One sense motive for the initial conversation with him, if he lies, you would know he is lying.
He is indeed an evil man, as is the other bandit with his teeth knocked out, lying in the barn moaning in pain, barely conscious....
Ula: No, please, no..don't do it, I wil do anythin...let me live and I will guide ye to the camp. I can help ye kill the sentries and catch em unawares, please I know she be gone, but I know which ones take er and ye can find out from em!
dammit, it ate my post again....
Anyways, the sense motive covered just to this point.
He is an evil man as is Ben, the bandit with his teeth knocked out in the barn barley alive.
Ula: No, no please...don't do it, don't ye be angin me, i'll do anythin. I bring ye back to our camp and elp you kill the sentries and get into the camp. I know which ones took er so you can question em about where they took er? Please, lets me live! He begins crying and begging for his life.
Well, I'm sure everyone knows my feelings in this matter. We ride to save the girl! The question we have to ask is, do we trust him to lead us to the camp and not betray us? Or do you think that you can find the camp Wolf?
Eadric addresses Ula directly, in a stern voice, IF we take you with us, and IF you help us to recover the girl safely, I will take your actions into account before passing judgement upon you. But mark my words, if you betray any of us, I will make sure that you are the first to die!
What do the rest of you say? Should we take him? If we do, I will accept full responsibility for Ula. He will ride beside me and I will not leave his side. The alternative, of course, is to hang him... and the other...
If we are going, I think that Durn and I should get a little help from Bellis before we go.
Oleg, your offer is more than gracious and I thank you for all that you have provided!
Oleg, there is one thing that I would appreciate you acquiring for me. This saddle will not do. Can you get me a proper military saddle as soon as you are able? Eadric pays Oleg the full 20gp in advance.
And dogs. Oleg you should get some dogs. Good guard dogs. Here take this coin and buy a couple of trained guard dogs. If it makes you feel better, call them mine and you can borrow them for a while! Eadric smiles as he hands Oleg another 50 gold coins. I'm also pretty sure that if you brought in a trained warhorse some time in the near future, I would be interested in purchasing it!
Eadric looks at the remaining coins in his hand. More than I've had in a while.
And one last request Oleg. Could you see that this is delivered to my parents in Restov? Eadric hands over 10 gold coins.
I would also vote that we strike at the bandits now. I would rather catch them unaware.
Lupus takes a quiver of arrows and selects one of the horses as a mount.
I could sniff them out, but it's better to follow the rat to it's nest. Less chance for something unexpected.
Well it seems we have decided. We ride to the bandit encampment. It is going to be a tough fight to be sure. Although it pains me to say so, we may need to recover or strengths before we embark. Shall we proceed at first light and take the encampment at dark tomorrow? Or do we risk travelling close to the encampment today, make camp along the way and attack tomorrow after some of us have replenished their energies? With Ula's help, maybe we can capture the men he believes know what happened to the girl without engaging the entire camp at once? Maybe a stealthy dash and grab?Everyone's thoughts?
The encampment is a hard days ride away. We can travel the remainder of today and finish the trek on the morrow
But first we need to serve out sentence on Ben. Hanging can take a while, if there are no objection I'm going to just open up his throat for him.
I agree with Eadric. A night's rest will do us all some good. After all, the camp is a hard day's ride away, so it would be best to set out early tommorow so that we have use of all the daylight
Sometime later that night, he addresses Oleg: Sir, I've given it some thought, and I do in fact have a request for a few alchemical items. Four flasks of Acid, a flask of Alchemist Fire, and a single Smokestick should do for now. He hands over 80 gold pieces to Oleg. Here's the coin, I'd like the goods as soon as possible.
Vanion finishes off the night by finding a spirted steed amongst the remaining horses, and tries to get to know the beast a bit better. This one will do, he thinks as it eats a bit of feed out from his hand.
The vote is 2 stay overnight and then go vs. two who say we go now.
