Sugua burst out in laughter at the onslaught of questions, wiping away a tear from his pupil-less eyes. She wasnt the first time someone asked such a thing, it wouldnt be the last. He responded in his normal tone, " If you live through till the end of the Stag Lord's death I'll tell you more. Safe to say In this world, the strong get to decide what they want to become, I was simply strong enough to change what I wanted to be. You get caught up on words but there is no difference between what I was then and what I am now. I live to fight. The only difference between me and them is the fact I have a little slip of paper saying I can do what Im doing and I get paid a bit more. As for a Bandit Kingdom? I'm not one to think on such things, HAHA! "
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Kailee listens to Sugua and considers his response.
Um. Well. Um. So, why talk to this Kressel? Does she have something to offer? If our goal is to eliminate this Stag Lord, why do we not just focus on that? Thinking of which, why is he called a "Stag" Lord? Does he fancy himself the top male? Does he prefer parties with men? Does he prefer sleeping with deer rather than his dear?
Sugua quirks his head before realizing that the woman was unaware.. of alot. " Ha! You sure ask alot of questions! Lesse, Kressle was one of the Stag Lord's top brass before she got sent out here. He and Kressle ain't on speakin' terms because he doesnt trust her and has been gettin' paranoid as of late because of disappearances at his camp I guess. Kressle would know Alot about this man, and more importantly about the layout of the Keep and any important info. Likely more than what the Bandits we interrogated knew. That and she's pretty damn strong! Her arrow shot would have dropped a lesser man alone! " Sugua chuckles
" As for the Stag Lord.. I can't say what he likes besides booze.. I planned on poisoning a batch and sending it up to him, we just needed the password inside and a good plan first. They probably call him the Stag Lord because of his helmet? That and Erastil is pretty well known around here, so likely a play on the god. Not my patron, so I could care less."
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Kailee blanches slightly at the mention of poison.
You . . . you want to poison them? Um . . . what type of poison? Um . . . there are many you know. Some disable, some make a person sick, and some, the evil ones, they . . . they can kill a man. I understand that this Stag Lord must be taken out. But . . . um . . . but you are going to poison him? I hope it is to disable him for a just trial? Or, some type of a trial for his wrongs. Sure, I am sure he is guilty. But, just killing without justice. Um . . that . . . that just does not seem right.
She pauses for a moment:
If you want to disable him and his men. I . . . um . . . perhaps I could make something. I know a little of poison. She waves her hand when Sugua's eyes light up a little. Personally I dislike poison, but I have studied it and know how many poisons are made if we can get the right ingredients and compounds.
Sugua shows how easily his face goes from excitement at knowing she can make poisons.. to disappointment when she says its 'wrong'. a visible sigh and exhale of breath. " Well considering how much that man is known to drink I doubt much poison would even work, hell booze itself is a poison! But if you have issues with 'killing' without 'justice' I don't know what to tell you. You are likely going to hate me regardless if the 'person' was trying to kill you in earnest. There was a child-predator before.. I didn't kill him, a ravine did. I'm not sure if you would have considered my act 'justice' "
" There is the phrase, 'All is fair in love and war' If I try to bring every terrible man to justice my back is gunna be crooked from pulling the Wagon holding them all. "
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Kailee contemplates Sugua's response for a while as she walks to the south (not sure if we have horses).
I suppose it is a balance. If one wishes you dead and will fight to the death, then there is little hope. However, if one can be taken alive and the citizens of this land, few though they are at this time, can see that those who tamed the lands did so in a just manner. Then, I would imagine that we would be viewed in a much fairer light.
As I said. If it is possible to subdue the man, or creature, or whatever this Stag Lord is, and bring him to justice. That is the proper result. . . . If, on the other hand, there is no option other than defeating him in battle. That would likely be viewed favorably.
However, if the Stag Lord is defeated using underhanded and deceptive means, then, will those who defeated him be viewed in any fairer a light than the Stag Lord they defeated?
Think of it this way. Far to the west of here are two nations, perhaps nations is being generous. There are two controlled area of land. One is the Hold of Belkzen, ruled by chaotic and evil orcs for centuries. Just to north and east is the land now called the Worldwound, a land of demonic nightmares. If you lived in the Tusk Mountains between these two lands, would you care whether the orcs or the demons were victorious? It does not matter which assumes control as both would bring only a chaotic and evil despotic rule resulting in pain and death to all those in the area.
