Aldarion rolls his eyes at the lead bandit's feeble attempt to frighten them. Clearing his throat, he dismisses his empty threat with a hand wave, then proceeds to inform all four that, "Alas, law has returned to these lands, don't you know?" Gazing upwards, the half-elf recites from memory as he produces his copy of the agents' charter to show them from a few feet away, "'The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed... under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.'"
"'Execution... by sword or,'" he repeats, with a gesture to Connor's noose while rolling his writ back up, "'by rope.' So exactly how repentant are you feeling now for the immorality of your thieving ways?"
He adds with a stern visage now, taking and holding up the silver amulet to them, "You'd best start talking."
Connor loops the noose around the lead archer's neck and then begins dragging him over to his tree branch, hurling the other end of the rope up and over. He ties it to Cinders saddle and then turns to look at the bandit.
"Answer the gardener's question or we will hang you and move on to the next guy. After watching you kick and choke for 20 minutes before you die , I'm sure they'll give us what we want."
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And swords are faster than ropes.
"But sooo messy," Seres adds, disdainfully.
The lead bandit looks fearfully at Aldarion and then begins sputtering, "No, no - please! I don't want to die! I'll tell you what I can!"
He pauses and attempts to regain his composure, "Listen, I'm a Rostlander, just like some of you. Happs Bydon is my name. I was once a soldier in the city guard until ... well, let's just say I had a falling out with the law that forced me to leave Restov. Anyway, here in the Greenbelt, there's not too many other options for a man like me, other than to take up banditry."
He looks at his men nervously and then continues, "We operate out of a base southwest of here on the Thorn river. The camp is about a two day ride on horseback. We have several hundred bandits at the camp - more than you could possibly take on unless you bring the Restov army with you. Kessle runs the operation - I'm her lieutenant. I suspect she reports to another bandit, but she won't tell me who. She gave me that amulet when she made me an officer." He points to the amulet with the stag insignia. "That's all I know - I swear. Now, if you just let us go, we'll forget about this whole misunderstanding."
He now smiles, "And who knows, maybe I can put a good word in for you with Kessle. And maybe you join us - eh? I think you'll find that the pay is to your liking. Much better than what you'll earn working for the Swordlords. Here in the Stolen Lands, that charter is just going to buy you an early grave. And like I said, there's not many options out here in the Greenbelt for men like us." He looks pointedly at Ezekial.
You sense that he is lying about the quantity of bandits at the camp.
"Several hundred." Aldarion dismisses the absurd number with a tone of disbelief. "You are not a very good liar, Mr. Bydon."
Indeed, Happs is clearly unrepentant. But...
Seeing his fellow agent ready to do the liar in, he pleads for him to, "Wait, Ezekiel. If we are to sentence him to execution, we should do it properly." He nods to Connor's noose.
"But I have one more question." To Happs, "Describe Kessle to us."
After hearing Happs' tale, Aldarion shifts his attention. "Before we proceed, let's hear from the rest of the rabble." Looking severely at the other three thugs, "Do any of you have anything to add to convince us of the sincerity of your penitence before we pass final judgment?"
Happs begins sweating profusely, "Just relax. I'm sure we can work out some sort of deal - right? Oh, you won't have any trouble recognizing Kessle. She's well known for her throwing axes. I'm telling you she's some kind of sadistic crazy. She's probably going to kill all of these fools because they screwed up this operation." He glares at the other bandits.
The nearest man hisses back, "I'll repent if I get to kill Happs!"
Another man nods, "I'll repent if you make me a hot breakfast." He stares longingly at the kettle over the cooking fire.
The third, wounded man, replies, "What does it matter? Ain't you heard? The end is near! The demon moon is rising. We all gonna die anyway!"
You note that all four bandits have extensive tatoos on their hands, arms and necks. From what you can see, the tattoos are of skulls and bones interwoven with flowing script.
At this point Oleg emerges from the shadows carrying a large woodman's axe. He walks up to Happs and kicks him in the face, "I say kill 'em all! Hang this scum from the walls and let the vultures pick their carcasses. Maybe their friends will think twice about coming around."
