At you arrive at the Trading Post, it is obvious something is amiss. Captain Garess meets you as you enter, giving a sidelong glance toward Arianna, but addressing the group, "I'm very glad you've returned. After a week passed without hearing from you, we feared the worst."
"apologies, we were delayed by a diplomatic mission of grave importance."
He continues, "Three days ago, two of the prisoners tried to escape. They assaulted one of my men, gravely injuring him. We recaptured them a few hours later, but it's been tense around here since then. Oleg is ready to turn us all out, and he's not to pleased with you either for putting him and Svetlana in such danger for so long."
Bydar frowns at this news, "He has a right to be angry, of that there is no doubt. We may need to set up a new base of operations some place rather than risk endangering these good folk again."
"Anyway, we've kept the other prisoners restrained for safety purposes. The two who tried to escape are chained up inside the stables, while the others are in the bunkhouse. The two who tried to escape are named Kesset and Saughis, two of the ones you brought back from the camp down south. My man is being seen to by the priest inside Oleg's house. I think he's alive... but not by much."
"I'll tend to him right away. As for the two men who injured him, well... we'll see what their excuses are, but before I do that. Set a noose or two ready for hanging purposes, if you would. We MIGHT have need of it, I'm sorry to say." Bydar looks to his companions, "Forgive my haste, but I should go help the priest with my own healing. If one of you could keep an eye on our two would be escapees, to make sure a second attempt isn't in the making, I'd be grateful. If any of you have opinions on a trial or some such with ourselves as judges, please let me know when I return."
Bydar moves fast to help with the healing and see just how bad it is.
Temerith nods at Bydar's request, and though tired from travel, goes to watch over the two incarcerated men.
Upon seeing the two, he simply pulls down his hood and fixes them with a cold gaze, unflinchingly standing guard over them. The tiefling gives his all into making sure the two men know what they have done is unacceptable, even though he never speaks a word to them.
Arumil remains silent for most of the exchange. Seemed they were not as watchful as they should have been and were shifting blame mixed with excuses. Once the priest goes off to do his work Arumil speaks.
"I will seek out Oleg. We have more then some business to discuss. I would welcome someone with prior experience involving these escapee's joining me."
He goes to find the trader taking the loot and more importantly his wife's ring with him. There would be plenty of time to set a number of things correctly, without needless emotions involved in the matter.
Bydar rushes to the house, pausing to knock. The door is thrown open and a surprised Oleg stares at him.
The surprise is replaced by something close to anger - Oleg's face sours and he stands in the doorway, barring Bydar's entry. Finally, he stands to the side, "I'm guessing you're here for the injured guard. He's in the back room with Jhod. See to him, but after that, I need to have a talk with you and your friends."
Oleg begins to close the door but pauses as he sees Arumil also heading toward the house.
Bydar heads into the house as directed.
-----
He grips the bridge of his nose and takes a deep breath. He looks up again and the exhaustion is clearly evident in his eyes. "Forgive me, I've been spending every moment I can in here. Endel will survive, but he will certainly lose an eye, and probably an ear. Unless he receives extremely powerful restorative magic, of course, but that doesn't seem likely around here."
-----
-----
It's all very touching, and so obviously false and rehearsed, that Teremith has to take a moment to wonder if the two idiots actually expect him to believe their story.
Temerith says absolutely nothing at the bandits' staged performance. He just continues to stare them down, one of his hands resting on the hilt of his weapon.
Raxus watches the drama beginning to unfold, paying attention to Temerith in particular. To this point, their new companion had kept mostly to himself. Raxus felt an instinctual kinship to the man, due mostly to the fact that they both spent most of their time among people with their hoods up and heads down. Raxus understood the desire to not draw attention to one's self. He didn't know Temereth's reasons, but he also didn't particularly feel the need to. Even asking would go against the nature of what the hood represented.
Now though, Temereth seemed to come more alive than Raxus had seen before. Something about this new event had triggered something. Raxus knew that the prisoners had done wrong, but didn't know what to do about it. Apparently Temereth felt the same, and did know.
