With the prospect of being executed, Nedd whimpers pathetically and falls to his knees begging and says, "Please don't kill me! I'll change me ways, I swear." The other bandit shivers in fear and whimpers also begging for his life in a similar position.
Derg on the other hand keeps a hateful and defiant glare and finally decides to speak up. He barks to Nedd, "Don't waste your breath Nedd. The Elves will sooner put an arrow through you then care for your pleas for mercy."
Derg turns a hateful glance to the elves and says "The elves might say they're righteous and good but they'll abandon their own children to hold onto their high and mighty ideals. My elven mother abandoned me as a child cause she got raped by a Nerakan. The elves would sooner spit on me than give me a home among them. I spent my youth scraping by on the streets of Jelek and treated like dirt like the bastard that I am. Only when I grew up I learned the only way to get by as a bastard is to be a bastard and stealing and fighting was the only things I was good at. Pegrin saw the value of my skills he took me as his right hand for this operation. Yea that's right I helped him loot and steal your precious relics and I'm proud of it!"
Nathalin kicks Derg on his back and then spits on him. He curses in elven saying "You're less than a human you half-breed mongrel. For your acts against the Silvanesti you'll be the first to die."
He pulls out his longsword and holds his blade in such a way to drive the weapon through Derg's heart and kill him.
The wizard will ask the elven archers to train their bows on the bandits while he asks to confer with Nathalin.
Nathalin stops and speaks in Elven to Terevalis.
Walking over to the ruffians and his group he will say, I tried
Given up the hope for the lying bandits Jor settles nearby to watch what will happen. Should the Knight of Crown now speak for the bandits or not. Even the priestess gave up on the bandits although Jor would see them better used to do some good in the city
Cursing and scratching his head as he speaks Well, I do understand that they are not to be forgiven but could they do some work or reconstruction? Also as humans they do not fall under your laws. These forest did belong to elves before but not anymore, technically speaking.
Being caught with contraband from Silvanesti so close to Silvanesti lands would indicate that they do follow under the laws of the Speaker of the Stars and Sun says the elf, looking exhausted. He shakes his head at Jor as if to say, not now.
"They're Nerakan scum and bandits besides. I won't shed any tears for them."
Gabriel speak out in elven.
"Stay your blade Nathalin. We did not do this for your people. I am sad for what has happened to you and your lands, but if you have learned anything through your many years you know this action is not the right course. We will take these men. While Pashin is under the dark knight control we will not take them there. Release these men to me and I will see justice is done. You act now out of wrath. You know this to be unjust. Take your relics and go. The men and the key stay with us."
Gabriel tries to appeal to Nathalin but he is not the sort to listen to a human unless the appeal is worth his time.
Nathalin pauses enough to listen to Gabriel's words and then continues with the executions. He kills Derg while the other two bandits get shot to death by arrows. Still their deaths are quick and clean and they don't suffer too long from their blows.
After this is done Nathalin looks back to Gabriel and says, "I am the arbiter of justice for my people. They broke the laws of our land and will face our punishment. Solamnic Law does not apply in these lands, Knight. Remember this."
The elves after checking to see the bandits are dead pull their arrows out and clean off the tips and stores the arrows away.
Nathalin looks to Cole and says, "Be thankful Sorcerer that you were not an active participant in their crimes. Still as recompense, you will offer your services to the Orders of High Sorcery. That shall be your penance for your lack of judgement."
Cole looking wide eyed at the executed individuals and nods, "Yes. I'll join the Orders if it will get me out of ending up like those guys. Where do I begin?"
Nathalin looks to Terevalis and says in Elven, "He is your responsibility for now. I will inform Shaylin of this development. If she decides to allow non-elves into the enclave, he will be called along with the others."
Alathea turns away as they are executed.
"Zivilyn, I pray that these men be judged on the balance of their lives and not the crimes for which they have been punished".
Once Nathaniel says his peace Alathea speaks up, "Shall we rest here or head back to Pashin tonight?"
I would say rest for a while as to recover and see what we have here. We were already the whole time moving here, then fighting so small rest would be in order. In hour or two we can start moving back. We should reach Pashin when sun rises or during midday Jor gives his points to the decision as he approaches the bandits and rummages through their possessions
Before going to bed the wizard will have a discussion of what he learned while at the Academy.
With the last of the bandits delt, all those still alive decide that it would be a prudent idea to rest in the camp for the evening. The bodies are gathered up and put into a pile. Fortunately with the keen eye of Nathalin you discover that there are some conviently dug Pit Traps where the bodies can be stowed in and then covered over with earth and snow to give them a burrial at least. Jor stores away the head of Pegrin to claim the reward at a later date.