He turns to you, "Well done, my friends. We owe you our eternal gratitude. Dispose of these swine and then come inside so we can talk. You may lock them in the storage pen for now, if you like. Their gear and horses are yours for the taking."
Connor listens impassively to the exchange, nodding in affirmation as Aldarion intercepts Ezekiel.
"Ezekiel wishes to kill you outright. Oleg as well, although he believes we should hang you from the walls as a deterrent."
Looking at each of them in turn, the cavalry man gives his view of the upcoming justice, "Based on your own words, Happs, you obviously intend to return to banditry, you even tried to coerce us into joining. Plus you're lying about the numbers at your fort. You've given us other informatuon, though, so I think you should be allowed to choose the rope or the sword. "
Moving to the second and third men, he addresses them in turn, "You have murder in the heart and should die by hanging and the birds should feed on your carcass. But your companion here is a criminal out of desparation. If we had a jail, I'd say we imprison him, as it is, I offer him a hot meal before his execution. Again, your choice of method."
He stares at the final man for a moment before addressing him , "You spout rhetoric that sounds religious. Where did you come by this dogma and who are you following, both mortal and immortal?"
Finally to his companions, "We don't have a true court here, but I believe we can form a jury of sorts and we should take all interested parties opinions into consideration before we decide. Seres, Aldarion, where do you stand?"
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Aldarion wonders about Ezekial for a moment with a sidelong glance. I'll have to keep an eye out for this one. A bit too impulsive is he, it seems...
He welcomes Oleg, but cautions him against getting too personal with an open-palmed raised hand. "We will see justice done here today, friend Oleg. Let us proceed with due order." Looking with detachment at the reeling leader as his nose begins to bleed, "That one will receive his due sentence, I assure you."
Nodding to Connor's observations, he replies. "Indeed. Happs is clearly irredeemable. As for the rest," his gaze pauses on the hungry bandit, "That one might be." Speaking to the hungry bandit, "What is your name?" Observing his tattooed arms, he dispassionately adds, "Nice tattoos."
"We should obtain witness testimony from the victims." He then looks at the bearded trader, "Did this particular man personally wrong you or your wife, Oleg? If so, how? Please be as detailed as possible."
The gardener observes the hungry man in particular for cues about his intentions and motives as he and the others speak...
"A court? Jury? Trial?" Seres laughs. "Let's not waste time with such a farce. I say string up the ringleader, and set the others free." He shrugs. "Under parole, of course. They leave the Stolen Lands, forever... Should we find they returned to their band and continue their banditry, death will be swift."
"I hear Numeria is beautiful this time of year," he adds, smiling.
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Ezekial nods at Seres' recommendation. I only want to see Happs dead for now, and I've no need for a trial to do that. His men may yet show signs of repenting. If they repent we spare them. But they have done great harm and should be required to begin to pay back some of what they owe. Perhaps a year of indentured work would settle their accounts? Oleg, if you are convinced that one or more of these lads wishes to start a new life would you accept them as workers for room and board? There is no shortage of work that needs to be done.
The hungry bandit looks up with indifference, "My name is Cletus. These here tattoos are from the Prophet. He tells us to pray to the God of the End Times for guidance in these final days. He says all this pillaging don't mean nothing since it's all gonna turn to dust anyway."
He pauses and considers Ezekial's words. "I reckon I could repent if that's what you want. I guess I'd rather work here than die in Numeria." The other two bandits nod their assent.
Oleg nods at Ezekial's offer, "Yes, I could use the help, if they can be trusted. There is indeed no shortage of work."
Happs locks gazes with Ezekial, "I could repent, but would you believe me? Men like us never change, isn't that right? I guess you could kill me, but what good is that? What if I tell you I can lead you to the Thorn River camp? What if I tell you I could get you past the guards? Wouldn't that be worth something?"
"God of the End times? You worship Groteus? Who is this Prophet and where does he hail from?"
"I think it's risky Oleg. We will be travelling and there are 3 of them here. I'd recommend you take the hungry man on and exile the other two, but it's your risk to take."
He turns back to leading Happs to the noose and horse. "Anything else for him? If not, let's be done with it."
If there are no objections, Connor will click at Cinder and raise Happs off the ground by the neck. He will watch until the bandit dies. "May you find atonement in the next life."
