The man looks a little bit frightened but reveals his boss, "Arik. He hires us to ambush wealthy adventurers. There are several different groups, don't know much about them though. But we all from Colvin, a small fishing village a few days from Twin Forks."
"That does sound like a profitable plan, but it has the negative effects like those whom they were going to help."
Fuego's eyes blaze with anger as sparks begin to burst out from his body.
"That two-faced liar and sneak that laid a trap for us just to rob us! Let's go back to Two Fork then extract bloody vengeance on him."
Then he turns to the charmed bandit and continues in a genial tone, "Please kindly tell us when you last saw him, and where you expect this Arik person to be?"
"This is not good news. If the Mayor of Harker's Ferry is in cahoot with these bandits - which I most likely suspect - they will be let of scott free to waylay other innocent travelers. That may not be able defend themselves as we have. In accordance to your beliefs, I would have rather gone by the law. But the law is corrupt here and unable to met justice. Would you rather carry out the sentence, or I ask J'Victus to do it?"
Amy frowns, pauses as the charmed bandit answers Fuego's questions, then chimes in with a question of her own. "Just out of curiosity, if someone were to capture a group of bandits such as yourselves and turn them in to the law, where around here do you reckon the bandits would stand the highest chance of receiving a fair trial and imprisonment?"
Perception (Take 10) to listen to whisper - 25
"That's a good question. So far, we encountered a town the size of a hamlet."
Mihail takes out the map and looks at it for a moment before shuffling it away.
"Not to mention, all of the settlements on the map are all but hamlets based on the name and the information we have on hand. The region we ported to must be rural. The laws are weak here."
The bard looks at the helpless snared heap and to the party.
"I don't think we need to kill them unless we have to. For me, killing is almost a no, punishment a yes. I am not a fan of staining our hands with blood. Amelia, your magics are mostly geared to influencing the mind of others, right? How about resetting their memories to the day before they met Arik and then them go? I could not think of a better merciful solution. Arik, on the other hand, needs to be punished harshly. I don't care how but waylaying us because we are well off is inexcusable. But let me see what these bandits got to say to my question before we decide what to do with them and Arik, hmm?"
He switches his gaze back to the charmed bandit.
"Can you tell us more of Colvin and the reason you join Arik?"
"Even if Amelia could do it, it would be a waste of magic, which could be better used to defend ourselves. Who knows how many other bands are wandering out there waiting to ambush us?
Just kill them all and be done with it. If you do not wish to stain your hands with blood, I can do it for you. It was a load of this kind of scum that killed my family when I was young."
Amelia turns to give Mihail an appraising look, as if seeing him for the first time. Her smile shifts, appearing momentarily sincere. "I like the way you think," she responds through the message. "Hmm, let's see... yeah, I should be able to handle a memory wipe without too much trouble." She frowns at Fuego's comments. "And offering to kill people for us so we don't stain our hands with blood is sort of missing the point of... well... morality."
|
Listening for the arguments back and forth Ahadiel thinks for a long moment before he speaks up. "First. Those people tried to rob and kill us. That is under the law of this country, and all others a capital offence. If the mayor has sent them, this makes him the leader of this plot. So he is also guilty for planning murder and thievery.
While I admit that I do believe in the power of mercy, I did give them the chance to flee or surrender and warned them that non compliance would have dire consequences.
Now we have two options. We can say we are just guests and let them loose. Then every innocent killed by them later is fully on our conscience. Or we will punish them at the full extent of the law.
If this means hanging, they will hang. If there are reasons to be less extrem, and they better be DAMN good, we can make allowances.
If this means sitting again on the judges chair and kicking the stool, I will do it again! I will say sincere prayers for them and with them, but justice has to be served!
But they need someone who will speak for them. And that shouldn´t be one of us. Because then we are as bad as they are!"
The charmed bandit answers the questions to the best of his knowledge, "Arik moves around a lot. He could be heading for Colvin now. Werchan is the only place in this area that would be called a city and has the lawmen than usually work in cities. As for Colvin, it is a small fishing village that is run by smugglers and thieves. As for why I joined Arik, with the river dried up, there is not much work to be had except banditry."
"As I said, a waste of magic, Amelia. How many memories would you need to wipe? Besides even if you wiped their memories - they're still the same people inside. How would you guarantee that another person would not instigate them into banditry?"
