Jacobus nods as the prisoner talks freely. He waits for a pause in the conversation and adds, "This is good. I'm glad you came to your senses and tell us what you know."
He paused for dramatic effect, "However, I think you know more than what you are telling us. Come now, let's not make this more... disturbing than it needs to be. Just tell us what you know."
"Hey man, I'm nothing more than a low ranking mook." the bandit says in response to Jacobus's thinly veiled threat.
"The Stag Lord is a bloody drunk. All that booze under the platform’s for him. He's half of what he used to be, and ain’t never been right in the head. A few months ago he punched my horse for spittin' in the yard. Personally, I wouldn't care if he dropped dead tomorrow, but even drunk out of his mind he's still got a fair amount of fight to him."
Turning back to Theodore he says, "I don't know for sure. It's been a couple of months since I was at the fort. Got sent away the same time as Kressle did. But it is an actual fort, so there are the normal defenses that go with that...gates, towers, and the like. As to numbers ten or twelve. Might be as many as fifteen or sixteen if you count his lieutenants."
I rub my chin with my hand, "A group of fifteen or sixteen, in a defensible location may be too much for us to handle on our own. Maybe we should search the area between us and this fort to find some other factors to help. Thank you for being forthright with us, if we guide you some where, do we have your word that you shall not try to escape or cause problems?"
I rub my chin with my hand, "A group of fifteen or sixteen, in a defensible location may be too much for us to handle on our own. Maybe we should search the area between us and this fort to find some other factors to help. Thank you for being forthright with us, if we guide you some where, do we have your word that you shall not try to escape or cause problems?"
Jacobus looked at Theodore, an incredulous look on his face.
He addressed the prisoner, "Listen, just stay where you are and don't try to escape. You saw what happened to your leader when she tried that."
He then asked Theo, "Can you leave your wolf guarding him just in case?"
Jacobus then gathered all his companions out of earshot of the prisoner, "Listen Theo. Are you really going to let him go on his word? This guy just tried to kill us? These are types of guys who have been extorting others in the area?"
He listened for Theo or others to express their opinions.
I nod and leave Rufus to stand beside the bandit, then follow Jacobus. "Firstly I never said that he would be let go, I highly doubt we have enough rope to secure all of them and if he is willing to walk alongside one of us then it makes things easier for us." I then look directly at Jacobus coldly, " Secondly at least when this guy tried to kill us he didn't grin like some Zon-Kuthon worshiper reveling in the power of ending someones life."
I nod and leave Rufus to stand beside the bandit, then follow Jacobus. "Firstly I never said that he would be let go, I highly doubt we have enough rope to secure all of them and if he is willing to walk alongside one of us then it makes things easier for us." I then look directly at Jacobus coldly, " Secondly at least when this guy tried to kill us he didn't grin like some Zon-Kuthon worshiper reveling in the power of ending someones life."
Jacobus breathes out; his fear that the bandit was being let go was for naught.
"Ok, I got you. I misunderstood you and became worried. I thought you were going to guide him to this 'somewhere' and then let him go."
He asked, "So what's your plan? Turning Oleg's into a jailhouse?"
He later caught the accusation that Theo leveled and looked at his companions, a concerned look on his face wondering if there was closet-sadist among his new friends. He neared Theo and whispered, "Who was the one that looked like he was enjoying killing the bandits?"
I shake my head at the mention of Olegs becoming a Jailhouse, "It wouldn't be a permanent thing, just until a group of soldiers can come down to escort them back to a city to be given a fair trial. Not all of the bandits chose this life, they may be sentenced to death or given time in a jail. If the latter they may emerge after their time willing to do honest work." As Jacobus leans in to whisper to me I look shocked that he doesn't know who I am talking about. "I'm talking about you! I saw the way you grinned as you caved that mans chest in!"
I shake my head at the mention of Olegs becoming a Jailhouse, "It wouldn't be a permanent thing, just until a group of soldiers can come down to escort them back to a city to be given a fair trial. Not all of the bandits chose this life, they may be sentenced to death or given time in a jail. If the latter they may emerge after their time willing to do honest work."
Jacobus was satisfied. As long as the laws were being followed, he would entertain whatever solution Theo had in mind and wish him the best. "That's a good plan. Let's just hope it works as you envision it."
