Play by Post D&D: The New Begining

BentonGrey · October 04, 2007, 08:54:06 AM

"This is sound council," the sea elf replied.

BlueBard · October 04, 2007, 10:44:34 AM

"And who among us has 600 gold for ransom?" Whisper says. "Even supposing we could pay off this lot, what for the other bounty hunters who will surely follow? No, we must leave this area as soon as we can. Make for Stuarton and hope that word of the bounty has not yet reached many of the rabble there. Then swiftly out into the wilderness where few would dare pursue. Recover the artifact and retreat to a place of safety, perhaps the Elven realms."

"As far as our captives are concerned, there is no way we can trust them and no way we can take them with us. Still, I cannot bring myself to advocate hanging for a crime they failed to commit. Leave them and flee. They cannot travel far or quickly in their condition. To insure that, we might take their boots as spoil. They will not move quickly barefoot."

"One more thing we might do. I have tried to plant a seed of doubt that they found the right person. The young thief looks like an average human to my eye and his description might fit many. Let us not admit to anything, nor share any names beyond what they have heard already."

"That is my council, but it is not only my own life at risk. Let the group decide."

Uncle Yuan · October 04, 2007, 12:37:04 PM

Quote from: BlueBard on October 04, 2007, 10:44:34 AM
"As far as our captives are concerned, there is no way we can trust them and no way we can take them with us. Still, I cannot bring myself to advocate hanging for a crime they failed to commit. Leave them and flee. They cannot travel far or quickly in their condition. To insure that, we might take their boots as spoil. They will not move quickly barefoot."

"One more thing we might do. I have tried to plant a seed of doubt that they found the right person. The young thief looks like an average human to my eye and his description might fit many. Let us not admit to anything, nor share any names beyond what they have heard already."

"That is my council, but it is not only my own life at risk. Let the group decide."

"What crime where they about to commit? Collecting a bounty? That is no crime if it is a legal bounty. Given the status of this lord, I have every certainty that there is a legal bounty on Daniel's head, and "dead or alive" is certainly a permisable condition for apprehension. If anything, we are the criminals for aiding a fugative.

"Be that as it may, I agree that leaving them bootless would slow their travel, although as I noted, only one of them is likely to be traveling any time soon. That man," I indicate the man with the gut wound,"is by no means out of the woods. No pun intended. He could still very well die even with compitent medical care. If we abandon him here with no chance to return to town we will essentially be murdering him. Likewise for the head wound.

"I would hope that by treating the survivors and dealing with them without vengence or malice we may yet garner enough good will to convince them to lie low for a while. We would certainly be acting within our rights as both the potential victims and the victors in this battle to kill them all. Six hundered gold against their lives is really a pretty good bargain when considered in this light."

Viking · October 04, 2007, 03:54:42 PM

"'Tis not a matter of paying 600 gold for ransom, as Orloid has pointed out. They attempted to collect a bounty. They failed. I doubt that they'd try again for that sum, or even several higher ones."

Starbuck pauses for emphasis. "What they may decide upon, if treated poorly and left alive, is that they have a personal grudge against us. Hence, my thoughts towards not leaving the survivors with less than what they started this foray with. Simply making the offer to them should provoke a reaction. Perhaps those wisest in reading said reactions might expound on whether they are likely to honor such a proposed deal?"

(OOG: If anybody has the Sense Motive skill, like Starbuck, that's a possible means of seeing whether they lie or tell the truth when asked if they'll leave us alone and not spread word of our appearance and company.)

Uncle Yuan · October 04, 2007, 04:12:58 PM

"Not only did they fail, they lost over half their party. I say leave the survivors with their lives, equipement and what dignity they can salvage from their defeat in exchange for their word drop their persuit of the bounty and to speak to no one of their expriences here. If they can convince me that they are sincere, and I am a very good judge of character on several levels, I might even see to it that their injured are well enough to travel. Slowly.

"I also think it goes without saying that we should bypass Oakenhold entirely. With the loot from the dead we can at least partially equip Nathan and Daniel. We can also make a point to purchase what we can of food, pack animals or other equipement from any free holders we might pass. As Whisper has said, time is not now our ally."

GM:[spoiler] I know I haven't interacted with any of them yet, but any idea how they might react to such a proposal? Are they simply bounty-hunting scum who joined together ad hoc to get what ever they can, or do they look like a more coherent group with some obligation to one another and perhaps some scruples?[/spoiler]

Lord Elcorion · October 07, 2007, 04:29:07 PM

i'm not sure i feel comfortable leaveing our supplies to the whims of homesteaders and the like, most have little enough to sustain themselves, let alone to spare to provision as large a group as ourselves. besides, we might find information in oakenhold that could be critical to our quest, such as rumors of troop movments going towards the area we intend to travel to.