The big man stood at the entrance to the makeshift prison watching the silent interrogation as Bydar and Arumil went to find out more details from their hosts. It suddenly dawned on him that he was alone with the two females. He didn't move, but beneath his hood his face flushed dark red. His discomfort came off of him in waves as he tried not to look at either of them.
Bydar rushes to the house, pausing to knock. The door is thrown open and a surprised Oleg stares at him.
The surprise is replaced by something close to anger - Oleg's face sours and he stands in the doorway, barring Bydar's entry. Finally, he stands to the side, "I'm guessing you're here for the injured guard. He's in the back room with Jhod. See to him, but after that, I need to have a talk with you and your friends."
"Oleg, I agree we need to talk soon. Let me just say I am very sorry. When we talk later, I'll be asking your and your wives' own views on justice in this situation as well as trying to make amends. " He notices Arumil coming behind him, "Arumil has something of interest to you I think." He inclines his head and moves through the door.
Jhod sits beside a bed reading a book. One of the guards rests in the bed, and the right side of the his face is covered in bandages. Jhod looks up as you enter and motions to another chair. Closing the book, he speaks in a low voice, "Welcome back, we were worried. This is Endel, the guard who was assaulted by those bandits. I've done what I can, but the damage was extensive."
He grips the bridge of his nose and takes a deep breath. He looks up again and the exhaustion is clearly evident in his eyes. "Forgive me, I've been spending every moment I can in here. Endel will survive, but he will certainly lose an eye, and probably an ear. Unless he receives extremely powerful restorative magic, of course, but that doesn't seem likely around here."
Bydar moves to Endel's side and studies him, "I'm afraid such blessings as regeneration are beyond my power as well. In time, if I prove worthy of Shelyn's greater miracles, well, perhaps then, but for now..." He looks at the fallen guard with great sympathy and tends the wounds already tended and casts cure light as he prays softly to his goddess. A waste , perhaps, but he feels he must do something.
After that is done, he says, "Jhod, give me more details of what happened if you have them. When Endel wakes, I must ask him as well. Right now, I am feeling very angry at those two out there, but I must ignore wrath and bring justice instead of simple revenge. I would also welcome your council. What does old Dead Eye demand in these situations?"
Bridgette as she hers things unfold near the door.
She puts her right index finger to her chin and thinks
This problem requires a lot of wisdom or intellect, And I believe Bydar might have just enough to solve it.
I wonder how Master would have solved this problem.
Then again her presence could cause other problems.
she whispers to herself
"Retribution is the basis of all Law."
-----
Teremith & Raxus
Realizing that Teremith is not going to respond to their pleas, both bandits sit back and relax, seemingly content to wait for this matter to resolve itself.
Seeing Raxus approach and stand in the doorway, they both tense up a bit until they realize he isn't coming for them.
-----
Bydar
Oleg nods at your words and waits for Arumil to enter.
After you ask Jhod your questions, he pauses for a moment before responding. He finally speaks, "I honestly don't know much. I was inside with Oleg and Svetlana just sitting down for our morning meal when we heard a commotion. Oleg grabbed his spear and told us to wait inside. A few minutes later, Oleg came back and asked me to come help. When I got outside, the guards were herding most of the prisoners into the barracks, while two were face down with Captain Garess standing over them with his sword drawn. Oleg pointed me toward Endel. I used what magic I had to help him, then got him moved here. Beyond that, I really don't know what happened, though I guess those two prisoners that were separated from the others likely had some hand in this man's injuries."
"And if that's the case, well, I share your anger, but I am also relieved that you seek justice, not just revenge. Erastil does not have specific remedies for such crimes, but as you know, he is concerned with those who live a simple life in a supportive and thriving community. Those who would deprive others of such lifestyles, especially through violence, are considered to be little more than animals. What needs to be decided is are the animals in question rabid or not? If not, then they may be trained, in time, to become productive. But if they are rabid..."