Speak up for the tie breaker, to be honest I wasn't sure if Obi wnated to leave right away or stay and then leave. Right now I think both mages are pretty much out of spells and bellis would have had to have used at least 2 channels to get you back to health, maybe 3.
Thinking back to their encounter with the centipedes...
My concern with leaving today is twofold. First we will be at a disadvantage today as many of our resources have been spent already. If we have another run in like those centipedes, it may jeopardize our ultimate mission. Secondly, we will have to spend one extra night camping in unknown and dangerous territory. It is even possible that a bandit patrol might discover our camp by night, thereby losing our element of surprise. Until we have a better idea of the lay of the land, camping seems an unnecessary risk.
It is a tough decision. Go now and risk failing because we are under prepared, or go later and risk being too late to save the girl. We may already be too late if you believe what Ula is telling us. As you told me the other day Durn, the dead are beyond cares. That goes for both us and the little girl. We can't help her if we or she is dead.
As always, I will do whatever the group decides.
Eadric goes over and begins grooming and preparing his new mount for the trip.
I agree with Eadric. A night's rest will do us all some good. After all, the camp is a hard day's ride away, so it would be best to set out early tommorow so that we have use of all the daylight
Sometime later that night, he addresses Oleg: Sir, I've given it some thought, and I do in fact have a request for a few alchemical items. Four flasks of Acid, a flask of Alchemist Fire, and a single Smokestick should do for now. He hands over 80 gold pieces to Oleg. Here's the coin, I'd like the goods as soon as possible.
Vanion finishes off the night by finding a spirted steed amongst the remaining horses, and tries to get to know the beast a bit better. This one will do, he thinks as it eats a bit of feed out from his hand.
Oleg:No problem, a merchant will be by tomorrow on his regular route to Restov. He will bring them back by in a week and his way back through.
Ellaria takes the scroll from the saddle, her face lightening up as the scroll has two spells on it, and she doesn't know either of them. Hurriedly, she scribes them both in her spellbook, seemingly ignorant of the debating around her. As she finishes, she approaches the others, and speaks: "I'm not sure moving out today would be wise. I'm completely out of spells, and any encounter on the way could be devestating. Also, I'm not so sure we need to rescue that girl. Are we sure she's still held by the bandits? Why are they keeping her alive for so long? In any case, I know it's a noble quest which some of us seem addicted to<eyes Eadric>, but it'll probably be dangerous and leaving now is foolish and unreasonable".[b]
[b]"I think the more important thing is what do we do with these two. We should think well about this, as we'll probably catch more if we stay here. Murdering these bandits would be an evil act, which could be appropriate as they're evil themselves. However, I could think on a better solution... <turning to Oleg> Do you need help with something? repairs, work around here, anything? Do any slavers pass around here?"
Ellaria takes the scroll from the saddle, her face lightening up as the scroll has two spells on it, and she doesn't know either of them. Hurriedly, she scribes them both in her spellbook, seemingly ignorant of the debating around her.
I can get one more of my colored fire cast before I'm out of all but my weakest, and only one of those spells is an attack spell of any kind.
I want to save that girl as quickly as possible, but it would be better if all of us are at our best.
Do any slavers pass around here?"
There is no way I'm going to let ANYONE become enslaved, be they little girl or full grown bandit! If you're going to keep considering that, I'll slit the poor man's throat now and save him the suffering that fake life brings with!
Obi calms down a little, flinches away from everyone, and goes back to packing everything into the saddlebags after tightening his scarf.
Okay it is 4-2 in favor of staying the night. You rest up and get your packs together for early the next morning.
What did you do with Ben BTW?
We will pick up tomorrow with the travel to the bandit camp.
Upon overhearing Ellaria's comments, Eadric's head snaps around in disbelief! He seems stunned at what he has just heard and at a loss for words, giving Obi the chance to respond first.
