The man takes the charter, reading it over. After a few moments and looking at the party, he pounds on the gate. "Those folks Oleg talked about are here! Let them in!"
With a groaning noise, the gate opens revealing the yard and structures within. There are three tents in the yard and a large man steps forward. "I'm Kesten of the Restov Guard. I've been tasked with defending Oleg's Trade Post. And you must be the lit that Oleg..." His eyes scan the party and spots the bound bandits and Kossuk. "What in the name of Erastil... What did I... What were you all doing last night to return with prisoners and a... Is that a Tengu?" He's somewhat lost at the moment.
"Officer Kesten, we are glad to see you, I'm ex-lieutenant Ranzo. As you can tell we are the group assigned to this area. We did not know a group such as you were coming down to assist in guarding the fort. That will be a big weight off our shoulders here. The us get out of armor and wash up a bit and we can catch you up on whats happening. In the meantime can you get the three prisoners here with Oleg to start another grave? A bandit tried the highwaymen thing on our way back. Were are not sure what to do with these three we captured this morning, can you take ownership of them for a bit?"
"Kossuuk, that sounds like pure mana, I learned that name in my studies. It runs in rivers?"
By mana Ranzo do you mean chi? The energy that Tian Xia philosophers believe flows through all things.
Kesten steps forward and looks at the bound up men. Looking back at one of his men, he nods and they set about pulling them out of the cart. "Alright, looks like you all had an..." He glances between the captured bandits and Kossuk. "Night. Rest up, but I'll want a report from you lot after so I may send my report back to Restov. Do you need help unloading your... Wares?" He glances at the cart laden down with material.
"I think we'll want Oleg to take a look first, as some of these may well belong to him." Bexer indicates the 3 crates before he goes to the bunkhouse to clean up and remove his armor.
Kesten nods before looking back at Oleg. "If that's true, I'll let you sort it out. Now then, you all rest, we'll handle things from here for now."
Oleg and Svetlana step forward, big smiles on their faces. Oleg slaps Bexer on the shoulder as he looks at everyone else. "Thank you all, me and the misses have no way of ever paying you back for what you did."
Svetlana steps over to Komana, nodding. "Not that we won't try, of course. And no 'buts' about it, either. Now, let's get you all in bed, and I'll whip up a nice stew for you all. Oleg is even gonna break out his Westcrown Red Wine for tonight."
Komana smiles at Svetlana, after a long and harrowing trip she waited for a moment of quiet and a friendly smile. "Yes yes, a good wine is that we need this night!"
During the night Komana will seek talk to Kesten, Oleg and Svetlana, tries to be friendliest possible, drinking and drinking, including drink again the greenish herbal liquor, she approaches people, as a way to hide her distress, to make new friends, and, maybe get valuable new information about her journey on Stolen Lands, something that helps her understand better the faerie world and dangers.
The night is nice and you notice that while Kesten's men have a little to drink, Kesten himself seems to try to drink like a fish, having to be told to slow down a few times. As for what you learn, much the same. The odd faerie encounter, some nasty beasties including some big hog and Oleg going on about how he wants some creatures called a tatzlwyrm's head to mount. The captured bandits are fed scraps of what is left from dinner.
Mikhaela goes to comfort the presumably doomed prisoners and urge them to repentance and reconciliation.
"Officer Kesten, perhaps your newly promoted or don't know what the piece of paper that Bexter is holding is. We will explain what we have done, but I believe we are in charge of the area. Unless you have another piece of paper saying otherwise. I am not yelling at you, just want to make sure we understand everything before we got off on the wrong foot." Ranzo smiles and offers his hand to shake.
After taking off his armor and sluicing himself in water, winces from the arrows wounds he checks himself for signs of infection and shakes his head.
He walks to Mikhaela talking to the three prisoners.
Now that we are safe, could I ask for another healing if you have one prepared?
To the new prisoners: "Gentlemen, you did not try anything when your compatriot showed up, that speaks well of you, does anyone have anything to add to our knowledge of the area before we decide what to do with you?"
Later:
Orsino, I don't recognize that word, it night all be the same thing, but that is for magicians and thinkers." Ranzo smiles.
Bexer listens to Ranzo's discussion with Kesten, staying silent, An interesting claim...let's see if it floats
Kesten accepts the handshake. "I have been ordered by Lord-Mayor Sellemius to protect Oleg's Post from bandits. From here forward, and and all bandits that take it upon themselves to deal with him and his wife will meet the full justice of the Swordlords. I will not step on your toes, if you don't step on mine."
