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Brennyn channels again, omitting any bandits from Abadar's healing.
Brennyn raises her crossbow and presses the trigger, aiming at a nearby bandit.
Brennyn moves so she can cover as many of the party as possible in her channel and invokes the healing energies of Abadar to close the wounds of her allies. "Lord of Vaults, I entreat you to heal my allies of their wounds," she says before she channels.
Brennyn weathers the hail of arrows and moves up towards Cato, then touches her holy symbol, invoking the blessing of Abadar on the party. "Lord of Vaults, please guide and watch over my compatriots as we reclaim these lands in the name of civilisation!" Holding her holy symbol high, there is a sudden flash of light that brings warmth to her colleagues.
Congrats, Jeremiah!
Brennyn waits for the battle proper to join so that she can make use of her divine magic to aid her allies before joining the fray.
Ouch, that sucks. I have 10 hours shifts for 28 days in a row and then 2 weeks off.
"I shall stand with the frontline, where my healing will be best felt," Brennyn replies, reaching for her crossbow.
Brennyn looks at Jeremiah with a raised eyebrow at his strange behaviour, but decides to say nothing.
Brennyn nods at the seeming shift in party paradigm. "Yes, we need to ensure that we establish order in this region," she says, shifting uncomfortably in armour designed for a man.
Brennyn looks at Thaleles with mild surprise, before attempting to recall what the exact connection is.
Brennyn looks over at Thaleles and nods. "Certainly, what's the matter?"
Brennyn shoots Tulsino a venomous glare at his jibe about the name but says nothing. "Don't worry Cato, we shall ensure that we get your memories back," Brennyn says with a smile.
Brennyn looks at Tulsino and rolls her eyes. "No, Cato, you haven't lost anything. We were pulling cards from a magical deck and whatever you drew... it appears that you've perhaps lost your memory in the process," she says, with a worried tone. "And what are you playing at, Tulsino? You can't go around lying to people like that!" Brennyn says with an exasperated tone, turning on Tulsino with a frown.
Brennyn looks around at the party and shrugs. "What now then? Shall we continue onwards toward the bandits?" She looks at Toritaka and nods. "Yes, a most interesting item indeed but I fear one that could cause as much ill as good," Brennyn replies to Toritaka.
"Just Brennyn shall do," Brennyn says through clenched teeth.
Brennyn narrows her eyes at Thaleles and almost makes a start to brain the wizard, before laughing as he falls from his own wagon.
"Just call me Brennyn," she says to the newly appeared warrior. "What is your name?"
Brennyn blinks in confusion. "Uh," she says looking down at her new form. "What the..."
In a sudden panic, Brennyn draws her second card.
Brennyn's jaw drops as he witnesses the magic that takes place in front of him. Without doubt, this deck could greatly aid their battle in taking justice and civilisation to the Stolen Lands. "I shall draw two cards," Brennyn says, and he reaches out to take the deck from Garr'ak and draws a card.
Can and did. It can't for anyone else as the Jester gets discarded. You could still draw the Sun again though, which would also put you at level 8. Well, sod it, Brennyn shall have a go as well. Might as well. I assume you're using the table available in PathfinderWiki?
Brennyn watched on in some amusement at the conversation between Garr'ak, Thaleles and the fey. As they dart off, however, his look turns to one of consternation as they talk about using the cards that, according to Thaleles, are saturated in arcane magic and had apparently killed the previous owner. "Do you think this wise, Garr'ak? From what they've told us, I should imagine the deck should be submitted to extensive study before we - or you - use it," Brennyn stands from the log he was sat upon, with the intent of not being anywhere near him should it explode.
Brennyn looks back at the corpses that decorate the outer wall of the fort, and looks grim. "I can understand his line of thought, but I suspect it would only serve to cause the bandits to attack in greater numbers," Brennyn muses aloud, "However, time marches on and we should be about our business. Sir Garess and his squad should be more than enough to defend the fort for now."
Brennyn looks down at Taka from atop Valour. "Taka, the punishment for unrepentant banditry is execution, either by sword or by rope. How would you suggest we co-exist with people who are willing to murder, rape and pillage while we aim to establish order? Granted, I would much rather that we help as many as we can away from that path of murder and theft, but there are those souls in this world for whom that is the way they wish to live. For them, I have no mercy," Brennyn replies. "Do not forget that I have spent the best part of a decade bringing civilisation and justice to the River Kingdoms. I shall not see the so-called Stolen Lands become a similar place, where only the virtue of being strongest gives the right to command," Brennyn continues, before looking over at Kesten. "Sir Garess, do you have a fast rider with you? I would like to send a missive to the Church when we return, in an attempt to secure some building materials with which to improve the defences of the fort. I don't believe any of us are engineers, do you happen to have anyone amongst your number that have experience in such matters, or should I request that the Church provides someone?" Brennyn asks the knight.
