While Corran asks around town, Xavien knows just what resource to consult...
A little leg work goes a long way.
The local population generally feels that Portimer was justified and that any punishments will likely anger the town.
Your options:
Corran gathers and confers with the party, presenting his findings.
"I propose the following: The law is Death. But you'll have to knock me out or kill me before I allow that. We have a newly repaired mill. Let us put the Miller to use. Death, but Suspend the sentance pending service at the mill. Flour production and grain refinement can be quantified. Portimer's story is hogwash, but we can all just act like we believe it. We'll show mercy and put him to work for us. If he can meet or exceed expectations, get that mill producing for the good of all, at a tough but fair quota, then we commute his sentence to public service, time served. I'll go in there and serve as judge for the day right now."
Kenton listens intently. I see the value of mercy, he says with a nod, though I suspect the Count will not view it as such, and this may bring thigs to a head rather earlier than we might like. Likewise, this does not address the hunger of his family, which must be mitigated if we are to prevent a recurrence.
Putting him to work in the mill provides him with full employment. We should garnish his wages to... pay for the buck or some other nonsense. But, he should still earn some wage for his work, until such time as his sentence is commuted. That should satisfy all, yes? He has work, income for his family, restitution for his crime. The Count won't be happy no matter what we do.
"I agree that public service is the most appropriate punishment. The nobility would likely argue that such a 'soft' punishment will encourage others to take similar risks, but if we make the service time long enough... it might do. And I agree that service to an area that solves a need for the community is best. But it might be hard sell when the punishment is that we simply give them a job with pay. Supporting the family may be a thing that we'll need to intercede in outside of the court."
Xavien clears his throat loudly to get the others' attention. "Friends, your fears are misplaced. It is not the Count that needs pleasing! No, we most need the support of the Stachys populace. And they, I am hearing, already believe Portimer well justified, and would see *any* punishment as unjust."
"I suggest that we dismiss the case entirely."
"We can do both. If we make a big show of this being a capital crime, but we give him a job--one he's trained for and experienced in--he can support his family, we respect The Count's authority and he lives, supporting his family. Death, but we suspend the sentence with no intention of carrying it out. In a year or two, once the mill is productive and tempers have cooled, we commute the sentence to Public Service--in the mill where he works anyway and yes has been working for legitimate wages Time Served, In effect, no punishment beyond a public show of contrition. The Count can sod off for all I care. This carries out the letter of the law on paper and in public, but is merciful and doesn't punish this poor soul for trying to feed his family. Everybody wins."
Who's judge today?
Putting him to work in the mill provides him with full employment. We should garnish his wages to... pay for the buck or some other nonsense. But, he should still earn some wage for his work, until such time as his sentence is commuted. That should satisfy all, yes? He has work, income for his family, restitution for his crime. The Count won't be happy no matter what we do.
"My Sister has the right of it."
Xavien shakes his head. "The 'public show' is exactly what will go badly with the people. The Count has already forfeit his authority---we should make no effort to respect it. And the law is a bad law. We should not give it any respect either."
"Now, if we want to offer the man a job, I am all for it. But not as punishment, show or otherwise."
Xavien shakes his head. "The 'public show' is exactly what will go badly with the people. The Count has already forfeit his authority---we should make no effort to respect it. And the law is a bad law. We should not give it any respect either."
"Now, if we want to offer the man a job, I am all for it. But not as punishment, show or otherwise."
"It won't go badly with the people--they'll get it. Intent will be clear. That's the whole point."
"That's a very strong assumption," Xavien laughs. "And quite a risky one, as my intel says it will go otherwise. Why insist on a punishment at all? I am not seeing an upside to that. Do you believe Portimer did wrong? Because I firmly do not."
Corran sighs heavily.
"There's a lot to parse there, Xavien. You wanna talk ethics and morals we should do that later when we can play and drink a little. Taldor Rules--cover your arse--that's the upside. Unless you think we're ready to spit in Bartleby's eye now. We're making progress helping these people and gaining their loyalty, but are we ready to press that yet? Because zero punishment sends a message that will either rally the people to us, or send them into hiding whilst they wait to see who's going to come out ahead here. I don't think we've earned the kind of popularity that will rally them to banners. And what about other landed nobles? These are uncertain times. If we punish him in name only, AND find him work he's trained for... That message will be clear to all."
Corran starts to pace then stops, then holds up a finger.
"No... Xavien is right. By Aroden. Xavien is right--but let me do it. I have an Oration forming... Or if not me then let me just..."