"Ahadiel, who would you think would be good to speak for them? Do you wish to go to Colvin? As you said, the place is corrupt."
"Which way is Werchan? How many days travel is it from here?"
Amelia's frown deepens. "I'm not a big fan of any conception of justice that leaves a pile of bodies behind in its wake. As for my magic, that is mine to use as I see fit, and I will never see saving lives with it as a waste."
Amy begins to pace back and forth along the grass, still speaking with the group through the message. "The only question that remains, then, is whether removing their memories and freeing them is likely to result in the death of more innocent people. Given what we know of their background, banditry was a likely outcome regardless of their genetic dispositions, so their current behavior provides little axiomatic evidence of their future choices if their memories are removed." Her movement speeds up and her words begin to blur together at a heightening pace. "The conditional probability of these bandits causing future deaths is thus relatively indistinguishable from that of the general population, and the net expected value of their continued existence should be correspondingly positive or negative."
She suddenly stops in her tracks, staring toward the rest of the group in awkward silence. "Or, well, um, in other words... they're just people." She meets Fuego's eye. "Are people better for the world when they're dead?"
"Since this lot reminds me of those who slew my family and left me with horrific burns, I'd say yes."
"That is bias. Even the worst of scum has the capacity to change if he wishes it."
"Does Arik rob for the sake of robbing or is there a motive behind it? Why is the river dried up? Is your village always a town run by thieves? If the circumstances had been different, what profession would you have pursued?"
"And if they do not change - we'll be causing the death of many innocent people. What makes YOU think the scum have the capacity to change. Do YOU have the time to ensure they reform? I doubt Athena is the sort who likes to be kept waiting. Even Ahadiel agrees that they should be punished - would you doubt HIS words?"
A little bit confused, the charmed bandit tries to answer everything. "Werchan is about 5 days travel away. The safest route from here is to go Colvin than head up the coast to Werchan."
"As for Arik, I don't know why he robs. The river was dried up a long time ago by a sorcerer named Mortan. Or so they say. Colvin has always be Colvin, at least since before I was born. As for profession, not sure what I be, maybe some type of craftsman or fisherman."
Amy gives Fuego a dubious look. "To answer your questions: yes, yes, and social psychology."
Shaking his head as the other push their own views of right and wrong.
well I am not sure how you two came to the conclusion that the mayor is in on this or that the law is corrupt. It is a good chance but we do not have any proof. Your words are just conjecture and therefore will have no weight in the town's court of law. As for punishing them, well that is up to us to do as we agree on.
We have no more time for this, somebody decide what to do with these guys and let us get a move on. I will council on this thought. Leaving an enemy behind is not smart at all. It leaves you open to so many bad things to happen. Wiping their minds is not going to get rid of the memory of their friends that are in a pile over there.
There are too many what ifs..What if they do this because we did this and so on and so on. It is a non ending cycle that you want to break right now. Just make a decision so that we may move on with what we have to do. I say just let them go and pray for the best. This next town is going to be hard enough to deal with as it is, so let us give the escaped bandits as little time as we can to prepare for our arrival.
J'Victus walks up to each bandit and looks him in the eyes. As each bandit looks up at him they see their face on J'Victus' body. As each bandits stares at the elf, their faces go white when the see what happens next. J'Victus lets his shape change to that of a Drow female. The female Drow kneels down in front of the bandits and smiles at each one.
I know each of your faces and I will remember what you did here this night. I suggest you find a better way to live your lives. If words should reach me that you have reverted to banditry....I will be most displeased. When I am displeased...well...I will clean my teeth with your innards...while you are alive...and then I will heal you. I can do this for months if your screams are entertaining enough...If not, a decade or two.
Mihail regards the fiery oracle with coolness that matches his tone.
"I don't. That is why I am asking questions and taking some time understanding them before carrying judgment. I want to see their true character. As for the other two questions, yes. I am willing to take the risk. The bandits resorted to banditry because they are unemployed. We could ship them off to Werchan as reformed criminals or some other title to help them find employment under heavy scrutiny. By heavy scrutiny, I meant placing them under the effects of a geas spell. They have some skills. Why not put them to good use? If they resist or returning to their former ways, they suffer dire consequences. We could repeat this conversion process if Arik sends batch after batch. Reduce crime rate. Reduce deaths. Reduce Arik's influence. There might come a day where Arik run out of men to throw at us if this tactic proves to be successful. In hindsight, there may be likelihood failure but a
slim chance for that to happen is better than no chance at all/"
"After telling us who sent you, are you still willing to follow Arik?"
