"Right. I can have Navia sneak up and disable the cart to make it harder to escape once the attack begins. Or maybe move into a proper flanking position? I admit I'm not the most well trained tactician for this sort of thing."
With such short notice, Xallis does his best to assemble a decent disguise for Navia. In the end, she ends up dressed in an amalgam of Xallis' traveling clothes and bits from her plague doctor costume from the event. Her tentacle hair is carefully wrapped in cloth to hide it, and she wears a mask of black cloth. In order to sell the role, Xallis equips her with his dagger and crossbow.
"I'll hang back unseen. If you'd like, I can bless someone else with invisibility. And as soon as the fight starts, I can use my magic to warp time and hasten our attack."
Liraela says a small prayer to Ravithra before the group heads out. ”I recognize I don’t ask for help often, oh Mother of Nagas, but these people we’re about to rob truly deserve this. I ask that you grant us your karmic blessing, and help us dispense justice.”
With that done, she sets about helping any of the group that needs help with disguises, particularly Navia. ”Oh come here, you. I have the perfect idea!”
She does an admirable job at hiding her true form under the clothing and mask that Xallis provides, and then takes on the form of a burly female (disguise self doesn’t change your voice) bandit, as intimidating as she can manage.
Once they reach the camp, she will cast vanish, giving herself some time to sneak around the other side of the camp from the party. After that she will use silent image to create as many illusory bandit figures as will fit inside her allotted eight 10-ft cubes around the edge of their camp. (DC 14 to disbelieve if interacted with).
After that’s done, she’ll pop out of her invisibility in front of the men and begin the plan.
”Evening gents. I see you haven’t been the most attentive group of guards, seeing as how me and my gang have you surrounded. Why don’t you just hand everything over nice and easy, and no one has to get hurt?”
Tychus stands with the others, quietly loading blunt ammunition into his crossbow cartridges. His clothes are darker than usual, with a large hood ready to cover his head and throw his face into shadows.
"Whatever we do, we need to do it fast and clean. I'd rather not see any deaths here."
"Right. I can have Navia sneak up and disable the cart to make it harder to escape once the attack begins. Or maybe move into a proper flanking position? I admit I'm not the most well trained tactician for this sort of thing."
With such short notice, Xallis does his best to assemble a decent disguise for Navia. In the end, she ends up dressed in an amalgam of Xallis' traveling clothes and bits from her plague doctor costume from the event. Her tentacle hair is carefully wrapped in cloth to hide it, and she wears a mask of black cloth. In order to sell the role, Xallis equips her with his dagger and crossbow.
"I'll hang back unseen. If you'd like, I can bless someone else with invisibility. And as soon as the fight starts, I can use my magic to warp time and hasten our attack."
"Sounds like a plan."
As they quietly approach the likely location of the "tax collector's" camp, the others begin casting their spells. Not wanting to look lax, Tychus also invokes a spell.
Tychus tries to stay near Liraela as she moves up, but once inside a decent range, he will kneel down with his crossbow at the ready, and observe the closest guard.
The mercenaries around the camp raise heavy crossbows and shakily point them in Liraela's direction. "Bandits! Don't come any closer!" They wave their weapons back and forth believing the illusions are valid targets. The guards glance towards Giado for instructions.
The leader, Giado Eta, calls out. "You've messed with the wrong caravan, bandits. I serve Count Bartleby Lotheed. An attack on me is an attack on him. You don't dare face his wrath. Back away now or if any of you escape, he will hunt you down."
Giado's hands sparkle with magic. "I also command powerful magic. I will burn your entire band with a fireball."
The mercenaries are all looking at Liraela and her illusions. They haven't noticed the rest of the group yet. They also do not show any indication of recognizing Liraela from before.
”Oh come off it, you’re a bad liar, and your party magic tricks are not that impressive. Why don’t you stick from stealing from poor people? Wait, did you think I didn’t know?” Liraela says, laughing boisterously.
”You are no better than us, really, so why don’t we just skip this step and move onto the part where we take everything you’ve stolen and we decide to let you live?”
As they approach under cover of night, Henrika casts message and implants her Shadow Splinter trick in her consciousness. She waits a moment as Liraela delivers her ultimatum, to see if anyone will throw down their weapons, and prepares to charge at their opponents as soon as it is clear that any of them aren't going to do so.
