"The Staglord died like a man." Seraph's voice was loud, clearly heard in the forest.
"Take the offer. Because the next one to strike at us, I will drop." She levels her bow at the Blue Capped bandit, bowstring pulled tight. She was deadly serious and clearly the next to strike would get an arrow in the guts. "Think for a minute, you've been used. You are nothing but patsies, lied to while your boss sends you to die and hides."
Asta focuses her cold gaze on the blue-capped bandit and silently unleashes her magic.
|
Sunset tries again to talk sense into the bandits, but fails to convince them.
Torod hangs in the tree for moment as he feels the poison has run it course and done it damage. He calls upon the magic of nature to heal his body making it whole once more.
Adding her voice, Seraph makes a very convincing argument to the bandits.
Asta giving a cold gaze at the blue capped bandit, he starts to shiver as he feels more vulnerable.
The bandits waver in their resolve, ”Boss took the risk of killing some random visiting priest. The lady told Boss the Stagland leaders follow him into an ambush if he did that. She told him to make sure we killed the men first. You’ll let us go if we drop our weapons?”
Leader [60 dam] - Dead.
Bandits - done
blue bandit - [-2AC 7r]
Seraph - [2 dam]
---Horse - [entangled]
Asta - [7 dam]
---Horse - [entangled] stuck.
Torod [23 dam; invisible, 30ft up tree.]
Doran [5; Con dam: 1, Deaf for 1hr, cover]
Sunset [cover]
Sunset brings up her weapon but holds fire.
"Whoa! Slow down there mate. We said we'd be lettin' ye live if'n ye give up. There's still that small matter of killin' a folk. Remember?"
"There's restitution an' such ta' be workin' out there mate." Sunset steps out of cover, still pointing at her target but obviously NOT shooting.
"There were a crime committed. Things need ta' be sorted an' brought ta' account. That big word, culpability, ta' be seen about."
Torod is thankful for the slow down in the action. He takes the time to cast more curative spells upon himself.
He then climbs up some more, trying to get in position to strike.
"I'll do you one better," Asta says. "You don't get to walk, but as none of you murdered the priest, you don't need to swing. You boys clearly have some skills. Submit to the law, cooperate, and not only do you get to live, you get prospects. You wouldn't be the first killers we turned into upstanding citizens and agents for the Crown.
So how about it, boys? How about being on the inside, pissing out for a change, instead of spending your lives as glorified bushwackers constantly on the dodge and the run? You do your time, work hard, and there's heights you can reach as Queen's Men. At the very least you'll be getting three square meals a day, no torture, and steady wages if you work for the kingdom."
Sunset waits and watches the people's reactions.....
Justinian can hear muffled voices yelling back and forth, but he can't make out the words over the ringing in his ears. What he did know was that the fighting appeared to have stopped, although it looked like it had merely devolved into a standoff.
He took the opportunity to move forward, bow in his left hand. Raising his holy symbol in his right, he focused on his faith. A burst of cyan energy came forth, washing his nearest comrades in healing energy.
|
|
Sunset reminds the bandits about making restitution and culpability.
Casting another spell and climbing another 10ft up, Torod still invisible is now at the same level as the bandit.
Asta spells out the bandits options.
Ear’s still ringing Doran moves forward and channel healing energy to those on the ground.
The bandits muddle over the offer for a moment before throwing down their weapons, ”It was the boss who did the killing. Alright we surrender.” When you tell them to they climb down from the trees.
*Combat over*
The leader had some potions and his armor, rapier, composite short bow and thieves tools are all high quality. The horse seems combat trained as well.
Since you are in an unexplored hex do you want to explore it or head back to town?
1) Secure prisoners.
2) Peruse new items.
3) Inform said prisoners in basic legal etiquette.
4) Get said folks back to town carefully and quietly.
5) Then come back and look at this new patch of grass. :P
"Asta, you should return to your impressive chair. I'll survey this area before returning to the Stag Fort. I was preparing to come out again anyway."
"I would prefer you not do so alone," Asta says. "At least come back with us long enough to pick up a party of outriders, in case you need backup."
As soon as the prisoners are secured for transport, Asta does give heed to Torod's suggestion and heads back to Greenheart.