Jhod spreads his hands in a sign of submission, "There is only one thing that can be done with rabid animals - they must be put down."
-----
Arianna and Bridgette
Captain Garess hesitates slightly, then finally asks if he can impose upon you. He wonders if you would relieve his guards for a few minutes to that they might get a quick bite to eat and a couple of moments rest. He assures you that he only needs ten to fifteen minutes of your time, but it would be much appreciated. All you would need to do would be to stand outside the barracks to make sure none of the prisoners try to escape. They haven't made any attempts yet, so he doesn't expect any problems.
Garess leaves and comes back a minute later with two lengths of rope. He begins looking around to find a suitable location for the nooses.
-----
Temerith realizes the men are far too relaxed. His brow furrows as he begins to consider why they seem that way, but still resolutely stands guard over them.
Arumil places the loot they gained down beside him as he sits at the table, he waves a hand at another seat for Oleg.
"I am sure you have much to say on a great deal of matters but for the time being that seems like it will have to wait. If you would take a seat I would speak with you on a few matters myself."
Once Oleg takes his seat he continues.
"I think it best to start with explaining our unplanned absence. I am sure such an event normally heralds ill for those who have left, it is not uncommon for the wilds to claim someone or even a group. Thankfully that was not the case. We retrieved these moon radishes as planned."
He removes them from the bag placing them on the table.
"That was where fate chose to change our plans. We encountered some kobolds, as we have been made aware of warring tribes in the area we thought it best to investigate. After all they were near the trading post, we would not want to be the victims of a surprise attack by a kobold tribe. We quickly found these kobolds and their tribe to be very welcoming and rather well mannered. No doubt the result of their rather personable and reasonable dragon chief, whom they call Sootscale."
At this point he removes the dragonscale token that he had been given by Sootscale and places it on the table.
"Unfortunately we in our incorrect assumetion of hostility from their tribe needed to make amends to remain on acceptable terms with Sootscale and his people. To that effect we were tasked to remove a common threat, what was left of a mite colony that had run afoul of the Sootscale tribe. During the completion of that task we rescued Arianna, who had in fact fallen pray to a warlike kobold tribe, the only survivor of an attack on a caravan if I am correct. Once we cleared the threat of the mites we returned to Sootscale to make good on our word and intentions. From that point we returned here."
He takes a moment to allow it to sink in. Then quickly speaks as if an after thought.
"That reminds me."
He takes out the recovered wedding ring placing it before Oleg.
"I think that belongs to your wife. It was recovered along with some ill gotten gains from the mites. Which I am sure we can address later."
He will retrieve his dragonscale token once it has been looked over enough.
"I would be glad to answer any questions or concerns you may have, if it is with in my ability that is. I would also like your account of these events that pasted in our absence, as well as your opinion on what should be done on the matter."
Arianna and Bridgette
Captain Garess hesitates slightly, then finally asks if he can impose upon you. He wonders if you would relieve his guards for a few minutes to that they might get a quick bite to eat and a couple of moments rest. He assures you that he only needs ten to fifteen minutes of your time, but it would be much appreciated. All you would need to do would be to stand outside the barracks to make sure none of the prisoners try to escape. They haven't made any attempts yet, so he doesn't expect any problems.
Garess leaves and comes back a minute later with two lengths of rope. He begins looking around to find a suitable location for the nooses.
Bridgette givens a hand and relieves a guard so they can get a bite, and go to the loo.
After Arumil finishes, Oleg leans forward, places his hands on the table, stares at the elf, and speaks in a clipped tone, "I don't care about your reasons, kobolds haven't ever threatened us, and I didn't ask you for radishes. When you and your friends left, I told you expanding this post couldn't wait if you wanted me to harbor your prisoners and that you needed to find more lumber immediately. You either didn't understand me, or you didn't think I was serious."
"So instead of listening to me, you decided to go on a little adventure... and what happened?"