After Obi speaks, Eadric explodes,
Not so sure we need to rescue the girl?! Sell them into slavery?! What in Aroden's ghost are you talking about?! I can't believe what I am hearing! Do you not remember her parents? Tortured and killed upon the road! Have you become so used to death already that you can so callously give up looking for the girl? She is an innocent child!! May Cayden keep her from harm! But if she is dead, may she find eternal rest in the afterlife! But until I, correction, we, have explored every possibility for her rescue, I am NOT going to give up on her! I will continue to search for her against all hope, and if we are indeed too late, I will exact a most ruthless justice upon those that have brought harm upon her! Whether by action or inaction!
Eadric drives this last point home by staring directly at Ula. His eyes burn with obvious rage, Eadric's usually handsome face contorting into something scary to behold.
Might I remind you of our sworn duty Ellaria! One of the reasons for us being out here in the first place! We are here to put banditry to heel! Going after those that murder and kidnap is exactly what we should be doing! In fact...
Eadric snatches up a length of rope and grabs the wounded bandit by the scruff of his neck, dragging the man towards the gate. Dropping the man roughly to the ground, Eadric makes a crude noose in one end of the rope and tosses it high over the timber above. Slipping the noose over the barely conscious man's neck, he pulls his charter tube out and opens it to read the scroll within.
Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
By the power vested in me by this charter, I find this man, Ben, guilty of banditry, murder and kidnapping and sentence him to death by hanging for his crimes!
Eadric tosses the charter aside to the ground and grabs up the free end of the rope. With a mighty heave he lifts the bandit clear off of the ground, his feet dangling just above the earth. The man struggles weakly, gasping, kicking and grasping futilely at the rope snugged around his neck. After a few agonizing moments, the man stops moving. Eadric waits a minute longer before letting the rope slip from his hands, dropping the dead man in a heap. He picks up the charter and returns it to the scroll tube, before moving back towards Ula.
This! This is the fate that awaits all bandits! I have looked into your soul Ula and I have seen evil! Evil that I cannot in good conscience allow to go unpunished! But I promise to you, if you aid us in our efforts. Help us to learn the fate of the child and truly repent for your life of sin, I will give you an opportunity at redemption! You will get this ONE chance and I will KNOW if you are truly repentant! This I promise!
Turning back to face Ellaria and the rest of the Wardens,
No one will be sold into slavery! Not while I still draw breath! Those that prey on the good and innocent shall receive no quarter from me! The charter is clear! Death by sword or rope! I will purge all the evil I encounter, from this world, or die in the attempt! Those of you who do not intend to follow the law of the charter, speak now or never speak of this again!"
Eadric swivels his head to catch the eyes of everyone present...
yummmm, GM like....
Oleg walk over to the dead Bandit and starts whistling. He sets himself to the busy task of connecting a rope to each of the dead bodies and with his horses help hefting them over the side of the outpost. It is a slightly grim sight, 6 bodies, 3 on each side of the gate with a warning sign tacked to one of them that just says BANDITS.
A couple of you talk to him about laying low and not making it look like he was involved. Nonsense he told you, you are going to the Bandits camp tomorrow to finish the rest of them. This will be a warning to all others of their fate now. The news should travel quickly as some merchants, trappers, and hunters come by and see this. Sevtlana doesn't seem too happy about it, but Oleg seems set and won't budge on this. He tells you for the next few days he will keep the gate shut until you get back though.
You decide haste is the best method to get there so you don't really explore any of the areas you travel through, I guess mapping the areas will have to wait.
It is Gozran the 11th and it is a miserably cold day, a light snow is in the air and with the wind chill it is well below freezing. \
As you ready to leave Oleg comes out to talk to you: Good luck to you. I hope you finish the bastards for good. Now I have one more task for you just in case you run accross it. The bandit women took Svetlana's wedding ring from her. It has great value to us. If you find it, I will extend a 1500gp outpost credit to you if you bring it back to me! I don't want to hear about you bring it back for free or such nonsense, you will take an offer when it is extended. Now go a rid us of these men. It is quite an offer.