"The Iomedian can come with me." Torod responds without consulting with the priest. "Asta and Seraph can keep you safe while taking in the bandits. Besides, you'll probably pardon them anyway and I'd rather not be there for that."
"They'll need to earn that," Asta says, "so unless you have plans to abandon your station or step on a rabid cave bear, I'm fairly sure you will be there."
Asta flashes the Hunter a quick smile.
It's all muffled and buzzing noises coming from the lot of them. Justinian takes the time to help secure the prisoners, but he can't really answer in conversations he can't understand. An hour later, when the ringing dies down, he learns of the plans for the bandits.
"I'm curious, my lord," he says to Torod when they get a moment to themselves, "is it normal to quickly offer criminals a place in the kingdom? They did attack members of the Council, I'm quite sure they knew exactly what they were doing. These types of actions warrant a death sentence where I come from." He rides alongside the half-elf, watching and waiting for his response.
While absently chewing on the end of her unlit roll of leaves Sunset nudges her mount closer to Master Doran to add into the conversation.
"Well... y'see, t'is not like they all done shot that feller in tha' back. So... other than guilt more by association they all din't go an' be doin' tha' killin'." She points out.
"So, there is that." She nods to herself. "T'is this person behind what ever t'is that's goin' on we've got ta' be runnin' ta' ground an' sure enough that's gon'a be tha' hard nut crackin'." Sunset looks to Justinian from under the brim of her hat.
"A'sides... who is it whut really done tha' killin'? Tha' feller whut drew tha' string? Or tha' one's set them up to fail? Now, where do such dues come a callin', hey?" Sunset chews more on her rolled leaves for a thoughtful moment before pulling the small metal device out of a pocket, flicking the lid and hence a tiny flame into life and lighting the end of the 'Cigar' (As the item that occupies most of her attention on the ride back to town is identified as) as puffing and blowing said thing into smouldering life.
"T'is all well an' good... Goin' killin' folks on acount'a them killin' folks." Sunset nods, "But, eventually, you've got'a stop an' make pause some where, lest there' be no one left on account of all tha' killin'." Sunset tips her hat in acknowledgement to Asta.
"Dun't mind me none, M'Lady. Jus', y'now, ruminatin' out loud, is all...." Sunset apologizes and continues to enjoy the easy riding and cigar smoking.
True to her word, the moment they tossed down their weapons she lowered her bow. Releasing the tension on the string and letting the arrow drop from the notch. "You are decent with a bow Blue-Cap, next time use it to protect people. Not attack innocents. Do that and you'l never see my wrath." She gives the bandit a smile before tapping Julius to get over to Asta.
Seraph moves to Asta, laying a hand lightly on her and healing her. "Apologies milady for leaving you behind like that." She looks her over for other injuries then, finding one more cut she heals it and then joins the conversation.
She nods to Doran. "The last thing we want is rumors spreading that we are blood thirsty, that all who oppose us are butchered for crows. I am sure you can understand how that would be bad for our reputation Sir Doran." Even as she spoke she was glancing at Asta, unsure that she had taken care of all her injuries.
"Is anyone else in need of healin?"
"S'right," Croft says, sagely. "Crows are egg-eating jerks. Ravens have first dibs around he -- !"
Asta lowers her arm and allows Croft to settle back down.
"I told you to go. You went," she says to Seraph, shrugging. "Don't worry about it. Rather, tell me how it felt. The new spell I put on your sword; was it... good?"
Glancing at Doran, she adds: "Sunset has the right of it. This is also a realm of law and order. Executing men without trial or holding a drumhead isn't proper rule. It's tyranny. The people must see proper justice being done -- and these men still have much to tell us about this 'lady'. Dead men tell no tales."
"Hmph! They are more soft hearted than I am, but they are right in that we want a rule by law. So they should get a proper trial before they're put to the sword."
"I did not say execute them without trial your highness," Justinian says with a bow of his head to Asta, 'Submit to the law' you said. 'You will get prospects' you said. You even mentioned they could possibly be part of the 'Queen's Men'. No where did you mention a trial."
