Cain raises an eyebrow as the bandit bolts for the open country, amazed at how quickly the thug managed to gain control of the frightened beast with an extra-planar monster nipping at it's heals. He turns and watches the thug exit the gates and in the process totally misses poor Acalon getting schooled... rrr pwned,, rrr I mean one-shotted. Shrugging his shoulders, Cain calls out to the bandit in a calm tone.
"Ed Grooberman. You fail to grasp Tae Kwon Leap. Approach student, that you may learn."
Cain is on the ramparts, so I assume the bandit will have to dismount once he gets to the up ladder.
He turns and watches the thug exit the gates and in the process totally misses poor Acalon getting schooled... rrr pwned,, rrr I mean one-shotted. Shrugging his shoulders, Cain calls out to the bandit in a calm tone.
"Ed Grooberman. You fail to grasp Tae Kwon Leap. Approach student, that you may learn."** spoiler omitted **
Setting up the next round, my actions are regardless of what happens with Cain and Cael, unless the bandit leader goes down somehow.
Edi wants to turn and pursue his prey, teeth already dripping with the blood of the bandit, but Red gives a war cry and Edi turn and runs head long at the Leader teeth bared (i.e. he charges the leader). Edi should be in the square south west of the leader, since that seems to be the most direct path using grids.
Damage (attack is magical in case of DR):
The Eagle having just fell its prey looks up to see another wicked looking human to pounce on. It lunges forward part on the ground, part in the air, beak open to rip at the bandit leader (i.e. also charges). The Eagle should end up in the same square as the leader.
Bite:
Damage:
Red yelling furiously as he sees his plans undone both with the escaping bandit and Acalon falling to the Leader's arrow, but heeding Cael call to go after the leader, he summons magical energy into his staff, as he charges at the leader. (i.e. he uses Arcane Strike feat, then charges as well, and uses the staff this round as a two-handed weapon). If the Eagle is technically in the way for a charge, I'll redo Red's action. Reminder on the counter-attack, Red has the Shield spell up.
Damage (attack is magical in case of DR):
The fleeing bandit reins his horse in, turning it around and moving towards Cain as the spell takes hold.
Meanwhile, the leader has his words shoved back down his throat by arrow, tooth, claw, and staff. Between the four attacks he collapses, falling into an unconsciousness that will likely soon turn to death as his blood quickly pools around him.
The lone bandit to be standing seems to come back to himself standing just a few feet away from Cain, and looks about with a hand-in-the-cookie-jar look before holding out his hands in a surrendering motion.
A grin of satisfaction crosses Cain's lips as he sees the battle draw to it's close almost exactly as they had hoped. Motioning Cael over to him and the bandit, Cain says, "Take care of Ed here would you please, I need to tend to the blood on the field." Cain jumps to the ground and heads over to where the carnage is. "Abadar, you have brought justice today to a torn land, now lend our friend your strength that he may continue to aid us in this lawless country." And over the bandits he chants, "Grant these your foes a few more hours of life that they may relinquish to us the secrets of their cursed brethren."
After finishing his rites, Cain calls to Oleg. "Oleg! I'm going to need rope or strapping to bind the, blindfolds and gags please."
With that he turns back to Acalon to give him more careful attention.
"Very smooth my friend Cain" Cael exclaims as he takes possession of the prisoner swapping his bow for his longsword. "On your knees and then to your stomach you worm" he growls at the bandit.
"How is everyone over there" he yells down to those on the floor of the fort. "O and Oleg could use a bit of that rope up here as well!"
Cael secures the bandits arms behind his back then helps him down the ladder and finally ties up his legs as well and looks around to the others.
"If there remained any doubt of why I wanted to be a Cleric..." Red thinks out loud as he sees the fleeing bandit he was so worried about escaping, turn around and walk up to Cain.
As Red lands the final blow on the bandit leader, he yells, "And this is for Acalon!"