As Jacobus leans in to whisper to me I look shocked that he doesn't know who I am talking about. "I'm talking about you! I saw the way you grinned as you caved that mans chest in!"
His look of surprise was evident, "Me? No, I would never."
He then thought for a second, "Perhaps I may have smiled at landing a solid blow to the woman was doing her best to chop my head off. Not all of us are skilled at subduing our enemies. And you'll have to excuse me when I tell you that, when a life is on the line, I will always try to save the life of good citizen over that of a bandit. Every time. And that includes you and your mount."
I smile and nod, "I am glad that we can see eye to eye on their path. I agree that the edicts of my order are difficult to follow at times, but it is through following them that I can be the best I can be, as well as setting a good example for others and giving people second chances."
Tove watches as her interigation degrades into a philosophical debate between Theodore and Jacobus. She shakes her head as the two men argue. She is glad to hear them reach an understanding but feels the need to add her own opinion.
"Why force Oleg to care for these men until Brevoy sends down an escort? Our charter clearly gives us the authority to carry out punishments and as an inquisitor of Abadar, Jacobus is certainly qualified to pass judgement upon them."
I look to Tove, "The charter only gives us the order to execute those who are unrepetent, how are we to know if these who have surrendered are not repenting? The only ones I am concerned about are Happs and Kressel, but they could be good sources of information for our future exertions into the Stolen Lands."
"It sounds to me like you already have a good idea of who is unrepentant. I think a short trial headed up by our very own agent of law should weed out any others. Why else would the Swordlords have sent him here if not to expedite the process?"
"I think any willing to help us deserve at least a fair trial and a chance at reintegration, and those who actively hamper our objectives are obviously of the mind that we are in the wrong, as such they believe their banditry is alright, or at least do not care for the law and thusly, are unrepentant. I also do not believe we acquit them before a trial and turn them lose to potentially commit more crimes in the very region we are tasked with bringing order to." Raz says as he hears the exchange going on between his companions, "In other news, I've found some items in my search of the camp, does anyone want any of this stuff or should we split it up to make the carrying of it easier until we can find a suitable location to trade? It sounds like we are going back to Oleg's, I'm sure he would be willing to expand his inventory of goods"
Returning from his foray to pick up his small arrows, Ivo watches the dialog like someone watching a tennis match. He mutters, "Wish I'd brought a pipe."
"If the majority of the bandits we have rounded up have in fact been strong-armed into serving this 'Stag Lord' and are truely sorry for what they've done, they may relish the opportunity for vengeance, they could make useful allies in the assault on the fort if they do seek forgiveness."
Addressing the new subject of discussion, Tove turns to Razarak.
"I'm sure anything we don't need would be of value to Oleg, I think we should take as much of the trade goods as we can carry. I'm happy to split the arrows between Ivo and myself, and we can make use of some of their food tonight and on the way back to Oleg's. I don't really have need for anything else."
Jacobus weighed in again, especially now that he was being proposed as judge. Like my uncle, the justicar.
Theo is right in that the charter given to us allows us to dispense judgement to those bandits who do not repent. That is, to bandits that, given the chance, forsake their evil ways but then continue with banditry."[/b]
He looked at Theo, "However, we are also not going to let these bandits go free even if they say that they repent. Repenting only saves them from the hangman. These bandits will have to pay for their crimes, meaning they will either spend time in jail or serve the community in some other way."
He concluded, "Something we could do is pass judgement on those bandits who ignored Theo offer of a truce."
"So Theo, did you in fact offer surrender terms to these bandits? If so, then those that fought against us did not repent and are subject to the edicts of the charter..."
Jacobus hoped that Theo understood that the life of some of these bandits hung in the balance of his next words...
Examining the logic Torsten comes up with a result he likes. "Indeed Jacobus, as unrepentant as they were then they could be executed and some died by our hands! But, but, repentance can come later or even leave later. It is not something eternal and unchangeable!"
The young wizard rocks back on his heels with a satisfied smile.
"What then, Torsten, is to stop them from being repentant when it is convenient? If we go by that, we would never be able to enforce the law that is our charter"
Examining the logic Torsten comes up with a result he likes. "Indeed Jacobus, as unrepentant as they were then they could be executed and some died by our hands! But, but, repentance can come later or even leave later. It is not something eternal and unchangeable!"
The young wizard rocks back on his heels with a satisfied smile.