All the bandits become terrified of J'Victus turning into a Drow, though they don't fully comprehend that a female Drow is more terrifying. All prisoners pipe up, "We promise. No more banditry. We... We'll not rob anymore. Please. Please don't kill us."
Amelia blinks in mild surprise at J'Victus' threats. "Well, that was... interesting," she whispers through the message. "Not my style, but effective - while we have them tied up, at least. I'd be happy to start wiping memories, if you're still worried about them returning to banditry." She glances up at the evening sky. "In any case, it looks like it's starting to get dark. Shall we move away from the path and set up camp for the night?"
"Concidence how the mayor shows up the very next morning to provide us with horses to where we want to go, after speaking to Arik, isn't it? I don't believe in coincidences anymore."
"Well, if you don't like what my friend is proposing, "He gestures at J'Victus, "I'll promise to turn all of you to a pile of ashes should I see you committing banditry again. Think REALLY hard on your life choices. If you happen to see the other groups, you'd better get them to give up banditry."
I will be damned...it worked.
I may not like my sister but she does know how to scare the breakfast right out of you...
as Fuego continues his push for his own form of justice.
With a slight smile on his face
Still conjecture, you have no proof and therefore no grounds to wage a personal war against the mayor. Just because Arik told the mayor that we need horse does not make him a conspirator with him. Does it look shady, yes. It does not make him guilty. As you said the law is the law. You can dislike every bandit you want to, that is your own personal demons to deal with. I ask you to please stop letting it cloud your judgement.
"That works too."
Mihail leads the horses and the wagon close to the fire and unfurls his bedroll.
"While you two are still debating over the laws and psychology of these misguide souls, I am going to enjoy the fire that they set up. When you are done, we can discuss when we are going to release the bandits and our watch sequence. One thing for sure they are going without weapons."
Excellent call Mihail. I think the party has stated their preferences on the prisoners. Now let us enjoy this fire.
The party releases the prisoners. As the move off, they see the survivors looting the dead bodies and then move a little bit a way and ride away with horses, about 13 of them.
The group finally takes a rest from the night and make camp. The night goes by uneventful and the party continues their journey arriving at Twin Forks around noon.
"That fight and all that walking stirs up the appetite, should we eat first before we do anything else, cause I don't want to fight again when I have an empty stomach."
"Food seems as good a place to start as any. We should probably see to our wagon and horses first."
"The inn should have stables, or the innkeeper should know where the stables are." He makes sure his gloves are on, so as not to freak people out, then heads to the Twin Forks inn, asking for bed, board and stabling.
"Indeed, rest and food is always good."
As you enter the inn, a middle aged portly man approaches. "Welcome. Welcome to my establishment. I'm the owner Michael. We have good food here and some ale, or wine if that is to your liking. If you want to stay the night, that can be arranged. It only cost 5 silver for the bed alone, 8 silver if you want a meal. The ale and wine are charged separate. We can also stable your horses for an extra 5 silver fee."
Being noon, many people are here eating lunch but only a few are drinking, probably saving that for later in the afternoon.
"For now a meal will do, since we don't know if we'll be on the road after finishing our meal and any business we have here."
As the party prepares themselves to enter the town
I think we are already expected here. So be prepared for anything and everything. The bandits did say that their leader fled to this town. I will formulate an exit strategy just in case.
"So, who's doin the night watches? Are we staying in this inn or camping out of town? We ought to stick together, just in case."
"Do you have a single big room, or larger rooms, that 4 of us can share one?"
"I can keep watch through the night," Amelia offers, "what with not sleeping and all." She looks thoughtful at the mention of the bandit leader. "I could take a shot at scrying on Arik as well - maybe find out where he is, what he's up to. Danger aside, he's probably the best lead we've got."
