Corindus perhaps I can make a disguise with magic. But who should I make the disguise to look like? What type of person would be a good mark for him? And who should we disguise? Do tell Corindus what were you going to say l?
Darion tried to say with a brave tone in his voice. However a little worry sneaks in for Darion can guess who might make a good target and it troubles him.
Corin remains grimly silent for a moment before answering Darion.
"I fear Kinshara might be the most tempting bait," he says, shaking his head. "She is one of his targets, and one who would fall prey to his spell 'eating' trick. If we could disguise someone as her, that might lure him in."
Thorion stands by as the others plot out the ambush. Feeling the likes of a tavern to be the wrong stage for such a discussion, he simply remains quiet and listens intently.
Very well who is going to be the bait? I can prepare the magic. Also does this slaver have a way of detecting magical energy? If so then our trap will be all for not.
Thorion leans in and whispers a reply to Darion. "I would presume he does. It is the simplest of spells, even for those within my limited field of study. Having the ability to detect magic and not using it in every instance that there is a presumable threat, would be foolish. I assume he would have spotters looking over the area. I also presume he would have informants located around the area feeding him information. To think we will catch him off guard is presumptuous."
"I believe regardless of our plan, it will go something like this. We will set up an ambush, which he becomes aware of in one way or another. He will intern attempt to spin things to his advantage. I'm assuming even with his spin that we are more formidable than his normal pray and will still pose a very real threat. Ultimately, we will inform him that his services are no longer needed here, followed by an abrupt response from him that I wish not to put into words. Next we begin hitting each other until one side can't take the punishment any longer. Presumably Pharasma will end up haveing new arrivals at her door soon.'
Darion whispers to Thorion but looks around at the others while he speaks Perhaps we could use this Knowledge against him. If we know that he knows, but he doesn’t know that we know, then perhaps our disguise could still work if done properly. For example if we set our trap with multiple layers to it and we are prepared for all that he can potentially throw at us. And then top that all off with a contingency plan, well then that is the best we can hope for
Duke:
Duke replies to Corindus
"That Spell eating trick also applies to spells cast on the person as well, and he'll know every one of them."
Thorion looks over at Darion and slightly nods in agreement with the wizard.
Here is an idea how about we get Kinshara as the bait and I cast the disguise self on her to look like herself. We could even have another person disguised with non magical means to look like Kinshara in another nearby location. We can then have a force of individuals ready to pounce in both locations. If he thinks the magical disguised Kinshara is wrong he will find the other a more believable target. If not then we can still spring our trap to catch him
Darion whispers to the group as he causally checks to se if anyone is paying attention
Well what does everyone think?
Corin places a hand upon his forehead, visibly frazzled.
"I think I trust your mind to be sharper than mine, Darion," the sheriff replies. "I'm no strategist or tactician, but if your plan can put me within striking distance of this cad, then that will be enough."
The sheriff's eyes rove about the common room of the Busty Minotaur.
"Could we set our trap in a public place? If this man proves too much for us, as I have been led to believe he might, I would like to have as many people around as possible. Despite how hard life is on this frontier, these are still Andorens. If rallied, I doubt they would tolerate a slave catcher in their midst."
"As long as your ok with putting others in the line of fire if things go wrong." Thorion replies in a uncompassionate tone.
Wu Chen though wanting to be part of the plan now thinks it'll be to risky in joining the idea and leaves the Busty Minotaur.
Thorion stands patiently, waiting for the group to decide on a course of action.
"This plan, as it stands, will require Kinshara's assistance. I imagine whoever suggests it may not be received pleasantly. I'll shoulder the brunt of that," Corin sighs with resignation.
It is for the best that Wu Chen has excused herself. Despite her already impressive skills, she was still a child. Involving her in such a conflict only added further weight upon the sheriff's mind and conscience.
When Darion and Thorion are ready, Corin leads them to recruit their former companion, explain the situation and scheme, and ask - beg, really - for her aid.
Corindus and company head to Kinshara and ask for her aid, right after mentioning Slade you could see fear in her whole body.