Brennyn smiles at Esmeralda. "So how would you suggest that the settlement that arises once we've carried out our charge be run? With smiles and handshakes? Enforcing the law now shall mean that people know what to expect in the future, when it comes to the boring things, like collecting taxes, and hunting down criminals. Or perhaps you would prefer it to be run like the River Kingdoms, where the threat of violence is used to exact that what is needed. Or perhaps we'll invite in the shadows, like the nation of Nidal," Brennyn's patience with the party's willingness to look the other way when it comes to the law is obviously wearing thin. He shakes his head and nods when Jeremiah approaches him. "Yes, Jeremiah. I can see that we shall have to play the diplomat with Restov more than was at first thought," Brennyn says with a sigh. "You have my thanks, Gabla," Brennyn says as she offers to coordinate the efforts of digging the graves, "Might I suggest the erection of a small wooden fence, to mark the area." He watches Esme administer last rites and shrugs. There was no need to administer them twice and he is no supplicant to Pharasma, so he trots over to the stable and saddles up Valour. He swings up into the saddle, with some trouble, due to his armour, and nudges her out of the fort. "So then, Garr'ak, do your skills lie in tracking?" he asks the half-orc guardedly.
Brennyn regards Esmeralda with the same disdain that she shows him. "There are more gods than Abadar or Desna, Esmeralda. At the very least, I suspect these men will be aware of Erastil, god of the community, farming and hunting. While I may not agree with the teachings of his clergy, he certainly does not advocate the killing and robbing of innocent civilians," Brennyn indicates towards Oleg and Svetlana. "We are not here to make excuses for these men, and if they prove they are repentant, then they shall be offered citizenship under Brevic Law. Until that time, they are prisoners and should they relapse into their old ways, they shall suffer the fate of their leader. Who, I might add, still needs to be buried, so if we're done with the attempt to subvert the very Law we have been sent here to uphold, I'd suggest we get on with it," Brennyn nods towards the body of Happs, whose blood has finally stopped pumping from the wound in his head. Brennyn regards Toritaka. "And that upholds the point, Taka. These men must earn their redemption. It is not simply handed out with a pat on the back. They must prove to us that they can be trusted and that they want a better life for themselves. Should they prove that, then they shall be pardoned. Failure to do so shall result in their execution, as stipulated in the very charter that Garr'ak holds," Brennyn looks at Kesten, "Sir Garess, might I trouble you to lend the hands of a couple of your sturdiest guards? I'd like to ensure that those who tasted Brevic justice are buried. Failure to do so may lead to... undesirable complications."
Brennyn regards Thaleles and sighs. "It is entirely because we are here on behalf of the Swordlords that we must abide by their Laws. That is the entire premise of our charter, Thaleles. To act any other way would invite their... scrutiny," Brennyn looks at both Garr'ak and Sir Garess in what he hopes Thaleles shall take as an indication to keep quiet. "In the same way that I respect your education on matters arcane, I would expect the same respect afforded to me on matters judicial," Brennyn continues, "After all, I have studied various Laws around the Inner Sea for several decades."
After the fight
, As the reinforcements arrive, Brennyn narrows his eyes in an attempt to recall information about this Kesten Garess.
"Greetings, Sir Garess, I am Brennyn Varron of the Church of Abadar. I trust that we can leave the defence of this fort in your capable hands, whilst we set about our mandate from the Swordlords?" Brennyn asks, in a tone that suggests command.
After a quick discussion with the knight , Brennyn indicates the bodies of the bandits. "I shall require some aid to ensure that these bodies are buried in a suitable manner," Brennyn says, looking at the more muscular of the group. As Brennyn listens into the conversation with Thaleles regarding the prisoners, he purses his lips and shrugs slightly. "Although Brevic Law is quite clear on the penalty for unrepentant banditry, it is less clear on the punishment for those bandits who repent. Assuming our new charges here show the proper level of repentance, then there is no reason to suggest they cannot become fully functioning members of society once more," Brennyn thinks for a moment, "Hard labour for a year and a day shall suffice, at which point they shall be tested for the truth of their crimes and, assuming they pass that test, shall be judged repentant."