There is only one reason to tame this land, and that is to prepare it to become a place where settlers can safely move to establish farms and towns. Which do you think is more likely to attract good and productive people? A land ruled by poison using killers? Or a land ruled by laws?
She pauses for a minute thinking about what she just said.
I am not saying one needs laws like Cheliax where devils run free and contracts are signed in blood. But, a land where people can feel safe to raise families and start businesses.
Suddenly realizing that she has gone far off topic with someone she hardly knows, and one of orcish blood, a nation comprised of which she just used in her example, Kailee suddenly turns slightly red in embarrassment.
I . . . I'm sorry. I forgot you heritage. I . . . I did not mean to say you were like the orcs of Belkzen or demon hordes or . . . She pauses, unsure of what to say next.
Khargol gives a quiet laugh; his demeanor seems decidedly more subdued than Sugua's, the two half-orcs sharing a decided difference in disposition in spite of their common heritage. "I understand you well, Kailee. Do not misunderstand our intentions here; or at least, my intentions. When I first came to the Stolen Lands from Restov weeks ago, I was very...ignorant..of the way life is, out here on the frontier."
"I am one of Abadar's enforcers and well know the importance of the rule of law for any civilization. If I have learned something from our explorations so far, though, it is that the Stolen Lands are anything BUT civilized. Believe me, when I first set foot here, I was the first to start calling for arrests and not executions, but...this is not Restov. There is no law here. Not yet."
"It is my intention to see a flourishing kingdom, watched over by those who would put the needs of the whole above the needs of the few, forged from this wilderness. However, we can't put them in a cell where no cell yet exists; before a new power structure can be raised, before the rule of law can be established, the old one structure and the old ways must be destroyed."
" Yeaah, laws like Cheliax are definitely something that nowhere needs, no sir!" Miro stuck to the back of the group, staring left and right, keeping his eyes open for any sort of ambush and his weapon loaded and ready for action.
"Cells tend to not always hold people as well as they should. When it comes to resistance, sometimes it is better to seek a more... permanent solution." Miro nods in agreement.
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Kailee listens as the second orc, it was Khargol she thinks, joins the conversation.
Um . . . sure . . . I can understand what you are saying. Um . . . but, what happens when the history is written and the bards write their ballads. If there is a smidgeon of truth to base the facts on, then the stories will be derived from this. If there is nothing but the fact that a fell bandit lord was destroyed, all types of tales will arise. Were we lucky? Were we angels? Were we demons? Fey? Something else?
I understand your reticence and realize that in many circumstances the outcome may not be of out desired choosing. What I am saying, is that if we are to destroy this bandit lord, the Stag Lord, then we should first seek to use a method most likely to reflect positively upon us. If we turn the Stag Lord over to the Swordlords, we all know what will happen. The difference is that we will be viewed as having done the right thing. If we do not bring him to justice, then we return with his body. But, will all the people believe that we, a small group of unknowns, managed to defeat the famed Stag Lord? Or, will rumors surface that he still lives and is waiting to kill settlers, to steal children, and to terrorize all who settle.
In the end, the Stag Lord will end up dead. My interest is in the method of his demise and how it will be interpreted by those who may wish to settle here.
What happens happens. But, if we are able to choose the method, then we may be able to greatly affect the outcome and the future of this land. Thus, if and when . . no, when we face the Stag Lord, I would hope that we will have several contingent plans to eliminate him, and that the first is not a sword to his neck. That most will end up in his death, I have no doubt. I just hope that we can defeat him in a manner which brings renown to this land, not more fear.
to Suga Zel says,Sivannah is my goddess, and through her all mysteries will be revealed. My healing comes with no catch save that I must want to heal you......which is never guaranteed The last part she says with a smile and a wink. At the question of kessel, she shakes her head the group I was with were traveling, probably to kressel or this stag lord. I was not with them long, thank the goddess
Zel listens to the exchange from the group, then moves besides Kailee. I'm not sure a sword to the throat is the best coarse either, but we may not be given many options. Could we not capture him, even if by force, and hold some sort of trial or sentencing? We could then execute him for his crimes publicly. If Miro is a half decent bard, he can spin the tale we want
Sugua chuckles, " Those with strength have the luxury of choosing how something dies. If that is you, fine. But if you are nothing but talk then spouting such things are impractical to be nice. What bards will spin they will spin. Who is to know anything you say.. if no one tells them? Who is to say Killing him wont give the positive response and Taking him in the negative? I'm sure there are plenty of dead murdered women and men who would like the first choice. What is to say bards spin the story saying the Swordlord's men took out the Stag Lord and they question our presence because we are nobodies? All of your musings are subjective. Mine is not. I'll say it like this. If we fight , I will be trying to kill him as much as he will be trying to kill you, me and everyone else. My method is direct and its what I know works, not what I HOPE works. "
After following Longfang for what seems to be about two miles through thick forest, you come into a small clearing some fifty feet wide. The center of which sits Kressle in charcoal colored leather, who upon seeing you stands, one Saw Toothed Axe in her hand at her side, another Throwing Axe in her hand resting on her hip.