As the others negotiate meals and lodging, Amelia finds an unobtrusive location near the stables to retreat into her mind for 15 minutes, recalling the incantations needed to cast such a spell. She then sketches a quick likeness of Arik on a sheet of parchment from her bag. Finally, she begins casting the spell itself, softly chanting "oculus" as her hands trace over the surface of the stable water trough and her own silver mirror. After an hour of concentration, the spell begins to take shape.
"I will watch Amelia in case someone jumps at her."
Before the witch starts her spell, Mihail appears and drops the weapons he confiscate from the bandits earlier onto stable's floor for Amelia to use for the scrying process.
"Here. If these weapons are supplied by Arik, it will make the process of finding him much easier."
He retreats to a corner, armed and prepares to stun anyone other than his party in sight that dares interrupt Amelia.
Stealth (Take 20) - 35
"I think we'll want to sleep elsewhere, although there's something to be said for having a solid roof and doors to deter bowmen."
Clara smiles as they enter the inn, and is genuinely pleasant to the staff as her partymates interact with the innkeep.
"This is lovely, thank you, and Shelyn bless you."
She sits where indicated, and looks over the plate before eating, saying a short prayer of thanks to Shelyn, touching her chest with bowed head, then begins to eat with a smile.
The Innkeeper motions for one of the waitress to bring food to your table and beverages, "Oh yes. We have a room large enough to accommodate all of you. That is no problem."
"Huh," Amelia remarks to any party members who accompany her for the final stages of her divination. "It looks like Arik's back in Harker's Ferry, eating lunch at that tavern where we met him. I wonder if...?" She trails off, but her eyes shine with curiosity. "I could try to contact him through the spell, maybe scare him into giving away some information. Or we could just let sleeping dragons lie..."
Mihail's eyes widens.
"Are there any spells you can use through scrying?"
"I say we teleport in, drag in out of the tavern and kill him. That's for him getting people to kill us and rob us." Fuego answers.
"All I can do from here is send messages and scan for magical auras, and even that's spotty at best. Teleportation could work, though."
"Lets do it then. But before that, let me make preparations." Fuego replies.
"As much as I'd like to kill him. we can put him in jail as he is in a town easily and we could get him to spill the beans on things on corrupt officials he's working with.
Though another idea is just to teleport him onto a small deserted island and let it be his prison."
"Sounds like a plan, I'll get the spell ready." If no one objects, Amelia stops moving and begins to concentrate, keeping an eye on Arik as long as the spell lasts.
Amelia rolls
You start to cast your teleport spell when you instantly feel something is wrong. You realize that the spell is not anchoring at Harker's Ferry. You continue to attempt to get the spell to work, but to no avail. You begin to speculate what the problem is until you realize the nature of the extra-dimensional Dragon Mountain is probably distorting your teleport spell. You probably now understand why Athena was unable to teleport you closer to Dragon Mountain. The extra-dimensional distortion caused by Dragon Mountain is probably huge but this is sign that you have gotten closer to your goal.
All this planning to go after Arik is making me as nervous as Drow male in a room full of priestesses. You do not know what is there waiting for you. The room could be filled with his followers and then again it could not BUT you know nothing of the man. He is going nowhere and we are going somewhere that we were hired to go. If you go in there fireballs a blazing you will most likely kill some innocent bystander. If you try to go in there and take him away against his will, there is a good chance the townsfolk will take offense to that. Now that being said....if you really want him to pay for his crimes...We can make it happen. We need to be smart about it. When the time comes we need to know everything about him. When the time comes. Now let us deal with our current job and stop worrying about taking out the trash at every damn town.
"Much as I'd like to ride back to Harker's - he'd probably hear of us coming for miles and would be on horseback out of there.Damn." Fuego curses as he glares as he thumps a fist on the table.
"I say we rest up for the night, then set off for Dragon Mountain the next morning."
Amy frowns. "Hmm, it seems like somethings not quite - " She stops suddenly and looks up with an expression of dawning realization. "Oh! We must have entered the region of extradimensional distortion surrounding Dragon Mountain. I must say, I didn't expect it to be so soon."
She turns to face the rest of the group. "Well, we now know three things. First, we're not going to waste time going after Arik. Second, this distortion didn't completely cut off our contact the outside world - my scrying still worked fine. And third," her face breaks into a grin, "we've been going in the right direction. Anyone want to ask around, figure out where to head from here?"