”You are no better than us, really, so why don’t we just skip this step and move onto the part where we take everything you’ve stolen and we decide to let you live?”
"S%$+! There's too many of them. Let's get out of here." Giato prepares to flee and motions frantically for his guards to follow. "This isn't over! I know where you bandits live. The Beggarwood will burn for this!"
Icabhod just glares silently from under his hood.
"Ah, that's much better." Liraela says as the small group of thieves (because that's what they are) runs away from her impressive group of bandits and the rest of her actual party.
Once they've been gone for a bit, she'll dismiss the illusion and move over to the wagon.
"Now what do we have here?"
Tychus flicks on the safety for his crossbow as he sees the men flee. Once Liraela signals the all-clear, he leaves his hidden spot and approaches the loot. He casually rests his weapon on one shoulder as he leans down to examine what was left behind.
"I hope he doesn't take it out on the people in Beggarwood. Should we alert them?" he muses out loud as he sifts through the things.
"Well, that went better than I thought." comes Xallis' voice from thin air. "But our friends in Beggarwood will likely endure retribution in our stead. It seems that our ruse may be more of a long term plan than we initially assumed."
"Double down!" Navia exclaims excitedly as she begins to rummage through their spoils. "How about we make up our own bandit team and take the credit? Then we can hurt old Bartlebutt however we want and always get away with it! And hey, that saves the other guys too, right?"
You let the tax collector and his guards go without a fight. They flee, cursing you all the way until they are too far away to hear.
Anything interesting or is it just the harvest half they stole from us?
You recover all of the harvest that Giato had collected from the town.
When you return to Stachys, the town cheers you on as heroes once again.
The next week, you decide to hold a festival. You organize it to celebrate the recovered harvest and hold a small tournament. You invite local warriors from the surrounding towns to participate and borrow Baron Okerra’s daughter Selli for the week to watch.
I’ll let you fill out some of the details of how you want the festival and tournament to go. During the week, a messenger from Lotheed passes through Stachys. He decries the news of a bandit attack on the tax collector and posts bounty posters around town. The bounties are for the Four Hoods, the unofficial leaders and defenders of those residing in the Beggarwood, offering 5,000 gp per head delivered to Count Lotheed.
I’ll let you take another Persona Phase to take advantage of the +2 festival bonus.
We could spread rumors that the Black Swan was behind the attacks.
We could spread rumors that the Black Swan was behind the attacks.
"I think that's a very good idea", Trevor agrees whole-heartedly.
Personal Phase
Feeling guilty over assisting in a robbery, Trevor takes time out of bartending at The Public House to set up another medical tent for the people of Stachys.
When next she has the chance, Henrika suggests to the group, "Perhaps we should ourselves go to the Beggarwood to warn them about the bounty. It might be that we can help some of the unfortunates there flee before the count's forces descend upon them."
While organizing the tournament, Henrika makes a point of being friendly and noticeable to the various warriors and would-be heroes of the local area, in hopes of influencing their opinion of her.
When next she has the chance, Henrika suggests to the group, "Perhaps we should ourselves go to the Beggarwood to warn them about the bounty. It might be that we can help some of the unfortunates there flee before the count's forces descend upon them."
"A good idea, but they're the sort to want to find us, instead of us finding them. Plus, I assume they've caught wind of this bounty and they may very well suspect us as being the cause."
"We should use a deft hand for this. I'll send some of my people and discreetly arrange a meeting."
Persona Phase
Persona Phase
With the festival in full swing, Tychus sets up a small stall for the children to practice their aim. Using small wooden crossbows with soft-headed bolts, they try to hit targets of varying sizes, which drop corresponding sacks of copper or silver coins. The smallest target nets the shooter a sack of 5 gold coins.
As the children test their skills, Tychus doesn't shy from telling tall tales of their fight against the Iron Lash.
Week of Gozran 22 through 29, 4718
The festival draws a large crowd. Stachys is bustling with activity. Selli spends some time with each of you, thoroughly enjoying the events. But more often than not, she wanders off on her own and needs to be tracked back down. Luckily, she doesn’t run into any particular trouble this week.
Feeling guilty over assisting in a robbery, Trevor takes time out of bartending at The Public House to set up another medical tent for the people of Stachys.