Corran sits and feverishly starts writing.
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If available, Corran makes use of a ridiculous wig.
He clears his throat.
"Gentles. I thank you for your pains, and for bringing to light this most heinous crime. I swear to you today: we shall not tolerate or let stand crimes against Taldor or her people.
Master Portimer. Please stand before the bench and the court.
You stand accused of Poaching The Count's Deer. The Court has conducted an investigation into the matter, into your person and your description of events. It is clear to us that you have slain a deer. And that action cannot be undone. You have slain a deer, and in doing so exposed a crime.
Taldor is more than a nation--It is a sacred agreement betwixt people and land. You, Master Portimer, swear to serve, and in exchange you gain the protection of your Liege. That oath, that most sacred of trusts, has been violated, and we must see justice done.
You are a miller, correct? So I must wonder what in the name of The Gods and The Grand Princess you were doing out in the wilderness shooting at deer? Our investigation has produced an answer: The Mill closed. And for too long, the sacred trust, the protection and rights due to you have been denied. The real crime here is that Taldor, here represented by Count Lotheed, has tried to starve a family by neglecting duty.
It is my great honor to correct course, and attempt to restore the trust that you, Master Portimer, have lost in Taldor. For the crime of killing a deer to feed your family, I sentence you to forget this unpleasantness and go be a miller. We just fixed the damned thing. It, and you, should absolutely get to the business of milling.
The Court fines The Nation of Taldor one deer from Count Bartleby's land. The fine has been discharged to Master Portimer.
All charges against Master Portimer are dropped. Next case, please."
Corran has, perhaps, too much fun with the gavel.
The aftermath of Corran's pronouncement is swift. The people of Stachys celebrate and the word on the street is that finally there are are capable and benevolent aristocrats who understand The People.
Word travels quickly, and in time you discover that the baron is slightly disappointed in you, and the count is FURIOUS.
"A fine outcome, I say," Xavien remarks while discussing the incoming news, "though we might pay Okerra a visit to smooth things over. We have a few matters to discuss, anyhow."
And after that, a little chat with Kiefer Sutherland Sir Gusairne is in order, I believe, Kenton adds. On behalf of a particular quartet.
Aurelia has somewhat mixed feelings about the result, but ultimately concludes that what they needed most right now was the support of the people of Stachys. Politics are complicated, but we did sign up for this.
"Yes, I would like to mend some fences with the baron. I'm less excited by the idea of hunting down Gusairne, but understand that he will become a thorn in short order."
Understood, my lady, Kenton replies, Yet, remember that the first into battle chooses the field and is fresh for the fight, while their foe then must react and arrive with fatigue.
"Of course, Kenton. Though the analogy fits poorly I understand perfectly the point that you are trying to make," Aurelia agrees readily. "If I may borrow from another analogy, when we consider friends and foes I suggest that we start by keeping our friends close. Thus, we see Baron Okerra."
Nodding at the general agreement, "Very well, let us visit with Okerra."
The party heads out, but it also means bringing some messengers, because there are orders to give.
Aurelia: Go
Corran: Go
Ianthe: Go
Kenton: Go
Xavien: Go
Corran attempts to BASK IN THE GLORY... Making sure everyone knows of the party and their achievements.
Vs. DC 19
Nope!
Xavien picks up where Corran leaves off, singing a mighty song about how Stachys threw off an illegal tax ring.
Aurelia leverages the magic within her magic hat to create a disguise and organize a clandestine meeting with several servants of the Palace of the Birdsong.
Kenton, more convinced than ever that Gusairne needs to be knocked down a peg, redoubles his efforts to find a tidbit to increase to scandal, and sets wheels in motion to reveal it to the populace.
The party gets a mixed bag of results....
Ianthe remains
Ianthe tries to bring some levity to the area, doing her best to organize a party for the town.
It's Ianthe's party and I'll cry if I want to.
Should we go see Okerra?
Yes, let's go see Okerra.
With spirits slightly dampened by the poor performance of agents and handlers, the party heads to see the Baron.
The baron is happy to see you, though you get the impression that he's a bit frazzled with events of late.
"What brings you here friends?"
"Okerra!" Xavien beams, bowing low. "To tell you the truth, friend, we received something of a threatening note from the 'Nightswan,' nailed right onto our front door. Marred the wood something awful, a pity. But we heard somewhere or other that you might have had a brush with the villain, and thought we might apply to you for the true tale."