You leave the outpost huddled in your winter clothes and luckily by mid afternoon the snow is gone and it is clear, but very cold.
You travel quickly to the SW heading towards the northern tip Narlmarches Ula tells you. You will skirt the edge for the better part of the afternoon before reaching the camp just before dinner time and twilight. He warns you that you will be outnumbered, but with the element of surprise you should even the odds. You find out that their leader is a viscous and cruel women named Kressle. He seems to fear her quite a bit. She is also a tough fighter. Durns makes out a slight trail after lunch that you seem to be folowing supporting Ula story so far.
He describes the camp set up last night and more today. The trail snakes through the edge of the woods and follows a stream for the last couple of miles. There are two sentries, one on the west side of the trail and one on the east just before the camp. He suggests either sneaking up on the sentries or riding up disguised and finishing them.
I put a hand sketched map of the camp on the shared site from Ula.
I'm still not used to travelling with those who need uninterupted rest. I agree resting over would be best.
To Ellaria: The reason they would keep the girl alive is the same reason they'd keep you alive, or Bellis even, ra... Durn pauses and clears his throat, sport.
To Eadric: We agree on this at least. Though I think it is finally time we decide who is going to lead this expedition.
To all: We need to be able to have one voice to ensure there is no confusion... we have managed well when we can plan, but with the Centipedes we nearly lost a member due to our fracticious relationships. If we are to move forward as a pack we need an Alpha Wolf. We are all equals here, and when there is time to plan all voices will be heard, but we need to have that one final voice. I know I'm willing to do it, and I'm sure Eadric will have a speech as to why it his place to lead, and maybe a few others feel they would like to lead, but we need to decide this if we are to keep moving forward as a group.
Eadric swivels his head to catch the eyes of everyone present...
There is relief in Obi's eyes. Eadric can see that Obi truly hated the idea of selling the man like some cheap bauble, and would have kept his word...
After the un-pleasantries of the night before, Eadric was glad to leave the small outpost the following morning. Although he disagreed with Oleg's decision to hang the dead bandits from the battlement as a warning, he did not protest the issue further. As they mounted their horses in preparation to leave, Eadric mouthed a short prayer asking his deity to watch over Oleg and Svetlana and keep them safe while the Wardens were gone.
Being back in the saddle gave Eadric a large amount of satisfaction. Once they had cleared the gate, Eadric spurred his new mount into a few practice charges. Hooves thundering, Eadric raced back and forth a few times leveling his lance in mock attacks on imaginary targets. Eadric sported a large smile as he circled and charged again and again. Thus satisfied, he rejoined the group and took up the rope that was secured to Ula's horse.
During the ride, Eadric calls out to Durn at one point...
Durn, what did you mean back there about 'at least we agree on this'? What is it that we don't agree on my friend? And as to your other question... contrary to your statement, I have no speech espousing why I should be leader... I am happy to defer leadership to you and your expertise in all matters related to surviving and exploring this wilderness. I will serve the group to the best of my abilities. If you wish to lay claim to the role, and the others are likewise satisfied, you will hear no argument from me! Well, no argument from me regarding you being the leader anyways! Eadric adds with a smile and a laugh. As long as the group adheres to our stated intentions and duties, you will have my sword to count on whenever it is needed. Eadric pauses for greater effect before adding This I swear! and then laughs even louder.
Lead on and I shall follow...~old man~ Eadric says winking at Durn as he shifts comfortably in his saddle.
Spoken to Obi at some quiet time along the ride: One day you and I are going to sit, drink and talk little one. I am very interested to hear about that scarf of yours...
Eadric questions Ula as to whether the bandit sentries have a challenge they use as riders approach, and what the proper response would be.
After Ula shows the group the map, Eadric addresses Durn, Well, what have you got in mind for a plan chief?