Perform Charitable Acts (Sacrifice), Heal with Festival Bonus: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 = 28
Trevor’s medical tent is a success. There is no shortage is minor wounds due to the ongoing tournament duals. A familiar face, Lady Mona Sittas, whom Trevor met at the Tanager Jubilee joust, passes through and she suspiciously seems like she got injured on purpose. Dame Trant gives Trevor a scowl and burns a hole through the female-knight with her eyes.
While organizing the tournament, Henrika makes a point of being friendly and noticeable to the various warriors and would-be heroes of the local area, in hopes of influencing their opinion of her.
Diplomacy to organize a tourney improving Charm facet (DC 21), ioun stone: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 2 = 26
Henrika takes charge of organizing the tournament. She meets many new faces of warriors from the surrounding local villages eager to prove their skill and have some fun. She may be surprised to hear that word of some of her (and the party’s) deeds has spread to towns she hasn’t even visited yet. Selli hangs around Henrika the most. She enjoys meeting and watching the fighters as well. From the sidelines she copies some of the moves she sees performed in the ring.
Developing Persona. Arrange Secret Meeting (Charm) with the Beggarwood to warn them of the bounty as a courtesy, as well as ensuring them we have no intent to do harm.
Hero Point reroll: 1d20 + 11 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 11 + 2 + 2 = 16
Xallis sends a messenger to the Beggarwood with a letter requesting a meeting. The messenger returns back with a message that they are not interested.
With the festival in full swing, Tychus sets up a small stall for the children to practice their aim. Using small wooden crossbows with soft-headed bolts, they try to hit targets of varying sizes, which drop corresponding sacks of copper or silver coins. The smallest target nets the shooter a sack of 5 gold coins.
As the children test their skills, Tychus doesn't shy from telling tall tales of their fight against the Iron Lash.
Develop Persona (Heroism)(Perform Oratory): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
The children enjoy Tychus’ games. Squeals of joy surround his booth. Selli tries her hand at the crossbow and hits a few targets. She listens intently to Tychus’ story of fighting the Iron Lash. Then she runs off with the toy crossbow to hunt her own manticore. One of Tychus’ agents grabs her by the back of her shirt and drags her back before she can get too far.
Sometime during the festival, you hear the sobs and whimpers of a young girl who appears to be lost. She calls out ”Momma,” but no one in the crowd around her responds.
Week of Gozran 22 through 29, 4718
Feeling guilty over assisting in a robbery, Trevor takes time out of bartending at The Public House to set up another medical tent for the people of Stachys.
Perform Charitable Acts (Sacrifice), Heal with Festival Bonus: 1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 11 + 2 = 28Trevor’s medical tent is a success. There is no shortage is minor wounds due to the ongoing tournament duals. A familiar face, Lady Mona Sittas, whom Trevor met at the Tanager Jubilee joust, passes through and she suspiciously seems like she got injured on purpose. Dame Trant gives Trevor a scowl and burns a hole through the female-knight with her eyes.
The caydenite cleric is very cordial with Lady Sittas, treating her wounds and wishing her luck in the tournament. If the injured female-knight makes any forward passes at Trevor, the Kastner noble respectfully but gently turns Lady Sittas down.
Once Lady Sittas leaves the tent, Trevor beckons Dame Trant over to him. The caydenite takes Malphene's hand in his.
"My Dear Malphene. I appears we need to have a serious talk about us." Trevor kisses the Dame's hand. "Tonight, after dinner. We shall walk out into the gardens and talk under Desna's stars. Alright? But my next patient is ready. Please?"
Sometime during the festival, you hear the sobs and whimpers of a young girl who appears to be lost. She calls out ”Momma,” but no one in the crowd around her responds.
Just within Trevor's hearing, the cleric hears bthe sound of a sobbing child. The caydenite follows the sound to the little girl.
"Ohh! Greetings, little one! Are you lost? Would like some help?"
Icabhod decides that drawing attention away from their group would be a wise move and starts a whisper campaign to pin the blame on Night Swan. Saying that they were the one who set the thugs on the tax collector.
Icabhod starts to spread rumors that the Night Swan caused the attack. Most of the people from Stachys raise an eyebrow at this. (When the crops were returned, they assumed your party recovered them from the tax collector yourselves, but they wouldn’t tell any of Lotheed’s men that.) Those from out of town however, nod in agreement. They even share their own rumors about the Night Swan.
