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<blockquote data-quote="Knightfall" data-source="post: 8539720" data-attributes="member: 2012"><p>Aries simply shrugs.</p><p></p><p></p><p><em><span style="color: rgb(235, 107, 86)">"Torture is an effective tool,"</span></em> Cruel Justice replies. <em><span style="color: rgb(235, 107, 86)">"I have witnessed it break many over the centuries, but there is little honor in such a choice. You all must make sure you do not use such a tool without the rule of law. I believe the people frown upon torture in the Strandlands. I do not believe it is considered lawful by the senate, so it must be avoided. A painful death in combat is another matter. If they resist, then they have given up their right to a quick death."</span></em></p><p></p><p>The blade pauses. <em><span style="color: rgb(235, 107, 86)">"But, if they surrender, executing them without a trial could be murky in the eyes of the senate. Yes, they fled but that in itself isn't enough of a reason for a death sentence. Killing Brutus, the son of a lord, and stealing Lord Pendour's body is more than enough of justification for their deaths... <strong>if</strong> both were involved in the boy's death, and they are the ones who stole the body. If one of them is more guilty than the other, then there could be grounds for an appeal and a possible resurrection ordered by the senate."</span></em></p><p></p><p>"But would they punish us?" Aries asks.</p><p></p><p><em><span style="color: rgb(235, 107, 86)">"No, you have been ordered by Lady Pendour to bring them to justice. If the senate determines any fault in the fugitive's execution, which I doubt they will, then Lady Pendour might have to pay a fine and the fee for whatever spell needs to be cast to bring the executed person back to life."</span></em></p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"That could be expensive,"</span> Aureus notes. <span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"If its a <em>true</em> resurrection spell."</span></p><p></p><p>"I'm sure she can afford it, but if a priest of Hades has to get involved, she might have to do some sort of penance," Aries adds. "She is a follower of the North Gods."</p><p></p><p></p><p>"At this point, I think to early to know for sure," Aries scans the horizon. "If one of them was carrying a dead body, we should have caught up with them by now."</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"Hmm, maybe that's why they took the horse,"</span> Aureus muses as she pats Lady and feeds her another apple.</p><p></p><p></p><p>"I don't think Eike would be able to blend in with them. When you brought us back from the island as your prisoners, the villagers would have seen his face. Could he blend in using magic? Maybe, if he a symbol of Malotoch or fashions a crude one, then he might have access to his divine spells." Aries shakes his head. "No, it's more likely that Eike would want to avoid them. Xander, however, has more than just his psionic skills. While he doesn't have his spellbook, he is a capable thief too." Aries looks at Maur. "That's how he almost snuck by you in the temple. He has a knack for stealth even without his magic, although I don't know how much it will help him out here in the wilderness."</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"But if he surprises us?"</span> Aureus muses.</p><p></p><p>"Yes, he could do some damage," Aries agrees. "He won't be able to take us all down, but he could easily kill one of us if he gets very lucky." He shakes his head again. "No, he's more likely to try to stay hidden and steal what he needs from those on the road."</p><p></p><p></p><p>"A good plan," Aries says.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"And you said you can summon a creature that can find them, what did you call it again?"</span> Aureus asks.</p><p></p><p></p><p>[OOC]Remember that I use a variant/house rule for skill checks that a <u>Natural 20</u> is considered a 30 and a <u>Natural 1</u> is considered to be at -10. So, while a roll of 1 isn't an automatic failure, Angus's roll would only be +5 if you rolled a one. That rule is <em>only</em> for skill checks.</p><p></p><p><a href="http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=257232" target="_blank">Angus - Aid Another on Tracking check: 1D20+15 = [17]+15 = 32</a></p><p>No worries. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite2" alt=";)" title="Wink ;)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=";)" /></p><p>[/OOC]</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>OOC:</strong> That is one hell of a roll. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big grin :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" /></p><p></p><p>While the others chat on their horses, Caerth quickly relocates the tracks he's been following for hours. The half-orc druid is certain that it is Xander who is on foot. He remembers seeing the duergar's boots and there is one set of tracks that is skirting the edge of the trail. It is as Aries says, the duergar is trying to be stealthy, but Xander's not moving slowly enough to remain completely hidden.