Lots of stuff
During Eadric's soliloquy, Ellaria stands silent and stunned by his rage while yelling at her. Her eyes widen in disbelief as Eadric begins to hang the bandit by himself, refusing to listen to her as she says firmly: "It was our sworn duty, yes, but the writ said "unrepetant banditry" and "trial", not simple murder without questioning. You speak and talk about your precious honor, but still hang this man without even hearing whatever he has to say about it, nor ask us whether we believe such an action is the right one! As Eadric doesn't listen, she continues: "I have no reason to risk my life foolishly for you. There are other options! There's no use in rushing impulsively to save a girl without even knowing what lies ahead. When you'll do it, know that you shall do that without me".
After saying this, Ellaria leaves the trading post and wanders away alone for most of the rest of the day, thinking to herself about Eadric's rage. She still has a lot more to say that she hasn't said yet in response to Eadric's speech.
Durn: There will be no murdering of those that have surrendered or are currently unable to fight.
Vanion follows Durn's orders and begins disarming one of the bandits. But when he hears an argument beginning to brew, he steps between the two large men, hands outstretched and says, "Easy, easy. Can't we interrogate them, and find out what they have to say, before we decide their fate?"
Before leaving, Ellaria turns to Durn and Vanion with a hard look. "Look! Look at what he's done! How can you let this happen?!". Her eyes seem moisten as she leaves.
BTW I just figured out that Detect Evil only works on people who have 5HD or character levels per PF rules so none of them should have registered as Evil per se. We won't change the posts to date but keep that in mind for the future. You know that this group has been robbing Oleg for months and it appears that they are the same group that robbed and killed those parents and took the girl or at least some of them were, so you can assume these are evil men, since the acts themselves were blatently evil.
In response to Ellaria "Trial? Do we look like we are in Restov? Do you see a court of law around here? I look around and don't see the machinations for holding a trial. Who are to be the arbiters of justice if not us? I have read the charter. Nowhere does it state the bandits are due a trial. We have been charged by the charter to "strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope." That is what I have done! I have executed my duties in accordance and as per the purview of this mandate. Do not think that I find killing a man in cold blood easy Ellaria! I would be happy if I never had to hang a man EVER again! I would be happy if I never had to KILL again. But that is not the world we live in. The alternative was for Durn to "open up his throat" as I recall hearing. Would that have been more civilized? I looked into his soul Ellaria and what I saw was unrepentant evil. If you wish to build a stockade and guard prisoners as your contribution, then I wish you luck, but I will not waste my time trying to save those who chose their life of evil, when a little girl potentially suffers yet and who had no choice in the matter. If you cannot understand that and you still wish not to help? So be it. I will not tell you how to act and I expect the same in return. But know this, I will still come to your aid and sacrifice my life to protect yours if the time comes. That is who I am... and I will not apologize for that!"
BTW I just figured out that Detect Evil only works on people who have 5HD or character levels per PF rules so none of them should have registered as Evil per se.
Vanion watched with determination and approval as Eadric strung the bandit up from the tree and swiftly ended the man's life. But after the deed was done, and after the sharp words from Ellaria, a look of shame runs across his face, and guilt entered his heart.
He walks over to big paladin, and carefully says, I think Ellaria was right... Yes, the man most certainly deserved to die. And yes, we were the one's charged with dispensing justice. And from the bottom of my heart, I am glad that you've ridden the world of one more bandit.
But, the man, as evil and cold as he was, still deserved a chance to speak. And then with a pained look, he concludes, Besides, now we will never know if he could have told us more information about the girl...
Eadric looks at Vanion, the rage, that burned but moments ago in his eyes replaced by sadness and a look of weariness I'm sorry... I have acted rashly and I apologize, to everyone. The man was suffering and near death and the thought of Durn slitting his throat like an animal for slaughter... It did not sit right with me... I wish he had fought and died like a man...if I have caused us to delay in saving the girl by my actions I will never forgive myself... once was beyond my control... this would be my fault...hopefully we will know the girls fate on the morrow...or find others for you to question my friend... how I wish I could drink myself into oblivion...