Terevalis gets a chance to talk to Cole and tests his basic knowledge on magic and his educational ability. Terevalis following details.
1. He is a Level 1 Sorcerer (Elemental Bloodline, Fire)
1. He is quite intelligent (Intelligence 16)
2. He has a solid force of personalty (Charisma 16)
3. He is pretty weak willed (Wisdom 8)
4. He has the following skills: Knowledge Arcana, Knowledge History, Knowledge Religion, Spellcraft, Linguistics and Appraise.
As for Cole's education on magic, Terevalis does see potential in his skills. The Academy after all used wizard spells as a base to develop Sorcerer spells, just the method of channeling power was different. While wizards memorize magical incantations and invoke this knowledge to shape magic Sorcerers instead grab wild magical energies and shape it though force of personalty.
The next morning you wake up and eat your rations and prepare to head on your way back to town. You load all the camp supplies on the wagon and set the work horse up to pull the wagon. As for the black heavy warhorse, who is going to take that? If you want to ride it though you'll need to make me a Handle Animal check as its a pretty spirited horse and you aren't its original owner.
Nathalin before you all leave says, "When we get back to the town I request that the wagon be given to us. We will need it to hold the supplies until I can get some labourers to help move the goods to our people.
Alathea shrugs, " I see no problem with that, after all, we will be selling these goods in town and not trading them. I suppose you could take the work horse as well, I am sure I can purchase a horse more suitable for my travel need back in Pashin".
Well, I could try to see if I can get him at least offer a ride till Pashin. Till we are there I don't know what I will do with him afterwards. Will see what we will do with it. Might as well keep him.
Approaching the horse and smacking his lips Jor pats it in the neck for a while trying to establish a connection Who is a good boy huh. You are, yes you are as Jor scratches the horse behind the ears
The horse bucks a bit and is rather spirited as Jor works to calm the horse down. But thankfully it eventually warms up to him and lets Jor pet him behind the ears (The DC was 15 for the check so Jor Succeeded). The horse already has a military saddle so it is already prepared for riding. Jor guesses it was probably Pegrin's personal horse that he took with him when he left the Dark Knights. A knowledge: Nature might be used to get further information on the breed of horse.
He will walk over to masterwork armor and casting Arcane Mark will place the insignia of the Brass Tigers on it. [/b] Ast tnino thinof [/b]
He will show Cole the primer that he carries. Not until I take my Test will my spellbooks be bound in the color of my Order. Would you like to take a look?
Cole shrugs and says, "I guess I could take a look if you'ed let me. "
Cole looks at the book and then seems to utter some magical words and weave a spell on the fly Terevalis recognises as "Read Magic". He then proceeds to read the spells Terevalis has in his book.
As for the rest of the party you start upon your way back to Pashin. It is another 12 hour journey back but as since you can take breaks by sitting on the wagon you won't need to make a fatigue check on the way back. Arriving back at town in the evening you dismount and let Nathalin and his men take the reigns of the wagon after offloading the loot you've taken from the camp and put into sacks for carrying. The elves of course take the Elven relics from the pile.
Nathalin nods to the group and says, "Your aid to us is most appreciated. I do not have a reward to give you but I believe Kathalanos has promised some monetary compensation. I suggest you meet with him if you wish what was promised to you. I ask that you remain in town for yet another day as we may wish to get in touch with you again. May your journey be well adventurers."
Back at the camp:
"I understan Nathalin. These were your lands and may be again one day. I asked for compassion surely you can understand this. I have been alive a fraction of they years you have seen and I don't know the loss you feel. I didn't mean they should fall under my law, as I know it does not govern here. It was a plea for forgivness. It is now past so let us not dwell on it. Thank you for your aid."
Back at town:
Gabriel ties back up his robes to hide his identity.
"Let's go meet back with Kathalanos, then find the herald and see what we need to do with the Quinari key."
Seeing the elves disappear Jor turns toward others Well, I do not know about you but I will be heading shortly to Five Dragon's Inn and Tavern after I have visited Dark Knights. The bounty will not collect itself as Jor taps the back, where the head of Pegrin lies
Turning his head toward Terevalis And this concludes our contract. If anyone of you will need my services, you only have to talk with me and we can work something out. Otherwise I will be busy and trying to see if I can do something here
Waiting for others to say something before taking off with the warhorse and moving to search for Dark Knights station. Jor is not feeling comfortable with meeting Kalthanos as there was already some trouble. Better for both of them not to meet each other for now and spend his time with trying to find some location for makeshift headquarters
Jor, the elf says, You might want to look a little closer at the chainmail from the former knight of the Dark Queen .