“The Night Swan struck a trade convoy from Cassomir! They say he robs from the rich and gives to the poor, but that sounds more like Galtan propaganda than reality. Can you imagine anyone giving away money?”
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29
The caydenite cleric is very cordial with Lady Sittas, treating her wounds and wishing her luck in the tournament. If the injured female-knight makes any forward passes at Trevor, the Kastner noble respectfully but gently turns Lady Sittas down.
Trevor is certain Lady Sittas faked an injury. She politely leaves without causing a fuss.
"My Dear Malphene. I appears we need to have a serious talk about us." Trevor kisses the Dame's hand. "Tonight, after dinner. We shall walk out into the gardens and talk under Desna's stars. Alright? But my next patient is ready. Please?" Diplomacy (Charming) + Charm bonus: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 12 + 2 = 26
”Of course, Darling. It would be my pleasure.” Malphene blushes with anticipation.
"Ohh! Greetings, little one! Are you lost? Would like some help?"
Diplomacy (Charming) + Charm bonus: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 12 + 2 = 23
The girl calms and looks up at Trevor with tears in her eyes. She’s probably only 3 or 4 years old. ”I lost my momma and pappa. I’m Trinnia.” She is scared and too young to elaborate many details but you could probably help her track down her parents or ask around the crowd.
Meanwhile, as the festival winds down, Baron Okerra returns to pick up his daughter. Selli leaps into his arms and he spins her around in a few circles. ”I hope you had a good time, Selli.”
”I did, pappa. Your friends are really exciting. I want to be just like them. Especially, Henrika. She’s a warrior-lady just like me.” boasts Selli.
”Well you can tell me all about it on the ride home.” Okerra laughs. To the side Okerra speaks to your party. ”I’ve been hearing conflicting rumors that either bandits or the Night Swan attacked a tax collector last week. Either way, I strongly disapprove of such lawlessness. I’ll be increasing patrols around Pensaris for the time being. I suggest you keep an eye out for these criminals yourselves and definitely avoid associating with them.”
Liraela can still take a Persona action too.
Trevor gets up on a table and calls out over the townsfolk.
"Citizens of Stachys! We have a lost child! I'm looking for Trinnia's momma and poppa!!" The cleric repeats this several times.
It doesn't take long for Trevor to track down Trinnia's parents. A hysterical pair of parents hear Trevor calling out and run over and scoop their daughter up. "Oh thank Cayden Cailean." they say, noting Trevor's holy symbol. "We were so worried we had lost you." The father frantically shakes Trevor's hand. "We are bakers from Voinaris. We came to enjoy the festival and brought our daughter. I swear we were watching her but she still managed to somehow wander off. Thank you so much for your help. I don't know how I can repay you but if you are ever in Voinaris, any baked goods will be on the house."
"You are more than welcome. Goodbye Trinnia", Trevor waves as the happy family walks away reunited.
”My lovely Malphene. I..am afraid of what I'm about to say. I wonder if it being so soon after your father funeral; that you might be..emotionally vunerable. But I don't think this can wait any longer. Malphene, I am in love with you. Before your arrival at Betony Estates, you held my thoughts captive, wondering how you were.” Trevor paused. ”I've never been in a serious relationship before. But I'd like to start one with you. You are beautiful, both from without as within. Please be mine.”
Henrika fulsomely compliments Selli on her performance in the tournament, and brags about how well-behaved she was to her father. "I hope you will allow her to come and stay with us again," she suggests. "The girl is a quick student, and very motivated. I am certain she benefited from the visit."
Strangely, after the events of the festival, Henrika finds that she is restless. Likely she is missing Selli, she decides. She visits the camp where Stachys has begun to organize a militia and town guard, and speaks with one or two of the participants that distinguished themselves at the event. She directs them to find out if there are any rumors of wild animals or monsters that could be a danger to the region.
During the festival, Liraela spends a considerable amount of time among the crowd, making sure people are having a great time. This festival was her idea, but somehow it had gotten turned into this "show of combat". That's fine, let the fancy lords and ladies march around in their martial prowess bragging, Liraela had better things to do.