Jacobus pondered what had just been said, "Are you saying that we should give these bandits more than one chance? if so, I do not agree with that course of actions nor is it validated by our charter."
He sighed, "I'm afraid that bandits get one chance to repent. If they do not then the full extent of the law shall be applied to them. It's the only way to make the area safe enough for settlers, indeed for families to come in."
I glare at Jacobus again, "How could I have given them terms when you all told me not to until we have already defeated them?! Next time I shall be doing it immediately, it worked when defending Olegs and persuaded Gavin to help us in the fight." I then turn to look at the whole group, "I never said that we just let them run off into the wild, in fact I believe I have stated multiple times of my intentions to serve their time in the city ... although if Jacobus here can give a fair trial then that will speed things up."
I look at all the gear that has been collected, "I would like the amulet of the Stag, a little work and it could be turned into Erastil. I don't really need any of the rest."
Torsten looks taken aback by the lack of immediate agreement. "Surrendering is evidence of some form of repentance is it not? If you will have it your way, laying down their weapons is death - then why surrender? If we can send them to Restov and their workhouses, that should make this area safer for settlers than it would be with desperate outlaws hiding in the trees."
I walk beside Torsten and nod, "I agree completely, they could in turn become settlers who want a better and safer life."
"Torsten is right, surrendering is evidence of some desire to repent. And to be fair to Theo, he did not get the opportunity to offer terms to any of these men, so we can't hold that against them. Still, laying down your arms when it is in your best interest doesn't in itself mean you have changed your ways. I think these are all things to be considered as part of a fair trial which we will give these men and women. Those who are redeemed may be sent back to Restov to serve their time and those who are not will face the gallows. I suggest that before such a time, we give these bandits a chance to prove themselves to us by working with us to bring down their horrid leader. Being that they seem to hate him so much already, it shouldn't be a hard choice for any who are serious about turning their lives around."
"I think that surrender is not always part and parcel with repentance, wanting to save your life doesn't mean you regret the choices that brought you there, nor does it mean given the first chance you won't go right back to it. But I agree with the fact that these bandits weren't offered an equal chance at surrender as the other bandits we encountered, everyone knows banditry is illegal, and the fact they stayed and fought, except the one that actually surrendered and ran away, doesn't bode well for them in my opinion."
The conscious bandit shifts nervously while the group continues their debate.
Ivo points at his nose at Razarak's comment.
"Right there," he says. "What people do to survive in the moment is not always contiguous with what they do in the long run, especially when they're desperate. But unless one of you can read minds the only way you'll know what they will do in the long run is to let them live and then pay attention. If you want to change their behavior, you have to change the circumstances they live in - try to get them to rejoin polite society - and you have to give them incentives to change, both with the promise of something better and with the threat of consequences."
"This argument isn't really about whether someone can turn over a new leaf. It's over how many chances you give them, and how much work you guys think we can reliably put in to basically being a penal rehabilitation unit."
"You, bandit, what do you think should be done with your companions?" Raz asks turning to the obviously uncomfortable bandit.
"Dunno if I'm in much of a position to say." the bandit responds. "I can't say that I really care that much what happens to Kressle, although I guess I can understand her lousy attitude and general meanness if what I've heard is true."
"As for Edarn, he says pointing to the unconscious bandit next to him, "he's not been with our outfit long enough for me to think much one way or the other about him. Me, I'd like to live, but I guess that's up to you folk. I'm Velsin, by the way." the bandit says in an obvious attempt to humanize he and his companions in hopes of leniency.
Turning back to the group of law abiding citizens, Raz asks "Need we go all the way back to Oleg's to conduct a trial on these three? It wouldn't change anything if they changed their hearts, but if they are unrepentant, give them the sword, and we don't waste time or resources transporting prisoners who are headed to the gallows anyway."
"That seems well. If we can secure them now should we hold trials tomorrow? Sleep can lead to new thoughts and calmer tempers."
I think carefully and then nod in approval, "A trial tomorrow would make sense, I had thought to give them one big trial all together, but that could put things against us if Happs or Kressel were able to threaten the others into violence." I turn to face Ivo, "Each one is given only the one chance, if they squander that chance then they are not serious about repenting."
I think carefully and then nod in approval, "A trial tomorrow would make sense, I had thought to give them one big trial all together, but that could put things against us if Happs or Kressel were able to threaten the others into violence." I turn to face Ivo, "Each one is given only the one chance, if they squander that chance then they are not serious about repenting."
