Round 2, Init 11
AC = 20/15/17
HP = 49/58
Weapon Equipped = +1 Adaptive Composite Longbow
Condition(s) = None
AC = 24/14/20
HP = 54/63
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = None
Muri and Underfoot take the blast of sand to the faces, remaining in the doorway. He remembers something he read about tentacled creatures of the sea spewing black ink into the water to escape predators, and feels something similar is afoot.
As he can't see a thing, he waits, and listens for the sound of drake knell or the frustrated gnashing of noble teeth.
Edelmira moves into position and improves her misty combat skills. Elen senses where the creature must be, and heroically slams into it one more time! Major Kort also lashes out, wanting to stop the beast in its tracks - but he locks up the wand instead (fumble!). Kamari doesn’t get flank. Elen is there, but at 10’ away it has total concealment, even with blindsense, so no threatening. Still, a solid hit. Muri waits to see what happens next!
Roaring with pain, the drake leaps off the ledge - ready to take flight - and does! It flies, climbing over the building to keep the roof between you and its departure. With scant windows, and a wily flier, I think the drake escapes to lick its wounds elsewhere.
Kamari listens to the drake flap away and is not sure whether to count herself lucky or unlucky. When the mist clears, she begins looking about for its treasure.
Dragons always have treasure, she thinks optimistically without much actual knowledge on the topic.
"Well, this keep sure has an exotic collection of occupants."
She hops in line for a few more taps of the wand.
"Thanks, Major."
"Thanks, Major."
"Yeah, gotta keep the infantry on their feet," Kort nods stiffly. "One of the first things you learn."
Kort declines to heal at the moment, saving the wand charges for others who might need it.
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Spitting out sand, Muri remains where he is. "Ok, so we came across some information that is useful back in Yanmass. Are we set? Can we return? I know there's another section of the Caravanserai we haven't explored, but the ram lady seems to be the most important person here, and we dealt with her."
The halfling and dog peer through the doorway, towards the roof's ledge, where once roamed a drake. "The dragon will likely remember us, and might harry us on our return, so I suggest we keep our eyes on the skies."
Muri looks back and forth between the faces, hoping to hear something of an agreement, but he won't be disappointed if they still seek to explore the rest of the keep.
"While I think you're right about the woman, I'm loathe to leave this place completely cleared. I doubt those halfling cooks are as capable as you to be able to deal with anything left here."
Kamari moves to push forward when the others are ready.
”I would prefer to finish clearing out this place precisely because the greatest threats are already handled. We never know what other evidence we may find, and I suspect we may need all the evidence we can get to implicate the Earl successfully. Not to mention useful items.”
The Night Swan takes the brief interlude to heal herself up as well.
"While I think you're right about the woman, I'm loathe to leave this place completely cleared. I doubt those halfling cooks are as capable as you to be able to deal with anything left here."
Kort nods stiffly at Kamari and the Night Swan, in full agreement about the need to clear the place fully. There might be more Qadiran traitors around, after all.
He moves to watch the window opening while others look in the closet. He has his wand out and eyes looking for the dragon returning.
Kamari moves to open the closet.
Do dragons use closets to store their treasure?
Elen agrees. "Let's leave no stone unturned here." She waits for Kamari to open the door.
Kamari, after lining up for healing, dives into the ‘nest’ of torn sheets, drapes, and other cloth goods. Most all of it is rubbish, and she’s about to give up, when a bit of lion’s mane catches her eye. She reaches in, and pulls forth a gorgeous lion skin cloak with its mane surrounding the hood.
Under detection, the cloak glows as well, and is revealed to be a Lion Cloak (link).
As you’re milling about, healing, and otherwise preparing for the next fight, it comes to you just before Kamari rips open the closet. Also, Major Kort, I think your wand is jammed from a fumbled activation roll.
A man stealthily climbs the stairs and very nearly comes upon you before you notice him. He’s a lean, powerfully built man with a sharp nose, close-cropped black hair, and a forward hunch that makes him look a bit like a predatory bird. He’s accompanied by at least one grassling, who seems to obey his commands. He wears a breastplate and wields an earth breaker though you can see javelins in his quiver (image).