"You are hereby ordered to stand down," Brennyn shouts clarion across the yard, "Those of you who repent your wicked ways may yet find salvation. Those who do not shall suffer the full wrath of the Law."
Suddenly changing his mind, Brennyn relinquishes the divine magic and instead attempts to bring low the bandit leader. Quickly summoning the divine energy to cast an admonishing ray, Brennyn targets the obvious leader.
Brennyn rises after his alloted eight hours sleep and busies himself with his morning preparations. Following his morning wash, he dresses himself in his vestments and clutches his holy symbol tightly. "Lord of the First Vault, watch over us today that we might begin to bring civilisation to this land. Although my companions may not yet be considering how to accomplish this, I ask that you watch over them that they may bring glory to your name and to those that they follow in their stead. I ask this in your name, amen," Brennyn intones softly, and as he does so he feels a faint warmth suffuse his body. Buoyed by the divine presence, he rises to his feet and dresses in his chainmail, hefting his heavy steel shield and hanging his heavy mace from his belt. He double checks his light crossbow, ensures that it is loaded and then makes his way outside. As he exits the bunkhouse, he notes the positions of the others. Knowing Jeremiah's handiwork, he crosses the courtyard quickly without saying a word. He takes up position at the corner of the stable and sets his light crossbow on an adjacent barrel. Clutching his holy symbol, he draws upon the divine energy to bless the party.
I'm GMT but work on rotation so I can often check the boards during the day and then I'm off for two weeks solid so I'll be often able to check in then.
Brennyn suddenly shifts the contract from Oleg to Garr'ak. "Perhaps you should read it before you pass judgement. This contract binds us to the defence of this fort, from all transgressors, and its reinforcement. It binds Oleg and Svetlana to fair trade and lodgings in exchange for those services," Brennyn replies, his voice cool towards the half-orc. "Nothing more, and nothing less. Given we've already caught sight of a black dragon with a Thriae escort, it would seem prudent to expand our remit of protection. After all, there is no other defensible position from which to clear these lands of trouble, and I'm certain it would make our hosts feel safe." "If we begin our endeavour without the introduction of proper Law, then it will be all the more difficult to introduce and enforce the Law in future," Brennyn finishes. If Garr'ak does not accept the contract, then Brennyn leaves it on the table. "Master Oleg, Mistress Svetlana, I apologise for the tirade at your table but I have been sent here with the remit of the Swordlords and the expectations of the Church. Mistress Svetlana, your cooking must be without compare, even with some of the cooking houses in Restov. Master Oleg, I apologise if I have caused affront in relation to our discussion around your stocks earlier. It is evident that we were not fully briefed on the trouble you have been facing. I must retire and rest for the evening so that I may pray to Abadar with a clear head in the morning. I look forward to our extended friendship and productive commerical ties in the future," Brennyn bows deeply to their hosts before tidying his own dishes. "I shall see the rest of you in the morning," he says to the party as he bids his leave. "Good evening, Jeremiah." ---------- When he is alone, Brennyn cannot help but feel the crushing weight of despair as he realises what he has agreed to. While the rest of the party have only made agreement with the Swordlords, Brennyn signed his own contract with the Church to create a paradise of commerce and law in a previously chaotic landscape. Before they have even reached the first hurdle, it seems the party is against him. Fetching his journal from Valour, he reads and re-reads it in the hopes of settling his nerves but it only serves to heighten them and Brennyn falls asleep with worry and anguish in his heart and tears in his eyes.
"I find it hard to believe that the Swordlords would have sent a group of people so clueless on the Law. The Law was not written by Abadar, or the Church. The Law to which I refer is that of Brevoy, the country that we are here to represent and claim this land for. The fact that I am of the Church of Abadar to enforce it is neither here nor there, and my personal feelings shall not get in the way. The very charter that we have arrived here with is written according to Brevic Law. The reason that I bring the Church into it is that we ensure any contract, regardless of the content, is adhered to. Rest assured that if any of us broke that contract, I would ensure to inform the Church and they would send an independent investigator, who would be extremely thorough in their investigation," Brennyn shakes his head at the complete lack of willingness to adhere to the Law under which the party were given the charter. "Do you think, for one second, that if we were to depart from the charter we were sent here under that the Swordlords would give a second thought to sending another expedition out here, overriding our own charter?" Brennyn's voice tightens as his nerves begin to fray. "It is obvious that some, if not all, of you have not yet realised that we are not playing in some backwater political arena, but that the eyes of the Swordlords are upon us and they are not so willing to forgive and forget those they feel transgress against them," Brennyn struggles to control the shaking as the emotion pours out of him.
