. Most of the now ex-soldiers thank him but decline the offer, heading off back home in search of family who will now support them; but two - a grizzled bald veteran with a scar down his face where his right eye used to be; and a small, sharp ferrety-looking youth with very little below his left knee - elect to remain, since they lack a home to go to.

Captain Garess is philosophical about the decision: "My contract expires now that your work is done, and if I want to keep working I'll have to find a new Sergeant...and I'm not ready to do that, quite just yet. Maybe it's time for this old soldier to retire, and let the younger bloods have their time to shine."

7 SARENITH (VI) 4719

A rider visits the trading post from Nivatka's Crossing, bringing post.

The first is a letter from Jhod: We arrived at the end of the Sarenith assizes, and there was time only to present the case in brief. The magistrate agreed to hear the pleadings in the Erastus assizes, just before Archerfeast. Oleg in the meantime is jailed, but I have arranged with the guard to keep him properly looked after. Alas, I have been called away with church matters but will return to the court for Erastus, you have my word. May Erastil keep you and yours in peace.

The second is from the Mayor of Restov:

From Her Grace Myrna Sellimus, Archdu... look, you lot know who I am

So, you did it, then. And survived, all of you, from what I hear. Good one. Look forward to hearing all about it when you see me. Be at my place (the Town Hall in Restov, not the Dacha) first thing in the morning - 11 a.m., sharp - on 10 Sarenith.

We'll talk rewards and whatnot then, but for now, enjoy the attached - and DON'T do anything stupid till we talk.

"The attached" turns out to be two proclamations, in crisp vellum parchment and with the official seal of Brevoy.

Proclamations are also up in the 'Proclamations' section at the top of the page :)

Tristan's eyes go wide as he reads through the proclamations. For a moment he stands speechless.

"Congratulations then, Ser Aivar," he finally says, giving an extremely exaggerated courtly bow. "I suppose for a noble it might be expected, but I cannot say I saw this coming. I even think you might be suited to it."

In his own head, Tristan was still reeling. Claim and own. Claim and own? Claim and own! Even his own parents, successful merchants in their own right, owned no land. They leased all they had from the nobility.

"I'd thought our work might not be done here, but... well, suffice to say I had no idea just how not done we might be. Aivar, you at least seem to have just been given the task of a lifetime."

Aivar wants to simultaneously cuff the bard and burst out into laughter, but he fails to do either. The impact of the news on him is such that he can scarcely believe it, his mind working overtime to process what this will do to his life, with his life. Somewhat taken aback, he looks at his companions and gauges their reactions to the proclamations. He then, having sorted what remains of his thoughts after the news exploded onto his consciousness, addresses Tristan. "I thank you for the kind words and yes, it seems just so. This is a lot to take in, my friends, and when you take into consideration that we have yet to investigate the matter of who paid the bandits and forced Oleg to abandon us, I must confess, it all makes my head spin. Still, this is news worth celebrating, and we should do just that when we get to Restov. That, of course, and discuss how to proceed from here on."

Yes, how to proceed from here on. They'd have to agree on a name for the Mark, assess their newly acquired funds and make plans as to what to do with all that wealth, and survive the dances of intrigue of Restov. Oh, and of course, figure out what higher-up is to blame for the bandit mess here. Aivar has not forgotten what was done to that poor unicorn.

know nobility: 1d20 + 8 + 1d6 ⇒ (6) + 8 + (2) = 16 the emblem Oleg described to Aivar

Cool head, Jhod says, which she quietly questions as she mainly recalls that the night before was spent questioning the sanity of her companions, but she accepts the compliment with grace.

The news incoming, a tad less grace, as the letter from the twins makes her so dizzy with relief that she has to sit with her head between her knees for a couple of minutes. When she's recovered and read the proclamations, she starts in stunned silence while her head is full of thoughts and ideas.

"Land to create a Mark," she says. "That means people, a settlement, a, a, damn it, I need to stop before I get ahead of my self I think. And--and you, Aivar! This is amazing! Congratulations."

For just a moment, she thinks, 'Margraf, that's a noble title.' before pushing it away as he's still a friend first and foremost.

"We'll need to hit the road as soon as possible--hell if I'm going before the Mayor smelling and looking like--well, like I've been in the middle of the wilderness for six months." She laughs a little at herself.

Sasha gets chills as she reads the missive, all thoughts of Oleg's fate pushed from her head.

Their own Mark!

It was more than she had dared hope for.

"It seems that all the mournful talk about parting ways was a bit hasty on my part," she exclaims with a grin. "Congratulations, Aivar. As your first lordly proclamation, shall you command us to get packed and ready?"

"Congratulations, Aivar. As your first lordly proclamation, shall you command us to get packed and ready?"

Merrim nods vigorously at this. "Damn straight. She wouldn't tell you this herself, ever , but the sooner you're out of here the better for Svetlana. All you do is remind her of everything."

And when we're gone, the silence will be drowned out by memories and thoughts she can't quite swallow down just yet. Alas, it is as it is and none here present can change that. Aivar decides to keep his thoughts to himself, not liking the fact he is unable to come up with a way to make any of this better right here, right now.

He flashes Sasha a barely repressed smile and nods. "Well then, I guess it has been decided that we're leaving. Merrim, please do distract Svetlana as much as you can, will you? And if you want, we can send you a chest filled with books, to ensure you got something to do when winter comes."

He didn't have the courage to ask Merrim straight out if she knows how to read and write, but maybe, if she doesn't, it will give Svetlana and Merrim something to do together - anything to keep Svetlana occupied.

Reading over the proclamations quietly, Nariel pondered a moment about her feelings towards Brevoy and her allies extending south. If this venture was successful, then in time it might extend far enough to the south-west to meet the border of Kyonin. Was that a good thing? Probably, or at least it could be no worse than the present general lawlessness of the River Kingdoms.

Putting geopolitical matters out of her head for the moment, Nariel smiled broadly as she turned to address Aivar, newly elevated in his social rank among his people. With a quick curtsy, she added with a slight melodic playfulness in her voice "Congratulations m'Lord, a welcome change." With Aivar now firmly in charge of the company expedition, Nariel added more seriously "Nariel Laeric of Kyonin at your service, should you still require it." Though part of her longed to take this opportunity to return home, her overwhelming curiosity to see this venture through, for a time at least, would keep her firmly rooted in Brevoy for the time being.

Setting off to pack for the trip back to Brevoy, thoughts swirled about her head about how best to build a kingdom. This was a real opportunity to guide and create a progressive and forward thinking nation. Aivar was a principled and noble soul, so if ever there was a chance for a great free nation to arise, this might be it. Nariel had been impressed by what humans had accomplished in Andoran, throwing off the yoke of Cheliax oppression to form a nation ruled by the principle of common rule. It was a bold experiment, one that came immediately to mind when she considered what could and might take place here.

Bidding Svetlana and Merrim farewell, Nariel mounted Hrive and looked to the North-east with a neutral expression. Before any of this, we must return to the viper pit of the Brevoyan court.