”I see we have some intruders.” he says simply, smiling as he attacks!
The Night Swan moves up to the door. She tilts her head as she speaks with her distorted voice.
”We have slain your commander and her guards and sent your drake fleeing in terror, along with all others who have stood in our way. If anything, you are the intruder now.”
HP: 73/73
AC: 27/12/26
Saves: F7/R8/W9 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled poisons)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness, Oath of Anonymity
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+13[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+6[/dice] damage.
Round 1, Init 17
Kort casts Divine Favor and moves up a bit, limping and still holding his wand.
hp: 52/52
AC: 16/13/13
Saves: F4/R10/W10 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/7 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/2 used
Extend PotionRadiation: 0/6 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 2/9 used (CLW*1,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*1)
2: 1/7 used (Inv*0,RE*0,*CE*0,1*SInv)
3: 2/5 used (H*2,DM*0,Sear*0)
[ dice]1d20+5[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+11+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
UMD
touch to hit;
fire damage
AC 26, touch 19, flat-footed 19 (+5 armor, +2 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 58 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +3, Ref +12, Will +7 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7/+2 (1d4/19-20+7 Precision) or
koriana's blade +16/+11 (1d6+9/15-20+7 Precision) or
mwk rapier +14/+9 (1d6+2/15-20+7 Precision) or
sap +7/+2 (1d6 nonlethal)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, hidden blade, incredible aspirations, instant unveil, kip-up, precise strike, quick draw, social panache, swashbuckler initiative, targeted strike), hidden strike +1d8/+1d4, panache 4/5
Kamari moves up to the doorway and readies an attack should a foe try to enter the room.
”We have slain your commander and her guards and sent your drake fleeing in terror, along with all others who have stood in our way. If anything, you are the intruder now.”
He tries to shrug it off, but you can see it affects him. He says nothing in reply, and he grows… pensive.
Edelmira demoralizes the poor man before he can even take a swing. Kamari moves up and readies an attack, which doesn’t coalesce. Major Kort prepares himself for battle, improving his combat abilities.
The man, whom I’ll call Jondus for convenience though he hasn’t shared his name with you, gestures and a pair of grasslings joins the fight while he tries to shake off the affects of the demoralization.
He grabs a javelin and throws it - whereupon it becomes a bolt of lighting! He arcs it at Muri, Underfoot, and Kamari I suppose. Not sure the best angle there, so we’ll just call it that.
Reflex DC 14 for half.
A grassling moves past him and into the hall, engaging Muri for starters.
plus Bleed
Round 1, Init 11
AC = 20/15/17
HP = 40/58
Weapon Equipped = +1 Adaptive Composite Longbow
Condition(s) = None
AC = 24/14/20
HP = 54/63
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = None
Underfoot bites at the grassling, before backing away and allowing Muri an unobstructed aim at the bushy fellow for
edit:
While observing his cluster's weed work, the halfling glances down on his bleeding, so closes his eyes and speaks to Chaldira, hoping to staunch the flow.
AC 26, touch 19, flat-footed 19 (+5 armor, +2 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 58 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +3, Ref +12, Will +7 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7/+2 (1d4/19-20+7 Precision) or
koriana's blade +16/+11 (1d6+9/15-20+7 Precision) or
mwk rapier +14/+9 (1d6+2/15-20+7 Precision) or
sap +7/+2 (1d6 nonlethal)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, hidden blade, incredible aspirations, instant unveil, kip-up, precise strike, quick draw, social panache, swashbuckler initiative, targeted strike), hidden strike +1d8/+1d4, panache 4/5
Kamari hugs the wall to avoid the worst of the lightning which unfortunately hasn't given her any bright ideas how to reach anyone. She pauses as Underfoot with Muri takes a step back and then tumbles in closely after Muri's barrage of arrows to finish off the grassling hopefully.
Round 2, Init 17
Kort shoots through a LOT of cover at the javelin jerk.