"Villain is right. Look above young Xavien, there is but one sky. There cannot be two skies. Either you believe in law and order, or you do not. This vigilante is part of the problem, not the solution. I caution you, do no not cavort with the likes of her. That's all I have to say on the matter."
Kenton nods in agreement. I appreciate the metaphor, Okerra. And it is vital to know on which side of the line one stands. It reminds me of one time in the Horse... and he tells tale of a hunt for a reprobate deserter.
Corran spends his time listening more than talking. He's mostly curious to see if there's any sort of flexibility or chink in this man's principles.
Discovery check... Weakness.
"Absolutely, you are correct. The rule of Law is of vital importance," Aurelia says, happy to get into the discussion. "Vigilantes pose a threat, particularly to those who hold positions of power. Positions meant to protect the people. And I would say that the mere presence, nay rise, of this aberrant behaviour is an important signal: that the laws we hold bear further scrutiny."
" Tradition is important, but a steadfast clinging to tradition is, after all, why we've seen the decline in our great nation. A conscientious, regular review of the laws we hold dear is critical to the sustained health of Taldor and its diverse peoples."
There isn't much new to learn about the Baron, but there is some. You know him quite well.
The baron reiterates his belief that goodness comes from obedience and service, but his tone waivers. It's not a function of relaxing his beliefs, so much as an additional consideration: succor.
His demeanor softens. Clearly his worry that the party is turning vigilante are exaggerated. You join him for a simple, but excellently prepared dinner. The after dinner cocktail is something called a Galtan Connection. It's a mix of an almond flavored liquor and an orange flavored one.
while you cannot fathom a world where you count the Baron and the Nightswan both as allies, you've managed to keep them both thinking that you're sympathetic.
When you return to Stachys in the morning, you arrive to find a strange letter. It's simple and anonymous, "We're with you." It comes with a promissory note of 5,000 Gold.
Over the excellent dinner, Xavien engages the Baron in conversation about the management of his tenants and subjects; he also inquires after the origin of the Galtan Connection. All the while he gauges the Baron's expressions and intonations.
* * *
Back at the Betony estate, Xavien mutters, "Curious," and puzzles over the note and its accompanying cheque. He looks at the hand that did the writing, the make and feel of the paper, the backing of the banknote, and so forth.
Aurelia also takes a turn studying the letter, first whispering a cantrip to detect any magical manipulations before analyzing the calligraphy, such that it is.
Corran lets out a low whistle.
"With us indeed. That is a pretty purse."
That has to narrow the field a little. Who have we met who could get this promissory note and the funds to back it?
Local is +7, Nobility is +9
11 or 13. Sounds like a dead end.
The censensus is that the note is signed by Honorary Tribune Onora Piscum. The paper though is something special, and you recognize it as handmade. Only the Baroness uses it.
"The time is nearing to strike the decisive blow," Xavien says, a twinkle of excitement in his eye. "But before we do, we should attend to Baron Telus. Our friend Festo Mise was reassigned to Stachys and can likely assist with the Baron's curse, and we have the gold to make it so. Let us consult with him and travel to Jambis, then circle north on the long road to Lotheedar and the Palace. I would not mind a jaunt in the Lionsmane Forest along the way too..." he adds, hearing a hunter's note sounding in the distance.
"In the meantime, let us put these new funds to work. We have the resources to raise a monument here in honor of the hard-working, honest, patriotic citizens of Meratt. Then perhaps we could fund a new temple, or a larger public house, or give further aid to the farmers in the fields. What say you?"
"Farms, then," Xavien nods to the growing consensus, though he seems a bit put out. Perhaps it is the vision of the Stachys Stout dancing in his head. "Along with a moment to the Stachys culture."
Xavien concludes that the Baron really won't budge on his views of the law.
The team works on some serious upgrades to Stachys. It comes with funds clearly donated to help depose the Count. The statue, directed at honoring the local culture is the piece de resistance.
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]Festo is eager to help. The cost of the spell is quite standard, and he doesn't mind the trip to help. [ooc]Subtract the finds and tell me when you're ready to leave.
"Thankee, thankee. For your business," Xavien smiles, handing Festo the gold. To the others, "And for each of you, a bit of spending coin. I sold some of our winnings from the otyugh dance."
While in town, Xavien attempted a purchase or two of his own.
Available
Available
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With a few coins added to her pouch, Aurelia acquires some specialty inks and scribes a spell into her spellbook.
Kenton ponders a bit, then secures one liquid ice, one bottled lighting, and a pair of alkali flasks.