"What's with the green Gnome?"
Raxus just shrugs. "I wouldn't eat it. She's claimed the rest, but says you can have one. Might be safer."
Arumil cast a spell to detect magical aura's and studies the prisoner's. Watching and taking in the new information.
"While it is Mist's way to claim kills and such I do not approve of others adopting their ways for their own personal reasons. That is unless you intend to truly honor their ways. As such I wonder how others will take to your new desire to eat the flesh of your enemies."
He looks at Arianna. Then turns back to the gnome.
"That being said we have yet to kill a member of the fey court. Only Mist has done so."
Glancing at the body.
"The gnome is part fey. So does that make them more important then the normal gnomes. Maybe they have value where the others do not."
He speaks mostly to no one.
Bydar listens, then looks at the other gnomes, "Do any of the rest of you have tongues of your own? Your friend here claims these are gnomish lands, and we are invading... except not once did whoever you look for send out an ambassador to let us know of our supposed intrusion. So instead of talking to us, you plot our deaths, and besiege not just us, but others in the land as well? When you might have had us respecting boundries instead by talking to us? There is more to this story. Tell it to us, and tell true" He realizes fae logic is notoriously ...well, illogical, but he tries to appeal to reason anyway, "And perhaps Arianna will reconsider her claims."
"While it is Mist's way to claim kills and such I do not approve of others adopting their ways for their own personal reasons. That is unless you intend to truly honor their ways. As such I wonder how others will take to your new desire to eat the flesh of your enemies."
He looks at Arianna.
"Do not presume that you know what is or is not 'My Way', Master Elf..." Arianna says coldly, "... and I shall afford you the same courtesy."
Bydar listens, then looks at the other gnomes, "Do any of the rest of you have tongues of your own? Your friend here claims these are gnomish lands, and we are invading... except not once did whoever you look for send out an ambassador to let us know of our supposed intrusion. So instead of talking to us, you plot our deaths, and besiege not just us, but others in the land as well? When you might have had us respecting boundries instead by talking to us? There is more to this story. Tell it to us, and tell true" He realizes fae logic is notoriously ...well, illogical, but he tries to appeal to reason anyway, "And perhaps Arianna will reconsider her claims."
As Bydar speaks, Arianna moves to stand behind the bound mouthy gnome who to this point has served as spokesman for the treacherous creatures. Quick as a flash, she reaches around the gnome and slices open his throat from ear to ear with the blade of her rapier.
As the gnome's lifeblood spurts out of the wound, she bends down to whisper in his ear.
Looking up at the shocked group, she turns to the remaining prisoners with an expression devoid of emotion. "As Bydar asked, do any of the rest of you have tongues of your own? If so, I suggest you start using them. NOW."
Bydar is indeed taken aback by Arianna's abrupt and violent action. He mutters a soft prayer to Shelyn, and proceeds to give the dead gnome last rites.
"Do not presume that you know what is or is not 'My Way', Master Elf..." Arianna says coldly, "... and I shall afford you the same courtesy."
Raxus smiled as the woman they had freed, this newcomer who he was only just getting to know, asserted herself.
She surprised him again a moment later. As the dying gnome fell to the ground he nodded his approval, but when she swept her gaze across them to see their reactions, Raxus lowered his head and scratched Dawn behind the ears, clearly avoiding eye contact.
Arumil is not surprised in the least, catching Bydar's eye.
"Do my words ring so hollow now priest, my concerns are not bourne of fancy."
Making sure he was not soiled by the bloody act of the woman, he cleans himself with a minor spell.
"In correction of your reply I stated my own opinion. I presume nothing yet that does not deny their truth none the less. Unlawful murder is a crime none of us is except, remember that."
"No one said they were, Arumil," Bydar reminds. "But there is more to this than mere offense taken for our existence."
Temerith does not look even remotely surprised at Arianna's actions, but rather pleased, instead. The tiefling nods in approval to the woman, giving the remaining gnomes his most fearsome glare to drive her statement home.
After too long spent keeping his thoughts about the elf's behavior to himself, Raxus finally snaps when Arumil implied that Arianna had just committed murder.
"We aren't in a place of laws. This isn't Aldor, or Chelliax, or any of those other places you people talk about. This isn't even the trade post. There are no laws here. There's just us."
"I don't know where you came from Arumil, but your ways are not mine, and they aren't hers. So far they don't seem to be anyone's but yours. If you want to enforce your idea of justice on this land, you are going to have to convince people your way is best. So far, some of what you've said has been accurate, but almost none of it has been right. Even if your way is best, it doesn't matter. No one will listen to you if you don't stop acting like you are better than everyone else."