He reigns in Edi and calms him and himself down from the adrenaline of combat. He pats Edi on the side as Edi walks over to the fallen leader and plops down on top of him, then uses his two arms to put the leaders arm together in waiting for rope. Red cracks a smile at that.
Red walks over to Acalon, just before Cain arrives, and surveys the damage. He looks up as Cain runs up, "Our friend is in bad shape, but I'm no healer. I'd probably cause his death if I tried to 'help'." He stands up, as Cain starts to help him.
He looks over at the eagle, who is looking around for another target. He squats down to the eagle and gives some calming clicking and whistling sounds with his leather-gloved hand extended.
He walks over to Oleg, eagle perched on his hand, to help with getting rope for everyone. Red assists with rope tying, and keeps the Eagle from trying to further wound the bandits until it unsummons.
Watches as Cain works on Acalon hoping to see some favorable response from his injured comrade. "He gonna be fine soon" he asked quietly so as not to distract the cleric much.
He looks back to Red "If Acalon is out of it for a while we need to start getting some information from these bandits and then figure out what we need to do with them. If I remember correctly the penalty for banditry is death or the loss of the offenders dominate hand at the discretion of the local ruler. Under our charter we are the local rulers for all 'legal' issues that need to be handled."
"Sooo do you want the first round of questioning or should I take it?"
Once the offenders who weren't totally gibbed are bound, blindfolded, and gagged, Cain kneels down in the blood soaked dirt. Resting on his knees, he places his holy symbol between his flat palms and touches it to his forehead and begins a soft canter. Before long, those around feel a sense of peace welling up within them that eases their tension. The breathing of the injured steadies and deepens as the serenity works its power on their bodies and hopefully their souls as well. But such peace cannot last as the mending gives way to consciousness, and consciousness to the reminder of the grim task now at hand.
Cain stands and tries, with little success, to help Acalon to his feet; Cain's hands just cannot seem to support the weight. "You are going to need to take it easy for a little bit, and you will need to eat. You are welcome to join the activities, but remember to take it easy."
Once Acalon is finally standing on his own, Cain turns to the others. "Red, if you would please inventory and stable the horses. Cain, please do the same for our guests here. Oleg, if you could find a place to put them for the time being, that would be great. I'll see if I can set up a court room for the proceedings. This should be done properly. I was thinking of having Red preside, I'll record, Oleg is the plaintiff, and I guess Cael, you and Acalon can be a joint prosecution if you like. Our guests can put forth their own defense. Any of those found guilty can then be put to further questioning."
Shakes his head "really?! Next thing you will be wanting them to have lawyers and letting someone get out of there fair punishment because we didn't ask there intentions before springing our trap! That is all a waste of time, I am sure each one has a sad sob story as to why he had to turn bandit and how he never really hurt anyone but it doesn't matter. Each one road in here laughing and joking and when told by this" kicks some dirt in the leading bandits general direction "worthless excuse for a human told them to they went right to work to load up good Oleg's belongings."
Shakes his head again "Cain I respect your vocation as a cleric and i am sure we will get there side of the story when we interrogate them but we have no time or need for a court. We have the authority of judge jury and executioner by our charter and we don't have the time to waste in a 'court'! We need information now!"
"How many are we facing, where and how far away are they, when was this group expected back. and what kind of force is likely to show up here at the post if we can't go out and whittle them down first!"
Cain's eyes are blazing and is breathing a bit heavier from the surprising passion he put behind his words. "So which one do we interrogate first!"
Red nods at Cain's statements about the trial, as he leads one of the horses into the stables.
Red gets the bandit's horse inspected, and put in a stall when he hears the outburst by Cael. He quickly heads back to the courtyard to try and ease tensions.
Red looks back and forth at both men as Cael finishes his emotional statement. "Cael you are right we need vital intelligence and soon. Our lives and those of Oleg and his wife are at risk, should the bandits come looking for their own. And we ARE the law, but that also means we can't be bullies if other people are to respect and follow us in the days to come. No doubt dispatching bandits like this will lead to us being known for our combat prowess, but good leaders are also known for their adherence to the law, even when it is inconvenient."