Eadric's words trail off as he takes a seat, bowing his head and holding it in his hands, no longer wishing to face the rest of the group.
in response to Ellaria "Trial? Do we look like we are in Restov? Do you see a court of law around here? I look around and don't see the machinations for holding a trial. Who are to be the arbiters of justice if not us? I have read the charter. Nowhere does it state the bandits are due a trial. We have been charged by the charter to "strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope." That is what I have done! (Will do?) I have executed my duties in accordance and as per the purview of this mandate. Do not think that I find killing a man in cold blood easy Ellaria! I would be happy if I never had to hang a man EVER again! I would be happy if I never had to KILL again. But that is not the world we live in. The alternative was for Durn to "open up his throat" as I recall hearing. Would that have been more civilized? I looked into his soul Ellaria and what I saw was unrepentant evil. If you wish to build a stockade and guard prisoners as your contribution, then I wish you luck, but I will not waste my time trying to save those who chose their life of evil, when a little girl potentially suffers yet and who had no choice in the matter. If you cannot understand that and you still wish not to help? So be it. I will not tell you how to act and I expect the same in return. But know this, I will still come to your aid and sacrifice my life to protect yours if the time comes. That is who I am... and I will not apologize for that!"
Eadric's words catch Ellaria as she steps outside of the small trading post. She listens to him, then responds: "How can you say such things?! You claim you have looked into this person's soul, yet you have not even spoken to him. You claim to be a judge, but are so engrossed in your own piety and sense of justice that you don't even listen to what WE say about executing that person! How can you be so sure that he didn't want to repent? How can you know that?? YOU were the one who killed him, not Durn! You keep speaking of that little girl, and think nothing of what's happening now! You claim executing people is hard for you, yet you do it without flinching! I care nothing about what you want or don't want to do or act, but the next time be assured that I will not stand idly while you butcher unarmed people!"
Oleg doesn't change his earlier action of hanging the bodies but does come over to Eadric a little later. Why don't you help me in the barn to take your mind off things.
Eadric looks at Ellaria I do not need to speak with the man to understand he is evil. I do not claim to understand the powers of arcane might that you so easily wield, just as I would not expect you to know that which I know to be the truth. It is something the devout can know without having to speak with him to understand. This man was evil. He has chosen under his own free will to act as such. The fact that upon being caught, he professed innocence and begged for mercy did not change anything. That is what evil men do! They lie, steal, cheat and kill for nothing more than sport and this is what we have to fight against. Fighting amongst ourselves is a victory for them! I'm still waiting for your suggestion as to what we would do with every bandit we capture that professes to repent. Shall we ride into the bandit's camp and ask them if they wish to repent their evil ways before we make our attack? If you lead by that example Ellaria, I will follow you! Might I remind you that it is you who indicated that we should sell these men into slavery! My actions, while repugnant to you, also include the offer of redemption for Ula. If I was the thoughtless monster you make me out to be I would have strung him up as well. As it is, I have shown mercy when he has shown none to the victims of his villainy! If you know of a better way to save the life of the girl, I'll be glad to listen. If it involves not killing a single bandit, I will praise you to the heavens! Otherwise, get on with it or get out of it!