</p><p></p><p>Finding the tracks of Mabon's horse is easier to find. Eike was riding the horse flat out for at least and hour and the horses hoofprints have left deep impressions in the dirt of the trail. The tracks are obviously newer than the tracks made by the wagons and horses carrying the villagers. Eike is on his own on the horse. The horse doesn't seem to be carrying a dead body too. The impressions in the trail are not deep enough.</p><p></p><p>He rechecks Xander's footprints. No, he's not carrying any dead weight either. They don't have Lord Pendour's body. If they did steal the body, they might have taken the grave goods and left the body alongside the road. Caerth doubles back and looks for any signs. Nothing.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">"Did either one of them have a magical bag large enough to carry Lord Pendour's body?"</span> Caerth asks Aries. <span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">"Something secret?"</span></p><p></p><p>"No." Aries shakes his head. "I think Xander's magical war axe might be able hold magic in it, but I don't think it can hold a dead body."</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">"Then they do not have the dead lord's body. Someone <u>else</u> has stolen it. The horse isn't burdened enough and Xander is on foot and moving too fast to be carrying a dead body."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"Hmm, or they have another horse?"</span> Aureus ponders.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">"No. There is no sign of another horse riding alongside the horse Eike stole. Unless... if he has his spells, he might have summoned a phantasmal horse. No, that can't be it. There would still be some sort of sign."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"Well, let's find them and ask them,"</span> Aureus says.</p><p></p><p>Caerth nods and remounts. He leads the way down the trail and soon the sun is on its downward trajectory. Enhanced by Caerth's spells, the horses make good time. Still, there is no visible sign of the two fugitives on the horizon. You now know they are not together. Eike is riding his stolen horse and Xander is on foot.</p><p></p><p>then, Caerth forces you all to stop again just as the plains are about to give way to hilly scrubland. <span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">"Eike's gone off the trail here. It looks like he's going south."</span> The half-orc druid gets off his horse again and doublechecks the tracks. <span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">"Yes, Eike's gone off the trail. Xander looks like he's still on the trail. He's headed up to the camp in the hills."</span></p><p></p><p>As you look towards the southwest, you can see the hills rise slowly. The day has grown hotter but it is still a good day for travel. The sky is clear and there is a cool breeze rising up from the coast. To the west are the low mountains where Fort Symas sits. Caerth knows it is about another 40 miles away if you all stick to the trail. The trail marker and camp is only 12 miles away.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"There, smoke!"</span> Aureus exclaims. She points up the trail and you can clearly see smoke rising into the sky, but you can't tell if it is from burning wagons or campfires. <span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"It could be the villagers! They might be in trouble!"</span></p><p></p><p>"Bandits?" Aries asks.</p><p></p><p><em><span style="color: rgb(235, 107, 86)">"It not unheard of the Strandlands,"</span></em> Cruel Justice replies.</p><p></p><p>Caerth remounts his horse and looks towards the south where Eike has fled. <span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">"It makes no sense to go that way,"</span> the half-orc druid mumbles. <span style="color: rgb(65, 168, 95)">"It turns into coastal desert for miles."</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"Let's worry about that later,"</span> Aureus insists.</p><p></p><p>She puts Lady into a run and is soon leading the way up the trail. Everyone falls in line behind her as the trail twists through the scrub and low hills. Angus quickly outpaces the horses and leads the way up the trail. Tensions rise and the light of the day begins to fade. You slow the pace for the horses sake, as they make good time under Caerth's spells. Soon , you crest over one last hill and the caravan comes into view. The wagons are not on fire, and there are no sign of bandits. Instead, you see campfires and the villagers. They do look a bit ragged and you see no sign of the horses used to pull the wagons.</p><p></p><p>Then, they see you. Some of them gasp in fear. They don't recognize you from a distance. The guards sent with the villagers ready their weapons and shields. There are only a handful of them.</p><p></p><p>Then, you hear someone shout out Caerth's name. <strong>"IT'S THEM! THEY DIDN"T DIE!"</strong></p><p></p><p>Cheers ring out among the villagers and they begin hugging each other. The guards relax and wave you down towards the camp.</p><p></p><p>Aureus sighs. <span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"They're okay."</span></p><p></p><p>You ride into the camp next to trail marker. It is a massive stone pillar standing upright. It is nearly 80 feet tall. The citizens of Carnell greet you all warmly. They had feared the worst when they left for Fort Symas.