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Sunset gives the four bandits a good talking to uses some fancy words like restitution, recompense and servitude.
With a hardened stare Seraph watches the four bandits. Only the quiet man meets her stare with his own dark eye stare back. The general whispers sound advice about the customs of River Freedoms to Asta.
Making himself a useful advisor to the court, Justinian discusses the limitations and advantages of the River Freedoms, part of which he speaks to impress on the bandits what options he suggest are viable.
Sunset questions why they can’t just lock the men up. Torod explains the way of the river kingdoms land.
Hearing the advice, Asta speaks with Intimidating presence that the men will be kept as prisoners in the castle’s dungeon for a time with an option to work off the debt.
Looking nervous one of the men finds the courage to ask, ”Pardon your ladyship, I would like to point out we didn’t kill any priest. That was the Bosses doing and he has paid with his life. Throwing us in a dark hole with bread and water till we die of something, less we work at your command seems very slave like for not being slavery. Be better if you give us the whip and banish us. We would even take an oath never to return.”
Torod sits in his place of honor, radiant in the regalia of a priest of Erastil plus the Stag Helm. He is bandaged and uses a cane in an obvious ploy to not only gain sympathy but also to add veracity to his hard line stance.
Strawberry, her feline majesty on display for all to see, sits at his feet unnervingly still staring at the gathered bandits.
Torod leans forward to speak. "That's a fine idea, though I say we strike them using the weapons with which they struck us, bow and arrow... Torod pauses a moment for effect, and poison. The weapon of the assassin. Do not try to distance yourself from the crime now, assassin. You were a willing and active participant. You did try to kill us. Your ineptitude at your chosen profession gives you no protection. Throwing you into a dark pit and forgetting you is better than sending you off to further your evil elsewhere. It stops here. Now. One way or the other." He punctuates his last thoughts by pounding the cane into the floor as he speaks.
Justinian holds his place and his tongue. He has said his piece. this has all the markings of a divisive situation. Someone needs to take charge and make a decision - and act on the decision - before this got out of hand.
"I told you there was a chance for you here when you surrendered," Asta says. "But it will not come for free, and I will not let you walk free to continue down the crooked path. You are not slaves. You are prisoners. I call for council vote. All in favour?"
Sunset nods and then offers a small bow in agreement with Lady Asta,
"Aye..."
Seraph looks to Asta for silent permission to speak before stepping forward. She tries to get a read on each of the men as she speaks. She uses no deception as a means to coerce them and instead approaches it as she thought best. She called upon her vow to Asta to make her words more potent, so as to break through to these men that the path they were on only led to death. Though the use of the vow made Seraphs fiendish features far more prominent then normal, as if she were outlined as being otherwordly. "It is as Marshall Torod said. For willingly participating in attempted regicide and the overthrow of a kingdoms entire government body you are held as prisoners. You are being treated fairly compared to the more 'civilized' kingdoms laws. Whose standard includes Quartering in most kingdoms. Regardless of the means, Every kingdoms laws in this regard result in death except for this exception made by lady Asta for your benefit." She held back part of what she really wished to say, to avoid detracting from her potent words.
Her pause allows time for her words to sink in before adding. "So it is as my lady says, you are not slaves. Instead you face servitude until your debt is paid, you will be given fair treatment and meals so long as you work. If you choose to work hard, you can learn skills that won't lead you down a path that ends on the tip of a sword or hanging as carrion from a gibbet. This is an opportunity beyond what any in your position should expect, one I hope you accept and changes your current path. It is also one that another chose to accept and they are a successful member of the community. We are not deceiving you."
She looks to the man who had stared back at her. "I don't know what brought you down this path to begin with but if you wish to speak then I do not mind seeing to you being heard. My oath to this kingdom and my goddess holds me to the highest standard. Of which I cannot lie, to anyone. With that said, I can see the evil within each of you, so long as that aura of evil remains..." She looks away then as she pulls off her helm, revealing her fiendish nature while holding the helm at her side. She looked to each man in turn once more, momentarily smiling as she said. "... we will be watching." She places her helm back on her head and stops smiling. "Until you are freed your personal effects, gear and weapons will remain under the control of the kingdom."
With that said, she puts her helm back on and looks to Asta. "House Starsky agrees."
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Torod likes the idea of striking them with the weapons they used, but will settle for throwing them in the pit.
Justinian keeps his thoughts to himself.
Asta calls for a vote for throwing the prisoners into the dungeon.
Sunset agrees.