Oleg leans back and crosses his arms over his chest. "A couple of the prisoners got violent and nearly killed a man. Maybe that doesn't matter to you, but it does to me. I was hoping that you and your friends might be different than all those others who have passed through here before, but you're just the same. Take your treasure and get out of my Post. You've got until tomorrow to get your prisoners and yourselves outside my walls or I'll have Captain Garess deal with you."
Oleg stands up, "I think you know where the door is."
You see Svetlana at the door watching the conversation, but Oleg walks out of the room and she turns to follow him.
-----
"I'm sorry for interrupting, but you should leave our home now. Oleg is more angry than I've ever seen him, and he's just told your elven friend that you and the prisoners have to be out by morning. I'll try to talk to him, but I don't know what I can do. Please, it's best if you go outside to try and figure out a way to end this before it gets even worse."
"Retribution is the basis of all Law."
Raxus overhears her words and scowls in thought.
Is it? Can it be so simple? How does someone decide how much retribution is appropriate? Does that mean it should be the place of the guard they attacked to decide what happens to them? Shouldn't laws be based on making people more equal so retribution is not necessary? The laws of men seem similar to the laws of ogres then. It is just a difference of degrees.
He risks a glance in Bridgette's direction, his jumbled thoughts overriding his self control.
Maybe she means something else. Something I do not yet understand.
He begins to speak, but catches himself.
No. If I talk to her... the others... Bydar. They would make me leave.
The big man sighs and continues to watch Temereth, wondering how the situation would unfold.
Arumil could point out the flaws in that reasoning, cheif among them that he never accepted or agreed to any such thing. Yet he thought better of it. The man made an empty threat, the guards served the very ones who had granted him a charter. Not that he would remain at this rate, the Sootscale tribe was far more welcoming. Their leader at least was a creature of thought and reason.
Only to hear the knock at the door...
Svetlana speaks
"I'm sorry for interrupting, but you should leave our home now. Oleg is more angry than I've ever seen him, and he's just told your elven friend that you and the prisoners have to be out by morning. I'll try to talk to him, but I don't know what I can do. Please, it's best if you go outside to try and figure out a way to end this before it gets even worse."
"While it would be a delight to blame this on Arumil's ...unique form of charm, the truth is, your husband does have a right to be angry with us all, save perhaps our newest member. We've put a great deal of pressure on both of you, saving you from danger only to have you near it again. Still, I will try to sway him. If we go now, the stag lord will not simply forget this outpost is here." He frowns with concern. "And that will be even more dangerous for you both I think. See if you can make him realize that. And Shelyn bless you for the kindness you've already shown."
Bydar heads outside, hoping to see Oleg and wondering if he should let the man's wife talk to him first.
He has left the room and indicated you should leave. What would you like to do?
She places her hands over her face, then suddenly recovers her composure, "I'm sorry to burden you with my nonsense, I should see to Oleg. Please see yourself out."
You do not see Oleg as you move back toward the front door, and he is not outside.
-----
At this point, I've got everyone either outside or moving that direction. Captain Garess has hung two nooses by the front gate, just outside the walls.
Bridgette is standing guard by the barracks, Teremith and Raxus are with the two prisoners accused of assaulting Endel, and Bydar and Arumil are coming out of the house.
Arianna - please let me know where would like to be when you have time to post an update.
Ready to move forward - let me know what people want to do.
"I understand, but I believe we have helped...despite what this incident might indicate. It'll be better still once we take the staglord down once and for all. I believe the phrase is 'darkest before the dawn'. I believe that dawn is worth working for. I shall try to talk to your husband but I DO understand his concerns."
When she parts, he nods and then heads out himself.
At this point, I've got everyone either outside or moving that direction. Captain Garess has hung two nooses by the front gate, just outside the walls.
Bridgette is standing guard by the barracks, Teremith and Raxus are with the two prisoners accused of assaulting Endel, and Bydar and Arumil are coming out of the house.
