Looking a little queasy Martlin remarks, "The law says for unrepentant banditry the punishment is death by rope or sword. Before the coward that we caught at their camp I had never taken life before and the thought of it still makes me uneasy. But I see no recourse, these scum actually seem to think their actions are justified. As for their friends, are we better off trying to catch them unawares before they come, or letting them come as suspicious as they will be? I have a mind for machinations but I cannot say that the courtly intriuge prepared me to think like a bandit."
He says,"That is fine for even bandits do not think like bandits most of the time and the ones who will come looking for these four will not be thinking like bandits either. They will either be thinking like tyrants ready to collect their due, heroes looking to rescue their comrades, or marauders looking for a reason to kill. Regardless, banditry is not the name of the game here. Now if we go for them, they will out number us and they will have the advantage of knowing their camp. I am good with either option, defense or attack, but I need to know which you all prefer before we start making a plan."
scratching at his beard I am not a fan of stringing people up, ask Oleg if any of these have ever shown any qualities that they may be redeemed and we can proceed from there... as for the other problem I am more inclined to try and hit them first so we don't have to worry about innocents getting hurt or unnecessary damage to this place.
Philias looks to Smokey and Relena for their input. He will add to Relena,"Beg your pardens m'lady, we have a vested interest in securing the region against threats - such as bandits pose - and to explore it to the best of our abilities. If you are looking to work for a dream fit for... well whatever you want to be... then you are welcome to join along with us. If not, then please do not let any of us keep you or rail you into decisions you prefer not made."
walking back over to the bandits Nothing is set in stone at this point, what you should be doing is thinking about how much is your life worth to you and how can you make sure you get to keep breathing.
Looking at the conscious one before checking on the unconscious ones to make sure they were still alive.
I am not sold on stringing you up at this point, the more you help us.. the more likely you are to walk away form this alive!
With a sigh he looks around the room before continuing...
The more information, numbers... traps... weapons... what the ground is like around the camp.. the best approach to the camp, all of this is information that can swing things in your favor.
He was still alive, just passed out.
Mr. Unknown looks at you and shakes his head. "As I said, I don't know where the traps are around the camp. The way we come in is via the path that hits the shallow part of the river allowing crossing into the camp. They use logs and such as breaks so should anyone attack they can get behind. They have lookouts in the trees, concealed to be hard to see and they signal with thunderstones if they see intruders. Normal days there are about half numbers. But their has been a big recruiting spree recently so some fresh blood may have come in." Shifts uncomfortably.
"As for weapons its pretty much what you see on us. Though Kessle favors axes like you. And ground is just high ground near a river."
Trying to look wise, Martlin paces the yard, "We need a way to stop them from seeing us then. Or to make ourselves look harmless..."
"Good sir I will join you on your Nobel quest. I will be honored to help you all. Smiles at the rest of th group and waits to head out while still playing with her lock of hair.
He walks over to the bags and pulls out a map, coming back over to the bandits he spreads it out on the table.
That's a very good start but next we will need your help filling in the map we have and then we can discuss how and when you can walk away.
"I really can't see the map from here being tied up on the ground. I'll do what I can though if I can see the map." Mr. Unknown says.
Martlin moves over taking the map and holds it in front of the scum.
Looking up at him and then the map he would jut his chin out towards a river.
"There, its not like I can point directly. But it is there Along Thorn River"
Martlin studies the map, somewhat irritable that it has so little labelling.
Walking up to look at the map he nods how long does it take for you to ride back to the camp?
tracing a potential route with his finger Anything special about the land between here and there? rivers to cross... dangerous animals?
Martlin sighs, Oh I would kill for a good library, I need to start collecting books on this region immediately. He nods at Arvalis' questions, "Indeed, good questions, what say you ruffians?" Far more interested in answers than tormenting them now.
He looks at them. "Eight hours give or take one depending on weather. That's if you go straight through the forest. Full day if you go around. He shifts "No river to cross until you get to the camp. As for animal, just local wildlife."
Thank you very much. gathers up some food and water, and checks the unconscious captives to make sure they were ok.
Checking one more time that they were all securely tied up he nodded to the others We need to talk and come up with a plan!
As he stepped out of the building.
Smokey looks at them and would head out with him.
"So we want to attack the bandit camp? We will have to do it soon I would think." She smiled at the new girl. "Do you want us both to come along? Or should I stay here and watch over the Fort while you are gone?"