Kinshara Medaan:
Kinshara replies
You don't know how strong and cunning he is and if he has a helper it's even worse.
I knew of folks who are 7 or 8 times stronger then me when I escaped and they all got caught again.
Even a group of then got recaptured at once by him.
If he think's I'm not here, I'm keeping it that way not only for my sake, but my children's as well.
Thorion shows little to no reaction to the women’s discomfort. He simply stands silently as Corindus explains the intended course of action. As the conversation begins to unfold a lack of willingness from Kinshara, Thorion finally comes forth with a comment.
“Perhaps the right course of action here is to simply step up and put a blade through the man’s gut. Aside from that, it sounds like we may require more participants willing to take on a fight. Perhaps as we seek others, some reconnaissance could prove useful. It would allow us some insight about what his capabilities are, what his intentions are in the town, and possibly some information about his location, current routines, and his personal contacts. Surly a well establish law enforcement official, such as yourself, has valued contacts with eyes and ears continually prospecting the darker side of the community.” Thorion states in a dry, straight to the point tone. “Secure your loved ones, recruit who we need to get the job done, research the target, and then strike decisively. For what its worth, that's how I would handle a situation like this.”
"You're right, Kinshara. I will not force you to put yourself or your children in danger," Corin sighs, guilt weighing yet more heavily upon him. "Mister Thorion, our new companion here, proposes a good plan. However, if what you say is true, it might be futile all the same. You're one of the wisest people I've known, Kinshara. Can you offer any insight into what can be done about this man?"
Kinshara Medaan:
Kinshara replies
"The Guy is like a force of nature, People have hired others to take him out and you can easily guess the result.
It's earned him another nickname that is rarely mentioned, as he's also been called The Dark Shepard, or The Devil's Shepard.
Since he seems to have the Devil's luck in fights and tends mostly take Chelaxian contracts and contracts from the darker parts of Keleshite society."
You can tell she is not exaggerating her words on Slade's Strength.
Darion is if a mind to just do away with Slade the more he learns about him. He is also intelligent enough to know that one shouldn’t believe everything they hear about someone.
Lets keep in mind that we shouldn’t believe everything that we’ve heard about this Slade character. Kinshara you were much younger when you escaped practically a child some of what you’ve told must have been embellished from youthful inexperience. Regardless we should be cautious, but my opinion is we make this man pay for his crimes through the process of swift justice by the sword. Let’s make any preparations we can. Kinshara are you with us! Each of us has much to lose in failure but consider the reward to all those people that don’t become a slave if we defeat him! For all the praise you give him Kinshara I think it is folly to think that he isn’t aware that you are here. Either he is greatly embellished by yours and others stories or he knows exactly where you are and likely has plans to capture you again. Kinshara you are the one that knows this man best what do you think is most likely the case. With all this said will you help us, for the god’s sakes will you help yourself!
Darion is not much of a public speaker but he hopes his words have some effect on Kinshara. He looks to his companions and says
With or without Kinshara’s help it seems as if this character needs to be dealt with. Based off of what we know perhaps our strategy should be to enhance our own capabilities and refrain from directly targeting Slade with magic. Is that what I understand? Or rather does Slade possess his own magic capabilities that we should be weary of? I find that arcane spell casters do not tend to have strong melee combat skills. So I would assume Slade is not a user of arcane arts but perhaps he has allies that are. The other question is has anyone ever witnessed him perform any magic arcane or divine? Again my guess is no but he likely has allies that do. So what should be our tactics if a trap is not going to be the best option?
Kinshara Medaan:
Kinshara replies
"From those I was a slave with witnessed that he's very good in combat and does know how to cast spells."
Corin shakes his head solemnly as Darion makes his appeal.
"Kinshara is not exaggerating. I can tell. I trust her judgment," the sheriff speaks grimly.
He crooks two fingers and gestures to Darion for a private word.
"I hate to even think this, but...Gods, but we need every advantage we can get," he whispers, clearly strained by his own thoughts. "Do you think Miss Laurel might have some...some poison we could use to wound this Dark Shepherd? If we could weaken him with an opening strike..."