Like listening to who the people are discussing, what the crowd's mood is, and if there are any threats hidden amongst the innocuous festival-goers.
Strangely, after the events of the festival, Henrika finds that she is restless. Likely she is missing Selli, she decides. She visits the camp where Stachys has begun to organize a militia and town guard, and speaks with one or two of the participants that distinguished themselves at the event. She directs them to find out if there are any rumors of wild animals or monsters that could be a danger to the region.
Ask Around operation, four operatives (DC 15): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Henrika hears another disturbing rumor about her neighbor to the west.
“Apparently Baronet Vort’s gone native with a band of peasants southeast of Baron Telus’s land; even destroyed the Gold Canyon bridge to keep outsiders away. I hear a witch got into his brain and stirred things up a bit. Positively scandalous!”
Like listening to who the people are discussing, what the crowd's mood is, and if there are any threats hidden amongst the innocuous festival-goers.
Sense Motive, crowd, improve Subterfuge DC 21: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21
Liraela does not discover any immediate threats to the festival. The event remains safe from interruptions. But she does hear more rumors about the Night Swan. Icabhod’s attempts to blame the Night Swan for the recent attack has gotten people talking about the mysterious figure.
The Night Swan remains a romantic figure in the public’s eye, filling a certain stereotype of a dashing lone warrior in the night (sometimes male, sometimes female). Stories make her out like a “Robin Hood-like” character, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor. Most stories involve small victories: protecting a lone victim or family from attack rather than anything large-scale. But Liraela, who is familiar with subterfuge can see beneath the overlying stories and see that she is in truth a radial anarchist rather than a hero. All nobles and authority figures are the enemy in her eyes.
Sir Trevor takes Dame Malphene Trant on his promised moonlight stroll. The cleric leads the two to a nice gazebo with a nice view of the the stars. The cleric gazes deeply into Malphene's eyes, that seem to shine under the moonlight.
”My lovely Malphene. I..am afraid of what I'm about to say. I wonder if it being so soon after your father funeral; that you might be..emotionally vunerable. But I don't think this can wait any longer. Malphene, I am in love with you. Before your arrival at Betony Estates, you held my thoughts captive, wondering how you were.” Trevor paused. ”I've never been in a serious relationship before. But I'd like to start one with you. You are beautiful, both from without as within. Please be mine.”
Diplomacy (Charming) + Charm Bonus: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 = 33
”Yes! Absolutely, yes!” Malphene exclaims. She rushes to Trevor and crushes him in a hug kisses him passionately. Then remembering her own strength, releases Trevor and blushes with embarrassment. But then throws that embarrassment to the wind and pounces on Trevor again.
”Yes! Absolutely, yes!” Malphene exclaims. She rushes to Trevor and crushes him in a hug kisses him passionately. Then remembering her own strength, releases Trevor and blushes with embarrassment. But then throws that embarrassment to the wind and pounces on Trevor again.Sir Trevor takes Dame Malphene Trant on his promised moonlight stroll. The cleric leads the two to a nice gazebo with a nice view of the the stars. The cleric gazes deeply into Malphene's eyes, that seem to shine under the moonlight.
”My lovely Malphene. I..am afraid of what I'm about to say. I wonder if it being so soon after your father funeral; that you might be..emotionally vulnerable. But I don't think this can wait any longer. Malphene, I am in love with you. Before your arrival at Betony Estates, you held my thoughts captive, wondering how you were.” Trevor paused. ”I've never been in a serious relationship before. But I'd like to start one with you. You are beautiful, both from without as within. Please be mine.”
Diplomacy (Charming) + Charm Bonus: 1d20 + 12 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 12 + 2 = 33
Both lovers wrestled passionately to remove each others clothing. Trevor and Malphene gave into their desires under Desna's starry sky. Afterward, the cool of the night air encouraged Trevor and Malphene to put just enough clothes back on, slip back into the manor, up to Trevor's room to continue their love escapade.
"Good morning, 'cousins'!" The cleric proclaimed. "I have an announcement! As of last night, I am officially courting Dame Malphene Trant. I am in love, and the feeling's mutual! Blessed Cayden! Huzzah!"
The towering Dame giggled as she held the caydenite's arm. "Oh, Trevor! You are so silly after your morning prayers!"
