Corvus glances at Vex, “That is not how magic works. The orb is an arcane focus, he has to have it with him in order to do anything with it. It doesn’t give him power it’s just a device used to help channel his magic. If we destroy it and let him live, all he has to do is get a new focus. If we kill him now, we don’t have to worry about him using this or any other arcane focus.”
“The magic that Simon used to teleport around us, I am also capable of doing such a thing, and the spell requires little to execute. He did not even need the orb to do it. In fact, he can do it by merely uttering a word. He could even do it while tied up. I repeat, he’s too dangerous to keep alive, and we are in his own home, and have seen little of it.”
She holds her dagger aloft, over his chest.
“I’m ready to do what must be done. Those who oppose may look away or go in the other room if they wish.”
Corvus will now ignore the conversation pertaining to killing Simon and go back to looking for the lock the keys fit into. (Unless Gilded keeps stopping him)
(Oh, my bad. I thought his statement about not killing a man who poses no threat meant he didn't want to kill Simon, but I guess he meant he just wouldn't do it himself.)
Drezmir's expression falls and he looks down at the mage. What was he supposed to do? He couldn't go against the majority, that would break their trust. Yet..he felt like they should at least give Gwen a chance to see her brother...even if it was for the last time. He stands up, "For now, he is unconscious. Could we at least wait until we find Gwen and her knights before...doing anything that we can't undo? I have a feeling that many of the knights will want justice for this man's wrongdoings, just like Robin." He nods to the rouge, "I'm not going to pretend to understand the risks. I have tried studying the arcane, but I don't know as much as a true magic user."
He looks to Robin, "Do you know where Gwen was heading when you last saw her?"
Turning back to Jess, he says, "Would you be willing to wait an hour for me to find Gwen and her men and bring her back here? If he starts waking up, or I take longer to return...then you can end him." He says the last part hesitantly. He's grasping for straws at this point.
“He should be okay for now so long as we keep him tied up and gagged. I think we should stick together, bring him with us. Just know that once we encounter more of the folk from Glazing Winds, Gwen included, we may end up needing to submit to whatever they think is best. Things may get decided outside of our control.”
Drezmir lets out a sigh of relief, "Thank you. Yes, staying together would be best." He nods, "And yes, it might be best to let the people of Glanzing winds decide what to do with him...but, what if they decide not to kill him? What will we do then?" He asks this not because he is biased, but because it is a possibility. "I have a feeling there will be those who are just as willing to end him as you are, but there is a possibility that they will want to keep him alive even just for a while longer. If you think it is better to end him--to get rid of the risk of him escaping--then what do you propose in this situation. You know where I stand on this, but I just want to avoid conflict with Gwen and the Knights if this becomes a problem."
“That’s why I voted to kill him now. Explain to them that he openly attacked us and was slain in combat. If he survives this then he will have a chance to grow stronger, perhaps even complete this awakening somehow, and we will be his enemies.”
“But, if they want to spare him, I suppose we have no choice. I will insist that he remain restrained as I described, and locked up under guard, until decisions can be made.”
Drezmir nods, "Good points, and I will admit that killing him is the logical option. I just can't go against my personal beliefs. We spared the Jet brothers, why should we not led that same opportunity to this man simply because he has magic and they don't? I understand the risks, and I am willing to take them. However, I cannot ask all of you to overlook your own personal beliefs simply because mine differ."
"Still, I greatly appreciate your willingness to bring him to Gwen and the knights first. I firmly believe that it is the right thing to do. Even if the outcome remains the same...in his death. We are the outsiders after all, even if we did take him down. The decision should be theirs."
He looks to the rest of the group, "Are all of you alright with this decision?"
Gilded listens to the arguments about Simon. "I have no issues killing this man, I think that if we were going to, then we should have never stabilized him and let him die in combat with whatever honor that were to bring him. But to heal him, just to execute him without justice is pure evil. Now that he is stable and incapacitated, killing him is murder, pure and simple." He looks at Jess and continues. "He may have very valuable information, he may not. He may not share with us even if he does. That is no reason to spare him." He shakes his head and continues, "My vow to Iroas would never allow me to murder in cold blood, no matter who it is. How does your faith feel about killing a man tied up, and gagged on the floor?"