UMD
touch to hit;
fire damage
hp: 52/52
AC: 16/13/13
Saves: F4/R10/W10 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/7 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/2 used
Extend PotionRadiation: 0/6 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 2/9 used (CLW*1,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*1)
2: 1/7 used (Inv*0,RE*0,*CE*0,1*SInv)
3: 2/5 used (H*2,DM*0,Sear*0)
[ dice]1d20+5[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+11+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
UMD
touch to hit;
fire damage
"Everybody, do that voodoo...!"
Elen draws her katana and tries to tumble past the uppity weed.
She feints and attacks the man armed with the pointed sticks.
For
For
Hits: 60/60
AC: 25/21
CMD = 23
WandofMageArmorCharges = 39/50
Resolve = 3/3
Challenge = 2 / 3
Hero Pts: 3/3
Wow!
Kamari takes notes of Elen's moves to improve her own skills.
With the hallway blocked up, The Night Swan decides to stay right where she is and focus on hacking down the grassling, even though it likely has cover. She does not know what “voodoo” is, but she is apparently doing it quite well after Elen’s lead.
HP: 73/73
AC: 27/12/26
Saves: F7/R8/W9 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled poisons)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness, Oath of Anonymity
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+13[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+6[/dice] damage.
Muri plants two in the grassling - one a critical! He also staunches the bleeding while Underfoot takes a bite as well. Elen dances past the, er, uppity weed to bring a crashing blow down on poor Jondus still shaken. Edelmira hits the grassling once through the doorway while Kamari tumbles in with a crit of her own ending the grasslings life utterly! Major Kort has no target for his jammed wand and so merely repositions.
Jondus grabs for another javelin, but reconsiders with Elen in his face. He steps to the stairwell to avoid being surrounded, and swings his earth breaker hard!
He manages one hit on Elen, though it's a hard one raising a welt on her thigh.
As the battle moves to the stairs, another Grassling comes up from behind! Apparently it had been moving around the back. It attacks poor Muri.
plus Bleed
The sharp blade cuts Muri and causes him to start bleeding. Though the cut's not deep, it stings none the less!
AC 26, touch 19, flat-footed 19 (+5 armor, +2 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 58 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +3, Ref +12, Will +7 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7/+2 (1d4/19-20+7 Precision) or
koriana's blade +16/+11 (1d6+9/15-20+7 Precision) or
mwk rapier +14/+9 (1d6+2/15-20+7 Precision) or
sap +7/+2 (1d6 nonlethal)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, hidden blade, incredible aspirations, instant unveil, kip-up, precise strike, quick draw, social panache, swashbuckler initiative, targeted strike), hidden strike +1d8/+1d4, panache 4/5
With her panache being frequently renewed thanks to the many fine--and some sloppy--criticals, Kamari uses some for the rather easy tumble down the hallway through Muri and the bamboo sharp grassling.
Once, there she does her best to prune him from the battlefield
Round 2, Init 17
Kort stows his wand and draws his crossbow as he moves up.
hp: 52/52
AC: 16/13/13
Saves: F4/R10/W10 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/7 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/2 used
Extend PotionRadiation: 0/6 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 2/9 used (CLW*1,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*1)
2: 1/7 used (Inv*0,RE*0,*CE*0,1*SInv)
3: 2/5 used (H*2,DM*0,Sear*0)
[ dice]1d20+5[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+11+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
UMD
touch to hit;
fire damage
The Night Swan has no interest in contributing to the packed melee as-is. She surges forward and tries to push past the villain.
HP: 73/73
AC: 27/12/26
Saves: F7/R8/W9 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled poisons)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness, Oath of Anonymity
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+13[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+6[/dice] damage.
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Round 2, Init 11--->Delay to Round 3, Init 18
AC = 20/15/17
HP = 34/58
Weapon Equipped = +1 Adaptive Composite Longbow
Condition(s) = Bleed
AC = 24/14/20
HP = 54/63
Weapon Equipped = Teef
Condition(s) = None
"Excellent, Kamari!" Muri gets ready to advance on the lightning bolt chucker, when he's stung from behind. He's almost ready to retreat, when Kamari makes another effortless leap past the grassling, so he stays put just a little longer, making sure the swordswoman's blade and Underfoot's teeth are working in conjunction.