Malphene turns to the others. "But it's true! I haven't been this happy in so long! It is so nice to be able to share some good news considering all we have gone through together."
Henrika finds the news about the Telus barony troubling, and she wastes no time in bringing it to the attention of her friends. "Attend and amend my reasoning, if you would? We would like to secure the support of the other nobles, to achieve a positive result of our mission against the Lotheeds. If Telus has been compromised or killed, it would be good to know this so that we can factor him or his heir into our plans. We may also wish to investigate the bridge, to see how extensive the reported damage is and to determine what we can about the cause. What say you all?"
She smiles to the happy couple. "Congratulations to you, Sir Trevor, and to you, Dame Malphene. May your alliance bring you both much joy while you aid our efforts in service of the crown."
In the morning, Trevor and Malphene walked down to breakfast together. Both had big, tired smiles on their faces.
"Good morning, 'cousins'!" The cleric proclaimed. "I have an announcement! As of last night, I am officially courting Dame Malphene Trant. I am in love, and the feeling's mutual! Blessed Cayden! Huzzah!"
Partway through downing a glass of morning apple juice, Tychus splutters upon hearing the news, spraying juice in all directions. He sheepishly gets up, grabs a half full bottle of whisky and refills the missing portion of his drink. He raises his cup in toast and downs it.
"Never thought I'd see the day. I hope you know what you are getting into with this one." he says to Malphene with half a smile.
Henrika finds the news about the Telus barony troubling, and she wastes no time in bringing it to the attention of her friends. "Attend and amend my reasoning, if you would? We would like to secure the support of the other nobles, to achieve a positive result of our mission against the Lotheeds. If Telus has been compromised or killed, it would be good to know this so that we can factor him or his heir into our plans. We may also wish to investigate the bridge, to see how extensive the reported damage is and to determine what we can about the cause. What say you all?"
"Agreed. We need to get ahead of whatever chaos is heading our way. That bridge is also vital. We could send some men to check it out, while we personally see to the other matters..."
While the summoner has his fair share of disappointment in his lack of progress with the Beggarwood, he does his best to focus on better things. Namely, this festival. And more specifically, one of his allies.
"Liraela, having a good time at the festival?" The summoner approaches, glancing off to the side to watch as Navia enthusiastically engages in the friendly tournament.
"I've noticed you've been gaining power in the arcane. And if I'd guess, you've been practicing your craft as well." Xallis rolls up his sleeve and traces an invisible pattern along his arm. "I've been thinking about exploring the potential of magical crafting, and as you're the premier artist among our team, I think there's some potential."
Then, he smiles and offers his hand. "But before that, I think I hear a musician starting up not far from here. Would you like to dance? I've been doing some practicing, and I'd love to show you how much I've improved."
Gozran 30, 4718 (Moonday) (Stachys, County of Meratt, Taldor)
You start to get ready to pay the Telus Barony a visit.
If you want to send agents to investigate the bridge, I’m going to create a new operation for them to perform. I’ll let one of you do it outside of a Persona Phase if you want, this time.
Scout (Genius, Heroism, or Subterfuge, Risky): With a successful DC 15 operation check, your agents investigate a new location and report back.*
*This is a risky operation, so agents can be lost on a failure.
Before you leave, a pair of Lotheedar guards enter Stachys with a crime for you to judge.
The guards throw a severely beaten man to the ground in front of you. ”This man was caught by several guards poaching the count’s deer in the Abbeywood just north of the Stachys Spur. As he is a citizen of Stachy’s, we’ve returned him to you for trial.”
The beaten man grovels on the ground before you and looks up. His face is purple and one eye won’t open. ”Please, good sirs. My name is Portimer. I was indeed hunting, but I wounded a deer while hunting south of the canal. I followed it to finish off the suffering creature, not realizing I’d trespassed on the count’s land. Have mercy.”
The guards remain in Stachys to hear your judgement before returning to Lotheedar.
Possible Resolutions Include:
Death
Dismissal
Fine
Dismemberment
Pillory
Public Service
This is a more difficult decision than the last crime, and depending on the solution, it may affect the attitudes of Stachys or Count Lotheed.
Scout (Genius, Heroism, or Subterfuge, Risky): With a successful DC 15 operation check, your agents investigate a new location and report back.*
*This is a risky operation, so agents can be lost on a failure.