Gilded then steps back in front of Corvus, "you fight with courage and strength, I respect you as a warrior, no doubt about it." He grits his teeth and continues, "but I have felt your contempt to all of us, and I sense a danger in that orb and that scroll that I am not comfortable with you having in your possession just yet." He looks to the group for back up on this. "We are not incompetent because we do not run for the loot every time there is opportunity. And it certainly doesn't make you more competent to try and find any thing you think is of value, before telling the rest of us what we can divvy up. I care little for wealth and trinkets, and honestly do not care too much about the orb. But I do care about someone with such disregard for the party having something I sense evil in until I can at least examine it. I ask you again to give it to me for now."
“My faith is in the ocean, the sky, the forest. Is it murder for the reef shark to eat the octopus? Of course not, it’s the way of the world. But still the octopus hides, and camouflages itself, and strives to not be eaten. It does not lay down for the shark to eat it. I submit that leaving Simon alive is like laying down and allowing the shark to eat us. But I respect it is important to you, so I will go along with your way and watch closely how this plays out. And of course you are right, he could have valuable information. So I will risk exposing myself to the shark, if it gives me a secret to defeat or evade a future, more dangerous shark.”
Robin rolled his eyes at Gilded's comment before letting out a soft sigh.
"To think I didn't let Simon convince my mind to help attack you. Look, I said I'll go pay the price about a dozen times. All I ever asked was that my men can return to their normal lives with their families that was it."
Corvus had pocketed the Orb despite what Vex or Gilded had stated. Robin looked around a bit confused.
"I don't like the idea of agreeing with Gilded twice and I know he's pushy.. But that orb is probably dangerous. So Kocino abstains.. I suppose you're group has decided on his death. However I do think Gwen should get to talk to him one last time."
The arguement over Simon and now over the Orb was beginning to grow throughout the party. Robin appeared collected approaching Simon, fighting the Jet brothers before he even appeared calm but now? He seemed for the first time a little uncomfortable. Part of him was surprised how fast it was falling apart after the whole ordeal. Corvus couldn't perceive much in the room but in terms of investigation the key had an insignia. The key had an image of a golden dragon different from Simon's symbol on the papers before. It didn't appear the key was for this room at least it appeared that way. Robin had heard Jess said Robin refused to vote with Kocino he took a soft sigh.
"It's not that I don't wanna vote, I just don't know if it's really fair. I'm not really apart of you're ragtag team right? I suppose if I got a vote all I'd ask is Simon gets to see Gwen. I'm.. Torn on the matter. I trust Drezmir but part of me struggles with Simon.. But I know at the beginning he was trying to do what he could for this town. We'd be overrun by bandits if not for him before. Yet... Well.. It's a hard one."
Robin had looked toward Drezmir when he asked about Gwen.
"Well- Wait.." The party could hear loud metal footsteps heading toward the room from all directions. Robin had weakly stood up grabbing his rapier.
"Damn it.. When does it end?"
Gilded and Corvus were beginning to rise to a heated conclusion while Jess and Drezmir were coming together to compromise. Such different beings yet they maintained total respect with one another it even amazed Robin a bit. The doors had burst open from each door before.. Seeing Simon fallen on the ground.
"L-Lord Simon! Men.. Stand down! If they possess power enough to take Simon down.. They could destroy this entire town!"
"But sir.. They look exhausted and wounded! We have them outnumbered three to one we can win this!"
".. You are right our lord has brought us a chance to save Glazing Winds! To arms men!"
Robin winced gritting his teeth but.. A familiar clank of boots could be heard. Heavier than any metal from the guards before. From room 5 the guards had dispersed seeing a single woman covered in blood. Holding her side with a blade full of crimson. Her ocean blue hair tainted by the hue of red. Grunting in pain as she trudged on.
"Hey guys.. Miss me? Heh.."
She had coughed a bit more each breath causing her more pain.
"What?! How are you here? Where are the rest of the men!"
"Heh.. Defeated.. But my men saved the one's we could. You need to step down.."
"There is still almost two dozen of us! You think we'll stand down! You who'd betray you're own flesh and blood!"
"Simon has betrayed you're trust! Look how tired these adventurers are.. They aren't holding loot are they? Why fight such a powerful mage with nothing to gain? Why would my knights and me risk life and limb?"
"Perhaps they support you to usurp Simon! You're jealous of his gift you always were!"