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Cletus shrugs, "We just call him the God of End Times. The Prophet says we do his will by sowing anarchy and discord. I reckon the Prophet will not tolerate you law-givers. Best you stay away from the Narlmarches."
Happs curses and screams once he realizes that there is no escaping his fate. He dies quickly when cinder pulls him off his feet. The other bandits watch silently without emotion.
Oleg nods grimly, "Serves him bloody right. May his soul rot in hell." He turns to the other bandits, "Why should I trust you? Leave now and never show your faces here again. Tell your friends that only death awaits those who would steal from Oleg."
The bandits flee the gates with only the clothes on their backs.
Once inside the gatehouse, Oleg and Svetlana bring forward a keg of ale and prepare a hearty lunch for you. As Svetlana serves the first round of ale, Oleg drops a bag of 50 gold coins on the table. "Please my friends, take this as a small token of our gratitude. Also, you may keep the potions that I have in stock, and you have lifetime free room and board. Now tell me, what are your plans to permanently end the bandit scourge?"
Aldarion shudders as he realizes the script on their tattoos is the ancient language of eldritch nightmares. "Aklo," he says aloud, as if spitting out a distasteful morsel of food. "A legendary form of speech that I would not utter here, even if I could. For it belongs in the foul depths of the Darklands well beneath the earth."
Aldarion watches in stern silence as the bandit leader hangs.
He then adds, directing his words at the surviving bandits, "I know nothing of this apocalyptic deity. But you'd be wise to fear for your souls and evade all connection with one that uses this unearthly tongue."
About to protest their immediately acted upon exile, Aldarion watches as the two bandits flee the front gate. "They... they could warn the others, you know." Shaking his head, "We must make haste now, if we are to retain the advantage and surprise them." Glancing around the messy court yard however, he adds with a half smirk, "But let us clean up first."
Giving the remaining ex-bandit a look just before commencing the cleanup though, he suggests, "Perhaps manacles could be spared? Securing them around his ankles for a few months should help ensure he earns your trust, dear Oleg."
He then looks at the opened front gate, disappointment in his visage. Turning to the other agents, "Well done, my friends. But, we have work to do in the patience department, yes. Decisions should be weighed for a time, not immediately acted upon."
The gardener thanks Oleg and Svetlana for their generosity. "You are generous hosts, and we are pleased to help." He adds, after looking around at the group, "Perhaps we should press on, take the fight to them at this Thorn River camp that Happs mentioned, if he spoke truly about it." He ponders a moment, scratching his thin goatee. "Tracking their horses in the fresh snowfall should not pose a challenge to me."
After the others chime in and a plan is set, Aldarion adds, "Now let us cleanup this mess a bit first." He begins to clean up the open yard: moving the plants out of the way, helping bury the body of Happs (or moving it somewhere appropriate, until the snow thaws), cleaning up any blood stains, tending to the influx of horses, and so forth.
"Fair enough," Seres says, watching the routed bandits flee. "They might cause trouble, but if they have an ounce of piety, they'll take their continued breathing as a divine blessing and stay well clear of here."
At lunch, Seres loudly enjoys the meal, favoring Svetlana with a wink and smile in thanks. To the planning, he adds, "Speaking of patience, I'd say we steer clear of this bandit camp. I doubt they have hundreds in their number, but even a fraction of that would be well more than we can handle."
"I say we start exploring and see if we can take care of some of these wanted posters. I'd like to stay close to Olegs in case there is a follow up."
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Ezekail warns the ex-bandits before they flee. He carries there bags. In each is a day's trail rations and a gold piece. Each of you take this. It will help you on your way. You have seen how we deal with unrepentant banditry. And now you have a second chance. I have marked each of your faces. Should I ever see you in any way related to banditry or even unfair dealing you will wish for the rope, even beg for it before I am done with you. That is as sure as this food I gift to you. You leave here free men. The worst decision you could make in your entire life would to turn back to these bandits as we are coming for them. He watches them walk away wishing that Oleg had chosen to keep at least one on to help him.