"No further." she says to the group. And Longfang strolls around the clearing to come sit next to Kressle.
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Sugua gives a wide smiles and open arms though his massive sword in the right hand. " KRESSLE! Keeping those blades sharp i see. I hope my presents I gave you left an impression. So.. What are we negotiatin' today? Or would you like a duel of sorts? Can't be you just missed our sweet voice. "
Maekrix remains silent but on high alert. He didn't know enough about the situation to be doing anything just yet, except that its fragile diplomacy going on.
Kressle spits on the ground, "Leave the teasing, you're strong all right but you're no match for me one on one boy-o."
"Let's talk. Some of you came and attacked my camp, I'd like to know your motivations."
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Maekrix raises a brow, also curious for the answer.
"I can see the tales now, a land subjugated by a Lord in antlers, ruling through tyranny and blood. A band of intrepid adventurers, sent by the Swordlord to free the people who live under the iron rule of the bandits who rove the forests and highways. Cruelty and murder met with compassion and revenge for all of those left beaten and bloody by the Stag Lord and his band of criminal scum. A party led by two gentlemen in Green, one a savage warrior capable of cruelty and kindness, the other a noble intellectual, powerful in his own right." He began to hum slightly under his breath.
"A tale that culminates in blood, peace and prosperity for the kingdom and a new rule, to insure that there will be no more need for the smallfolk to fear the roads and woods. The people sing the praises of the band of adventurers who saved them and the land is better for it, and all it took was for one head to roll, antlers and all." Miro trails off, frowning slightly, committing the structure to memory. It would make a fine story.
Miro took up a position behind the two Orcs, keeping an eye on affairs, between them and the woman who sat opposite them in the glade.
" And that assumin' either you or me would play fair! I just like a good fight an' you are a good fight! But we can save that for later, I know just about how strong you are. You want to know why we did it? Well Ya'see we got this slip of Paper from the Swordlords sayin we could. Ya terrorized a few around here, we paid the favor back. I'm not sayin' we are better, but we can agree the Stag Lord ain't good at all. Besides, we did the favor of sortin' out Jahenas for you.. well.. I did. You'll be glad to know what happened to that kid was solved. "
As Kressle and Sugua banter, Zel scans the treeline for any unseen allies. Though her morning star is still at her hip, her shield is secured firmly on her left arm, which she has in a half raised position.
"I'm sure he's regretting his actions now that he's pent up inside your little palisade being fed a hot meal every night."
"Ye ain't answered my questions, so's damn what you got some ignoble authority to come to the Greenbelt. I didn't ask what some stuffed up politicians motivations were. I asked what was YOURS. What do you get out of coming down here to wage a war?"
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Kressle's eyes dart to Kailee, "I wouldn't get antsy lass, this meeting is very much on my own terms. I've had a week to fill this section of the forest with all sorts of nasty surprises, so unless you remember Longfang's route exactly and believe I can miss with an Axe, I'd think twice."
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" What? I made him fight me, knocked his ass out woke him up and threw his worthless naked screaming self into that conveniently placed ravine. So he is regrettin' his actions in Hell. I ain't one for tolerating that, you are talkin about this pinkskin here " motioning to Kailee.
He shoulder's his blade once more.
" What do 'I' get personally? Money, Fame, and a chance to fight as much as my heart desires against dangerous beasties. A hot meal from time to time. The ability to maybe get something a bit more really.. I can't speak for the rest. I personally just wanted to meet you from the way Oleg described ya' you didnt disappoint. I knew you knew things about the Stag Lord. I wanna kill him. "
Miro arches an eyebrow, staring around him with a renewed sense of caution. Of course the place would be trapped, it only made sense. She may be skilled and powerful, but she was still facing down a large group of people, she would have needed the contingencies, just in case.