Jor finds there is a posted bounty of 100 Steel for Pegrin and the location to claim it lies at the Dark Knight Enclave built at the south end of town. However Terevalis mentioning the armor also makes Jor remember that the Dark Knights may recognise the make as one of their suits of armor even though the markings have been removed. They might take offense to you wearing what is technically Dark Knight property. If Jor turns in the equipment it could net him some favour with the Dark Knights however.
"Hm, what is so special about that"? Jor amuses as he looks at the chainmail. Noticing the insignia of Brass Tiger Company on it Jor is speechless for a moment. Searching for the rights words and carefully letting them out I-well, I thank you for the sight Terevalis using the elfs name for the first time It is quite considerate of you. We did start in a bad terms at the beginning but, well, so is the life. I do appreciate your gift. Bless you Jor muttering the last words
"Shall we sell the rest of these goods and then go visit with the Herald?" She poses the question to Gabriel, Terevalis and Mithas as it seems Jor will be looking for work elsewhere.
We might not get what the items are worth if elves are among you. I will retire to the inn with Cole in order to wait this out. Besides my spellcasting left me exhausted from yesterday.
Alathea pauses for a moment, "Ah, the hour is late, the markets are already closed? A pity. Let us locate the Herald then, at least we can get that affair out of the way. Off to the Temple yes?"
Jor goes to the south end of Pashin and sees that was once the south gate has turned into a new section of the town with walls and guard towers. A large gateway in blocks Jor's path and two Dark Knight soldiers man the gates while some watchmen up in the guard towers look down at you as you approach. As for the gear, these guards look well equipped wearing chainmail, wielding bastard swords with shields, carrying light crossbows and bearing the mark of the Lily, and wearing unsettling looking helmets denoting them as foot soldiers. The head guard barks at Jor, "Halt! State your business. Why do you approach the Dark Knight Enclave at this time of night?
"I have had nothing but rations and water for over a day. Can we go to the inn and see the elf first. A warm meal and a cold ale can provide the comforts lost on the road."
He looks to Alathea
"The Herald can wait, it is late and he is old. Let's see him in the morning after some good food and rest. I will meet you there as I have to stable my horse."
Gabrile heads off to the stables and then to the inn assuming thats where we agree to go.
You arrive at the Five Dragon Inn and Emaline welcomes you, "Oh adventurers! Welcome back to my Inn. My you are rather late comming tonight it appears. Still if it is food, drink and lodging you wish, the Inn is ready to provide."
You are quickly given a table and on request food and drink will be provided for you.
As for Kathalanos you see that he has taken up a corner of the room and playing an enchanting song on his lute, getting a few looks from some of the drinking patrons. As he notices you he gives a smile, finishes his song and then heads to your table.
"You have returned my friends. I presume you have succeeded at quest and saw to it that the bandits will no longer profiteer off of the treasures of my homeland?"
Hail Dark Knight. Jor Majere of Brass Tiger Company approaches. I do come because of business. I saw a while ago a poster about bounty on a person called Pegrin Jor commentates as he slows until stopping completely
Hopping down from the back of the horse and approaching slowly with bag in one hands and other hand high above to indicate not having weapons in hands I am not sure if I should come when the sun is rising but decided anyway to visit now. Faster it is done, faster I am out. Here is the proof of my success Jor indicates as he shakes the bloody bag a bit
The treasures of OUR homeland have been secured and are on their way to be returned to the bosom of our people.
The Dark Knight gives Jor a seedy glare through his helmet and then says, "So that's the head of Pegrin is it? Dam bastard was a bloody traitor to the Vision. No one leaves the Knights of Neraka. General Dogah would have liked him better alive but dead" He shrugs, "Just as good. So I guess you are here for the bounty? That can't be paid out till someone in charge can confirm that is the head of Pegrin ya got there. General Dogah has better things to do than deal with the likes of you mercs so I'll take ya to Lieutenant Barack to decide what to do with you. Come with me and don't wander through the camp!"
Just lead the way. I promise to not do anything taking his place behind Dark Knight Jor quietly follows him
The Gates open and you're led into the encampment. The encampment has built up into a district in the months since the Dark Knights arrival. The buildings are a stark contrast to the stone buildings of the town, instead made with wood and staw with a few of the larger buildings made of more solid materials. You see that one larger area is fenced in and is full of what looks to you like prisoners. Most of them appear to be human you also see a few Kender as well as a beaten up Ogre in there as well. Oddly there are no elves in the area as you can see. Definately little has been given for long term accomodation and all of them look beaten, poorly fed and dehydrated. Jor can only imagine what kind of punishments the Dark Knights doll out to their prisoners.