Turns and looks at Cain as he continues, "Cain I agree we need to set up a proper trial, and fulfill the requirements of the law. And I agree to preside over the cases. Before we get to that though, whether a small town magistrate or a large city's guard would have a chance to question the prisoners. The prisoners should also have a chance to confess to their crimes in lieu of going to trial. So we should follow the law, just as it is applied throughout the land."
Turns back to Cael "I quite assume the leader will be too bull-headed as to confess or aid us, so he will almost certainly need to stand trial, and we'll have to carry out his sentence."
Looks back at both men "Punishment for 'unrepentant' banditry is death by rope or sword, so these men should be given a chance to repent. If they choose to turn from their ways, I think we should turn them over to the Swordlords for imprisonment. We could probably pay a merchant a few gp to take them back to town. I don't remember too many people walking around the land with one hand, but that may also be an option instead of years of hard labor."
"As for getting information, I strongly oppose torture. If Cain has a spell that would help us get information, I'm not opposed to that for the sake of our safety, but I would consider that information inadmissible in the bandit's trial. Given Cael passion in this situation in contrast to my instinct to want to smooth things over," Red smiles at both, "I think we could make a proper pair for some good guard bad guard questioning. I would start with the one Cain commanded, as I'm sure he's quite embarrassed, and Cael it would be easy for you to play it up that he surrendered and his friends think he is a turncoat."
"That said, we need to keep the 4 as separate as possible until we can deal with them. If they are allowed to see or talk to one another, they'll be less likely to turn on their brethren."
Turns and looks at poor Acalon "Acalon, you are the most intimidating out of the four of us, so you might also be a good asset in getting one of the bandits to talk. I can understand given the circumstances if you need to bow out for a while. And I am sorry things went down so badly."
"Ugh, remind me not to get shot again. It's not pleasant."
After sitting for a few minutes Acalon stands up and staggers for a second, then catches himself.
"You know, I feel a lot better than I expected. Thank you for the healing, Cain. I could probably stand to at least assist interrogating these bandits, before we decide their further fates."
Glares at Cain for a second more then sighs rolls his eyes and turns to the captives. "AT least you agree that we need information first anyone that wants to be of help is defiantly welcome"
He stalks over to the prisoner Cain enchanted and carefully untied his feet and pulled him up marching him around the corner of the stables out of sight of the rest of the prisoners with only grunts of "common" and "move it" to encourage the prisoner along.
He pushes the bandit roughly down so he is sitting with his back against the stables takes a step back carefully coiling the length of rope that had tied the bandits feet and then turns back to him with his dagger in one hand.
"My partners here seem to think that you might be worth something in this world. I am not so sure, right now that coil of rope is worth more in my mind than you! But I do value the opinions of my fiends so I am going to see if you are of value or not. So what do you know about this operation that you can tell me and increase your value? Start with a good location, numbers, how armed and how soon before your little party will be missed. I am sure anything else you can add will be weighed in your favor, or maybe you don't know anything and I get to take care of your sentencing!"
He reaches over with the dagger in one hand in front of the prisoners eyes and unties the gag with the other. "Talk"
Cain lets Cael carry off his prisoner then pulls Red and Acalon aside for just a second. "Unlike Red, I've no problem with torturing information out of those we are already planning on executing, however, so long as it remains to just verbal questioning, then court can wait. This will be a good chance to watch the prisoners' reactions and help us decide who is worthy of what punishment, and who we might want to show mercy to. We are gonna need some friends if we are going to subdue the entire region, and mercy is a great tool for making loyal friends if they have the right disposition going in. Watch them and see if you can see through to what their motives might be."
After that he joins Cael and watches the questioning closely.
And Red won't stop any torture if it occurs, though he won't be happy about it. He's not exactly the confrontational type.
While the others are trying to extract useful information from the bandits, Red is going to talk with Oleg and Svetlana, and ask the following:
"Of these bandits the leader fits the description of one that showed up each of the previous times, can you confirm that? Do you recognize any of the others from past visits?"