After those men are out of sight he goes and reads the wanted posters. I agree Connor. Even if those men go immediately and report what happened we should have more than a week before a reprisal is possible. I would recommend we gather resources, knowledge, and experience before we take on the bandit camp. After all there are hundreds of bandits there. he says with a wink.
Aldarion nods in concurrence. "I suggest we at least track their trails back to scout the camp, however. I know not how far the river is from here, and the horse prints upon the fresh fallen snow will not survive the sun for too long."
He then looks up at the open sky, and enters into some kind of mystical trance or meditation. One might surmise he is sensing something about the air and the earth around him...
"while I'm not ready to hunt the bandits down without understanding more of their organization and tactics, we can at least explore in the direction they came from to see if there are any nearby concerns."
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Coming out of his trance, Aldarion nods in agreement with Connor. "Yes. I believe that would be wisest."
He adds, after concluding his ritual by raising a licked finger up in the air, "The weather should be cool but clear enough for at least the next few days." With a smile, "Ideal for exploring."
His smile feels forced though, if only to himself: Justice was served well today. But I've never been responsible for the death of another before. It was necessary, but... but it doesn't feel good. Not good at all. I yearn to return to my gardens back home. Strange how appealing even all the uninvited visitors at my door are to me now...
Aldarion readies Bessy and his new pack horse for travel. Donning a thick, tan cloak, he covers his head with its warm hood. When the party is ready to proceed, the half-elven frontiersman takes the lead. He is ever mindful of the snow-covered ground before them, ensuring they follow the trail left by the horses when the bandits rode them earlier this morning.
He also wonders about the direction the exiled bandits went. Noting human footprints, he notes what direction they lead off, if not in the same direction back the way they came (the direction the party is heading).
Aldarion frowns. "It appears the bandits we exiled are heading straight back to their camp..." Letting that thought sit in his companions' heads a moment, he adds, "We will probably catch up to them soon enough, however, since they remain on foot."
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The following morning you begin your exploration of the Greenbelt by traveling south from Oleg's Trading Post. You venture into the northern section of the rolling plains known as the Kamelands. Before you lie long tracks of alluvial grasslands, prairies and meadows. This portion of the northern Kamelands also includes numerous small copses of fir, juniper and cypress tress. You note that the tracks of the bandits head south before turning southwest. After several hours of mapping the open expanse, you come upon a section of grasslands strewn with the skeletons of what appear to be boars, deer, bears and even several humans. Looking around, you see that the skeletons are scatter at least 100 meters out in each direction from you.
Ezekial you notice that Rose has become somewhat skittish.
;from front
Suddenly a trap door opens in the grass and a giant spider leaps out. Before any of you can react, the spider races towards Aldarion's horse, closing within 30 feet. Your horses begin to prance and nay.
Bessy neighs and rises up onto her hind legs as the stealthy spider slithers near. Aldarion's eyes widen as he remarks, "Mother of all creatures big and bigger, that is a big spider!" He seems more amazed than frightened...
Ezekial's dagger lodges deep in the spider, leaving a trail of green ichor. The presence of the rushing spider panics the riding horses, whom begin bucking and braying - only Cinder retains some level of composure. The spider springs forward to attack Bessy, but the horse is able to dodge the spider's fangs. The spider nimbly springs back away from the horse following the attack.
Connor will drop the reins of the pack horse, couch his lance and spur Cinder to charge the spider.
"WHOA GIRL!"
Despite his best attempts, Bessy becomes too difficult for Aldarion to control. Rising up on her hinds once more, she continues to whinny and prance in place.
Despite expending all his effort on her, the gardener manages to get at least the most critical warning about the spider to Connor and the others, risking a quick point at the spider, "Beware its poison!"
Seres will slide out of his saddle and ready his bow.
Ezekial specifically moved to not block you. But we may still need to talk. My damage output is gonna tank if I cannot ever flank with you or the horse.
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Aldarion attempts to calm Bessy, but the horse continues to buck and bray. The druid's spooked pack horse pulls away from him and bolts to the south. Seres slides from the saddle of his panicked horse and draws his bow. Connor releases the reins from his pack horse and directs Cinder to charge the spider. His deadly lance narrowly misses the spider but Cinder is able to bite the giant arachnid as he passes. Connor's pack horse bolts away from the spider once released.
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