Muri watches Underfoot take a substantial bite out of the grassling, before stepping back, and leaning over to Elen. "Your words are really hitting with Underfoot! Keep it up!!" The halfling shakes at the shoulders, and fires away, hoping the grassling is not long for this world. "They're hitting with me, too!"
I forgot Muri's bleed damage...
"Keep it up!!"
"Glad is was helpful, but you already have the power within you to conquer already!"
Elen attacks Jaundice again.
For
For
"Who are you, and what are you doing with grasslings?! Why are you even here?"
Hits: 60/60
AC: 28/21
CMD = 23
WandofMageArmorCharges = 39/50
Resolve = 3/3
Challenge = 1 / 3
Hero Pts: 2/3
Jondus tries to keep Edelmira from pushing past him. He takes his AoO, hoping for the best!
He fails to hit Edelmira, and so fails to prevent the overrun. Further, Edelmira shoves him to the ground!
Elen is missed, though she manages a pair of hits herself. Edelmira pushes past him, flinging him to the ground. Kamari successfully tumbles and slashes the grassling as grass shards go everywhere and a rich green smell fills the air. Muri delays before urging Underfoot to chomp on the grass. They step back and Muri hits it twice more with his bow! Major Kort switches up his weapons as he moves to get a shot.
Jondus isn’t pleased about the current state of affairs. He stands, and tries to make a run for it. AoOs from Elen and Edelmira as he stands.
He then tries to get past Edelmira. He too tries to Overrun maneuver, which grants an AoO from Edelmira - if she has combat reflexes (and if he’s still standing after the two AoO’s inbound). Does Edelmira let him by to escape?
vs DC 24
- - -
If he manages to avoid dropping, he scurries down the stairs in flight. I think his movement provokes from Elen (if she has combat reflexes) as he flees.
The grassling, unaware of Jondus’ retreat, presses Kamari, fighting for ifs very life!
plus Bleed
plus Bleed
plus Bleed
plus Bleed
AC 26, touch 19, flat-footed 19 (+5 armor, +2 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 58 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +3, Ref +12, Will +7 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7/+2 (1d4/19-20+7 Precision) or
koriana's blade +16/+11 (1d6+9/15-20+7 Precision) or
mwk rapier +14/+9 (1d6+2/15-20+7 Precision) or
sap +7/+2 (1d6 nonlethal)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, hidden blade, incredible aspirations, instant unveil, kip-up, precise strike, quick draw, social panache, swashbuckler initiative, targeted strike), hidden strike +1d8/+1d4, panache 4/5
Kamari can't help but admire the spunk of the sprout but that doesn't hold her back from trying to finish him off. She'll pause for a second to see if a flank appears, but either way will stab him twice. Unfortunately, the significant blood loss appears to hamper her efforts.
For
For
She waits to see if she needs to run or flank.
I love the smell of cut grass...
The Night Swan will indeed try to block his way, and get knocked down and aside as a result, should he survive Elen and hers attacks.
Elen swings with her first AoO, smashing into the man as he rises. Edelmira crashes down on Jondus - finishing him! As Jondus drops on rising, he never has a chance to make the Overrun attempt so Elen’s second swing doesn’t happen either. Jondus is bleeding but not dead. Kamari, even without flank, manages at least one blow - which is enough to finish the grassling as it flutters to the floor.
The space grows quiet, though the more perceptive of you think you can hear the receding gallop of swift horses.
The Night Swan puts away her halberd for the moment and begins disarming the man of his weapons in case someone else decides to stop his bleeding. She makes no move to attempt it herself. ”Foolish man. Taking on a whole group of us with just himself and some grass.”
”Ah,” Elen says with relief as The Night Swan takes out Jaundice. She enjoys the smell of freshly grown grass as the space quiets. ”Good work, everyone!”
The space grows quiet, though the more perceptive of you think you can hear the receding gallop of swift horses.
”Oh! They finally figured out how to let themselves out!”
”Foolish man. Taking on a whole group of us with just himself and some grass.”