Oleg doesn't change his earlier action of hanging the bodies but does come over to Eadric a little later. [b]Why don't you help me in the barn to take your mind off things. ** spoiler omitted **
Waiting for Ellaria to read her spoiler further up to see what she does about the roleplay for this night conversation before moving forward to the next day. Interested to see how you all work this out :)
Eadric looks at Ellaria I do not need to speak with the man to understand he is evil. I do not claim to understand the powers of arcane might that you so easily wield, just as I would not expect you to know that which I know to be the truth. It is something the devout can know without having to speak with him to understand. This man was evil. He has chosen under his own free will to act as such. The fact that upon being caught, he professed innocence and begged for mercy did not change anything. That is what evil men do! They lie, steal, cheat and kill for nothing more than sport and this is what we have to fight against. Fighting amongst ourselves is a victory for them! I'm still waiting for your suggestion as to what we would do with every bandit we capture that professes to repent. Shall we ride into the bandit's camp and ask them if they wish to repent their evil ways before we make our attack? If you lead by that example Ellaria, I will follow you! Might I remind you that it is you who indicated that we should sell these men into slavery! My actions, while repugnant to you, also include the offer of redemption for Ula. If I was the thoughtless monster you make me out to be I would have strung him up as well. As it is, I have shown mercy when he has shown none to the victims of his villainy! If you know of a better way to save the life of the girl, I'll be glad to listen. If it involves not killing a single bandit, I will praise you to the heavens! Otherwise, get on with it or get out of it!
Ellaria calms down a bit, breathes in deeply, then answers firmly, surprised of her own resolve but feeling that she has been cornered and has no other option but to keep arguing.
"Eadric. Look at us here. Look at where we are. So far away in the wilderness, with only this small but respectful place to act as the only safe place for miles and miles. So far out of society, there is no regular justice. You were right when you have said earlier that we have no court of law around here. This is exactly where we carve the law and morals by ourselves. Do we want to succumb to our own impulses, given free-rein by this piece of paper and the remoteness of our location? Or do we want to create and change this place for the better? Will we influence this forsaken, bleak and freezing place, or shall we turn into one of the bandit groups around here, killing and looting for our livings? Our charter here gave us almost unlimited powers over these lands. Are we using it wisely or are corrupted by it?"
Inspired by herself, she goes on, moving back in the small fort: "True, some people deserve death, but it should be our last resort, and never done rashly, but only after understanding it truly is the only option. For the others, some kind of rehabilitation, whether through hard work, repentance or even slavery - would be much more appropriate and humane".
She gestures with her hand around Oleg's post: "Look here. This place can be turned into a horrible place, with the stench of death coming off of these poor men's corpses hung over the walls and spreading for miles, but it can also become a small beacon of light in these lands, a base for people working, farming and helping one another. We are the ones who can and will change this place, and the only question is how".
Waiting for Ellaria to read her spoiler further up to see what she does about the roleplay for this night conversation before moving forward to the next day. Interested to see how you all work this out :)
About the spoiler:
Inspired by herself, she goes on, moving back in the small fort: "True, some people deserve death, but it should be our last resort, and never done rashly, but only after understanding it truly is the only option. For the others, some kind of rehabilitation, whether through hard work, repentance or even slavery - would be much more appropriate and humane".
She gestures with her hand around Oleg's post: "Look here. This place can be turned into a horrible place, with the stench of death coming off of these poor men's corpses hung over the walls and spreading for miles, but it can also become a small beacon of light in these lands, a base for people working, farming and helping one another. We are the ones who can and will change this place, and the only question is how".
You say you want to change this place, use humane rehabilitation for the bandits of this land. But one the of the ways.. you suggested is a step backward, a very large misstep actually. You have heard the stories, yes? Of what happens when one person has complete control of another? None I know of are good, none at all. But if you know one, please, be so kind as to share it with us sometime." says Obi, as he walks quietly past, just passing the time with exploration.
Eadric listens to Ellaria. He furrows his brow when she refers to the dead bandits as "these poor men". These poor men came to this fort to extort Oleg and Svetlana, threaten their lives and murder and rape them without a single thought if they had wished to! These poor men indeed! I hope she never has to find out what these poor men would do to her given the chance.
When she is finished speaking Eadric responds,
Ellaria, I can see that you are as passionate about your position as I am about mine. We could argue til the sun rises and solve nothing. How about a compromise then? All future prisoners will now fall under your responsibility alone. You can be the final arbitor of justice for all prisoners taken. To hang, incarcerate or offer redemption as you see fit. I will wash my hands of the matter entirely . All that I ask is that none of these prisoners are sold into slavery. I will met out my justice on the field of combat and you will met out yours in the aftermath. Will you agree to this that we might end this endless debate?