Jor is led to a building and there is a knock on the door. A voice bellows from the inside "Yea, who is it."
The guard with you replies "Solider Cayden reporting sir. There is a Mercenary here who says he has the head of the deserter Pegrin."
The voice of who you assume is Barack says, "Oh really? Bring him inside Soldier Cayden."
With that Cayden opens the door and makes Jor go in first, taking up the flank behind him.
Jor enters what looks like a stately office. The walls are lined with weapon trophies, including what looks like a greataxe of Minotaur design. Lieutenant Barack appears to be a man in his early 30's currently not wearing his armor but still in a black tabard bearing the Mark of the Skull and a steel necklace with an Black Onyx dragon emblem. He is a fit looking man with the fair skin, short black hair and calculating hazel eyes. His build is that of a fit man and you can judge him as someone who would not shy from a fight. Also by the mark of the Skull you know that he is probably also a Divine Spellcaster. He is currently sitting behind a desk seemingly in the process of writing something down on parchments.
He gives a glare to Jor and says, "So what is your name and where is the proof that you've taken down Pegrin. You look like a proficient warrior and I can see ya got a sack there. Show me the head of Pegrin and it better be him cause I am not in the mood for tricks."
Jor Majere sir stressing out his name and continuing of Brass Tiger Company. As for your proof, here you can have it as he drops the bloody bag on the desk without hint of fear while the bag opens to reveal the head of Pegrin
That, I assume, answers your question Also the rubble-band of his is gone so that is one bandit group less in this region Jor mentions as he assumes carefree stance
Barack reaches into the bag and pulls out the bloody head from the bag and looks into the eyes of the day old dead head. A grin comes over his face and he says, "Well then, it appears that this is the genuine article. Pity you could not take him alive. But no matter, his head will be put on a pike as a reminder off the price of defiance against the vision."
He puts the head down on the sack and looks back to Jor his hands still a bit bloody from handling the head. "The Brass Tiger company you say. Interesting. I heard your company is quite professional. Your company does quite a few operations in Kern to the north in believe. Your dispatching of Pegrin does show well of your competence and perhaps in the future we could use some of your men to bolster our forces in the field. With those traitorous a Steel Legionnaires, Khur bandits and the Minotaur threat there will be demand for men who can get the job done. As promised you will get your coin. However there is one more quibble... that I must bring up. Pegrin abandoned his post with equipment that by right belongs to us. Were you able to recover his trappings of his previous profession?"
The question regarding missing equipment surprised Jor but not letting it show on his face as he thought about answering it honestly or not.
I did manage to collect some equipment from the camp but there happened to be quite a lot of them due to amounts of bandits. His armors or other possession might be included among them. May I inquire what importance does these equipments posses for you Sir, to ask after them?
I can of course come back later with the mentioned equipments, if they exists among the others
Jor is clearly stalling time and the question did bother him as if he knows more about the equipments than he lets out
Barack sense motive
Barack says in response, "I can understand your confusion Jor. Pegrin was leading a group of Bandits and likely they had their share of looted items and equipment. These are yours by right of conflict. However equipment of the Knights of Nekara falling into the hands of our enemies opens up risks of infiltration into our ranks. We make it a point to recover the equipment of our fallen As security measure as you might understand. Now it is possible that he may have disposed of or sold his equipment already as such equipment he had was of masterwork quality and thus valuable on the open market. I would ask that you check your cache and see to it that the items are returned if they do exist. You will be compensated monetary if you are able to return the equipment."
Barack reaches into his desk, takes out a pouch of coins and takes out 10 platinum coins and slides them across the desk toward Jor. Platinum as you know is worth 10 steel pieces per coin. "Here is your reward as promised." he says.
"I thank you kindly sir. It is my job. Also as a tip, Brass Tigers Company do consider expanding their business here due to possible demand for men, who are able to fight and know what they are doing. I am in fact representing them and have necessary rights to form contracts. However, my company Captain retains all the rights to veto these, just a a precaution might I add" Jor explains in a matter of professional voice as he collects the coin and puts them away on his own steelpouch.
How lucky of me to not equip that armor. Have to think about this.
"I will be residing here for sometime but I decided it would be nice to inform locals and as you just saw, bring a proof along to show what we are capable" mentioning at the end before turning "This concludes our meeting I suppose so I bid my farewell sir and pleasent evening"
Gabriel listens and sits quietly at the table eating his meal and drinking his ale. He still moves slowly with no youthful vigor to aid in his disguise.