He looks at all of them, a bit irritated that they would interject into a conversation meant for Torod's ears alone. After all, Justinian did not know his way about these people, and he needed to find out. Lord Stagheart seemed to be the one nearest his thoughts on the matter at hand. He addresses the group. "You do not need to lecture a man of Iomedae about justice. It is who I am. But I will ask this: when you have your trial, what will you do if it comes out that these men are guilty? Where are your promises and your reputation then?"
He doesn't wait for an answer, but brings Galea about to drop behind the group. Close enough to see them, but far enough to make it clear that he wants to be alone with his thoughts for a time.
'...demons are vile, and deceptive, but at least you know what you are getting from them. dealing with men...well, that is another thing...' He rides the remainder of the trip in silence.
At Asta's words she nods and then smiles, remembering the afterimages around her blade. "The effects were very interesting, we will have to test it again sometime on a longer struggle." Seraph's thoughts drifted to the idea of using that while smiting foes and she shuddered. A very interesting idea indeed.
When her eyes fell on Torod she clicked her tongue in surprise. "Torod, don't move." She focused inward and her oracle powers flared to life, her hands began to glow with the healing energy she was able to nearly summon at will.
She ensured that Torod, like Asta were both very well taken care of. Every injury treated before returning to the city. Though in Torod's case she wanted everything treated before he started exploring alone with Strawberry.
I didn't say, but Torod follows the group.
Seraph was back in her position near Asta, her bow was drawn as they made the journey back to town as she watched for further attempts on the Queen's life. She hoped nothing occurred in their absence but Doran's words brought a galnce from her. Though she added nothing more, being one of the Arshea's servants allowed her a wider view but none the less what Asta stated was law to Seraph.
He looks at all of them, seeming a bit irritated. He addresses the group.
"You do not need to lecture a man of Iomedae about justice. It is who I am. But I will ask this: when you have your trial, what will you do if it comes out that these men are guilty? Where are your promises and your reputation then?"
He doesn't wait for an answer, but brings Galea about to drop behind the group. Close enough to see them, but far enough to make it clear that he wants to be alone with his thoughts for a time.
Sunset keeps riding but her mount makes its own pace and slowly drops back to walk along side Justinian. She takes a long draw on her cigar, exhaling smoke before speaking with a nod of her hat to him.
"Well, you got that right about not talkin' about laws. M'self? I'm just a land holder an' maybe wan'a be bird breeder." She says by way of introduction. "T'is me Niece who seems ta' be closer ta' those in government." She indicates Lady Asta, Mistress Seraph and Master Torod now riding ahead with another nod.
"But? As fer trials? Seems them fellers already got a sort of that. They could'a kept on fightin' an', well, they'd be dead. So there's that." She scratches at her chin with one hand, seeing to her cigar with the other. Her large bird mount moving along besides Justinian's of its own accord for the moment.
"What's bein' written down now as the Law is all well an' good, but people is apt ta' be people an', well... In my experience most people? They don't read so good. In tha' larger scheme of things? Seems a man's got to know his own limitations." Sunset frowns now herself seeming unhappy with how her words have maybe come out.
|
|
Torod offers the explore the new area, but at Asta’s insistence that he not do it alone he suggest bring the new priest.
Doran’s hearing returns after a short hour as he discusses what passes for justice in the Stagland Kingdom.
Sunset waxs about who is guilty and how far up the chain of association it goes.
Seraph continues to talk with bandits and take their measure. They thought it was a bad day to die and accepted the terms that they would live if they surrendered.
Asta agrees that a trial must be held before any execution. The bandits seem to have have some doubt about their decision to surrender, ”Execution? You said we’ld live if we surrendered?”
Doran speaks his mind about a sense of justice and then falls the back of the group for some self contemplation.
Seraph heals the remainder of Torod’s wounds.
Sunset gives her point of view on the value of written laws, seeming to favor frontier justice.
A party of three kingdom guards come riding up as requested earlier ”My lords, we’ve come as soon as we could after securing the town. What are your orders?” They can escort the bandits and/or anyone else returning to Greenhart, while the rest explores?
After riding around for a few hours you hear the sound of unintelligible cursing echoes through the woods. Just visible through the trees, a small wagon sits mired in the middle of a swiftly flowing river as the waters threaten to overwhelm its sides. Two ponies hitched to the wagon flounder in the swirling waters, close to panicking. Two more wagons sit safely on the far bank.