"Heh.. If only it were so simple.. Guys do you have any proof for these guys? Of where.. My brothers "Gift" comes from? Even if you can defeat us... We'd kill some of you surely. And my men may panic and kill whoever they have in their care. Can a hand full of guards protect Glazing Winds? Don't you see Simon is still breathing? They've not even slain him. This is no plot for me to gain power. These people are here to help us damn it!"
Gwen shouted with desperation in her voice as she placed her blade on the ground leaning against it breathing heavily.
"They have killed the giants.. Defeated the Jet brothers. They done nothing but help us and yet.. You would damn them? Forget about you're thoughts on me give them a fair trial."
"Hm.. I'm willing to hear them out than. I am curious.. Why did you spare Simon? If you weren't here to usurp Glazing Winds? Explain to me what Gwen here is trying to say. Than I'll decide what to do afterwards."
If things couldn't grow more chaotic a few men had stumbled into the room. The duelist.. The ones they had spared from before!
"Stop! I may agree a few of them are bloodthirsty but.. They are mostly good people! They spared us!! Whatever is they are doing.. They are not monsters sir!"
"What.. I thought you were dead I saw Thomas's body and.. I assumed the worst!"
"No sir, I believe.. Thomas's death was a mistake sir. Even as we attacked them they did not use intentional lethal force upon us. Because of those two!"
They had pointed at Gilded and Drezmir. The captain had walked over with longsword and shield in hand. Looking close at Gilded than Drezmir.
Drezmir nods to Gilded, "I agree. I'm pretty sure all of you knew that I had no intention of killing this man if it could be helped. That is the only reason I stabilized him."
"Well put Jess."
He looks to Corvus, "Focus or not, do you really think it is safe to carry around a tainted object? Besides, if we want to say first come first serve, I grabbed it first. If we aren't going to destroy it, I say let Gilded hang onto it."
Drezmir turns to Robin nodding as the rouge expresses his own opinions. Even if his vote didn't count, it was good to know where he stood on the issue.
When the footsteps were heard rushing towards them, Drezmir reached for his dagger. They should have expected someone to come eventually... He stays quiet, as the intruders discussed whether or not to attack...if they decided to...
Then Gwen enters the room, and Drezmir listens quietly as the conversation plays out. When Gwen asks if they had any proof of where Simon's power came from, he suddenly wishes there was something left of the book he'd managed to destroy.
"Yes, actually. There are remnants of a ritual downstairs...and an orb as well as a scroll," He looks to Gilded and Corvus as he says this, hoping that they will show the items. He also pulls his sleeve down in a hasty attempt to cover up the black mark on his wrist.
He opens his mouth to answer the guard's question about why they would help, but shuts it again when the duelist enters the room. Drezmir nods slowly in response to the question, "I came here with no intention of taking lives. We heard of something that troubled us...an Awakening that sounded like bad news for Simon and all of Glanzing Winds, we've made friends here, and we didn't want to see harm come to anyone."
Corvus works his jaw causing his beak to make an odd clicking noise, "The only one in this group that i have contempt for is you." He says bitterly, "I have given you the scroll, I don't wish to keep that. But as I said before, I'm keeping this orb. It may be dangerous, but I am well equipped to deal with that. I've dealt with objects like this before." The feathers on his head quiver as he continues, "Believe what you will about me. Believe what you will about your own competence. It makes no difference."
Before he can respond to Drezmir or Robin, the guards storm into the room. When Drezmir mentions the scroll and orb, Corvus snatches the scroll back from Gilded and walks over to the commander. However, he makes no move to pull out the orb. Holding the scroll out so the guards can see it he says, "Your leader was sacrificing townsfolk in order to gain power. This ritual all but destroyed his mind. Simon is no longer fit to rule." He waits for a moment to let the guards look at the scroll then continues, "We found this on him as well." He holds up the keys so the dragon symbol is visible, "Does this mean anything to you?"
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Corvus glances at Vex, “That is not how magic works. The orb is an arcane focus, he has to have it with him in order to do anything with it. It doesn’t give him power it’s just a device used to help channel his magic. If we destroy it and let him live, all he has to do is get a new focus. If we kill him now, we don’t have to worry about him using this or any other arcane focus.”
“Understood. 30 seconds for Kocino to tie before he dies.”
(I’m pretty sure Kocino doesn’t want to kill him?)