"Poison, pitfalls, spike traps, snares... This forest could hide anything!" He whispered to himself, tightening his grip on his crossbow and refraining from moving a muscle more than was necessary.
Sugua's smile dims and he shakes his head.
" Lass, she can kill you with an axe or two from that distance, she doesnt NEED to get to you.. at all. You are startin' to sound like Mere-o over there. She also can use a bow pretty good. "
lovely woman you've led us to Sugua, if she doesn't kill us all, perhaps the two of you can make a go of it?
glancing at Miro, she nods with a worried look. not to mention any other bandits or beats she claims as allies
Sugua shrugs, " She's confident and I've seen her fight, likely we would beat her if it came down to it, but I ain't gunna provoke her if I don't need to is all I'm sayin' . Maybe at most a few would die.. but its not like its a race to the end.. we got the ability to recover. "
" Unless she suddenly tamed some trolls around here I think we are fine.. mostly. "
Miro grinned nervously at Zeleysa before nodding. "I didn't think of that. This very well may be a trap. Perfect place for it, deep forest, traps, everything aligned to makes this a hell hole for us to crawl out of." He laughed, bitterly before sighing. "Let's hope it isn't that!"
When Sugua mentioned him, Miro grinned. "Hey, I'm staying out of this. I've already threatened someone bigger than me today. Besides, I know better than to cross a woman. My old man used to say that the most dangerous thing in the world was my mother, if he ever crossed her. Of course he didn't have mid-morning meetings with dangerous women who were armed to the teeth and their canine colleague!"
"Lovelier than most princess." she says to Zeleysa. "I'm a bandit, not a psychopath or a predator. Less could be said of more."
"So supposing you do kill the Stag Lord, then what?"
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" I guess we start up a city or town here.. people move in I clear more area. I suppose it will need some leadership here and there.. I just plan on being a General at most though. Interested? "
"Hardly."
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" Then what do you want? I'm just sayin what likely to happen, you can ride the wave or go against the storm. "
Miro arched an eyebrow before nodding appreciatively at Suguas turn of phrase. 'Ride the wave or go against the storm. Inspiring words. He might want to be a General but there is something about him. He is big, unwashed and uncouth but men would follow him!'
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Kailee listens to the discussion, and is slightly surprised when he hears Sugua effectively offer to allow this Kressel bandit woman become part of the settlers of the Stolen Lands. No, more than that, some part of the command. However, realizing that Sugua is himself a reformed, maybe, bandit, then perhaps this Kressel could do the same.
Still playing with the unmixed chemicals in her hands, Kailee steps to the side and calls out.
I think that there are really only three options for you.
First, you can attack us with your sharp axes and your worg friend and hope that you are able to defeat us. And, if you do defeat us, then to also defeat whatever group the Swordlords send next, which they will assuredly do.
Second, you can flee, and continue to flee as the bandit you are to be hunted until you are caught, killed or driven from the land.
Or, third, you can come over to us under the historic rules of parley, sure they are written to be used between pirates, but that should not affect their use. We can discuss your future and your knowledge of the Stag Lord, his bandits, and his fort. Whether or not we reach an agreement, I, and I shall have to consult my companions on this, will agree to allow you to leave.
Using the information you give us, we shall take out the Stag Lord. If the information you give us is false, this will give you a week or more to flee. If the information is accurate and helps, I would expect you to give up your life as a bandit and instead join the settlers of this land.
Diplomacy:
"Killing you is an especially tempting offer. If nothing else at least than it'd be a good way to go."
"I want the Stag Lord dead too, a feat much harder to accomplish with my men annoyingly deceased."
"But this whole settle down and make a city thing is for the birds, if your end goal is peace and politics then count me out, I'm only good at one thing and one thing only."
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Sugua raises a brow at the human woman as she speaks to Kressle, " Well I don't see how you plan can be any less possible.. save us not being your men. Still gunna kill him. And after he dies, what would YOU have done? "
Miros' eyebrows threaten to climb right off of his face as the quiet woman with the explosives steps forward and begins to lay down the law. He laughed softly, shaking his head in surprise, before sighing.
'A performance worthy of the courts themselves. Brava young lady, brava!'
"Easy." says Kressle to Sugua, "Kill the Stag Lord, then consolidate my forces, the Stag Lord keeps too many Bandits in the field to procure nonsense like booze."