</p><p></p><p>"It is good to see you," one of the guards says. "We weren't sure how we were continue on without the horses. He points to the wagons. "Something spooked them and they ran off in the middle of the night. We barely got the wagons here by pulling and pushing them by hand. We're all exhausted."</p><p></p><p>"We tied them up properly," an exhausted villager decries. "We don't know how they got free or why they ran away."</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"That's suspicious,"</span> Aureus says. <span style="color: rgb(243, 121, 52)">"Xander?"</span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Knightfall, post: 8539720, member: 2012"] Aries simply shrugs. [I][COLOR=rgb(235, 107, 86)]"Torture is an effective tool,"[/COLOR][/I] Cruel Justice replies. [I][COLOR=rgb(235, 107, 86)]"I have witnessed it break many over the centuries, but there is little honor in such a choice. You all must make sure you do not use such a tool without the rule of law. I believe the people frown upon torture in the Strandlands. I do not believe it is considered lawful by the senate, so it must be avoided. A painful death in combat is another matter. If they resist, then they have given up their right to a quick death."[/COLOR][/I] The blade pauses. [I][COLOR=rgb(235, 107, 86)]"But, if they surrender, executing them without a trial could be murky in the eyes of the senate. Yes, they fled but that in itself isn't enough of a reason for a death sentence. Killing Brutus, the son of a lord, and stealing Lord Pendour's body is more than enough of justification for their deaths... [B]if[/B] both were involved in the boy's death, and they are the ones who stole the body. If one of them is more guilty than the other, then there could be grounds for an appeal and a possible resurrection ordered by the senate."[/COLOR][/I] "But would they punish us?" Aries asks. [I][COLOR=rgb(235, 107, 86)]"No, you have been ordered by Lady Pendour to bring them to justice. If the senate determines any fault in the fugitive's execution, which I doubt they will, then Lady Pendour might have to pay a fine and the fee for whatever spell needs to be cast to bring the executed person back to life."[/COLOR][/I] [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"That could be expensive,"[/COLOR] Aureus notes. [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"If its a [I]true[/I] resurrection spell."[/COLOR] "I'm sure she can afford it, but if a priest of Hades has to get involved, she might have to do some sort of penance," Aries adds. "She is a follower of the North Gods." "At this point, I think to early to know for sure," Aries scans the horizon. "If one of them was carrying a dead body, we should have caught up with them by now." [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"Hmm, maybe that's why they took the horse,"[/COLOR] Aureus muses as she pats Lady and feeds her another apple. "I don't think Eike would be able to blend in with them. When you brought us back from the island as your prisoners, the villagers would have seen his face. Could he blend in using magic? Maybe, if he a symbol of Malotoch or fashions a crude one, then he might have access to his divine spells." Aries shakes his head. "No, it's more likely that Eike would want to avoid them. Xander, however, has more than just his psionic skills. While he doesn't have his spellbook, he is a capable thief too." Aries looks at Maur. "That's how he almost snuck by you in the temple. He has a knack for stealth even without his magic, although I don't know how much it will help him out here in the wilderness." [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"But if he surprises us?"[/COLOR] Aureus muses. "Yes, he could do some damage," Aries agrees. "He won't be able to take us all down, but he could easily kill one of us if he gets very lucky." He shakes his head again. "No, he's more likely to try to stay hidden and steal what he needs from those on the road." "A good plan," Aries says. [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"And you said you can summon a creature that can find them, what did you call it again?"[/COLOR] Aureus asks. [OOC]Remember that I use a variant/house rule for skill checks that a [U]Natural 20[/U] is considered a 30 and a [U]Natural 1[/U] is considered to be at -10. So, while a roll of 1 isn't an automatic failure, Angus's roll would only be +5 if you rolled a one. That rule is [I]only[/I] for skill checks. [URL='http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=257232']Angus - Aid Another on Tracking check: 1D20+15 = [17]+15 = 32[/URL] No worries. ;) [/OOC] [B]OOC:[/B] That is one hell of a roll. :D While the others chat on their horses, Caerth quickly relocates the tracks he's been following for hours. The half-orc druid is certain that it is Xander who is on foot. He remembers seeing the duergar's boots and there is one set of tracks that is skirting the edge of the trail. It is as Aries says, the duergar is trying to be stealthy, but Xander's not moving slowly enough to remain completely hidden. Finding the tracks of Mabon's horse is easier to find. Eike was riding the horse flat out for at least and hour and the horses hoofprints have left deep impressions in the dirt of the trail. The tracks are obviously newer than the tracks made by the wagons and horses carrying the villagers. Eike is on his own on the horse. The horse doesn't seem to be carrying a dead body too. The impressions in the trail are not deep enough. He rechecks Xander's footprints. No, he's not carrying any dead weight either. They don't have Lord Pendour's body. If they did steal the body, they might have taken the grave goods and left the body alongside the road. Caerth doubles back and looks for any signs. Nothing. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]"Did either one of them have a magical bag large enough to carry Lord Pendour's body?"[/COLOR] Caerth asks Aries. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]"Something secret?"[/COLOR] "No." Aries shakes his head. "I think Xander's magical war axe might be able hold magic in it, but I don't think it can hold a dead body." [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]"Then they do not have the dead lord's body. Someone [U]else[/U] has stolen it. The horse isn't burdened enough and Xander is on foot and moving too fast to be carrying a dead body."[/COLOR] [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"Hmm, or they have another horse?"[/COLOR] Aureus ponders. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]"No. There is no sign of another horse riding alongside the horse Eike stole. Unless... if he has his spells, he might have summoned a phantasmal horse. No, that can't be it. There would still be some sort of sign."[/COLOR] [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"Well, let's find them and ask them,"[/COLOR] Aureus says. Caerth nods and remounts. He leads the way down the trail and soon the sun is on its downward trajectory. Enhanced by Caerth's spells, the horses make good time. Still, there is no visible sign of the two fugitives on the horizon. You now know they are not together. Eike is riding his stolen horse and Xander is on foot. then, Caerth forces you all to stop again just as the plains are about to give way to hilly scrubland. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]"Eike's gone off the trail here. It looks like he's going south."[/COLOR] The half-orc druid gets off his horse again and doublechecks the tracks. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]"Yes, Eike's gone off the trail. Xander looks like he's still on the trail. He's headed up to the camp in the hills."[/COLOR] As you look towards the southwest, you can see the hills rise slowly. The day has grown hotter but it is still a good day for travel. The sky is clear and there is a cool breeze rising up from the coast. To the west are the low mountains where Fort Symas sits. Caerth knows it is about another 40 miles away if you all stick to the trail. The trail marker and camp is only 12 miles away. [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"There, smoke!"[/COLOR] Aureus exclaims. She points up the trail and you can clearly see smoke rising into the sky, but you can't tell if it is from burning wagons or campfires. [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"It could be the villagers! They might be in trouble!"[/COLOR] "Bandits?" Aries asks. [I][COLOR=rgb(235, 107, 86)]"It not unheard of the Strandlands,"[/COLOR][/I] Cruel Justice replies. Caerth remounts his horse and looks towards the south where Eike has fled. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]"It makes no sense to go that way,"[/COLOR] the half-orc druid mumbles. [COLOR=rgb(65, 168, 95)]"It turns into coastal desert for miles."[/COLOR] [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"Let's worry about that later,"[/COLOR] Aureus insists. She puts Lady into a run and is soon leading the way up the trail. Everyone falls in line behind her as the trail twists through the scrub and low hills. Angus quickly outpaces the horses and leads the way up the trail. Tensions rise and the light of the day begins to fade. You slow the pace for the horses sake, as they make good time under Caerth's spells. Soon , you crest over one last hill and the caravan comes into view. The wagons are not on fire, and there are no sign of bandits. Instead, you see campfires and the villagers. They do look a bit ragged and you see no sign of the horses used to pull the wagons. Then, they see you. Some of them gasp in fear. They don't recognize you from a distance. The guards sent with the villagers ready their weapons and shields. There are only a handful of them. Then, you hear someone shout out Caerth's name. [B]"IT'S THEM! THEY DIDN"T DIE!"[/B] Cheers ring out among the villagers and they begin hugging each other. The guards relax and wave you down towards the camp. Aureus sighs. [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"They're okay."[/COLOR] You ride into the camp next to trail marker. It is a massive stone pillar standing upright. It is nearly 80 feet tall. The citizens of Carnell greet you all warmly. They had feared the worst when they left for Fort Symas. "It is good to see you," one of the guards says. "We weren't sure how we were continue on without the horses. He points to the wagons. "Something spooked them and they ran off in the middle of the night. We barely got the wagons here by pulling and pushing them by hand. We're all exhausted." "We tied them up properly," an exhausted villager decries. "We don't know how they got free or why they ran away." [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"That's suspicious,"[/COLOR] Aureus says. [COLOR=rgb(243, 121, 52)]"Xander?"[/COLOR] [/QUOTE]
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