Seraph has her say to the effect that they are lucky to only being thrown into the dungeon. The men seem to dismayed and dreading their interment. To her knowledge most governments don’t take kindly to the leaders and important people being assassinated.
Kressel leads the men away and a short time later you hear a heavy door being solidly shut and barred. Returning to the hall, Kressel suggest ”A few more of them and will need to build a prison. I’ll let them sit for a few weeks then see if they are willing to work cleaning the privy.”
It’s been a long day, best to get a fresh start on the next day if you still plan to explore the hex to the west.
"Asta," Torod says once the trial is over and they are all in a more private setting, "I caution you that one day your confounding penchant for mercy will be returned with trouble. Those three should have all met with Pharasma. A just reward for their actions." This time, his admonition seems less harsh than the other times.
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Three days before leaving to survey. We'll be out for one week, going east then back again (G11, G13, H14, H12, H10). Plan accordingly.
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Torod will approach Kressel and Jhod to see if they've had time to consider his offer. He offered to have them become part of his House.
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"I do not wholly disagree with you, Torod," Asta says, her blue eyes slowly drifting closed. "But I gave my word. And if I lose that, as ruler of this land, then everything will be built on quicksand thereafter."
Seraph was beside herself, her words apparently lost on these men. Though she had refrained from saying what she really wanted. Since it would damage Asta's goals. When Kressel had returned she had gathered herself once more. Nodding to the woman she politely asked. "If I may, I'd like to be present when you do Lady Kressel. I think some of those men have decent skills as woodsman. I'd like to give it another shot in turning them around, so long as it doesn't inconvenience you when the time comes." She bows her head to Kressel. "Either way, you have my thanks."
The rest of the time she spends somewhat quiet, responding only as needed as she thought about how she could rehabilitate these men. Or if she even could. They had useful skills but terrible behaviors, which was a lot harder to change. The man with the dark aura was on her mind.
When she did speak it was more out of frustration then anything. "I assume that their employer is the same one that employed the Stag Lord and most likely these Troll's as well. This woman is beyond vexing I don't understand why she is so bent in dislodging us with such subtlety and through intermediaries."
"I would assume she is a coward at heart," Asta says without opening her eyes. "But she is definitely ambitious, to keep so many plates spinning simultaneously. Keep at them, Kressel, Seraph. Remind them that any and all information they volunteer will help reduce their sentence.... and if possible, lock them up separately, so they cannot confer. At least for the nonce."
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Over the three days before leaving to explore, anyone residing withing the Greenhart castle can occasionally hear a sorrowful song resonating through the castle, sung not too shabby by one of the prisoners. Apparently the tone and notes are just right for the dungeon acoustics. It's easy to ignore for the first two days and nights, but by the third night it can get on your nerves.
If the prisoners are questions about the lady who hired them, they tell you only the boss meet with her and they never laid eyes on her.
Sunset spends part of her days managing her small holding. Beginning to work on the foundations for more outbuildings. When asked she explains that she has plans for 'Fluff' and maybe starting a ranch dealing specifically with such types of critters.
Justinian spends his time learning what he can about the history of this kingdom from the people that moved here. He's looking for the views of the commoners.
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Sunset works to improve her ranch.
Asta loses no sleep over the prisoners.
It doesn't take Justinian long to learn the history after all the kingdom is only 3 months old, but it has grown rapidly over those three months. The commoners are hopeful mix of new immigrants from Brovry and a few homesteaders who have been trying to make a living in the greenbelt.
Setting out on the third day the group heads east towards the rising sun. Over several hours you ride about the vast planes of grassland not seeing much in the way of dangers, but lots of potential farmland.
What about my offer to Jhod and Kressel?
When the group rides out, a murder of ravens flies overhead. Well overhead, out of archer range, but keeping an eye on the land ahead.
Torod and Strawberry make a good pair as they lead the party through the unclaimed lands. Torod blazes the trail and Strawberry covers the flanks.
During the day, while leading the group, Torod barely speaks, so focused on the task at hand is he.
Perception
Strawberry Perception aid other
Survival
Seraphrode alongside the others, bow at the ready as she guided Julius by with her knees. She was close to Asta, trying to guard her left flank as best she could without overcrowding her.
The dirge doesn't bother Seraph much at all, she was used to far worse having grown up in the slums. Some sad song wasn't enough to unnerve her. She makes a point of passing through the makeshift jail and seeing who the dirge singer was before continuing her preparations for the surveying. She checked up on the combat trained mount and tried to see if it would warm up to her. It was her hope that they could use it as a mount in the near future.