"The only law that matters right now are the one's we decide, and are strong enough to enforce. I didn't see any murder today. If you think you did, you should probably go back where you came from and complain to them."
"This is perhaps not the time, nor company, to debate among ourselves about our conflict in perspectives," Bydar says gently.
Arumil looks at the big man.
"I have never said I think I am better then you, it seems you presume much more then I. Clearly you are better then me in some aspects, but I do not see how that has any connection to this. We were offered and accepted a charter, which if I recall states we are to strive against unlawful behavior. Upon accepting these charters we were given certain authority and terms to abide by. I do not take that lightly or break agreements once made. Otherwise that makes us no different then invaders in which case they have every right to attempt to drive us out. How are we then any different then this enemy. How are we in the right and them in the wrong. If we kill without thought, need, or agreement. If you can give me an acceptable answer then you will hear no more of it from me."
Glancing at the dead gnome and the priest's words.
"What's done is done."
"I have never said I think I am better then you...How are we in the right and them in the wrong. If we kill without thought, need, or agreement. If you can give me an acceptable answer then you will hear no more of it from me."
For the first time, Raxus ignores Bydar. He stands up and speaks slowly and carefully toward Arumil.
"You never needed to say it. It is apparent in your actions. You want anyone to listen to your council, change how you deliver it. You weren't even speaking to me and what you said made me want to ignore my mother's teachings."
"As for how we are different, if it isn't obvious to you, then all your knowledge and experience really is useless."
"This isn't the first time these gnomes have done this. When I first got my charter, the group I was with came across a village. All dead but two, who were sick. Same symptoms as Bokken. Everyone else had fled. They didn't get far, but they spread it to another community. A druid woman named Katie Eaglefeather managed to help save most of them, but our guess is that a hundred and fifty people died before it was contained."
"These people didn't do anything but build homes somewhere that these gnomes didn't think they should."
"That's how we're different. We try to make sure we only kill people who are too dangerous to let live. They kill without even trying to control their weapons, not caring who dies by accident."
"Arianna knows full well what kinds of people these gnomes are. So do I. So do you. The only one of us that has second thoughts is Byden, because he tries to see the good in everyone. The only reason you even care that the gnome is dead is because now you can't ask him questions, and because Arianna didn't ask you for your opinion before she did it."
Shaking his head the big man turned to Bydar and said "Sorry." then stomped off toward the tree line.
Arumil took it all in stride.
"The accuser commits the very crime he speaks of."
He simply shakes his head, saying nothing more on that subject.
"Let me know when we are moving on."
Seeing no point or need the elf goes off on his own near by. Keeping watch and waiting.
"... We were offered and accepted a charter, which if I recall states we are to strive against unlawful behavior. Upon accepting these charters we were given certain authority and terms to abide by..."
"Yes, the charters do instruct us to 'strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered'. As I'm sure you recall, the next line of the charter states, 'The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope'. This gnome," she points to the now motionless body, "admitted that he and his compatriots slaughtered my fellow caravan members, sold me to the mites as a slave, and has been spreading a plague to kill more innocent people. If none of that counts as a form of 'banditry' then I don't know what does. And he certainly was not repentant about his crimes. So what I just did was not unlawful - I was upholding the commitment I made to the Swordlords of Restov when I accepted their charter."
"Now, the rest of these 'bandits' had better start talking or they'll face a similar punishment for being 'unrepentant'," Arianna says, facing the captives again as she holds up her rapier to show the gnome's blood still dripping from the blade.
The remaining gnomes are blinking their eyes and looking around. They seem to be quite confused...
One of them looks at Arianna, "Oh my, who are you? What's going on here?"
The other kobolds shimmer and their true forms appear - all of them seem to be half-fey gnomes with varying shades of green skin. They also look around in a daze.
Even from where he stands Arumil noticed the change of the other gnomes. Walking back towards the other gnomes he nods.
"Enchantment magic, they were being controlled. The apparent leader that was killed may have been the only free willed among them. That makes them and the one that the worg killed nothing more then innocent pawns in someone's game. Someone with powerful enchantment magic at their disposal."
Arumil shook his head, going back to where he stood a short distance away. Clearly with nothing more to add.
The only one of us that has second thoughts is Bydar, because he tries to see the good in everyone.
Shaking his head the big man turned to Bydar and said "Sorry." then stomped off toward the tree line.