Before you leave, a pair of Lotheedar guards enter Stachys with a crime for you to judge.
After the group gathers information to decide the man's fate, Tychus addresses the group with the information he has found.
"I've scouted the supposed area where he was hunting. There is neither signs of his hunt nor his quarry. He is lying about not hunting on the Count's land. Law dictates an execution is warranted in this case. I wish it weren't so, but he knew what he was doing..."
Trevor asks the townsfolk about Portimer, and was able to get an account of his recent woes.
"Portimer has a wife and child. If he must be punished, let it be in the pillory. Because the pillory is not a fine he can't pay, and his child will still have a father."
"As a matter of fact I am! It sure has been a strange ride so far with where we started and where we've ended up, but I don't think it's a bad place to be."
At the mention of magic and her craft, Liraela perks up and becomes noticeably excited. "Ah so you have noticed some of my theorycrafting then? I have heard of magical tattoos before, even seen what I think were some back in Vudra. The streets of the capital had so many interesting things! I had planned on teaching myself how to infuse some magic into the skin, to see what kind of interesting effects I could give out to all of us! Stories of inscribing your own magic into ink to be used later, or numerous other wonderful unique powers!"
The vishkanya seems to notice that she has gone on somewhat of a rant and stops herself. Taking Xallis' hand, she makes her way to the dance floor with him.
"A little dance wouldn't hurt, show me what you've learned!"
Later, at the trial:
I wish it weren't so, but he knew what he was doing...
Liraela is absolutely aghast at Tychus' words when they speak about the findings in private.
"Are you insane? Knew what he was doing? Do you mean providing food for his family? This man deserves to die because he decided to take a single deer that the Count would likely never even see in his entire lifetime?" each sentence escalates in the heat with which she says it, but it's clear her anger is not aimed at Tychus himself. "I will not allow this man to be wastefully sacrificed to satiate one insane man's massive ego. I will march and kill the count himself before I sentence anyone to death for a crime like this."
Her fervor cools off a little bit as she begins to think rationally. "What is the price of one of these prized deer? Could we send a letter to the Count explaining it was an honest mistake with repayment for the lost game?" she says, her eyes hiding some of the fury she still felt.
We could whip him. The count no doubt wants blood spilled and we can satisfy him and then provide magical healing.
Her fervor cools off a little bit as she begins to think rationally. "What is the price of one of these prized deer? Could we send a letter to the Count explaining it was an honest mistake with repayment for the lost game?" she says, her eyes hiding some of the fury she still felt.
We have recently had some poor fool stumble into our court, a pair of your guards brought him over with a charge of hunting your lawfully owned deer.
I would like to apologize for the unintentional slight, good sir, in the place of poor mister Portimer. He accidentally followed a deer that he thought was free to hunt into your land from outside of it.
We deeply regret any harm that has come upon your holdings from this unfortunate incident, and I have personally included more than adequate reparations for the taken property, in addition to that same amount once over taken from the man who perpetrated this inadvertent crime.
Cordially yours,
Dame Liraela
Liraela will hand the letter around the group before handing it to the guards to take along with the 200 gold, should her 'cousins' wish to give any input upon it.
"I put my vote forward for a simple fine equal to the amount of goods this man has accidentally taken from our good friend the Count. If need be, I will personally lend him the money to pay the fine directly to the Lotheed estate, and he can pay me back in time."
At the Festival
Xallis is more than happy to show off his new dance moves to the crowd of gathered people. The man makes quite a show of his abilities, moving his body to the rhythm with all of the style and grace of a dancer with years of practice. In fact, the normally flat-footed noble seems almost supernaturally talented, and it's highly unlikely that a week or two of dedicated dance training could cover the gap.
Some of his swaying movements might even remind his allies of the way Navia moves when caught up in the thrill of battle...
At The Trial
"I put my vote forward for a simple fine equal to the amount of goods this man has accidentally taken from our good friend the Count. If need be, I will personally lend him the money to pay the fine directly to the Lotheed estate, and he can pay me back in time."
The summoner nods. "Gold is far less precious than the man's life, never mind the family that needs him. I appreciate the effort you're putting towards this, Liraela."