Thorion continues to observe quietly as the others brainstorm over what to do. As the group begins to whisper, he once again speaks up. “ Perhaps I could spread a little coin around town in an attempt to gather some information on his current location. Even if he manages to get word of my activity, I doubt he would relate my inquiry to be relevant to your objective. Up to this point, I have been a single agent on an objective related to my church. Starting such an investigation would undoubtedly bring about suspension about my purpose, which would likely provoke an encounter with him or his men. At the minimum we would hopefully gather some intelligence. Prior to this, I would suggest recruiting additional group members. Possibly an adventurer seeking a group or maybe someone with an interest in in law enforcement. I would suspect that Andoran intervention might not be completely out of the question either.”
After making his suggestion, Thorion settles back into a comfortable position and continues observing the groups reaction.
Darion replies back to Corindus and his suggestion about poison Laurel may have such a concoction. But it would have to be potent to even have a chance at affecting him. From what I’ve heard about this man we are dealing with one of the gods themselves. I mean his martial prowess is unmatched, he is adept at magic, can snuff out any kind of trap, is actively detecting for magic at all times, eyes of a hawk. What strength doesn’t he have! Darion is obviously upset and it’s clear that he doesn’t believe everything he has heard. He pauses to collect himself... ...I’m sorry Corindus but I don’t believe all the rumors are true about this Slade, but if they are then perhaps we are dealing with something otherworldly such as a demon or devil in human form. If that is true my research has taught me that such creatures are immune to poison. It could be worth a shot I suppose
Darion tries to recall if he has heard anything about Slade that hasn’t already voiced
While not likely he thinks about Slade and his known associates. Looking to grasp on anything that could be useful
You recall that rumors say his first Boss could of been a man known in the criminal underworld as named Zilla, the head of a powerful underworld organisation.
Corin shrinks back at Darion's description of the need for a "potent" poison. Despite his success at turning his life around, the sheriff was far from a rich man, and he soon realizes the futility of trying to purchase such an insidious edge. Thorion's suggestion, though, sparks a new realization.
"Our new ally here may be one of our better assets," he says, gesturing to the priestly newcomer. "Slade is not targeting him, so he can move about freely - at lease for now. It also occurs to me that we should talk to Baleson. He is the mayor now. He should know about what's happening in his town."
Hidden in his words is a quiet desperation. Corin hopes that the former sheriff, become something of a mentor, might be able to offer some insight on how to handle such a precarious situation.
The group heads to the Hollow Tribunal (Magistrate office)
After acknowledging Corindus’s conclusion, Thorion follows the group to the Magistrates office. Once there, he stands by quietly while listening and observing.
Deldrin Baleson:
Baleson sees Corindus and the group enter his office
"I take it that this is about an outsider named Slade in town, I take it?
As I've had an *outsider, likely an oracle of some sort, entered my office just yesterday evening just before I closed up the place.
He kind enough was give me a bit of knowledge on this Slade character and said you'd all likely come by today at about this time.
He did say a storm would pass through town."
Thorion raises an eyebrow at the mention of the oracle. "Perhaps this oracle is connected with Slade in some way. I would be interested in hearing this freely passed down information about Slade."
(This is a bit convenient. There is no way of knowing if this Slade has include public officials on his list of resources.) Thorion thinks to himself as he begins looking around the room.
Although it is a little disturbing to hear about the oracles Knowledge concerning the group. Darion is used to having these sort of visions and premonitions so it goes to reason that others could have them as well
What sort of things did this oracle share with you Deldrin?
Deldrin Baleson:
Baleson replies
"Mainly that Slade is a Slaver reclaimer, is one tough S.O.B. , well known in the criminal underworld,
and only seems to allows former slaves who serve the law in small towns to continue to do so.
That Slade is like a storm that is avoidable, and best to let pass through, lest there be a town dyed red with blood."
Corindus lowers his head, resting it upon his clenched hands. He offers a groaning sigh, displeased to simply be hearing the same ill omens about Slade. However, perhaps it is something in the way the magistrate describes the matter, but an idea now sparks to life like a candle within the sheriff's mind.