”Well, that grass did significantly more damage than whoever this guy is,” she says, first admiring the shiny greenarmor clad warriors before waving disappointedly at Jaundice.
She leans down to check his pockets for any clues as to who he is.
”Foolish man. Taking on a whole group of us with just himself and some grass.”
"Yes, that was strange...or very loyal. Or committed to a cause," Kort says, drawing out the healing wand and using it liberally to stop the bleeding from others. "And because he was loyal, he might know or feel things that we do not yet know...and might yet wish to know."
Kort moves to Stabilize Jondus. He will secure the active intelligence asset and revive him as needed, seeking answers.
"You were very brave, Jondus. You must love Qadira very much to sacrifice your life for such an empty and broken country. You should be commended for your love of Qadira and the sand cockroaches that soil their sands," Kort praises the prisoner when he is conscious.
Bleeding again, Kamari unabashedly steps up for more taps of the wand.
Elen uses the mask to detect anything that might pass as thoughts going on in Jondus's head before moving on to check out the remaining parts of the complex, coup de gracing any stabilized grasslings left behind.
(to get him conscious - someone should really buy some cheap smelling salts)
You loot poor Jondus and check the remaining two small rooms on this floor to find a tiny bedroom and a storage closet full of miscellaneous stuff - mostly drake food.
Jondus had some non magical gear, and:
Javelin of Lightning x2
Potion Cure Moderate Wounds x2
Cloak of Resistance +1
Lover’s Bangle (750gp)
124gp in loose change
The Lover’s Bangle is a thick copper bracelet with rows of lightly engraved hearts. They are typically in pairs. When a bangle’s wearer is rendered unconscious, or slain, the wearer of the attuned lover’s bangle immediately knows…
The grasslings had nothing.
"You were very brave, Jondus. You must love Qadira very much to sacrifice your life for such an empty and broken country. You should be commended for your love of Qadira and the sand cockroaches that soil their sands," Kort praises the prisoner when he is conscious.
Jondus spits a tooth out from a wry smile as he looks back at the Major. He says nothing however.
He’s got a faint magical aura - so there’s a spell or two of 1-3rd lvl on him. Probably buffs. If you had a good spellcraft you might learn more about what kind of spell. Anyway, he’s able to cast spells, of the divine class (as opposed to the arcane class) and he can cast up to second level spells.
vs DC 19
Surface thoughts… hrm. He thinks it’s funny that Major Kort believes they’re Qadirans. And pleased. He figures his boss will get him out of this - and you get a brief flash of Earl Merkondus - or possibly someone he thinks of as Fathrie. You get a brief flash of a flaming scimitar and a stern looking woman.
Presuming you continue concentrating, I’ll give you more after folks have had time to ask some questions.
- - -
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The Night Swan gives an exasperated sigh. ”Major, I should think it is quite clear by now that they have nothing to do with Qadira and are simply in disguise to try to foment anti-Qadiran sentiment. I believe I explained this earlier. Especially as we know who their—very Taldan—patron is and that they are affiliated with the Taldan army.”
She then turns her attention to the prisoner. ”Now, we already know the Earl is your patron. Provide us with any evidence you have as to his plans and I will consider letting you live. Judging by this bangle, you have someone you are fond of who would miss you, and I think you would like to see them again, would you not? If you do not cooperate, I will be forced to assume you mean us ill and act accordingly. Yours would not be the first head carved on my axe.”
Muri joins Kamari in the doling out of healing, taps for himself, tippy-tap for his mount.
The halfling dismounts to give the malinois some ease, while the group circles the warrior under question. When the Night Swan threatens the man's life, Muri considers their options.
"A prisoner would be good, wouldn't it? Someone we could bring back to Yanmass? Or the halfling cooks? I'm not sure how trials work, but I here you folk did great hearing cases back in Betony."
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Drake food? Where's the treasure?
Kamari stands between the Night Swan and Muri.
"Prisoners are so much trouble. You have to feed them. Keep an eye on them. Field executions are easier." Kamari pauses before continuing.
"However, they are more limited. Trials do tend to bring out a bit more truth and ensure the person and their family name is thoroughly disgraced. It also makes it easier to seize family lands, imprison other family members, etc."