"Extortion and theft are their crimes for sure, and the woman from the first visit threatened harm, but have any of the others committed assault or other violence on you? Any other minor crimes that add to their offenses?"
"Did you ever hear any of them mention names during their visits?"
Once they're done answering, Red tells them:
"We are going to do our best to keep this from coming back at you, but I won't guaranty it. Also this fort may be our fallback point down the road. If the bandits get by us and come here asking questions, you can tell them the truth: That a bunch of do-gooder adventures came from Restov looking for bandits to kill, and came here to setup an ambush. You didn't invite us, we dropped in, so you had no hand in it."
All of the bandits (with the exception of the leader if he is made conscious enough to talk) sing like the proverbial canary and miraculously their stories even jive with each other. This is the sum total of what you learn.
Their camp is relatively large, and well defended by numerous hidden platforms placed in the trees. The camp itself is in the Narlmarches, about 60 feet from the Thorn River's north bank—a path winds alongside a shallow creek that leads directly up to the campsite. This path continues for another 200 feet north of the camp before turning into a standard game trail. All of them are willing to lead you to the path but none of them want to go any further and beg to be allowed their chance to run from that point. The camp itself is about 30 miles away.
Two thick logs lie positioned alongside the forest trail. The bandits sometimes use the logs as cover or roll them across the trail to create obstructions. Each of them can draw a rough picture of the camp. All three pictures are roughly the same, accounting for talent and memory.
There have been about twelve of them at this camp, not counting Kressle, their leader. However you've just taken out four and if the camp isn't on alert others will be out and about doing their bandit thing. The bandits will know something is up if Happs (their leader) and them don't make it back in three days time.
They all speak fearfully of the Stag Lord. Some kind of Bandit King. He apparently has a camp much further to the south. These are the kinds of things you get about him, but none of them seem to have much information about him or the defenses of his fort.
“Our boss is a monster of a man. Calls himself the Stag Lord. He’s a deadeye with the bow, and I saw him crush a prisoner’s hand to mush in one fist. Come to think of it, I’ve never seen him without his creepy stag helmet on— some of my friends think he ain’t got no face under it, but not me—I think that creepy helm is his face!”
“It’s hard keeping track of who’s working for the boss, so we use a master phrase as a sort of password to get in to the fort on the northeast shore of the Tuskwater. Unless it’s been changed recently, the current phrase is, ‘By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?’ And no, I have no idea who ‘St. Gilmorg’ is.”
Oleg fields all of Red's questions but there really isn't that much he can add. None of the bandits have ever actually done anything, but the threat of force was always implied. Kressle is the only name they've dropped, she seems to be the female that nearly chopped his hand off when the bandits first arrived.
“Our boss is a monster of a man. Calls himself the Stag Lord.
Questions for the 'canaries': "If you don't show back up, how many will Kressle send to look for you, and would she come herself? Is this your only planned stop on your trip? Is this your first stop or are there other places they would go first to look for you?"
And a couple further questions: "have you seen any spell casters among the stag lords minions or heard of any? And along the lines of Red's question are there any other 'regular' locations that the other groups of bandits visit?"
The bandits don't have a whole lot of people to extort money out of here in the wilds. A random trapper here and there, and perhaps someone foolish enough to be bringing goods through... But Oleg's is really the last vestige of civilization this far south. So no, no other stops. They came directly here, and would go directly back. They don't know how long it would take Kressle to come looking for them, probably she wouldn't. But she might gather all her bandits up and come up here to teach Oleg a lesson.
As for spellcasters,they don't have any in their camp, but it's rumored the Stag Lord might have one.
Red addresses the party members "I think we need to question their leader Happs, to see if he knows any more than tall tales about this Stag Lord. If he doesn't cooperate willingly, Cain can use his spell."
"Well it looks like we have a couple of choices to make. First and foremost is we need to determine the fates of these bandits. Second we need to decide whether we move on the bandit camp to assault them on their own turf, or do we sit patiently with another ambush here?"