Jacobus made sure he understood what they were asking him to do. he addressed all his companions.
"So in this trial, we will ask if the prisoners repent and want to change their ways and abandon banditry. If they repent, then they will kept in custody until someone from Brevoy comes and takes them so they can pay for their crimes either in jail or in some sort of servitude. If they do not repent, then we hang them right then and there."
He looked at his companions, "Is this your understanding of what is happening? If so, I think this trial will be waste a time."
I turn to face Jacobus, "Why do you think it will be a waste of time, obviously questions will be asked of them and they may lie about the answers. But they may also speak the truth. What would you suggest instead?"
I turn to face Jacobus, "Why do you think it will be a waste of time, obviously questions will be asked of them and they may lie about the answers. But they may also speak the truth. What would you suggest instead?"
He looked serious, "It will be a waste because as soon as they realize that not repenting means the noose, something that I need to tell them, then they will just say that they do repent."
He added, "And I won't be able to tell if there's truth in their words or not. So unless, one of these bandits has a death wish then they will all say that they repent and we will have wasted our time."
"I see your point and the dilemma this causes. Is there no way to tell who is lying and making sure that they don't know what their punishment shall be?"
"Magic may yet be the answer my friends. There is a spell the church of Abadar developed but which is not limited to them: Abadar's Truthtelling. Can not you or Tove bessech your deities for this spell?"
"I may be able to seek Erastil's assistance in this matter, yes Torsten. I have actually prepared to cast the spell today, I thought that we may need it to get an honest answer about the bandit's leader but it seems we have that already."
"It is not a very powerful form of magic though. The bandits will know that they are under the effects of such a spell and they may choose not to answer a question, knowing they cannot lie. Should we assume silence as a measure of guilt? And are we to assume that a truthful apology now can not be followed by a change of heart in a few weeks, months, or years?"
"Still, it could work. I would be happy to prepare a few extra uses tomorrow. Although if we started the trials tonight I can ask Erastil's assistance right now, and have one less bandit to interrogate in the morning."
"Magic may yet be the answer my friends. There is a spell the church of Abadar developed but which is not limited to them: Abadar's Truthtelling. Can not you or Tove bessech your deities for this spell?"
Jacobus sighed as if excusing himself, "My magic is innate magic and while I do know this spell you talk about, it is beyond my ability to cast. Besides, I'm not sure if the spell is not 100% fool-proof either."
----------
"Still, it could work. I would be happy to prepare a few extra uses tomorrow. Although if we started the trials tonight I can ask Erastil's assistance right now, and have one less bandit to interrogate in the morning."
Jacobus nodded in appreciation, his new companions were indeed resourceful, "I like your solution Tove. If you are able to tell whether they are being truthful or not, I will be more than happy to ask the question and act as an impartial judge."
He added, "I think the bandits should know what the possible outcomes of this trial."
He looked around, "If everyone is in agreement, then perhaps we can do this tonight for one bandit and then the other two tomorrow..."
"we could stipulate that no answer is an admission of guilt, and I believe a truthful repentance now is enough to save them from the sword. But they would still be under the last chance and if they return to their ways, back to the gallows.
"This is basically a field tribunal in the middle of uncivilized territory, that's why the Charter gives us the power of execution - it implicitly recognizes that there is no real way to convene an actual court with a professional magistrate or jurist here. We're expected to exercise our judgment about how best to quell lawlessness out here," says Ivo. He clambers up on to a stump and sits there, kicking his legs idly. "Basically, we are the law. And in practical terms we can't turn Oleg's into a gaol without devoting a lot of time and resources to it, so it has to be repent, sword, or rope."
"Then if we may start with Edarn I may sleep the easier knowing if his intentions are good as they seem. Are there more formalities you city folk would know of, and would include?"
Torsten is noticeably relieved by the way things are going.
I smile at everyone, "Praise the gods that they are able to provide us with the exact resources that we need in this tricky situation." I am also very relieved to see that they will be receiving a fair trial without having to decide by leap of faith or trust. I walk over to Rufus and sit beside him and place my hand on his back, as I begin to stroke him. Every time the bandit moves slightly there is a low growl from Rufus, but he has yet to bare his fangs.
"So do we start the trials as soon as these others wake up? Or do we just go on with Edarn's, and get to the others tomorrow?"