Glitch Girl · October 08, 2007, 07:34:00 AM

QuoteGM:[spoiler] I know I haven't interacted with any of them yet, but any idea how they might react to such a proposal? Are they simply bounty-hunting scum who joined together ad hoc to get what ever they can, or do they look like a more coherent group with some obligation to one another and perhaps some scruples?[/spoiler]

Orloid
[spoiler]Honestly, it's hard to tell. The one's you've interacted with have been unconscious, and the interaction with the woman, Dakkon, and later Whisper haven't said much (you didn't hear much of Whisper and Johnas' conversation unforunately, you were busy tending to wounds and getting Nathan to assist). Their gear appears to be in reasonably good repair though not top of the line, and judging from the fight, a few of them have had some form of formal training. Beyond that, no idea[/spoiler]

Glitch Girl · October 08, 2007, 08:17:19 PM

BTW: While you're all debating what to do with this bunch, the one with the head wound starts to move.

BlueBard · October 09, 2007, 02:11:12 AM

"No. Going into Oakenhold at this time, where our charge is known, is madness. Even staying in this area is folly. Killing these mercenaries to keep them from bearing tales is pointless and I will not be a party to it. It is time we break council and get moving. Quickly."

Whisper turns to Daniel.

"Well, it is your life at stake. Stay or flee? What do you wish to do?"

Uncle Yuan · October 09, 2007, 03:56:16 AM

GM: Assuming we loot only the dead, what kind of stuff are we looking at in goods and coin. Any food?

Viking · October 09, 2007, 07:05:45 AM

Starbuck nods at Whisper's commentary on breaking council and moving forward. Thus, Starbuck casually walks over to where the two fully conscious prisoners are tied up. (For the moment, leaving matters of the one with the head wound to his companions.)

"So," he says to the prisoners with a small smile, "we've arrived at the crossroads of deciding what to do with you. We'd really prefer not to be cold-blooded killers. We're hoping you can help us out with that."

He nods his head over to where his companions are still in debate.

"I'm of a mind to argue that you and any other survivors of this unfortunate misunderstanding be allowed to leave peaceably, with your possessions, provided that you agree to not tell anyone what you've found out here, and don't seek to make another attempt on us. The deceased, I'm afraid, are busy having their possessions divided amongst my traveling companions. But if you agree not to sell us out, you at least can walk away with what you started with."

He looks levelly at the two prisoners.

"I assure you, that's the best offer you're going to get from this group. The options go pretty sharply downhill from there. Trust me - you don't want to know what the half-ogre has suggested."

GM:
[spoiler]I'll attempt to gauge their sincerity of their response. I've also tried to be sufficiently verbose so that if anyone else from the party is interested, they'll have a chance to see Starbuck talking and gauge our prisoners' reactions as well.[/spoiler]

Glitch Girl · October 09, 2007, 08:04:37 AM

OOG: Unless I'm missing something, there's only one bound and alert prisioner, the woman. The other three survivors are out cold and have been treated for various wounds. I'm going to asume Starbuck is talking to her.

Orloid, real quick what you found on the attackers (dead and still alive) include: about 20 gold 5 silver in various coinage, four swords of average quality, three of poor quality, three bows average quality, a crossbow of average quality (which Daniel seems to have claimed), three quivers of arrows totalling 47 arrows, one quiver of crossbow bolts numbering 16, several suits of scale mail of below average quality and now damaged, several suits of leather armor average quality, some knives, four rolled up scrolls of parchment, a set of keys, a simple ring of tarnished gold, a rabbit's foot, rations for about 25-30 days (roughly 3 days per person, includes what Og took), extra clothes, and assorted other personal belongings.

Whisper, Daniel thinks a moment. "If they came from Oakenhold, then probably the whole town is looking for me. I think... I think I want to press on. We can use some of those supplies, right?" he asks indicating the stuff looted from the attackers. "That should get us there, right?"

Starbuck, the woman narrows her eyes at you suspiciously. "So you let us go, if we pretend this never happened?" She doesn't look like she believes you.

Viking · October 09, 2007, 11:01:45 AM

OOG: What happened to Johnas, the guy Whisper was questioning before he came to question Nina? I believe I'm confused on this point.

**************

Back In Game:

Starbuck rolls his eyes. "I do believe this is the first time that a prisoner rejected an offer as being too generous to be believed," her remarks with some slight sarcasm.