He seeks his fellow explorers out, and says quietly, "Everyone, Svetlana informs me that Oleg has asked us to leave. He's very upset about the risk to his wife, his outpost, and himself. I think it is a mistake on his part to do so, but understand his feelings on it. I hope we can sway him yet, but in case we cannot, we may have to move on...which leads to all sorts of complications regarding the prisoners. Endel, the guard, will most assuredly lose an eye, and possibly an ear. Did anyone else learn anything from Oleg himself or the prisoners yet?"
Temerith haltingly tells Bydar the story they told him, making it entirely clear they were likely lying through their teeth. "They seem... unworried. I fear they have something planned."
Bydar's frown grows, "In other words, we may not have time for a trial. Lovely."
"Ever hear the saying Kill one to warn a thousand.
I heard that saying after me and my master were going to be ambushed.
She called out the first attacker, and beat the living crap out of him even breaking his arm and quickly to boot.
She than shouted Who's next and all of them ran as she gazed at each one in their hiding position."
He collects all the things and places them back in the bag. He leave the man with a few words.
"You should not allow things to get in the way of your common sense. More so when among those you accuse have no hand in the matter."
He leaves it at that. Going to find the others.
Arumil remained silent for the most part. He was blaming the man less for his anger at this point, if not his lack of reason.
"To put it simply the man is scared and using anger to hide it. He is disappointed at the state of things, which I would agree with. I suggest you correct your problem so it no longer effects all of us. If these prisoners were given mercy by you only to commit a crime at a later date, on top of which they show no true remorse or even concern. Then it is clear they have no intention of changing their ways, this will reasonably lead to more actions of this nature. At best they will bid their time and encourage the others to act out as such, at worst this could turn into a revolt at which point more will die and this post could become another bandit haven. While I was not involved with the fate of these men, it seems I have been forced into it. So I would advise they recieve the lawful punishment that they were spared before, they seem to rightfully deserve it. It will serve as both a warning and a lesson to the others. Often mercy is mistaken for weakness, it is best to correct that kind of thinking."
He had little more to say on the issue. If they needed to leave then he would, but with the understanding that the trading post was no longer his concern at that point.
Bydar listens to each in turn, then looks to Raxus and Arianna wanting their opinions as well.
Raxus just shrugs. It seemed like the decision had been made.
"Doesn't seem right to just kill them. Maybe there's a way to find out their plan and not kill them. Maybe we can give them a choice? They can talk, or Bydar can use that rope thing on them."
As the party takes their leave from the Sootscales, Arianna pauses outside the great sycamore tree to give the chest containing the mite chieftain a swift kick, hurling several vile curses in the Aklo tongue at the incarcerated fey creature.
At Oleg’s Trading Post
As you arrive at the Trading Post, it is obvious something is amiss. Captain Garess meets you as you enter, giving a sidelong glance toward Arianna, but addressing the group, "I'm very glad you've returned. After a week passed without hearing from you, we feared the worst."
He continues, "Three days ago, two of the prisoners tried to escape. They assaulted one of my men, gravely injuring him. We recaptured them a few hours later, but it's been tense around here since then. Oleg is ready to turn us all out, and he's not too pleased with you either for putting him and Svetlana in such danger for so long."
"Anyway, we've kept the other prisoners restrained for safety purposes. The two who tried to escape are chained up inside the stables, while the others are in the bunkhouse. The two who tried to escape are named Kesset and Saughis, two of the ones you brought back from the camp down south. My man is being seen to by the priest inside Oleg's house. I think he's alive... but not by much."
Arianna remains outside with Bridgette and the guard captain as the rest of her new companions split up to different locations within and around the trading post.
”My name’s Arianna Silvermane,” the young woman introduces herself to the guard captain, extending her hand to shake. ”These good people rescued me from a lair of mites. I bear an exploration charter from the Swordlords. A pleasure to meet you, Captain -?” Arianna studies Captain Garess carefully as he introduces himself.