(This is what Kocino said… sounds kinda neutral though)
(Yes. Neutral.)
Abstain means no vote either way, so it’s 3-2, Robin also refused to vote.
Jess further explains,
“The magic that Simon used to teleport around us, I am also capable of doing such a thing, and the spell requires little to execute. He did not even need the orb to do it. In fact, he can do it by merely uttering a word. He could even do it while tied up. I repeat, he’s too dangerous to keep alive, and we are in his own home, and have seen little of it.”
She holds her dagger aloft, over his chest.
“I’m ready to do what must be done. Those who oppose may look away or go in the other room if they wish.”
Corvus will now ignore the conversation pertaining to killing Simon and go back to looking for the lock the keys fit into. (Unless Gilded keeps stopping him)
(Oh, my bad. I thought his statement about not killing a man who poses no threat meant he didn't want to kill Simon, but I guess he meant he just wouldn't do it himself.)
Drezmir's expression falls and he looks down at the mage. What was he supposed to do? He couldn't go against the majority, that would break their trust. Yet..he felt like they should at least give Gwen a chance to see her brother...even if it was for the last time. He stands up, "For now, he is unconscious. Could we at least wait until we find Gwen and her knights before...doing anything that we can't undo? I have a feeling that many of the knights will want justice for this man's wrongdoings, just like Robin." He nods to the rouge, "I'm not going to pretend to understand the risks. I have tried studying the arcane, but I don't know as much as a true magic user."
He looks to Robin, "Do you know where Gwen was heading when you last saw her?"
Turning back to Jess, he says, "Would you be willing to wait an hour for me to find Gwen and her men and bring her back here? If he starts waking up, or I take longer to return...then you can end him." He says the last part hesitantly. He's grasping for straws at this point.
Jess says in a bit of a huff,
“He should be okay for now so long as we keep him tied up and gagged. I think we should stick together, bring him with us. Just know that once we encounter more of the folk from Glazing Winds, Gwen included, we may end up needing to submit to whatever they think is best. Things may get decided outside of our control.”
Drezmir lets out a sigh of relief, "Thank you. Yes, staying together would be best." He nods, "And yes, it might be best to let the people of Glanzing winds decide what to do with him...but, what if they decide not to kill him? What will we do then?" He asks this not because he is biased, but because it is a possibility. "I have a feeling there will be those who are just as willing to end him as you are, but there is a possibility that they will want to keep him alive even just for a while longer. If you think it is better to end him--to get rid of the risk of him escaping--then what do you propose in this situation. You know where I stand on this, but I just want to avoid conflict with Gwen and the Knights if this becomes a problem."
“That’s why I voted to kill him now. Explain to them that he openly attacked us and was slain in combat. If he survives this then he will have a chance to grow stronger, perhaps even complete this awakening somehow, and we will be his enemies.”
“But, if they want to spare him, I suppose we have no choice. I will insist that he remain restrained as I described, and locked up under guard, until decisions can be made.”
Drezmir nods, "Good points, and I will admit that killing him is the logical option. I just can't go against my personal beliefs. We spared the Jet brothers, why should we not led that same opportunity to this man simply because he has magic and they don't? I understand the risks, and I am willing to take them. However, I cannot ask all of you to overlook your own personal beliefs simply because mine differ."
"Still, I greatly appreciate your willingness to bring him to Gwen and the knights first. I firmly believe that it is the right thing to do. Even if the outcome remains the same...in his death. We are the outsiders after all, even if we did take him down. The decision should be theirs."
He looks to the rest of the group, "Are all of you alright with this decision?"
Gilded listens to the arguments about Simon. "I have no issues killing this man, I think that if we were going to, then we should have never stabilized him and let him die in combat with whatever honor that were to bring him. But to heal him, just to execute him without justice is pure evil. Now that he is stable and incapacitated, killing him is murder, pure and simple." He looks at Jess and continues. "He may have very valuable information, he may not. He may not share with us even if he does. That is no reason to spare him." He shakes his head and continues, "My vow to Iroas would never allow me to murder in cold blood, no matter who it is. How does your faith feel about killing a man tied up, and gagged on the floor?"