"Nevertheless, the offer is meant to be a genuine one. On the one hand, if we executed you and the remainder of your companions that we finish healing, it would ensure your silence on the matter. But, if we let you go, and you honor the terms of the agreement, then we both have reason to trust each other just a little bit more, should we ever meet again."

Starbuck shrugs. "I'm a bard. We tend to be willing to gamble on ridiculous chances like that."

BentonGrey · October 09, 2007, 11:06:47 AM

OOC: If Dakkon can hear Starbuck's conversation he's going to say this over his shoulder, rather offhanded.

"Well, we could simply cut their throats if they would prefer," the sea elf said evenly.

Uncle Yuan · October 09, 2007, 11:42:06 AM

I give Nathan a nod to indicate that he should go tend to the man with the head wound. Assuming he does so I'll turn to the woman. "I've given your compatriots my best efforts at healing with little consideration for your ambush on us. With continued care and a touch of grace they will recover. Despite what my companion says," I wave in Dakkon's direction "we bear you no specific ill will. But we would be well within our rights to be finished with you. Our offer is genuine. And generous. Our mercy in exchange for your discretion. What have you?"

GM: [spoiler]I've got a decent Negotiator, and I'll use Sense Motive if applicable. Sometime before we wrap up negotiations I want to hit her with Detect Lies when she is actually accepting our proposal.[/spoiler]

BlueBard · October 09, 2007, 11:47:20 AM

OOC: Whisper still has possession of Johnas's sword at this point.

Whisper nods at Daniel's statement.

"Daniel and I are leaving momentarily. You are all welcome to come with us."

Considering the debate over with, Whisper walks away and joins Starbuck. "We leave shortly. Do we need to leave the woman for the wolves, or do we have an understanding?"

Glitch Girl · October 09, 2007, 05:52:09 PM

OOG: Viking, Johnas passed out while getting treated, shortly after the arrow was pulled out. He's not real talkative at the moment.

Starbuck continues to bargain with the prisoner.

"...I'm a bard. We tend to be willing to gamble on ridiculous chances like that."

She starts to say something when Dakkon adds "Well, we could simply cut their throats if they would prefer."

"And you wonder why I don't believe you," she sneers back.

Orloid enters the conversation at this point. "I've given your compatriots my best efforts at healing with little consideration for your ambush on us. With continued care and a touch of grace they will recover."

She looks around as best she can while still attached to the tree.

Despite what my companion says, we bear you no specific ill will. But we would be well within our rights to be finished with you. Our offer is genuine. And generous. Our mercy in exchange for your discretion. What have you?"

She looks unsure, like she's still trying to figure you guys out.

Finally she says, "All right. You go, and I swear, we don't try to follow you and this never happened.

Orloid
[spoiler]While she was mulling it over, you noticed she keeps looking towards Johnas. You'd think she was looking for advice or something, judging from her expression, but since he's incommunicado and she knows it, the look doesn't last long. ALl other signs say she's telling you the truth.[/spoiler]

Whisper annouces his intensions to leave, what do the rest of you do?

Uncle Yuan · October 09, 2007, 09:48:59 PM

Quote from: Glitch Girl on October 09, 2007, 05:52:09 PM

She looks unsure, like she's still trying to figure you guys out.

Finally she says, "All right. You go, and I swear, we don't try to follow you and this never happened.

"Will your fellows stand by your bargain?"

GM:[spoiler]Keep reading her as she gives her answer to this. Also, Dakkon seems the most blood thirsty of the lot. What is my read on him? Is he likely to abide by the agreement? I'm not sure how you'd arbitrate this - roll and tell him if he can PM me truth or lies? Ask him and pass along what you think is appropriate? I'll leave it to you to decide.[/spoiler]

BlueBard · October 10, 2007, 06:14:48 AM

Clarification: Whisper did NOT mention Daniel's name within earshot of Nina. Our pow-pow was supposed to be a ways off from her. But the conversation's gotten a bit mixed up. Substitute 'young thief' for 'Daniel' if need be.

Whisper goes over to the pile o' loot. He refills his quiver (20 arrows) and then partly fills another (10 arrows) and takes those. He examines the rolled up scrolls of parchment more closely.

Glitch Girl · October 10, 2007, 08:33:50 AM

"Will your fellows stand by your bargain?"

Nina pauses a moment, then nods. "Yes."