Then he taps his chin. "But it does not solve the long term problem. The man hasn't been able to make it as a farmer, yes? I would suggest one of us take him as an employee, be it for personal affairs or as help around the estate. We can play it up as though we're keeping a keen eye on the man to ensure he repays his debt, while making sure he is provided with stable and fair employment."
Then he taps his chin. "But it does not solve the long term problem. The man hasn't been able to make it as a farmer, yes? I would suggest one of us take him as an employee, be it for personal affairs or as help around the estate. We can play it up as though we're keeping a keen eye on the man to ensure he repays his debt, while making sure he is provided with stable and fair employment."
Portimer overhears you. "I am trained to work as a miller. Stachys' mill was destroyed 20 years ago and no one was able to repair it. But I h-heard you recently repaired the mill is Stachys. If you could help find me employment there, I could support my family and repay your kindness."
"Are you insane? Knew what he was doing? Do you mean providing food for his family? This man deserves to die because he decided to take a single deer that the Count would likely never even see in his entire lifetime?" each sentence escalates in the heat with which she says it, but it's clear her anger is not aimed at Tychus himself. "I will not allow this man to be wastefully sacrificed to satiate one insane man's massive ego. I will march and kill the count himself before I sentence anyone to death for a crime like this."
Her fervor cools off a little bit as she begins to think...
The colour in Tychus' face flushes at Liraela's retort. He stands his ground, but it is clear that his stance is weakening.
"I don't like the idea either. I'd rather not cut a life short because of such a small act. I agree that an alternate punishment is preferable. I just fear that the townsfolk will eventually take advantage of our kindness. We should be firm, as well as merciful."
Portimer overhears you. "I am trained to work as a miller. Stachys' mill was destroyed 20 years ago and no one was able to repair it. But I h-heard you recently repaired the mill is Stachys. If you could help find me employment there, I could support my family and repay your kindness."
"You may work the mill, as you once have..."
Trevor's face hardens. "I am all for leniency, but we need to consider if our judgements appear too lax, people will begin to think all crimes in Stachys will be mere 'slaps-on-the-hand'. This is something we need to consider in our judgements."
”Leniency? It’s not leniency to force him pay back the costs of his mistake. It’s a fair and just punishment, exactly as it should be.” Liraela says, her voice not showing any of the cheer it usually has.
”We are enacting the exact penalty that is required, and no more, while also providing the path to not making this particular mistake again.”
This was the second time Trevor and Liraela were on different viewpoints when it came to handing down judgements.
"All I am saying, in the future, we might need to use a more firmer hand."
The aasimar's posture made it clear he was willing to drop the subject.
”And when a crime deserving of said firmer hand is laid in front of us, I will not hesitate to use it. This one and the previous one, however, did not require it.”
She relaxes her accidental aggressive posture upon seeing Trevor’s, and takes a deep breath.
”Are we in agreement then? Or is there anymore to say?”
"I think what has been said is enough", Trevor states
Navia listens in on the conversation, idly attempting to use one set of claws to file the other.
"Then it seems we have come to a decision." Xallis gestures towards Liraela. "Portimer. You are to return to work at the mill to work off your fine. You will meet with Dame Liraela at a time of her convenience to discuss the details on how quickly the debt shall be paid off."
The summoner attempts to speak in a cool, controlling fashion, but it likely comes off as more tired than intimidating. "I trust that you'll stick to your commitment. And in the future, you will pay very close attention to territorial borders."
"Then it seems we have come to a decision." Xallis gestures towards Liraela. "Portimer. You are to return to work at the mill to work off your fine. You will meet with Dame Liraela at a time of her convenience to discuss the details on how quickly the debt shall be paid off."
The summoner attempts to speak in a cool, controlling fashion, but it likely comes off as more tired than intimidating. "I trust that you'll stick to your commitment. And in the future, you will pay very close attention to territorial borders."
Portimer breaks down on the ground crying. ”Thank you. Bless your mercy for sparing this poor man’s life and giving me a new chance at supporting my family. You will not regret this kindness. I will repay you tenfold. You have my promise, my lords.”
Liraela hands over her letter to Count Lotheed to the guards. The guards frown and accept the letter without opening it. ”Too bad. We were expecting a lynching. It would have been much more entertaining than this sorry sight. There better be a good explanation in this letter. Count Lotheed is not as forgiving.” With that they leave Portimer in your care and leave, heading back to Lotheedar.