In the days leading up to the survey she continued to make herself available to the townsfolk, spent time at the Inn and general kept up with ensuring the populations happiness and security. She tried to be subtle about it and avoided being a pestering nuisance by merely placing herself in public places when not needed by Asta. Naturally letting people be able to engage her without pressing for information. If nothing happens then she assumes things are alright for now.
Prior to departure she speaks with the troops and sends missives to her fellow Swans to be extra vigilant while they were out of town. To do their duty and protect the citizens as she knew they would.
Forgot
Strawberry Deathstrike
It's hard to tell if the singing effects Torod, he always seems in a sour mood. Strawberry, however, eventually adds her voice to that of the prisoner's. Torod warns everyone to keep their distance today. "She's in the cranky part of her moon cycle."
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After hours of scouting the miles and miles of grassland, Torod, Seraph and Sunset sense some other animal’s presence. They see two wolfs preparing to charge the group from where they are hiding in the tall grass.
Surprise single action
Torod
Seraph
Sunset
Round 1 Actions.
Wolfs
Seraph
Asta
Torod
Sunset
Doran
Cast Entangle (DC 14) over the two wolves so that the wolves are as close to the center of the effect as I can get.
Sunset shortens the reigns on Fluff, holding them tight with one hand even as she draws the small weapon from her hip.
She holds her actions and waits, ready, to see how her allies actions and those of the wolves develop, even as she casts a glance over her shoulder to make sure the group isn't being flanked or other wise taken from more than one side.
She readies to fire her bow at the wolves if they keep advancing, moving to assist Asta with Julius as she says urgently to Asta. "Wolves milady, coming in from over there." She comes up short when she notices the spells area of effect coming too close. Instead she levels her bow and draws back on the string with an arrow nocked, ready to drop them if they threaten them further...
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Sharp eyed Torod spots the danger first and quickly cast an entangle over the wolfs and himself miss judging the area of effect a bit.
Sunset draws her weapon
Seraph guids her horse forward and draws her bow.
Two of the wolfs and Torod become entangled by the grasses.
The Black Worg growls in common ”Leave the moving grass, flank the shiny one’s horse!.
The blue wolf bears his teeth with a low growl as he double moves out of the entangle area about Seraph and Julius as the black Worg moves and attacks Julius.
Julius is tripped by the black Worg causing both horse and rider to fall.
damage.
Both red and green wolf yelp and snap at the plants as they wiggle free of the entangling greenery. Moving out of the animated grass to flank Asta and her horse, but can’t yet attack.
Round 1 Actions.
Wolfs - done.
. red -
. green -
Seraph - (? dam) prone
. Julius (4 dam) prone
Asta
Torod - Entangled.
Sunset
Doran
Sunset blinks, "They talked?" (O_o)
She looks to every one else, sees Julius and their mount fall and thence Asta suddenly become ill....
"Strewth! Dang but I be hopin' that in't catchin'!" She exclaims even as she points her weapon at the wolves though she dismounts.
"TOROD?" She calls. "These talkin' critters friends of yours?" She asks, though her tone implies she doesn't think so then she begins to mumble through an incantation of her own. Though whether to ward off what ever has befallen Asta or for her own protection might not be too clear.
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Asta vomits spiders all over a wolf causing it to be nauseated, but it resist the effects of any poison.
Sunset dismounts and cast a protection spell.
Wolfs - done.
. red -
. green - 1 dam, nauseated 1r - in swarm
Seraph - (? dam) prone
. Julius (4 dam) prone
Asta - done
Torod - Entangled.
Sunset - done
Doran
Torod stays in the middle of his spell and fires an arrow at the worg.
Comp Longbow, mw mighty +2: precise shot
Strawberry moves effortlessly through the ensorcelled area to the worg.
Bite: tiger aspect
to hit to hurt trip
Confirm crit: tiger aspect
to hit to hurt
"Loo-!" She didn't get out much more as she tumbles to the ground, hitting hard alongside Julius and giving a growl of frustration. "Shiny ones going to break your muzzle ugly!"
She grunted as she rose to her feet, fully expecting a barrage from thsoe flanking her and Julius. Once on her feet she abandoned her bow and drew her massive blade since they were now in close quarters. With her free hand she took care of some of her wounds...
Justinian halts with the rest as Torod gives his report and all hell breaks loose. Talking wolves? Not so surprising for a man used to the demon-possessed creatures away north.
He dismounts, taking a step forward and holding the symbol aloft. "Lady of Justice, guide our hands!" he cries.
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Entangled, Torod draws and fires his composite longbow at the black Worg hitting it.