"Former slaves who serve the law?" he muses with dawning hope. "Then let's deputize them! I can make Kinshara, Mary, and the others deputies, and the children...they can be in charge of looking after their playmates. We'll call them youth safety wardens, or some such.
"If we play upon Slade's strange personal code and prove that these former slaves have become essential parts of their town, he'll leave them be, right?" he asks with eager, albeit desperate optimism.
Thorion stands idly by as the group explores the new information and then comments on the suggestion of making everyone a deputy. “That’s putting a lot of faith in some secondhand information about this man’s personal moral code. From what I have gathered so far, he doesn’t sound like the type of man who would put two copper towards morality. If he tends not to actively pursue members of law enforcement I’m guessing it’s because he doesn’t want to draw the wrong kind of attention. That is a long stretch from he won’t if the opportunity presents itself. Then there is a very good possibility that the whole thing is concocted in order to lure you into a false sense of security. After all, how many slaves become law enforcement? In order to make a statement such as that I would assume there would need to be enough to be noteworthy. That is unless its rubbish. Finally there is the larger picture. Assuming all goes well and he decides not to pursue you or your loved ones. What’s stopping him from filling his coffers with all the other people of this small town? Simply put, if he is more powerful than the law, he becomes the law.” After completing his statement Thorion goes back to listening to the group and visually inspecting the room.
Darion nods at the idea presented by Corindus. He nods again at what Thorion saysThere is wisdom in this idea Corindus. But just as Thorion says we shouldn’t trust to that alone. And his counsel on the possibility of taking others is wise too. I still think some kind of confrontation is inevitable with this creep Slade. So the question is do we have what it takes to defeat him? I think this is the only permanent solution. Otherwise he comes back bigger and stronger with a death wish for each of us. So how do we proceed? I’m willing to give my all such as it is to help defeat him. What about the rest of you?
Darion looks around at the others trying to read their faces and resolve
Thorion is standing in one of the room’s corners where he is carefully listening to the conversation. As always, his expression is unmoving and difficult to read. His body language reflects only the fact that he is clearly paying attention and seems to be somewhat interested in the surrounding area. Most notably, any area containing books. His words seem resolute to the confrontation, but without tone. His lack of expression also applies to the most recent commentary about Slade’s strength and ability. Over all, he comes across as a willing participant. That is, assuming he doesn’t work for Slade in the first place.
Corin offers a snorting sigh in defiance, unwilling to let his rare good idea - perhaps the brightest spot of inspiration to ever cross his mind - be torn down.
"Right now, I've only got the two ideas in my head," the sheriff declares. "And since simply trying to bury a hatchet in this slave-catcher's face seems to have even less of a chance of success, I'm keen on extending at least this bit of protection to my family and our neighbors."
He turns to Magistrate Baleson.
"I don't know what sort of documents or ledger-keeping is needed here, but I'd be forever indebted to you, old friend, if you could make this happen. We've already established that it's folly to assemble everyone in one place. I can rally the deputies, and we can work together to deliver whatever writ, badge, or token will single them out as servants of the law."
Deldrin Baleson:
Baleson replies
"That idea is crazy enough it might work,
So I'll get the paper work done.
And Pray that it works...."
As Magistrate Baleson drafts the papers, Corindus quickly summons his deputies to the tribunal building.
Even before the ink dries, he sets the plan into motion.
"I'll take these to deputize Mary and the children. Darion, would you and Mister Thorion be good enough to take a set to Kinshara's family?"
The sheriff then asks his deputies to take a set of deputizing papers to the other families currently endangered by Slade's hunt.
Knowing that his anonymity may prove valuable at some point, Thorion decides to lay low during the deputizing process in order to not draw attention to himself. Before taking his leave he informs the group which room he is staying in, just in case he is needed for anything.
Everyone works fast to get the notes to the correct people and do so in under a hours time.
Time passes through out the day and then the party and former slaves encounter Slade and his associate in the town square.
Slade seeing the group smiles
"Well well well, this isn't the first time I've seen all my targets gather.
So which of the two choices did you make; trying to finish me, or giving up since you know it is hopeless?"