Sunset frowns at the fellow's outburst about being snuffed.
She moves to stand besides/with them.
"Aye, there were assurances given about people's well bein'." She points out. "Not sayin' there in't gon'a be a restitution, but I am dang certain there in't gon'a be no more killin' goin' on." She begins to watch every one.
Seraph sighs before speaking, intrepreting what had been said before, as she tries to ease the former bandits worries. Taking that moment to look into there souls and sense how tainted they were.
"Besides, Asta said you'd pay restitution if needed, not suffer execution. That was a conversation meant for other time and unneeded at this moment. I apologize for unneeded worry." She affixes the men with her glowing gaze. "However you men better stay in line. Its a small community, so word travels fast. Especially because the people can come straight to me if they have concerns. So consider my eye on your backs at all times but if you stay clean and work hard then Lady Asta promised can come to pass." She smiles as she adds. "Because it is a small community, able hands and hard working folk get noticed."
At Sunset's words she shrugs. "The interpretation of laws and such is as numerous as the stars in the skies. But for me, and this land, for now what Asta deems is Law. The original perpetrator is dead, the debt is paid. There is nothing more to seek."
She looks to Asta as the men arrive. "I will assist as you need me Milady. Shall I ease the towns worries while you aid Torod?"
Looking to the men she asks. "Were there anymore incidents while we were out?"
"Oh no. I'm going to see these murderers marched through town right to the headman's block." Torod looks over to the bandits. "I mean to the stocks to await their trial and sentencing."
Justinian listens carefully to Sunset, and the follow-on discussions with the bandits and the Council.
"Do not confuse laws and justice." He says to Sunset. "Very often they are not the same. Unjust laws are written all the time. One doesn't have to wander very far in Cheliax to see that." He rides for a time in silence. "Asta made her proclamation. 'Surrender and you will live', more or less. That's what these men counted on. To go back on that, or add to it, or amend it in any way will go against the very tenets she is trying to uphold. She gave her word. My question was whether she should have made those promises before knowing whole story."
He turns to Sunset with a grim smile. "I am now in a difficult position. I am here by invite of the ruling Council. I am a guest, with no real say in the matter at hand. But," he says with emphasis, the tenets of my faith require me to uphold justice where possible. These men deserve justice, but whose justice? That remains to be seen."
"I'll do you one better, You don't get to walk, but as none of you murdered the priest, you don't need to swing./" ... "Submit to the law, cooperate, and not only do you get to live, you get prospects."
Torod's statement left her feeling rather empty or annoyed she had a hard time deciding which. As much as they deserved a trial the council's word should hold more weight and though she was loathe to let them go lightly, she had little choice in the way it had been decided. Torod being the Marshall made him the dispenser of law on the frontier. Being the General she found it hard to speak further, since it was not normally her place to do so, but her oaths required it. To both Asta and the kingdom, these men were no less counted. "... Torod." Her tone was serious, his crude words joking or not were not welcome when it meant that Asta's word was to be ignored or come into question. "Honor the River Freedom's and her Oath."
Sunset sees to at least freshening her mount before watching what unfolds with the fellows that have been brought in from the wilderness...
But stays well out of anything (More so to keep her potential firing lanes open) keeping her thoughts to herself.
Justinian tries to stay out of the way as the group and its...prisoners? rides into the capital. He has said his piece, but he is out of his element here. This land didn't live like the crusaders on the borders. He had spent time listening to the rivermen try to explain the River Freedoms on his way down here. It was simply a concept he couldn't understand. When one man explained that kings would often hold meetings on the edge of their adjoining lands, each camped on his side of the line so as not to fall under the sway of the other's laws, Justinian groaned with a headache. It was no wonder the River Kingdoms existed in a state of near-perpetual chaos.
'...these petty kings and queens should be glad the crusaders hold the line of the Wardstones. the demon hordes would sweep through here like a flood, 'River Freedoms' be damned...literally...'
As soon as the prisoners have been locked up in the dungeons, Asta calls an emergency meeting of the Council, and sends for the delegates, asking them to attend.