"To the first issue, if I am to arbitrate a trial, I will keep my opinions of the facts to myself until I've heard all sides."
"To the second issue, I feel strongly we would have the element of surprise if we dropped in on the camp, but we would be fighting in unknown territory and could be ambushed if we don't approach with stealth. The odds are more in our favor I think if we take the next fight to them. We should take at least one of the bandits with us, to guide us."
Once all the prisoners are secure again and with the smell of a wonderful lunch in the air Cael meets with the rest of the crew over lunch.
"Well Cain have you heard enough so that we can get on with this?" he glances around table "time is at a premium here and i understand you can get more info with a spell...... tomorrow but I think we need to form a plan of action and start out today!"
"As far as these" he nods his head in the general direction of the prisoners, "The only one that hasn't helped is Happs there leader, him I recommend for the death penalty, weather you want to keep him around for a bit to cast a spell for more info on him doesn't really matter but we don't have a jail. The others are bandits so death is a "legal" option but they say they will reform. If you want it on your conciseness should they re-offend I suppose some leniency could be given especially to one who would help guide us. I still say they should have some penalty other than go away and don't do it again. If not the loss of a hand at least a branding so that if caught again in banditry they are know as repeat offenders. Possibly some time working on the trading post to repay good Oleg for the damages they have done. This would only be if you and Oleg trust them enough to have them around."
"Finally I completely agree with Red, we should start off this afternoon towards the bandits camp so we can get to the area before these are expected back and we can take a look at things. If they move regularly down the path that they have set logs beside for the express purpose of ambush this may be the best place to ambush them at. If not a night attack on the camp may be an option. Bandits aren't know for having the best watch in the world especially when they think they are the most dangerous people in the area."
We've not the numbers or the power to hold out if they seige us, our best hope is to press the attack, give the enemy no chance to organize. We could offer a full pardon to any of the underlings willing to join us sneaking into their camp especially if they can show us a way in that isn't watched. This Kressle lady sounds mean and I'd much rather get the jump on her than meet her in open combat with some cronies. For those not willing to help us, perhaps servitude to Oleg would be a good thing for them. With irons on them and Oleg with a crossbow or two, he should be able to manage them. And yes, a brand is a good idea. We can promise them a not so swift death if they attempt to betray us. However we need to offer an incentive for their good service to Oleg. There is plenty of land here and we will need to start civilizing it. How about we give them a land grant as a reward for successfully completing their service time to Oleg. If they are willing to work it they would then be landowners with status, and their produce would help Oleg's trade. A mutually beneficial relationship.
We can also take Happs with us and question him further when we get the time.
Oleg is none too happy at the talk of any of the bandits staying with him. "I've got better things to do then ta babysit some dung rats I can't trust further than I can throw. I'd just as soon hang from the palisade walls as a warning ta others as might try their line of work." He ponders, "At least the leader."
"Still, you all bested em and you can do with em as you please as your paper says. But I want no part of them sticken around here."
"I agree with Oleg, he's no jailer and has no reason to keep people who stole from him in his care. I also can't bring myself to say we should hang all of them, if their tales are true. It's not pleasant, but if the options for a man are joining a band of thieves or being robbed and potentially killed, most people will choose to keep their lives. With some sort of brand and an oath to never take up banditry again, on penalty of death, the three underlings could probably be set free. After our return from the main camp. This Happs, though, I say we are best rid of him as soon as possible, if he's not willing to cooperate. Even if he did, I might hang him anyway."
Acalon pauses and looks down at his chest
"He did ruin my set of armor, after all.
I too agree with Red, it's best if we settle this quick and get moving for the bandit camp."
"These three don't look like killers, in contrast to Happs, so more than likely banditry was either a poor career choice or being forced upon them. Their general banter on the way into the fort didn't sound like that of slaves or prisoners, so I think it was the former."