Strawberry moves through the plants to bit the Black Worg in a vulnerable spot and pulls it’s leg out from under him causing him to drop to the ground.
Ok, I see you been carrying your Bow in hand for the last 8 hours. I originally thought you needed to draw it.
As the blue wolf moved first to flank you it took the readied arrow from Seraph’s bow before she and her horse were tripped.
Rising to her feet, Seraph leaves the bow and draws her sword as she heals herself a bit.
Without a rider, Julius tries to regain its feet as well, but both wolf and prone Worg attack tearing at its flesh.
Julius kicks back defending itself.
Justinian Doran dismounts and cast a blessing prayer on his allies.
Biting at Strawberry, the black Worg catching nothing but air. Growling in common as it stands ”You have invaded our land and you must die!”
The Blue wolf attacks Julius again, teeth snapping on nothing.
The red wolf attacks Asta’s horse
Nauseated the green wolf moves between Asta and Doran and finishes reaching.
Worg - 7+6+9=22 dam
Wolfs:
. red -
.green - 1 dam
.Blue - 3+4=7 dam
Seraph - (4-1=3 dam)
. Julius (4+7+5=16 dam)
Asta -
Torod - Entangled.
. Strawberry - needs to make save vs entangle.
Sunset -
Doran -
"Okay ye fuzz-butts. Ye bin askin' fe it!" Sunset swears even as she brings her small weapon up and points it at the two wolves savaging the fallen horse. Her off hand moving as she mumbles more words, probably imprecautions at said wolves.
And a whistling, shrieking, flaming thing darts out and zig-zags towards the wolves.
Strawberry snaps at the worg as it tries to get to its feet.
Bite: tiger aspect, smite evil, bless
to hit to hurt
The celestial feline tears into the monstrous canine. She uses tooth and claw to deliver an angelic beat down.
Bite: tiger aspect, smite evil, bless
to hit to hurt trip
Claw: tiger aspect, smite evil, bless
to hit to hurt
Claw: tiger aspect, smite evil, bless
to hit to hurt
Confirm Crit: tiger aspect, smite evil, bless
to hit to hurt
Torod continues to feather the worg.
Comp Longbow, mw mighty +2: precise shot, bless
The spider-swarm continues to harry the green wolf, eight-legged bodies scurrying into its pelt and mandibles biting down with a vengeance!
Asta curses at the wolf attacking her horse, and opens her mouth as if to scream. The keening noise that erupts from her goes unheard, however -- except by the red wolf, who hears the unearthly wailing inside its head!
Justinian reaches back and claps a hand on Sunset's shoulder. "The Light of Justice be with you, friend."
Then he draws his sword and prepares to engage the wolves.
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Sunset sends magical Snapdragon fireworks popping into the red wolf as she keeps her bird mount under control, the wolf jumps avoiding most of the flash bang.
Still in the entangling area of effect the plants successfully grab Strawberry this time.
Needlessly the cat continues to attack the Worg hitting it as it stands and again with a bit and critical claw ripping the Worg open killing it instantly.
Still entangled Torod fires his bow at the next wolf hitting the blue one with the arrow wounding it deeply.
The spider warm remains stationary until directed otherwise.
Asta begins to magically scream a curse, both wolfs miss as they take the opportunity to attack her as she cast her magic. The scream shakes but doesn't dazes the wolf.
Justinian touches Sunset with the power of good!
Defending itself, Julius kicks at the blue wolf with both hoofs.
to hit
Seraph delays her action.
Both the green and red wolf attack Asta’s horse again, but both fail to sink their teeth into flesh.
to hit ;
to hit ;
Worg - 22+7+12+11+11=61 dam Very Dead!
Wolfs:
. red - 1+4=5 dam
.green - 1 dam
.Blue - 7+4+6=17 dam down dying.
Seraph - (3 dam)
. Julius (16 dam)
Asta -
Torod - Entangled.
. Strawberry - Entangled.
Sunset -
Doran -
Torod does an about face and targets the red wolf.
Comp Longbow, mw mighty +2:
Strawberry tries to extricate herself from the grasping foliage and move to attack the remaining wolves.
"Here. Hold this fer a moment." Sunset says simply to Justinian. As she steps to one side and adjusts her aim.
With a beam of energy striking out at the wolf between the two horses.
"I CALL DIBS ON WEAIN' THAT BIG, BLACK FEKKER AS A HAT!" Sunset calls out her claim on the black wolf.
The large, flightless bird blinks. Looks down at Justinian's hand and then back at the armored man, the motion causing its harness to jingle quietly.
"CHIRP?"
It takes a step closer inquisitively....