"After that, who knows? Find myself some strapping lad to be my bandit queen, feed him to Longfang whenever he inevitably tries to betray me?"
"Start expanding my influence, collect more Bandits and get some wars going into the south, I hear there's some new settlements springing up around there, along with the barbarian tribes."
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" You say it like I'm gunna be some peace force. All you are good at is killing, much like me. And let's be realistic here, there is no such thing as peace. When we start up the settlement other ones are gunna want to do as you say. Its a waste of time tryin' to work this to sound like its not something you can use or ride to do that anyway. If Im a General my soldiers will be expected to kill and I'm not expecting my blade to get any duller. As for the Strapping Lad portion, I don't know what to tell ya, I'm not weak enough to be fed to Longfang. "
Sugua weighs what she says after, " Basically you like fighting to continue... You just want it now, I see no reason for you not to wait a little longer, most likely we won't be short of war or conflict to keep you entertained. "
Miro coughs softly before stepping forward. "Might I make a small suggestion? When the young lady here suggested Parley and mentioned Pirates, it came to me that the situation we currently find ourselves in, could actually be described in those terms quite easily. You are a bandit, in all essence, a Pirate. And we are a band of adventurers here to dispatch justice as we see fit, that justice taking the form of whatever we so choose. We are in essence, Privateers." He looked around, to make sure everyone was following him, before he continued.
"The way I see it is we have a common enemy and a common goal. We want to take down the Stag Lord and dispatch his motley crew, as do you. We could come to an arrangement, after that is managed, where by we would both prosper from the surrounding area. A balance of equals, if you will. You stay out of our turf and keep your bandits away from our people and our merchants trains, and we would stay away from your turf and not try to dispense our justice all over you and yours. Seems fair enough, right?"
"What Sugua says is true though... New kingdoms gain enemies like flies. If you so choose, you could keep that plan you had and do it, but as an ally of ours, an equal member of our structure!"
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Kailee considers Kressel's statement:
Unless you plan on moving far away, you and your bandits will eventually be hunted. Not everyone in a civilized nation lives in cute little homes and goes to temple every week.
However, there are many jobs in kingdoms. Some require stealth, and even deceit. Marshalls to make sure the woods and wild are safe. Spymasters to gain insight and intelligence into enemies of the state, both internal and external. And, many other rolls. Now, if you intent is to lure young men into your tent, I am sure you would have many volunteers. If your intent is to feed them to your furry companion, then I think most states would have an issue with you.
Maekrix's gaze slowly gets more and more furrowed in anger. "And what then, once you have crushed the tribes under your rule and there is no more uncivilized lands to conquer? Where do the conquests end?" He swings down his earthbreaker with a dull thud into the ground to emphasize his point. Then he whispers. "Trust me, that's a dark path you're going down..."
Miro flinched when the Earthbreaker hits the ground. 'Careful, careful... Lets not spring any traps!'
Kressle looks unimpressed at Maekrix, "Pssh."
"Dark road my ass, no such thing. The country the most of you came from became so by putting innocent men, women and children to the sword, and the rest of them to the gullet of a dragon."
"The Halfling makes the most sense so far. I'm not looking to be the Lawful type, but you want to put the Bandits in the Greenbelt under new management, then I'm your girl."
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" I ain't either, far from it, you can do what you want to do. I'm just tellin' ya how it is. I'm alot like you in some aspects. I want to do somethin', I do it. You want to be a Bandit King, I want to Fight and Kill without having to worry about how and why. Then again, like I said I was a bandit.. I was out here, I just got a different way of doing it. I was a mercenary too at a point, might be why my experience is different. So Anyway, Deal? "
Miro smiled broadly before continuing, "If you could control your people and keep them from attacking the smallfolk and those merchants who are in league with us, then we could ensure that you get your fill of our enemies, and those who supply them. It would be simple really, we work together to tie down the area and you get free reign to take what you like, outside of us and the people who swear allegiance to us, of course. It could be quite a nice little deal really if you think about it," He smiled, nodding slightly.
"You share part of the plunder that you bring in with us, in secret of course, and we provide a place for you and yours to spend all of that hard earned gold and silver, without fear of prosecution." He shrugged. "This is all just idle musing, of course," He winked at the woman before chuckling softly to himself.
To the group in general zel says,do you really think we can trust someone who speaks so casually of starting wars, not to mention feeding her lovers to that dog of hers?
Maekrix nods with Zeleysa. Do we trade one killer for another?