"I have to agree that a physical brand or mark would be a good way to go. I don't have a way to do this magically, I know other spell casters do, but I have not yet learned how. I also can't command them to behave long term, at least not yet. I can't speak for Cain."
"Sounds like we are in agreement then. I am sure we can get some metal from Oleg to make a rough brand of the Letter T for thief, brand their right forearm. If they are ever found guilty again they face the rope. Release them with a knife and sadly their bows. If they are handy they can still fend for themselves and earn a rough living out here."
"Happs we execute. We don't need his information whatever we might get especially at the cost of his possible escape. Sword or rope doesn't matter to me but I vote the sentence be carried out now no sense in delaying. He can have a place in the midden back of the post he doesn't even deserve a grave if you ask me."
"Finally I don't care which one comes with us but we do need a guide and I say we give whichever one does guide us proper recompense. allow him one of the captured horses and maybe an axe and some trail rations in addition to his bow and dagger. Might help that one actually make it as an honest citizen."
Cain rolls his eyes as he appears to be out-voted again. "Fine, brand them as you wish. And no, I won't waste a good spell on what a white hot piece of iron can do perfectly well. I was hoping to get one of them to acompany us into the camp, if for cannon-fodder if nothing else, but there isn't enough incentive here for one to join us. I doubt even the offer of a noble title would do it. Oleg will still have to keep them here a day or so though. We can't have any of them riding ahead of us and warning our prey. I'd still like to give them squatters' rights as an incentive to turn from their thieving ways. Else-wise I think we'll just be delaying their executions.
Hang Happs from the gate then. Oleg can decide if he wants to leave it up there or toss it to the vultures."
Nods at Cain's suggestion for squatters rights. "If they know of some place they think they can throw up a cabin and make a go of it in this territory I wouldn't be against it, but they may want to make sure it a good distance from this post and be very careful of their activities. I'll let you explain it to them Cain since it is your idea."
"Cain, we are not trying to push you into something you don't want to do, I'm just not sure what you really want to do with these bandits. Squatters rights does sound like a good option. If they survive and honor the land and Erastil, I have no doubt they can be successful farmers and maybe more. If they don't work, then the land will consume them itself, and if they return to banditry then we will surely strike them down."
"Cael, Oleg made it pretty clear he doesn't want indentured servants, so I really don't think he's going to want to hold them as jailer for a few days. I think we just need to turn two loose now, maybe march them in the opposite way of the camp, and leave them on foot. Then we can ride to the camp. There is little way they'd overtake us on foot if we're all riding."
"I am undecided on what we should do with Happs right now. If we can get any information that we don't already know, we should take the opportunity. If not, then's he's just dead weight and we should hang him."
The rest of the day is spent in recovering from battle, replacing the items that Oleg had taken out to pretend to give to the bandits, and deciding just what to do with those bandits.
In the end, as Happs is determined not to be co-operative or repentant, he is hung in full view of the other bandits as a warning of just what can happen to them. Oleg takes the body and strings it up outside the gate as a warning to anyone else who might get the idea of stealing from him.
The other bandits take very well to the idea of leaving as soon as possible and getting as far away from here as possible. The River Kingdoms are large and it looks like anywhere would be better than here at the moment. None of them are keen on joining you in an attack against their former compatriots but one will lead you as far as the main path if he has to. Really though, from the sounds of the traffic, if anyone is moderately skilled at tracking they should be able to find it on their own.
So a few brandings latter, the group finds themselves with the decision of whether to head out again that same day, or wait until morning and get a fresh start then.
Cael watches with grim satisfaction as the x-bandits walk out past Happs swinging body and off in the opposite direction from their old camp.
He turns back to his companions with a glace up to the afternoon sun. "We still have a number of good travel hours left I say we head out to get a bit of a start today. If there are no objections we can talk attack strategy on the road."
He starts getting one of the horses the bandits have left behind ready for the trail and packs the branding iron behind the saddle as well expecting to get good use out of it.
"We've had all the respite we need as far as I'm concerned. If Acalon is up to traveling, I'm all for hitting the road."