Bydar hangs his head for a moment, "No need, on some level, I'm... actually humbled." And my hope that there is good in everyone is not one born of selflessness
Bydar watches the other gnomes stir, a sinking feeling grows in his belly.
"Oh my, who are you? What's going on here?"
"I am Bydar, may I ask who you are?"
"Enchantment magic, they were being controlled. The apparent leader that was killed may have been the only free willed among them. That makes them and the one that the worg killed nothing more then innocent pawns in someone's game. Someone with powerful enchantment magic at their disposal."
"Yet they were able to surrender, curious. I suppose the enchantment was only so strong?"
"So they were controlled,
The question then is Who is controlled them."
Arianna nods grimly upon hearing her companions' assessment of the gnomes' condition. With a whispered word she casts a minor cantrip to instantly clean the blood from her rapier.
The remaining gnomes are blinking their eyes and looking around. They seem to be quite confused...
One of them looks at Arianna, "Oh my, who are you? What's going on here?"
"I'm sorry for your confusion. My name is Arianna, and these are my companions: Bydar, Bridgette, Raxus, Temerith, and Arumil," she replies to the gnome in a kindly tone, indicating each of her companions as she introduces them. "I'm afraid you've all been under the effect of some type of mental domination magic, cast upon you by this gnome, here," she pauses, indicating the slain gnome. Bending down, she removes the signet ring from the dead gnome's finger. "I'm sorry to say that this villain has manipulated you all into committing several crimes throughout this region over at least the past couple of months. But my companions and I have freed you from his influence."
"Can you tell us who you are and where you're from? What are the last things you remember?"
The gnomes look at each other in silence as they take in their surroundings. Murmuring softly, one finally looks up, "My name is Korrelan, and I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about."
He points at the dead gnome, "That was Zatlusan, he visited our village a few months ago, but he left after staying for a single night."
One of the other gnomes is staring at the fey-gnomes, "Who are they?"
The fey-gnomes are still somewhat dazed, but one manages to blurt, "Zatlusan, ware his signet. Best to leave it where it is else it take your soul too. I am known as Derry."
He shakes his head and puts his hand to his forehead, then finally speaks, "Zatlusan was a member of a small village that was destroyed during a battle with kobolds. He wandered around, trying to find ways to fight against any kobolds he found, but by himself, he wasn't very effective. He even tried to get others to help, but without money or treasure to hire people, he didn't find any volunteers. But he tried, and failed. There were always too many kobolds, and he was too cautious on his own. After wandering these lands for a few months, he passed out near our village dying of starvation and thirst."
He indicates himself and the other fey-gnomes, "We have lived in seclusion for many decades, content to enjoy the wilds of these lands in solitude."
"But finding a gnome in need on our doorstep... What could we do? We gathered him up and placed him in our sacred grove with offerings asking for his recovery. After a few nights, he emerged, bearing that signet. During his rest, he was taken into the First World and given that ring, along with instructions and plans. He was convinced that these schemes would allow him to take vengeance upon the kobolds. Of course, the diseases he was taught to make would cause nearly all of the sentient beings to also die, but in his madness, Zatlusan was beyond care. He claimed it was justice for those who refused to help him in his earlier pleas."
The green-skinned gnome sighs. "We didn't want to help him, but refusing the commands of one bearing that signet would mean a fate worse than death. Our whole village has been making batches of the disease for weeks - and without knowing about his demise, they will continue spreading the filth throughout the lands!"
He looks at the other fey-gnomes before speaking again, "We know we're guilty of what we've done, but maybe we can help make it right - we will lead you to our village, but his Lord will know of his death, and will most likely send another servant to see what's happening. Even though Zatlusan was in charge, it wasn't his plan. You have to help or more disease could be spread..."
The first gnome speaks up, "Hey, what about our village? If we were enslaved, then what's happened to the rest of our village? What about our families? You can't help them first, they were the ones spreading diseases around!"
Derry hangs his head, "Your village was destroyed. You, and the other survivors, have been living in pens near our village for weeks."
The normal gnomes quickly go from shock to anger, with some leaping to their feet and grabbing their weapons.
-----
Bydar steps between the gnomes, "Please... enough violence has been done, and if you start killing each other, then Zatlusan continues to control you in his way. "
"Please stop fighting each other, and turn your fighting spirit to your real enemy."
Arumil uses a minor spell to create a sound like the crack of a whip.