"Damage control time, folks," she tells the others before the delegates arrive. "We need these people to see that our kingdom is not wobbling, and that we're on top of things. We also need to get those prisoners questioned. Torod, that's your job, as soon as we've soothed all ruffled feathers."
Doing only as Asta allows, Seraph has the men recover the dead body of the perpetrator. It's taken to the edge of town in a display that those who attack the kingdom are dealt with swiftly. Then burned, lest it start to rot and spread disease. Though they had dealt with the threat they would have no more grim displays, they were not barbarians and the body was even wrapped in white cloth. Respect for the dead was paramount lest they offend the gods, whose morals were beyond mortal's understanding.
From there she does her best to show strength in this time of doubt, making her presence known and potent. Fully armored and armed as she was normally, while checking with the ctizens to help remove whatever fears were still lingering. After she checks in with the Innkeeper, she tells her men to keep an ear open to those who had concerns they could take care of.
She sends word to her followers in the Order of the Swan as well to work on keeping things calm while they dealt with aftermath. House Starsky was front and center for the citizens and visiting diplomats. Dispensing the invitation's as she mingled with everyone. Despite her fearsome appearance she was very verbal and warm, being Asta's servant she would ensure her lady's success.
She arrives for the meeting, bowing to Asta. "As asked it has been done, the soldiers are on the look out for anything concerning. The citizens and delegates have been spoken to and I have dispensed your invitation." She bows once more before adding on the prisoners. "Question the quiet one..." She gives the description of him as she explains. "... the others didn't reek like he did, he was the only one that was obvious. Like Kressel, the others seem... salvageable."
"That's a decent start," Asta says.
The Witch reaches out to stroke Seraph's hair, and gives her a little smile.
"Don't be too worried. We acted quickly, and now we may have leads to act on, souls to reclaim for the right path. The death is deeply regrettable, but none of us acted cowardly or selfishly. We move forward."
With the justice dispensed with and on more people to worry about Sunset heads off with Torod to look around the place where they'd first met the fellows.
Justinian watches the proceedings with mild interest, and no small amount of disappointment. Key information was lost that probably won't be found on the lackeys in the dungeons. He went to join the delegations and to hear what the Witch Queen had to say.
While Torod makes preparations to go out and survey, he postpones actually leaving until after the trial.
"Stay close, Justinian. With you around, they won't be able to just sweep this under the rug. Those assassins not only profaned the Stag Fort by attacking a beloved aide, but they then compounded their crime by attacking rulers of the realm. That ambush was part of a well thought out plan. They deserve to be put to the sword." That's Torod's way of inviting Justinian to stay around.
|
|
Asta reassures the delegations that the priest murderer has been caught and punished.
Moving along the four bandits are brought before the council (PCs) for judgement.
One of them speaks up "Sorry about trying to kill you an' all, but we were just doing what we did before you bunch came here and killed the Staglord. Which is fine and all, He couldn't hold what he had you you took it from him. No hard feeling all around and such. Are we free to go?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Standing off to one side, since Lady Asta has brought her into the council, Sunset can't stop quietly sighing and rubbing her face with a and at the fellow who speaks words and naivety.
Sunset looks to Lady Asta first and then the others before she steps forwards to speak with another sigh,
"Okay, lets be explainin' this t'ye one more time." Sunset looks at each of the miscreants directly. "Ye've gone help killed a feller as well as gone put more'n a few holes in some folks here." She nods and watches to make sure they're keeping up with her conversation.
"Now, I am all for understandin' about if some one tries ta' be killin' ye well... ye try an' kill 'em right back." Sunset does nod in agreement at such reactions,
"But weren't what were happenin' back in tha' woods. After yon ring leader was put down, tha' rest of ye were given tha' option and ye chose layin' down yer arms an' surrenderin' fer restitution. Right?" Sunset again awaits nods and watches their expressions.
"Now, I am sure these good folks gathered about are right charmed at yer pleasant demeanor an' how every thing's bin resolved about this former Stag feller but tha' feller who were leadin' ye about was doin' something other than seekin' compensation fer this former Stag laird, am I right?" Sunset points out again the dead leader's actual goals and directives as having been organized by some one else. Namely this mystery lady which was mentioned in passing.