Orloid[spoiler]
She glanced at one of the dead bodies before she answered you, one of the rougher looking members of her group. You get the impression that since he's no longer with us, she can make that pledge[/spoiler]

Whisper
[spoiler]
The parchments are all wanted posters and contracts for missing criminals. Among the scrolls you find a wanted poster for Daniel Midas wanted for murder of Lord Edgar, cousin of Lord Niles. It also mentions in slightly smaller print he's wanted for the murder of two guards and a servant as well as theft, all of which earns him a 600 gold bounty[/spoiler]

BentonGrey · October 10, 2007, 10:57:32 AM

OOC: Hmm....once again, I feel like poor Dakkon's actions have been misconstrued! Haha, oh well. For anyone who tries to *read* him and succeeds, here you go:

[spoiler]Dakkon is desperate to get back home, and won't let ANYTHING stand in the way of that. However, he is generally a good hearted man, and not inclined to be vicious. In this particular encounter, he has been mostly just playing "bad cop."[/spoiler]

Uncle Yuan · October 10, 2007, 11:27:32 AM

Quote from: Glitch Girl on October 10, 2007, 08:33:50 AM
"Will your fellows stand by your bargain?"

Nina pauses a moment, then nods. "Yes."

"Good. We'll take that as your parole then" Turning to Starbuck I ask, "Would you be willing to assist her in caring for her survivors while I see to the man with the head wound? We should be going as quickly as we can after that."

I'll head over to check on the man and Nathan, motioning Daniel over as I do so.

Viking · October 10, 2007, 12:03:07 PM

Starbuck shrugs. "I'm no healer, but I can certainly provide an extra set of hands, as well as lift and carry. Naturally, I can sing songs, though I doubt that 'Clot, clot, clot the blood, in your arteries' will have much of an effect."

Glitch Girl · October 10, 2007, 02:24:40 PM

Nina is still tied to the tree, are one of you freeing her?

Orloid, the man with the head injury is trying to get up but he seems to be having trouble, like he's disoriented. Nathan immediately comes over to help with Daniel trailing behind.

Viking · October 10, 2007, 02:53:12 PM

Starbuck makes use of the offer of his two hands, and sets to freeing Nina.

Uncle Yuan · October 10, 2007, 03:20:31 PM

I'll rush over and gently help him into a sitting position. Speaking in reassuring tones I say, "Calmly, calmly. The fight is over and you are in no danger." I'll repeat this until I get through and he calms down.

I want to give him a quick assessment, make sure he's not too injured (simultaneously checking to make sure that he is as injured as he appears to be), and treating as needed.

Meanwhile, speaking to Nathan - "Equip yourself as well as you can from the spoils. Also, would you take a bag and collect all the rations, leaving them 2-3 days per survivor. And no 'aquiring' from the survivors," I add with a grin.

Glitch Girl · October 10, 2007, 05:54:29 PM

Starbuck unties Nina. She watches you cautiously, but she doesn't bolt or attack and mutters a quick "thanks" when you're done.

Orloid, Nathan nods and says "I think I might have an extra bag in my pack. Let me look."

Daniel gives you an annoyed frown and begrudgingly says "All right, no 'aquiring'." He goes off to help Nathan.

The man has one hand over his eyes and is swaying. "Why'zeverthing spinning?" he kind of slurs.

I know I keep saying this, but what are the rest of you doing (Og, Annia, and Dakkon) ?

BentonGrey · October 10, 2007, 07:02:28 PM

OOC: Dakkon is preparing to travel again, and remaining aloof from the prisoners.

BlueBard · October 10, 2007, 08:02:24 PM

GM: Does the poster have Daniel's likeness drawn on it, or merely a description? If there is a likeness, how good is it? The other scrolls he will return to the bounty hunters, but this one he will keep for now, folding it up and shoving it in his pouch.

Whisper will return Johnas' sword to its' scabbard. Then he will return to where Nina is.

"I am pleased that we may part without further bloodshed," he tells her. "You do not trust us overmuch, nor do we have full confidence in you. Yet I will tell you that all is not as it seems. The plans of this Lord Niles do not bode well for any of us, yourselves included. Anyone who would secretly employ goblinkin is far more unworthy than any thief. My companions and I have spared your lives this day though it were safer for us all if we had not. Therefore trust me when I tell you that Lord Niles is not to be trusted," he says with a measured gaze into her eyes, with faint hope that his words will strike a chord.

Glitch Girl · October 11, 2007, 08:44:07 AM

Dakkon is able to gether his things no problem without dealing with the defeated.

Whisper
[spoiler]there's a poor quality image printed on there (looks like the plate was carved in a hurry) and while you can sort of see a resemblance, it's not a great one. There's a written description included as well[/spoiler]

Nina gazes back at Whisper. "We don't trust anyone," she answers coldly. "Not even the ones who pay."