Arianna and Bridgette
Captain Garess hesitates slightly, then finally asks if he can impose upon you. He wonders if you would relieve his guards for a few minutes to that they might get a quick bite to eat and a couple of moments rest. He assures you that he only needs ten to fifteen minutes of your time, but it would be much appreciated. All you would need to do would be to stand outside the barracks to make sure none of the prisoners try to escape. They haven't made any attempts yet, so he doesn't expect any problems.
Bridgette givens a hand and relieves a guard so they can get a bite, and go to the loo.
”Of course, I’d be happy to help, Captain Garess,” Arianna offers, drawing her rapier and moving to stand guard with the imposing woman.
"Ever hear the saying Kill one to warn a thousand.
I heard that saying after me and my master were going to be ambushed.
She called out the first attacker, and beat the living crap out of him even breaking his arm and quickly to boot.
She than shouted Who's next and all of them ran as she gazed at each one in their hiding position."
”Sounds like a wise woman, your master,” Arianna comments. ”I believe an application of her wisdom may be called for in this instance as well.”
"From Temerith's observations I think we can all agree that your prisoners have something planned - another escape attempt, no doubt. It seems that a large part of our current dilemma is a lack of information, particularly with regards to what the - how many is it? Six? - other prisoners have in mind," Arianna says slowly, tapping her chin as she thinks over the problem.
"If you think it would be of help, I could try to gather some information from the other prisoners. I have a bit of skill in the art of disguise, and could make myself appear to be one of the two escapees. Then you could place me with the other prisoners - say that the other escapee has offered to cooperate and spill the beans on the whole operation, and then I could listen to see what the others have in mind. But before we do this I would need to study my intended prisoner for several minutes - and borrow his clothes, of course."
"I have no objection to your plan, Arianna though I admit to some surprise that you'd be able to mimic someone so exactly? Still, if you think you can do it.." He shrugs.
Temerith nods at Bydar's words. "If you think you can...", he trails off, gesturing in a vaguely meaningful manner.
Not that it's likely help much... he thinks to himself, his left hand moving to rest of his bastard sword's pommel, squeezing the leather-wrapped steel to convince himself his protection is still here.
"Oh, I've got a trick or two up my sleeve, don't you worry," Arianna replies to the concerns expressed by Bydar and Temerith. "But before I do anything, I'll need you to tell me all you know about your various prisoners."
"As long as you are aware of how things will turn out if you are discovered and the repercussions of that act. Then it is not my place to disagree."
"Sounds like a wise woman, your master," Arianna comments. "I believe an application of her wisdom may be called for in this instance as well.""Ever hear the saying Kill one to warn a thousand.
I heard that saying after me and my master were going to be ambushed.
She called out the first attacker, and beat the living crap out of him even breaking his arm and quickly to boot.
She than shouted Who's next and all of them ran as she gazed at each one in their hiding position."
"It may be a wise fix for this problem, but it is not necessarily the best one.
Master was wise and was also scary, even more so when she's drunk."
"Well, the two I know best are currently in need of getting food for wargs, and I must tend to that with them or it will be their deaths..." Bydar is happy to share what he knows not just of those two, but all the bandits.
You are fairly convinced that their actions were taken without the knowledge or endorsement of the other bandits.
-----
So far, I'm assuming the group is only talking about issues amongst themselves. Let me know if you want to talk to any NPCs.
Arumil excuses himself from the others. Seeking out the Captain of the guard, Garess. Once he is found he greets the man.
"I would say good day but we both know it is far from that. How are you, I would like to know your thoughts on this whole event if you would share them."
Captain Garess pauses for a moment, then sighs, "I am as well as can be expected. I mean, I nearly lost a man today, and that's never easy, but in this line of work, you figure out how to move on."
"As for what's happened, well... Endel probably should have been paying more attention. The prisoners have been well-behaved, following our orders, not causing any problems. So he... we... probably had our guard down. Those two jumped him before we knew what was happening. We're just lucky the other prisoners didn't get involved."