"No. The punishment for treason against Taldar is death. We should kill him," Kort replies stiffly and not joking. "That these 'soldiers' would turn against the true Taldan king is all the justification we need."
She then turns her attention to the prisoner. ”Now, we already know the Earl is your patron. Provide us with any evidence you have as to his plans and I will consider letting you live. Judging by this bangle, you have someone you are fond of who would miss you, and I think you would like to see them again, would you not? If you do not cooperate, I will be forced to assume you mean us ill and act accordingly. Yours would not be the first head carved on my axe.”
”Oh, you loyalists always so high and mighty, but when push comes to shove - you’ll kill readily enough.” he sneers the sneer of the superior - or at least one who believes that he is. ”For after all, who of us has killed for our liege this day?” He hazards a guess, but says no more.
"Prisoners are so much trouble. You have to feed them. Keep an eye on them. Field executions are easier." Kamari pauses before continuing.
"However, they are more limited. Trials do tend to bring out a bit more truth and ensure the person and their family name is thoroughly disgraced. It also makes it easier to seize family lands, imprison other family members, etc."
He sniggers at the suggestion he has anything to lose but his life.
"No. The punishment for treason against Taldar is death. We should kill him," Kort replies stiffly and not joking. "That these 'soldiers' would turn against the true Taldan king is all the justification we need."
”You healed me, so you could torment me, and then kill me. Sure, I see the honor in that.”
He remains relatively tight lipped.
When Kamari and Kort speak of death, he does of course grow uneasy and fearful - as you’d expect. But he has no ‘family’ name to disgrace, no lands to lose. He has only his honor and his life, and you think he likely values the former over the latter.
- - -
- - -
Elen shrugs and pulls the party for a quick aside.
"We have no jurisdiction here, I think killing him could easily backfire on us. Every time we mention little boy blue's lover, I get images of both Merkondus and a stern looking woman wielding a flaming scimitar -- 'Fathrie". Does that name ring a bell with anyone? I'm pretty sure it's the flaming scimitar he's in love with. Maybe we can use him some other way against the Imperialists. He is definitely an Imperialist and supports High Strategos Maxillar Pythareus -- staunchly so. "
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"Jurisdiction? We don't need no stiffing jurisdiction," Kort says. "We are completely allowed to kill Qadirans within our borders. As he claims such, I will take him at his word. A crossbow bolt to the skull should do the trick."
”Oh, you loyalists always so high and mighty, but when push comes to shove - you’ll kill readily enough.” he sneers the sneer of the superior - or at least one who believes that he is. ”For after all, who of us has killed for our liege this day?” He hazards a guess, but says no more.
The Night Swan leans in, her displeased mask judging the prisoner. ”You misunderstand if you presume I have ever considered myself above doing what is necessary. My virtue is not worth more than the futures of our people. You can try to dress up the matter with whatever sneering condescension you wish—I really do not care—but the facts of the moment are that you lost and we won. You can choose to live, or you can choose to die.”
She joins Elen’s aside, leaving Jondus to think over what she said. ”I agree with the Major that I do not think jurisdiction will be an issue. He is also clearly not inclined to cooperate with us, so I am not sure how much use he could be.”
By jurisdiction -- I mean that Merkondus is near the Council, and this really should be a matter for the Council, right? But Merkondus likely wants us to kill Jondus to avoid implication in his participation in this scheme to sabotage the Loyalists’ peaceful overtures toward Qadiran. And, since Jondus values his honor because it’s all he believes he has, he’ll happily die with honor for this cause.”
She pauses to think.
”And Jondus is in love, and his lover knows we just nearly killed him because of the bracelet. He won't cooperate, but maybe we can use his life as leverage to get more intel out of her.”
”If you don’t think that's at all likely, then by all means put an arrow through his head. I didn't really have an interest in reviving him in the first place.”
"I'm inclined to agree with Elen at this point. Jondus might still have some usefulness. I do think the council would better appreciate the situation if they saw him with their own eyes, even if he won't say anything. Besides, a walking prisoner is almost easier than carrying a corpse back."