Pulling his hand free he gestures to the already captured bandits. "Those here are under your jurisdiction. But if one so much as lays a finger on sweet roll that is not their's... Well, the first thing me and my men are building are gallows."
He walks off into his tent until the stew and drink is ready. Oleg steps over to Ranzo. "Hard man. Sometimes we need them round here, sadly." And with that, he moves towards the cart and begins picking through it to see if any of it is his.
"Officer Kesten, that's exactly what I thought, you and yours and our group will get along just fine."
With Oleg:
"Do you need three other 'helpers', these three were mostly harmless when we captured them. How are the other three shaping up, any problems?
At dinner:
"I think we first thing we should do is make sure the area around the fort is clear of anything we don't want and start on mapping it. What do you guys think? Kesten?
with Oleg:
"Tatzlwyrm, what kind of creature is this? the name wyrm reminds me some dragon or dragontype beast, is this a threat for us !? which sort of environment this monster usually lurk?"
At dinner w Ranzo:
"Well, it´s good plan to start Ranzo, but without tools to map the area our work will be a little difficult, so we shouldn't enter too much in the wild ... I trust the Mithlynnta´s skills to keep us on track, but our work will be more useful with a profissinal mapping´s spreadsheets. Anyway, we need to hit the road to end up once for all with banditry in this land, until we finish that, it is a constant menace."
Kesten nods with Komana. "Mapping helps us make sure tgere aren't any more bandit camps this far north. And with your capture of these 'men' and the defeat of several bandit lords it sounds like, I'm sure the Lord-Mayor will reward you all well. I'll send Ustin, the man on the wall right now, back up to Restov in a day or so to report and grab any supplies you need." He gulps down his drink, his face visibly reddening from intoxication.
Oleg looks at Ranzo with a little worry on his face. "Well, I'm sure we could manage with them in time, but the post here is starting to get a little cramped, see? Until a new shack or something can be put up, I don't think we can take in any more. Svetlana is already starting to fret over food, what with us, you lot, Kesten and his men and now the bandits." He shakes his head "I'm not one fer killin in cold blood, but you all and Kesten have been told 'by sword ir rope. And It's either that or we run low on food too quick..." An obvious look of distress is on his face as he sips his wine.
Send them to the Salt Mines, that way several mouths will be removed permanently and several others temporarily.
"That's an excellent idea, Orsino" Mikhaela agrees.
It should take some time for their escort to return, during that time I propose we go hunting for elk, moose and the like. Although we will need quite a lot of salt to preserve it all, still one can never have enough meat especially in an area that Is likely to see more and more troops.
"These 'salt mines' of yours would be a solution, if we had a number of men to escort criminals to them, and I apologize if I am misinformed here, but frankly, have no reason to believe they actually exist."
Bexer turns to the group in general, "Look, I know some of you are against killing these criminals regardless of their crimes, but it simply isn't practical to catch and release bandits in the wild. Petty criminals in the city may have some other alternatives, but these are not petty criminals, and we are not in civilized territory."
"We have the implied authority to decide not to kill those we find sufficiently repentant...that does not mean it would be responsible to withhold the legal punishment from every bandit who does not happen to fall in battle."
"I say we give them a quick and fair trial, vote on conviction or mercy, and exile those who don't merit the noose, to be summarily executed if they return. In an extreme case they could be allowed to work off their guilt, I suppose, but that really should be the exception, not the rule."
"We have duties, and sometimes those duties are going to be unpleasant. We shouldn't be barbaric about it, but we are still going to have to have the backbone to make the hard choices."
They do exist, different names come from different region but every nation except the ones suffering the tumult of anarchy has a "salt mine". It is the place where you send your criminals to be useful, the name may be different in Brevoy but the principle is the same. As for your plan Bexer exile is not an option without some form of maiming, either a foot or a hand so that they won't have good prospects as repeat offenders...
Orsino quaffs a drink and you see that he is thinking something.
Although they may have potential use as informants and infiltrators into bandit gangs, however a way must be maintained to control them incase they get any "ideas"... Any suggestions?
"Oleg said he could handle them, but no more. I say they should be used to make quarters for Kesten and his men, then in time for themselves. What ever Oleg needs.
We have the trial, listen to the three of them separately and make a decision. If we exile, we burn a B into their forehead.