A cloud passes over his face and the exhaustion he feels is clearly evident. He looks at Arumil, "I tell you, sir. If it was up to me, they would have been dead already for their banditry. That's the law in Brevoy. But now they've attacked a soldier of Brevoy - so that's another death sentence they face."
He shakes his head, "What do I think? I think we can't hang them fast enough."
Arumil thinks it over for a moment.
"Would that statement fall to the group or simply those that did your man harm?"
Letting another moment pass.
"If the others had no intention of getting involved and kept conducting themselves as lawful individuals. Could you see a time where they would no longer be considered bandits. I would be interested in your point of view on that if you would give it."
After filling in their newest member about the bandits, Bydar seeks out Oleg himself.
Before Bydar leaves to seek out Oleg, Arianna shares with him and the other companions (as well as Captain Garess) what she and Bridgette overheard the other six prisoners saying while standing guard for a few minutes outside the barracks.
"We only heard snippets of their conversation, but it sounded like Kesset and Saughis attacked the guardsman without the knowledge or endorsement of the other bandits. They sounded pretty worried that the actions of the two bad apples will cause problems for all of them."
"So my offer to infiltrate their group disguised as either Kesset or Saughis might not be needed after all," Arianna adds, reconsidering her earlier suggestion. "Since Kesset and Saughis have now committed not one but two acts punishable by death in the eyes of the Brevic government (who - need I remind you - sponsored our charters), their fates seem pretty clear," she says grimly, glancing over to the two nooses that have already been prepared.
Temerith is torn upon hearing all this from Arianna, a frown set firmly on his face. Though pleased to hear the rest of the prisoners had nothing to do with it, it doesn't change the fact that the two who hurt Endel would likely be receiving a very final punishment.
I can only hope the other prisoners aren't better actors than Kesset and Saughis...
Raxus, growing impatient, finally decides to act rather than watch. He walks into the makeshift jail and stands in front of the pair.
"The others are working themselves up to kill you.' the big man rumbled. "Some place called Brevoy has some laws. That's enough for them. I've never heard of Brevoy, and I don't care about their laws. I could stop them from killing you. Haven't decided if I should. Why did you attack the guard?"
He pauses, about to listen, then continued.
"When I was young, I watched my father eat a friend of his. My father thought his friend might have lied to him."
"Might have."
"Don't lie to me."
@Arumil:
"Only those that attacked Endel. As for the rest, sure. I'd not deny a man a second chance at leaving behind his past crimes. We've all had our share of decisions we'd like to forget about."
"As for when I'll trust them with a sword... I'll have to let you know."
-----
@ Bydar:
You return to the house and Svetlana answers the door. She heads inside and Oleg returns a minute later. "What do you want? I already spoke to your friend."
-----
@ Raxus:
They seem somewhat cowed by Raxus' attempt at intimidation. The men sit quietly and look at one another before one finally speaks up, "You don't understand how hard he was on us, sir! He would always watch us, always tell us we were scum, just filthy bandits."
The other one chimes in, "Right, he didn't spare the rod neither! We both got bad bruises on our backs from where he beat us."
The first one add, "But then he got really mad when I fell down, said he was going to kill me for trying to dodge work. Said I was just another mouth to feed. I was scared, sir, it was him or me. Out here in the wilds, you got to protect yourself, and when he said he'd kill me, well, that was it. I tried to get him first. But it was self-defense - all his buddies would protect him, but I only got Saughis here."
Saughis shakes his head, "I couldn't let Kesset be killed by that guard, sir. He was cruel, he was. Liked hurting us, rubbing our noses in the dirt. Kesset shouldn't have to die from a dog like him."
DC 21: Kesset is quite adept at lying, it seems. Though Saughis supports his story, Kesset is displaying several tells that indicate he isn't being truthful.
-----
Arumil nods, he could agree with that.
"Well thank you for your time. If you will excuse me."
He heads back to the others after excusing himself.
"Our dear guard captain is none to pleased with the two bandits, but he does not blame the group for the actions of the pair. As for his idea of punishment, he has no reservations about hanging them."