"I would remind you that without them we will not be able to get near the village without a very long and likely bloody fight. Which will only endanger what is left of your people. With their aid we can stop the disease, free your people, and start repairing the damage done. Their is also the fact that they are pawns in someone else's game. Someone who was the architect of your misfortune, if not the tool. Their will be ample time for judgment at a later date."
The fey-gnomes are still somewhat dazed, but one manages to blurt, "Zatlusan, ware his signet. Best to leave it where it is else it take your soul too. I am known as Derry."
Arianna pauses at the gnome's warning, her fingertips mere inches away from the possibly cursed signet ring.
"Thank you for your warning, Derry," she thanks the gnome with a respectful nod of her head.
As the situation between the normal gnomes and the fey gnomes devolves, Arianna steps in to help diffuse the situation with Bydar and Bridgette. "Please try to remain calm. Everyone here has been victimised by Zatlusan in one form or another," she says. Turning to Korrelan she adds, "Perhaps if we convince the gnomes of Derry's village to stop making Zatlusan's disease, they'll help you and your people rebuild your lives."
Bydar considers what was said and thinks to himself Perhaps, if they can't or won't, we can. At least a little.
The gnomes relax a bit, but still seem very angry. Korrelan glares you, "They better hope our friends and family are okay. Your words won't stop us next time."
He stalks away from the group and begins talking in hushed tones with his comrades.
Derry looks up and nods his thanks, concern obvious on his tiny face. "We can take you to our village if you want to go. I'm not sure what we'll find there, but if you're strong enough to stop Zatlusan, maybe you can help set the rest of us free. Will you help us?"
The gnomes relax a bit, but still seem very angry. Korrelan glares you, "They better hope our friends and family are okay. Your words won't stop us next time."
"One more thing, I know it is cold comfort, but if you need help establishing a new village, maybe we can help. Set up one near us if need be. You've been wronged, and that would be reason enough, but A war seems to be coming, and all good people are going to need allies in these times," Bydar suggests.
Derry looks up and nods his thanks, concern obvious on his tiny face. "We can take you to our village if you want to go. I'm not sure what we'll find there, but if you're strong enough to stop Zatlusan, maybe you can help set the rest of us free. Will you help us?"
"We'll try to help all of you," Bydar says.
Temerith nods, sheathing his blade at his side to emphasize his sincerity. The tiefling moves to stand at Bydar's side.
"I see no reason aid would be denied. It is in everyone's best interest after all. I would suggest someone gather Raxus and inform him of these developments. I doubt he would have any interest in my words, regardless of what they are."
As an after thought, his voice lowered so only the others close by could hear.
"Curious that my insistence that the situation is not as cut and dry as simple good and evil held true. I wonder what would have happened if Zatlusan had fled or been the last to die. Why with such blind anger a massacre of innocent pawns may have been the result."
Their is only a slight tone of sadness and a glance at the worg murdered gnome. Arumil cast a magical detection spell to see if their was anything else magic related on or among them.
"I believe we should go to Derry's village first to get them to stop making the disease and to free the rest of Zatlusan's prisoners," Arianna suggests.
"Korrelan, we mean what we say about you and your people being welcome to rebuild your lives at the Levetons' trading post - it seems a new village is developing there. But first, would you accompany us to Derry's village? Your presence may help to reassure the other gnome prisoners if they've recovered from Zatlusan's influence."
"But before we leave here, we need to figure out what to do about Zatlusan's signet ring," Arianna adds, kneeling down to study the ring without touching it. "If it's as dangerous as Derry says, we can't just leave it lying around here. I suppose we could always cut off Zatlusan's hand so we can take the ring without actually touching it..."
Korrelan looks at Bydar, "I know you're trying to help, but I can't think about that when my people are still locked up like livestock. Help me free them, then'll we'll talk about what happens after that." He looks over and nods sharply to Arianna. It's apparent he isn't happy, but he understands the necessity of the situation. "We're ready to go."
Bydar nods to Korrelan, "Of course, and you're right." He considers the ring and the gruesome way Arianna wants to handle it, "I find the idea of hacking off even this bastard's hand a bit grim, but unless someone has a better solution, I cannot think of one. We'll want it, the hand and ring, wrapped multiple times until we can find a way to destroy it."
He considers, "I have a blessing that protects against evil, and thus against evil possession and influence, though it only strengthens, it does not make one immune. And it only lasts for a few minutes."
Arumil clears his throat to draw attention.