I suggest we take a couple days off, wait for the supply run, and those that are interested go hunting in the surrounding area."
"Those here are under your jurisdiction. But if one so much as lays a finger on sweet roll that is not their's... Well, the first thing me and my men are building are gallows."
Tessandriel merely watches and listens to everything that transpires. At this particular moment she seems content to observe what everyone does.
Kesten, now heavy with drink and bleary eyed turns to one of his men "See to the *hic* needs of Ranzo and the *hic*... I'm gonna go sleep..." He stumbles off to his tent.
Svetlana and Oleg look at each other as he does so. Shaking their heads, Svetlana excuses herself for the evening. Oleg steps forward towards the party. "Well, if ya'll are having a trial, you'll be needing a judge. And I'm sure I can fashion a brand for you all in time for yer needs. Alright, I've picked through the goods, as they are. Nothing is mine I can tell rightly. I'll be more than happy to take it off your hands and send it back to market in Restov, anything you don't need, that is."
If we are to have a trial then we must have three things. First a Judge, second a prosecutor and third an advocate. As the most "neutral" among us I reckon either Ranzo or Bexer should be made judge. We can determine which of you becomes judge via drawing of lot, as for prosecutor the role requires someone who has no sympathy for the accused. Someone who will press for the most extreme punishments, the advocate naturally must be the exact opposite. Unless we wish to perform a show trial and decide the punishments before hand.
Bexer blinks, clearly surprised.
"An formal trial. More than I expected anyone to be interested in. Thank you, Orsino. If we can make this work, we may be able to set a pattern we can all live with."
Mikhaela addresses the poor souls in captivity.
"Are there any among you who wish to repent from your evil ways? You are all likely to face the gods soon and a sincere repudiation of evil goes a long way with some of them. Otherwise you will find yourself in eternal damnation."
"What our Cleric is saying for those of you who don't understand words with three or more syllables is that you are all seemingly guilty of banditry.
We have the legal authority to kill you without a trail, which is why we attacked the camp like we did, some of your predecessors who showed up at Oleg's to collect bandit money decided to come clean and give up the location of your camp after we killed Hap and a couple others. They are now working at Hard Labor until Oleg figures they paid their debt to him.
If you can come up with anything of equivalent to tell us and or sincerely stop banditry and agree to a hard labor punishment, you will only help in building the gallows, not being one of its first customers."
Ranzo looks at angry bandit.
"I'm thinking layout of the river castle, locations of other bandits groups, normal locations hideouts and runs, contacts in the city, local area knowledge, or surprise us with something new. You have everything to gain, because right now if you stay silent you will be put on trial for your life and most likely break the virginity of our gallows."
The rest of the night passes quietly enough, though Kesten's snores can be heard by all through most of the night. As dawn breaks, low clouds begin to roll in. One of the guards remains at his post, yawning. Svetlana is up making a meal of bread, cheese, and a few small strips of venison.
Oleg is also up, tending the horses with large bags under his eyes. "That'll be the last time I drink that much. I'm getting too old for that..." He mutters under his breath.
Ranzo will sleep in a bit, getting up and checking his armor and fix it during the morning. Then check all the horses and check weapons.
Setting aside clothing for washing he chats with Kesten about his guard ideas and what he thinks his job is.
To Everyone:
I'm getting up early in the morning to go hunting, anyone can join me if your interested.
Ranzo will relax in the afternoon.
On hearing of Kesten's judgment, Bexer shrugs, Surprising, but just as well, I suppose. Now we can move on to other things.
"Oleg, I how much can you give us for this stuff, and can we get a better deal for store credit than for pure cash?"
Once dickering is done there, Bexer will approach the others, "I know we have some thoughts about where the leader of these bandits is, but I think it would be prudent to make sure there are no other camps nearby. I suggest we explore outwards in an arc moving southward, getting the lay of the land and clearing out any dangers as we go."
Bexer unrolls the rough map we have and runs his finger in a set of semicircular arcs ,"After we complete that, assuming we don't have reason to return before then, we return here, resupply and plan our next outing. Thoughts?"
"We can do two things at once tomorrow; hunt and explore that area. It being close makes hit a bit easier for use and all get is in a pattern for the future. Get up early, hunt, explore, hunt, come back that evening. Sound Good?"