"We only heard snippets of their conversation, but it sounded like Kesset and Saughis attacked the guardsman without the knowledge or endorsement of the other bandits. They sounded pretty worried that the actions of the two bad apples will cause problems for all of them."
"So my offer to infiltrate their group disguised as either Kesset or Saughis might not be needed after all," Arianna adds, reconsidering her earlier suggestion. "Since Kesset and Saughis have now committed not one but two acts punishable by death in the eyes of the Brevic government (who - need I remind you - sponsored our charters), their fates seem pretty clear," she says grimly, glancing over to the two nooses that have already been prepared.
"So it seems," Bydar considers what she's said in an equally grim tone. "I think maybe we should ask the other bandits what fate they want for their two renegades."
You return to the house and Svetlana answers the door. She heads inside and Oleg returns a minute later. "What do you want? I already spoke to your friend."
[ooc]Diplomacy
He pauses before continuing, "If it was up to me, all of the bandits would have been killed as soon as they were captured. Life is tough here, not like in Restov or New Stetven. There are no trials, judges, or juries. Most of the people here don't get a fair shake, and many have learned to be happy just to scrape by with enough food and a bit of shelter. A man has to take what he can, when he can, then work his fingers to the bone to keep it."
"But I can see your logic in trying to help those men. I don't agree with it, but I understand it, and maybe that's what we need around here. A bit more civilization in the wilderness. But people around here won't be as reasonable. They'll look at what you've done with these bandits and figure you're weak. They'll be trying to take advantage of you every chance they get. Letting these two who attacked that guard live? Well, just another sign of weakness in some people's eyes. And don't kid yourself, those kobolds, the dragon, the Stag Lord, they're all watching you, trying to figure out if they can play you, and how. What you do matters out here, not only to those of us directly affected, but all around you too..."
He stops again, begins to say something, then closes his mouth. He frowns slightly, "So what would I do? I'd hang them. But if you want to give them another chance, if you think that's what is best for this land, then I understand."
"I'll give you a month. I'll allow a small barracks built for the bandits, but you have to help supervise them. Should take four days to get the wood and build it. After the month passes, we'll talk again after that. But if another incident happens with them, everyone one of you, and the bandits, are gone. No discussion, no questions, no convincing. You'll be out. Do you understand?"
"Good, glad we could work this out. Now, I would greatly appreciate the return of Svetlana's ring, and those radishes, if you don't mind. For the rest, let's all meet tomorrow over breakfast. Svet and I don't need to be around when you deal with the bandits. Just let me know tomorrow what you decide."
Bydar listens intently, nodding and thinking Oleg's words through.
"I'll give you a month. I'll allow a small barracks built for the bandits, but you have to help supervise them. Should take four days to get the wood and build it. After the month passes, we'll talk again after that. But if another incident happens with them, everyone one of you, and the bandits, are gone. No discussion, no questions, no convincing. You'll be out. Do you understand?"
"While I do worry that 'incident' is...pretty open a term, alarmingly so, I understand, I respect your stand, and will abide by it. I'll pass your words onto the others. Thank you for the second chance you're granting us." Bydar says with a soft smile.
"Good, glad we could work this out. Now, I would greatly appreciate the return of Svetlana's ring, and those radishes, if you don't mind. For the rest, let's all meet tomorrow over breakfast. Svet and I don't need to be around when you deal with the bandits. Just let me know tomorrow what you decide."
"Ah, my apologies, I thought those had already been turned over. Yes, of course." He'll try to see to it, and come out and tell his companions what was discussed and of Oleg's decision.
"Where are the radishes? Oleg would like them...and Arumil? I believe you have Svetlana's wedding ring?"
Arumil retrieves the items but before giving them over speaks.
"Well he is one to change his mind. I offered them before and he rejects them, now he ask for them thru you shortly after. I think it prudent that an understanding is reached at some point later. Beyond me why a requested retrieval would be refused upon completion."
He hands them over to Bydar.