I intend to ride for the bandit encampment tomorrow. Those that wish to join me, may Cayden bless and protect you for your courage and compassion! Those that wish to stay behind, I will mourn your decision but will respect your wishes, and hold no grudge against you.
Ellaria nods her head. "A fine compromise. I agree. None of those who surrender will be executed without a trial, and none shall be sold to slavery. As decisions such as these are serious, I would gladly accept any others of us who would like to take part in such discussions, including yourself Eadric". She then turns to him, and offers him her hand to shake. "Although your previous action has greatly troubled me, I am glad we have reached such a compromise. Let us try to act united from now on".
She then moves on, going to look for Oleg. When she finds him, she tries to convince him to take the corpses down and let them bury them. Leaving the corpses up, she argues, would be dangerous while the party is gone, and even more so if they are killed during the attack on the bandit camp. In addition to these, hanging the men on the wall is surely a barbaric act, unsuitable for such a decent person such as him.
Lastly, she visits Ula and starts talking to him about his previous life, and what made him become a bandit in such a group. She also asks him what will he do after the party will deal with his friends, and whether he feels something for the people he has betrayed.
She then moves on, going to look for Oleg. When she finds him, she tries to convince him to take the corpses down and let them bury them. Leaving the corpses up, she argues, would be dangerous while the party is gone, and even more so if they are killed during the attack on the bandit camp. In addition to these, hanging the men on the wall is surely a barbaric act, unsuitable for such a decent person such as him.
You go to see Ula, locked and tied up in the barn. Well me ma was a whore, not sure who me dad were. I were from Miven. I fell in with thugs there, did nothin good. Some of us heard that there were money to be made in da Green Belt so me and Vas, one of the men tha you already killed, decided to come north. We was just robbin some folk here and there ,mostly minded our own business. We met up with Kressle and her band one day and she told us we could join up with er for greater shares of loot, or end up on the wrong side of er hand axe. I weren't a hard choice. I didn't like the things she did, but we went along. I feel nothin for those scum. For the most part they enjoy what they do and if they end up on the hangman's noose I won't feel nothin. What will I do after that, you think I ave a chance to live after that? No with that man out therereferring to Eadric, its the hangman's noose for me as well I suppose.
Ellaria nods while Ula speaks. "Why didn't you like the things Kressle did? Basically she's doing the same things you have done with your own small group - robbing and pillaging. As for your future - nothing is final, and in any case you will receive a fair trial. Your co-operation with us will be considered of course, and as long as you continue to do that, you will live and given a chance to rectify your life and make something good of them".
Oleg sense motive
Ellaria's point is made. Oleg agrees to take the bodies down from the post late that day. He grumbles about retibution the whole time, but appears to have accepted you warning in earnest.
We pick up as your company is skirting the Narlmarches on the trail, you have been riding for about 6 hours.
The trail seems to cross through a series of light woods consisting of beech, oak, and rushleaf. Sometimes rocky, sometimes crossing over ravines you turn a corner and almost run into several large beast croosing the trail. They stop and appraise you for a second before snorting.
Map posted. Taking a break for the England vs. USA match. Will pst the start of combat a little after that match.
Initiative:
Eadric looks at Ellaria's offered hand for a moment. I have already given you my word, which is my bond, I would rather die than break it, but if you find a handshake is more binding then I will indulge you this once, he says before shaking her hand.
Now if you will excuse me, I have things to attend to before we leave in the morning, he says before walking off.
Upon spying the boars, Eadric pulls sharply on his reigns and comments in a hushed voice, I am not hungry, nor do we need the hassle or delay... just let them pass...
Taking a break for the England vs. USA match. Will pst the start of combat a little after that match.