Before the former bandits can speak Sunset continues.
"Now, we come at tha' hard part. Ye've got'a work more at yer recompense than a sincere heart-felt sorry. Some folks'd be lookin' fer an 'Eye fer an eye' kind'a deal," And Sunset's gaze drifts to Torod, "But, t'is bin my experience that sort'a thing just leads folks in't rilly nasty circles of takin' an' takin'." Sunset gives a nod of finality to show her complete disfavor for such simple behaviors.
"So, 'tis my thinkin' that tha' council put a term of service about yer necks, as oppoed ta' maybe stretchin' 'em or such. Tha' council works out how ling t'is ye should all be servin' in recompense fer tha' fellers demise after which ye'll be free men." Sunset waits, both for the fellow's reactions as well as the rest of the councils
Before the trial Seraph examines the 'accused' gear, seeing what was in the mix and checking for any quality weapons.
At the trial she watched with a hardened stare, directed primarily at the man she had sensed evil in before. She was clad in full gear but her white clothing was replaced by a soldiers tunic that was stained (from the road, but why tell them that?) Her Massive blad was drawn and gleaming brightly in the sunlight that drifted through the chamber. At Sunset's words she held back a grimace. She leans in and whispers to Asta.
"Though, interestingly enough, 'You have what You hold' allows us to claim their gear as compensation. Since we hold them in custody. We could sell it to lessen the loss of the delegate and pay something to his church and family. Without their gear they can be exiled from the kingdom on order of death if they return. That could be voided if they choose to stay of course."
She was uncomfortable with letting them go so easily but at the cost of Asta's quest she let it slide unless Asta saw fit to change her mind. "I am cstill wish to question them if I may Milady." With that she was done speaking for now, waiting for her time to speak to the prisoners in passing whatever judgement Asta saw fit to give.
As she spoke quietly to Asta, Seraph kept an eye on the one she had sensed evil on before, looking to see if he was growing nervous yet from her abundant amount of attention.
"As I understand the Freedoms, milady, you cannot put a time of servitude on these men. Even with the promise of freedom afterwards. Justinian whispers to Asta and those around him.
" If you deem justice to be the axe, then so be it. Otherwise, they should have a choice: stay or go. And if they choose go, they are free to do as they will." Justinian makes his voice loud enough to ensure the men present can hear this last bit.
"In the end, we have no way to keep them here if they are not in prison. I do not believe that we are set up to run slave gangs, nor do we wish to. However..." Justinian says, striding forward to face the men at an arm's length. The symbol of Iomedae - of Lady Justice - flashes prominently on his surcoat. "justice will be served. If you become useful members of our community here, then you will reap your just rewards. If not, and you return to banditry...the sword of Justice will be swift. There are no second chances."
He takes each of the men in his gaze, looking each in the eye before returning to stand before Asta.
Sunset raises an eyebrow and scratches at her head.
"Fogive me askin' but.... are ye sayin' there's some power about whut's aginst us lockin' folks up?" Sunset looks to the rest of the council and those gathered for clarification and explanation.
"No. The land, though, does not take kindly to slavery of any sort. We can put them away, but we can't force them to labor for us."
"I do not intend to enslave these men. They are not chattel we have bought or kidnapped; they are opponents we have bested in battle, criminals who have surrendered to the law.
Unlike the Staglord, we act with the backing and under the banner of the Law, and the Law's demands must be met. I have offered these men their lives for their surrender and they surrendered, so they shall live. But they will NOT walk away from here scott-free as if nothing happened.
You will none of you be executed or enslaved, but you will remain prisoners for a duration to be determined by a fair trial. You may reduce that duration through voluntary service. Providing information for our investigation is such a service. Performing labour, for which the profits will first go towards paying weregild for the assassinated priest, and later for your own future benefit, is another.
But you will not be slaves. You may refuse to do anything, in which case you will be left alone. In a cold, dark cell, deep under this castle. No sunlight. No fresh air. No birdsong, only the screeching of rats. No fresh fruit or meat, only bread and water. Until you have completed your sentence and you are too withered to be a danger to anyone.
Far better to accept that your old lives are over, gentlemen. Time to make something better of your new lives."