Storms of Change [IC]

[Seonaid]

Rowyn nods gratefully to Aronai. "Thank you for your help. I'll let you know." She arranges Sabala so she is in a comfortable position, and then turns to Manzanita. "I certainly hope hunting them isn't legal!" She looks around again, this time to see if anyone can answer Manzanita's question.

 

[silentspace]

Divine Right in Shillen

As in most kingdoms of the world, ultimate power in Shillen lies with the King or Queen. It is believed that the king and the royal family carry within them the Divine Spark, allowing them to rule by Divine Right. All the Greater Noble Families in Shillen and beyond carry this Spark within them. It is what defines them as a Greater Noble Family. All other nobles and aristocrats, regardless of how powerful they may be, are considered Lesser Nobles, no matter how many millennia their families have held power. All of the great kingdoms of the civilized lands are ruled by a king through Divine Right. In some kingdoms, however, it is whispered that the real power lies in non-noble hands, such as in a prime minister, or a spouse with a Common lineage.

The smaller kingdoms, such as the Hanin Kingdoms, as well as the barbarian kingdoms, are often ruled by persons without noble heritage. As strange as that may seem, it does not seem to offend the citizens of those countries, or their gods. Perhaps Divine Right is not needed in smaller kingdoms.

All of the great kingdoms are predominantly human. No other race creates such large, powerful nations. Most elves, dwarves, gnomes and halflings live in relatively small bands or clans. There are larger organizations, kingdoms even, but compared to the kingdoms of the shorter-lived humans, they are small. The dwarves of Keldric Hall have a king, for example, although they are still considered a part of Shillen. When they have kingdoms they are small. Elves, dwarves, gnomes and halflings do not have the concept of Divine Right of Kings.

 

[silentspace]

Laws of Shillen

Since power lies in the body of the King or Queen, the study of Law is not the study of a written code or rules. There are no Books of Law. Rather, the practice of Law is an exercise in extending the power of the King. The King cannot be everywhere and make all decisions. To help in this regard, there are a series of agents which have been empowered to enforce the Law. These include not only governing nobility (Dukes, Earls, Barons etc), but also local Lords and Sheriffs. In cases where a Greater Noble is unavailable, or unwilling, to make a ruling, a judge is used. Judges are usually well-known, important members of the community, such as priests (esp. the High Priests of Shillen), wealthy landowners, or guildmasters. In the case of a trial, Lawyers may present arguments. In the case of a hearing by the King or a Greater Noble, Lawyers may petition to present a case, but the petition is not always granted.

Shillen is a lawful good kingdom, founded by Greater Noble Families who worship Heironeous. This should give a fair basis as to what the King believes is Lawful or Unlawful.

Authorities and civilians make arrests when something is done that is believed to offend either the King or the King’s Peace. In addition to the obvious crimes (murder, robbery, etc), slavery and necromancy (creating and/or using undead) have historically offended the King. At least this was the case when House Dharnan held the throne. There is some question as to how the Venerable Zenfan will make judgements. He has been in power for twenty years, but Law is a broad topic with many subtleties and nuances.

Punishments are swift and severe. Usually the punishment is a fine or execution. Jails are used while waiting for trial, or to hold persons unable to pay their fines until such time as they can be paid (or the prisoner dies). Occasionally public flogging or exile are used. Permanent mutilation, however, is frowned upon.

--

As a professional Lawyer, Manzanita has studied the records of judgements and trials in and around Masar. Prior judgements are often used as a basis for new cases, especially if the prior judgement was decided by a Greater Noble or Royalty. Since there are no written laws, and the circumstances of each case are different, precedent can have an impact on a case.

Manzanita has no recollection of any case specifically dealing with the hunting of centaurs. However, she is certain that this would offend the King or the King’s Peace. Probably both.

 

[silentspace]

By the time Darien and the other guards arrive, all the horses are under control and the wagons and carriage are back in place. They are very impressed that the rear guard took out seven bandits so quickly and with so few injuries to speak of.

The guards quickly tie up the surviving bandits as you explain what happened.

“You’re a kind-hearted lot, not killing them and all. As far as I can see, it doesn’t make a difference if their victims are humans or centaurs, they’re still bandits and brigands, and usually killing them just saves the courts the trouble. A few years ago I would have said to kill the lot of them outright. These days, though, with so many of our young people dead, I think I’ll take them to Carodan with us as prisoners. Turn ‘em over to the garrison there, make soldiers out of them. Rekar, make sure you gag the spell-caster!”

“Since you handled these pretty much yourselves, your welcome to take whatever loot you want. Anything you don’t want I’ll sell at Carodan and split with the others.”

Dunathar looks over the humans’ equipment:
masterwork studded leather armor (1)
studded leather armor (6)
mighty composite shortbow (+1 str)
shortbows (6)
quivers (7)
arrows (124)
masterwork battleaxe
battleaxe (6)
book (1)
58 sp
33 cp
light warhorses (7)
studded leather barding (7)
bit and bridle (7)
saddles (7)
saddlebags (7)
miscellaneous rations, waterskins, torches, blankets.

 

[silentspace]

Unless others object, Alan, Dunathar and Etherial each want a set of barding for their horses. Dunathar would also like the masterwork studded leather armor.

 

[Seonaid]

Rowyn looks up when Darien comes over, and nods her thanks. When he stops speaking, she turns back to Sabala, hoping Aronai is right about her complete recovery.

 

[silentspace]

A minute later a somewhat portly Dwarven gent wearing a thick apron appears. It’s Sturdy Stalthas, the proprietor of the Riverfolk Brewery and Inn. As he smiles at you, his gold tooth gleams in the evening sun. He’s followed by several other dwarves, who immediately busy themselves by helping to water the horses, refill the well, and generally clean up the caravan stop.

“Argh! I know those bandits! They’re part of the lot that camp out on the bridge collecting tolls! They must be weak in the head, attacking you on their own. What’s that? They were attacking the centaurs? Hrmph. Must’ve thought they could make a quick buck without any interference. If they had any brains they would’ve gone and got the other bandits first. Greedy lot.”

“Anyway, I’m Sturdy Stalthas, and this is my establishment. Well, not this caravan stop, but keeping it in good order helps business, you know? Not that there’s been much traffic these days, what with these bandits and all about. Really now, I’ve been trying to get the Duke to station a garrison here. The Rillathane Bridge is a very strategic spot. Maybe there just aren’t enough troops to spare.”

Turning towards the party, he continues, “You’re a pretty impressive lot, taking care of these bandits by yourselves, and so quickly too! Come talk to me when your watch is over, alright? I’ve got a strong pot of coffee brewing so I’ll be up all night!”

 

[silentspace]

Aronai closes a few of Sabala’s wounds with his magic. He then carefully wraps her wounds and watches over her. Hopefully this will accelerate her healing over the night.

 

[Dimwhit]

Aronai looks over the loot, but he doesn't find anything of interest.

 

[silentspace]

Polindun and Bolandun return. You see that Polindun is still wounded badly. He speaks in Elvish, “Thank you, my friends. If it is no trouble, we’d like to still spend the night here.” He grins. “Its probably safer here with you than out on our own.”