Brennyn looks at Tulsino with genuine shock. "Are you inferring that Jeremiah or I may be corrupt?" Brennyn's incredulity is palpable, "We have been involved in the establishment of many pockets of Abadar worship throughout the River Kingdoms and never have I been accused of bias! I would not have made it so far into the Church had I not been able to act with complete impartiality!" Brennyn's thunder is stolen at Thaleles' outburst, and Brennyn shakes his head but says nothing as the elf storms from the room. He listens to Gabla's explanation without saying a word until she finishes. "It sounds as though Thaleles has had a hard life, but I shall not remove his name from the contract unless he leaves us. I shall not permit the Law to apply to some and not others. I do not expect Thaleles to become a supplicant to Abadar, or indeed to any other deity, but he shall respect the Law as it is written," Brennyn's voice is far quieter than during his outburst at Tulsino, but there is steel in his voice. "We are here to bring civilisation to this land, and that begins by applying the rules fairly to all. I know that in other cities and settlements that power corrupts those who rule. As long as I draw breath, that shall not happen here. It is my aim to establish a city, and indeed a country, where all are subject to the Law regardless of their station," Brennyn cannot help but let passion flood into his voice as he speaks of his vision for the Stolen Lands. "We shall create a land where all may speak the truth without fear of recrimination, and hopefully a land where there is no slavery and people of all walks of life are respected for who, and not what, they are."
Brennyn's demeanour suddenly turns very cold. "I think you shall find, Thaleles, that there is true Law in these lands in the form of Jeremiah and myself. We are here to settle these lands and that means that we bring the Law with us. I do not create a contract out of frivolity, but to honour our guests. If we perish, and given we've seen a black dragon in the skies already there is every chance of that, then this contract, signed by an authorised representative of the Church of Abadar, will mean that Oleg and Svetlana cannot be ousted by someone with less scruples than us," Brennyn's voice almost turns acidic, "I am not some Asmodean scoundrel looking to filch away what I can by turning the words of a contract to my own benefit. With this 'silly piece of parchment' I can barter with the temple in Restov to provide more reinforcements, something that I am sure Oleg and Svetlana would be grateful for. I can use it to show that we have established a base of operations which will make the Church more likely to barter favourably towards us for the raw materials that we can use to first upgrade the defences of this fort and then eventually begin to build the settlement in which we shall live." Brennyn takes a long, hard breath as he steadies his temper. "You may put no stock in contractual agreements, Thaleles, but that is how this land will be settled. Through diligence, hard work and the rightful application of the Law," Brennyn offers the signed contract to Oleg, to see how the man reacts.
"Could someone stable Esme's horse and wagon?" Brennyn says distractedly as he writes, his attention wholly turned to the task of writing the contract. Brennyn quickly drafts out a standard contract, passes it to Oleg to read and then counter-signs it, sealing it with some wax and the signet ring of the Church of Abadar that he wears on his right hand. "This contract states that there now exists a pact of trade and protection between Oleg, his wife and ourselves," he states, "In exchange for the protection of the fort and their hospitality, we shall aid in their defence and offer fair trade for anything we might find in the process of clearing the Stolen Lands." Brennyn rolls up the scroll, ties it with a leather thong and hands it to Oleg. "I urge you to keep this in a safe location," he says.
"So, Oleg, Svetlana, tell us about these bandits that have been troubling you. As the Law states, the punishment for unrepentant banditry is to be put to the sword, or to swing from the gibbet. Rest assured that should these bandits appear tomorrow, those who do not repent and hand themselves in for proper judgement shall be dealt with in the appropriate manner," Brennyn seemingly ignores the meal to begin with, as he speaks with their hosts. When he pauses, he picks up a fork and eats slowly, savouring the skill with which Svetlana has prepared the meal. "Are these bandits organised, or are they individual groups looking to pick on an easy target? Do they have a leader of whom we can make an example? Having spent some time in the River Kingdoms, I'm aware this can be a harsh landscape to live in, and that many people can turn to banditry as a means of survival. It might be that we can save some of those who have turned their backs on the Law, after all we shall need people to till the land, but I should imagine their leadership will not wish to return to the light," Brennyn's tone is firm, yet kind. He is attempting to both assuage the fear the pair are feeling, whilst also setting out the conditions under which the party must operate.
Profile updated. Any more info you want in the line under Brennyn's name?