"The ring has powerful enchantment, abjuration, and conjuration magic. Which if I were to guess give it abilities to charm, as the gnomes could attest. As well as protection for the wearer or the ring itself to keep from being used against its creator. Lastly it may have magic to teleport or summon in some fashion. This is all theory until I learn more. I would suggest that it be handled by an object and placed in a, preferably magical or lead, container. Their is no need to keep the hand. If I can not discern more at the moment I have a spell I can prepare to learn more tomorrow."
He keeps studying the item, attempting to gain more information on its properties.
Bydar considers, "Perhaps the best thing to do in the short term is to bury the body, ring and all, mark the spot, return later, and dig it up to retrieve the ring more carefully when we have the right gear to do so. Either that, or destroying it if anyone has a vial of acid or the like. I hate to see any beautiful object destroyed, but slavery is an ugly thing in any form."
"It would be rather easy for anyone to find the ring, not simply the enemy but graverobbers as it is not an unknown practice out here. Also as a magical item it may resist attempts at destruction that would effect a normal item, their is also the chance that its destruction may cause a rather unforeseen or violent backlash. Just so that you are aware." Arumil adds.
You can surmise it's effect on the wearer: providing protection against attacks and spells, the ability to mentally enslave other creatures, and possibly providing some level of summoning ability to the wearer.
As you study the ring, despite its unusual nature, you can discern another school of magic, subtly twisting around all the other auras. A single magical thread of divination magic weaves its way throughout every part of the ring. Such magic would likely be hidden from the wearer, and unless studied in detail, virtually unknown to everyone except for the creator.
"I'm aware of the danger, but unless we have the proper tools it seems anything we do is dangrous.." He shrugs then looks to the gnomes, fey or otherwise, "Do any of you have any suggestions on how best to deal with it besides leaving it here where it might be where just anyone could stumble onto it and be possessed?"
Arumil freezes for a moment, a flick of his wrist has a dagger in hand. With a movement like chopping a chicken he cuts off the hand and tosses it as far as he can into the brush.
"On second thought it would be best to get away from it as soon as we can. It seems a secret magic was placed in it hidden even from the wearer, missed it myself the first time. The creator can scry the wearer and the ring enslaves its wearer as much as others. I was also correct about the summoning ability. I say we leave this place quickly. Next time the creator scry's the ring and finds things amiss I would guess it sends something to check it out or at least retrieve the ring. I would rather not be in the area."
Temerith grimaces at the Elf's statement, hand gripping the pommel of his weapon tightly. He glares in the general direction of the ring, before turning back to the others and nodding away from it.
Bydar whistles, "I know little of the arcane, but with so much magic entwined in one ring, I can't help but be impressed by the ring's crafter, and more than a little frightened of same." the decision made, Bydar starts to head towards the village, though he will suggest they rest rather than push on through later. After all, they shall be no good to any if they're too weary.
Arianna watches the proceedings silently, willing to let those more skilled in the arcane arts determine how best to deal with the ring. Her eyes narrow in consideration as Arumil slices the hand bearing the ring from the gnome's body and then tosses it into the brush.
"I hate the thought of something as powerful as that ring falling back into the hands of someone seeking to do us all harm, and if we leave it here it's only a matter of time before the ring's creator scrys on it and sends someone or something to retrieve it - and probably pass it on to another pawn. But I can't think of any means to destroy it now either."
The group begins the trek along with the fey-gnomes and their angry cousins. Travel is faster than you originally expect, and you manage to find an excellent campsite to rest for the night.
Around 3am, a loud hooting noise cuts through the night. The noise repeats itself "HOO-HOOT! HOO-HOO-HOOT!" It is loud enough to wake everyone in camp. The gnomes quickly arm themselves, but the fey-gnomes cower in wide-eyed fear. One of them crawls to Bydar, "It's a jubjub bird! Hide!"
"gather around a moment as we walk..." Bydar heals now just Arianna, but also any gnomes and his allies within range.
Around 3am, a loud hooting noise cuts through the night. The noise repeats itself "HOO-HOOT! HOO-HOO-HOOT!" It is loud enough to wake everyone in camp. The gnomes quickly arm themselves, but the fey-gnomes cower in wide-eyed fear. One of them crawls to Bydar, "It's a jubjub bird! Hide!"
Bydar arms himself and armors up "Anyone care to explain just what that is?"
"Everyone, gather round me! I'll try to mask our presence," Arianna hisses to the group, following the fey gnomes to the edge of the foliage. "And stay silent!"
Arianna murmurs the words to a spell and creates the illusion that the clearing is deserted save for the smoldering campfire.
Bydar complies, follows, and stays silent.