"Sounds good to me Ranzo, let´s use the Bexer map scheme with Mithlynnta hunt skills, and" (after a long pause) "if the hangover leaves me alone, in meantime I'll train the horses, it can be useful... oh yes, may Old Deadeye stay with us, by Mikhaela´s blessings."
"I don't think we're going to be able to make it back every night, particularly as we range further out, but it we can do so, I have no real objection."
"I think Old Deadeye will smile upon us, Komana" Mikaela avers, smiling herself.
"Understood Bexter, but we can do a couple one day excursions to get a idea how this will go. Don't plan on leaving much past the first area east of us unless we have to chase down a wounded animal. See you all in the morning."
Does anyone by chance have a crossbow? Despite my elven heritage I was never the type to gravitate towards ranged combat...
"Perhaps Oleg has one to borrow or buy?
Oleg turns and talks shop with Bexer. "Credit? Don't really work with it myself. Headache as far as I care. Now, I'll be willing to sell what you all have back to them folks in Brevoy and pay for what you have in full if and when I have the gold and silver. As is I only have so much for the such."
He steps over to the alchemist shaking his head. "Don't have one here, but I can order you one, if you need. Just pay frontly, and I can have it back here in, oh, 4 to 5 days. Depends mostly on weather and such."
With that, Svetlana steps forward to the group, a large smile on her face. Seeing the map, she squints at a little before chuckling. "I'm not very good with maps, but it looks as if you'll be running into Bokken. He comes round every now and then for supplies. Funny fellow, getting on in years, Desna bless him. Still, he makes some fine potions and such. When he has the mind for it, at least..."
Shaking her head, she begins to place the meals out. By now, Kesten has risen, bleary eyed but awake thanks to the smell of the cooked meat.
Knowledge Arcana
I believe I shall avoid it then, something tells me that by the time the crossbow arrives I won't be needing it.
Knowledge Arcana1d20+7
I believe I shall avoid it then, something tells me that by the time the crossbow arrives I won't be needing it.
I have heard of these "Tatzlewyrms" before, they are in effect small "dragons".
Tell me to they congregate near the beds of the Sacred Lotus? What are their exact capabilities in combat? And what useful things can they provide their slayers?
"What is her a hermit or something? Must be a lot of natural ingredients available around here for him to be able to do that. Does he sell them through you or to anyone who stops by?
Might be a way to catch some more bandits."
Bexer looks at his current share of the treasure, considering, then hands most of it back to Oleg, "I'll need a light crossbow and a score of bolts"
Oleg nods at Bexer. "I'll place the order once I can secure someone to head to town to sell the gear you all have almost dropped on me." He puts a shoulder on the summoner smiling. "Shouldn't take that long, I hope."
Svetlana, meanwhile, looks at Ranzo. "Hermit? Well, that is close enough I guess. And yes, there do seem to be enough herbs for him. Don't really know too much about it though. Bokken is sort of... Well, let's just say that he can be 'off' sometimes. Still, when he has mind enough for it, he well enough.
And sell them to us? No, Oleg has sent all but two bottles north to be sold. Not many bottles, mind, but apparently enough to keep the man fed. Can't say much about clothed, but fed."
As Oleg hears the Alchemist talking about the Tatzlewyrms, he starts nodding along. "Well, only seen one sideways before. Nasty looking beast. Sent a shudder like none other down me spine. And fight? Nasty breath, enough to make a man sick or dead, I hear tell. And their beds? Usually swampy area, dank from the one hunter I talked to about it." Scratching his head he shrugs. "Don't know much about what hides or what you'd get from them, but the moment I saw the one, I knew I wanted it's head over me mantle. Or maybe if I can manage it, over the gate there. Nasty surprise for any bandits approaching, eh? I reckon I could give a pretty pouch of gold for a decent enough head of one..."
As he says this, Svetlana steps forward tutting him. "If you're enticing them to go after that lizard head of yours, then I'm allowed to entice them with something to, hun." Turning back to the collected party, she shakes her head some before talking. "A few months back, I slipped out to find some ingredients for a stew. I found this wonderful patch of wild moon radishes. Oleg was cross with me for sneaking out, but that passed with just a sip from the stew. If you lot can bring me back, say, a large basket worth of it, I'll give you, as Oleg said, 'a pretty pouch of gold,' as well."
Kesten flushes in color at the mention of radishes, forcing the gate open and running outside. Gags can be heard from the hungover man as the guard on the wall makes a disgusted face at what he see.