As Brennyn sits, he motions towards the stockpile of furs. "Your stocks appear low, are you that successful or is there a problem with supply?" Brennyn sets out his scrivener's kit to begin drawing up the contract. "Also, is there a nearby supply of stone or shall we have to send a missive to Restov for the reinforcement of the walls?" A small ioun stone circles slowly around Brennyn's head, and the rest of the party may just realise that they have not seen him eat or drink since the start of the journey.
Brennyn's face pales slightly as he recognises the Thriae from some of the works that the Church had on planar foes. "Everyone inside the fort, now," he urges as he rides past on his warhorse, Valour. "Well spotted, Jeremiah, those creatures with the dragon are Thriae. Their appearance is a trifle concerning, as that means there may be greater dangers out here than we first surmised." Brennyn turns to the owner of the fort and gives a small bow. "I am Brennyn Varron, representative of the Church of Abadar. We are here to help settle these lands. In exchange for you allowing us to use your fort as a base of operations, we are prepared to recompense you adequately, as well as earn not inconsiderable advantage once we establish a settlement. Being the first trader in such a place would surely be of some benefit to you, no?" Brennyn extends his hand to shake Oleg's. "I shall allow the others to make their introductions while I begin drawing up the contract that shall keep both parties bound by the Law," Brennyn continues, whether Oleg shakes his hand or not. "Although I would appreciate a rundown on the problems you have been facing recently. After all, forewarned is forearmed, is it not?" Brennyn turns to his warhorse and retrieves a scroll case, from which he pulls some parchment, an ink vial and an inkpen. Setting them to one side, he ties up Valour before looking for a bench or other flat surface upon which to write.
Ouch, level 3 and 11 hit points...
Brennyn accepts Tulsino's nod with a gracious smile, nodding in return. As Galba addresses him, he turns to face her. "Alas, I have not had a long time to practice my potion-making skills, as my duties have kept me elsewhere for some time. However, now that I shall have some leeway in my schedule, I would expect you would be able to show me how it is done," Brennyn flashes a smile at her. As the half-elf canters up behind him, Brennyn shifts in his saddle to get a better view of him. "Abadar's blessings, young man, may we be of assistance?" Brennyn asks.
Brennyn smiles at Tulsino as a parent might smile at a child. "While I don't deny that Iomedae's followers pursue justice, I've found in my dealings with them that they are slightly more... interpretive in their application than the Law allows," Brennyn replies to Tulsino. "Rest assured that, should we need some muscle with which to apply the tenets of the Law, you shall be our first port of call," he continues, his tone ever so slightly condescending. "As a senior representative of the Church of Abadar, I am here to ensure that this expedition not only succeeds, but that it does so phenomenally. Once we have cleared the area and raised a city, it shall fall to me to ensure that the Law is followed to the letter, and that the city is adequately defended from interlopers," Brennyn espouses, "Of course, Abadar does not govern every aspect of life and so other gods will be more than willing to send their flock to our doorstep, but the city's primary function shall be to bring civilisation and commerce to these backwaters. I've spent many years establishing pockets of civilisation throughout the River Kingdoms but it isn't enough. They are too reliant on the tradition of their River Freedoms. Only through the proper application of the Law can we guide them to true civilisation and the benefits that it brings." "As a trained cleric, I shall act as both spiritual advisor and healer whilst also aiding in combat where I can. As my skills grow, I shall also seek to craft various potions and items that shall aid the growth of civilisation in these Stolen Lands," Brennyn continues apace, scarcely pausing to draw breath.
Berryn sways slightly as his heavy warhorse strides down the road. He wears clerical vestments and an exquisite holy symbol of Abadar that, upon closer inspection, appears to be constructed from adamantite and platinum. It glitters brilliantly as the late afternoon sun catches it. During their travels, the man had introduced himself as Berryn Varron, a cleric from the Church of Abadar. Unlike most clerics, Berryn is incredibly muscular, on a par with the most battle-hardened of fighters. Despite this, however, he is a very wise man who always seems to have an answer to questions asked. "Glory to Abadar for this afternoon," he says to his riding companion, Jeremiah. "Such a verdant and plentiful land shall surely grant us an ability to bring great commerce to the area, and with commerce shall come the Law." Berryn lapses into silence as he considers the artifact that sits within his saddlebags. Once they erect a city, Berryn would need to seek out a suitable protector; failing that, he would take the honour upon himself. As the other wagon and horsemen turn to the north, Berryn takes his first good look at the fort. With this place being their base of operations for some time, it would make sense to study it well. "Tell me, Jeremiah, what do you know of the people who operate this fort? Are they dependable? Do they know of commerce, or they attempting to avoid the strictures and regulations that bind such things?" |