Gilded then steps back in front of Corvus, "you fight with courage and strength, I respect you as a warrior, no doubt about it." He grits his teeth and continues, "but I have felt your contempt to all of us, and I sense a danger in that orb and that scroll that I am not comfortable with you having in your possession just yet." He looks to the group for back up on this. "We are not incompetent because we do not run for the loot every time there is opportunity. And it certainly doesn't make you more competent to try and find any thing you think is of value, before telling the rest of us what we can divvy up. I care little for wealth and trinkets, and honestly do not care too much about the orb. But I do care about someone with such disregard for the party having something I sense evil in until I can at least examine it. I ask you again to give it to me for now."
Jess says,
“My faith is in the ocean, the sky, the forest. Is it murder for the reef shark to eat the octopus? Of course not, it’s the way of the world. But still the octopus hides, and camouflages itself, and strives to not be eaten. It does not lay down for the shark to eat it. I submit that leaving Simon alive is like laying down and allowing the shark to eat us. But I respect it is important to you, so I will go along with your way and watch closely how this plays out. And of course you are right, he could have valuable information. So I will risk exposing myself to the shark, if it gives me a secret to defeat or evade a future, more dangerous shark.”
"We should go back the way we came. I don't want to find any traps or goons until right now."
Robin rolled his eyes at Gilded's comment before letting out a soft sigh.
"To think I didn't let Simon convince my mind to help attack you. Look, I said I'll go pay the price about a dozen times. All I ever asked was that my men can return to their normal lives with their families that was it."
Corvus had pocketed the Orb despite what Vex or Gilded had stated. Robin looked around a bit confused.
"I don't like the idea of agreeing with Gilded twice and I know he's pushy.. But that orb is probably dangerous. So Kocino abstains.. I suppose you're group has decided on his death. However I do think Gwen should get to talk to him one last time."
The arguement over Simon and now over the Orb was beginning to grow throughout the party. Robin appeared collected approaching Simon, fighting the Jet brothers before he even appeared calm but now? He seemed for the first time a little uncomfortable. Part of him was surprised how fast it was falling apart after the whole ordeal. Corvus couldn't perceive much in the room but in terms of investigation the key had an insignia. The key had an image of a golden dragon different from Simon's symbol on the papers before. It didn't appear the key was for this room at least it appeared that way. Robin had heard Jess said Robin refused to vote with Kocino he took a soft sigh.
"It's not that I don't wanna vote, I just don't know if it's really fair. I'm not really apart of you're ragtag team right? I suppose if I got a vote all I'd ask is Simon gets to see Gwen. I'm.. Torn on the matter. I trust Drezmir but part of me struggles with Simon.. But I know at the beginning he was trying to do what he could for this town. We'd be overrun by bandits if not for him before. Yet... Well.. It's a hard one."
Robin had looked toward Drezmir when he asked about Gwen.
"Well- Wait.."
The party could hear loud metal footsteps heading toward the room from all directions. Robin had weakly stood up grabbing his rapier.
"Damn it.. When does it end?"
Gilded and Corvus were beginning to rise to a heated conclusion while Jess and Drezmir were coming together to compromise. Such different beings yet they maintained total respect with one another it even amazed Robin a bit. The doors had burst open from each door before.. Seeing Simon fallen on the ground.
"L-Lord Simon! Men.. Stand down! If they possess power enough to take Simon down.. They could destroy this entire town!"
"But sir.. They look exhausted and wounded! We have them outnumbered three to one we can win this!"
".. You are right our lord has brought us a chance to save Glazing Winds! To arms men!"
Robin winced gritting his teeth but.. A familiar clank of boots could be heard. Heavier than any metal from the guards before. From room 5 the guards had dispersed seeing a single woman covered in blood. Holding her side with a blade full of crimson. Her ocean blue hair tainted by the hue of red. Grunting in pain as she trudged on.
"Hey guys.. Miss me? Heh.."
She had coughed a bit more each breath causing her more pain.
"What?! How are you here? Where are the rest of the men!"
"Heh.. Defeated.. But my men saved the one's we could. You need to step down.."
"There is still almost two dozen of us! You think we'll stand down! You who'd betray you're own flesh and blood!"
"Simon has betrayed you're trust! Look how tired these adventurers are.. They aren't holding loot are they? Why fight such a powerful mage with nothing to gain? Why would my knights and me risk life and limb?"
"Perhaps they support you to usurp Simon! You're jealous of his gift you always were!"
"Heh.. If only it were so simple.. Guys do you have any proof for these guys? Of where.. My brothers "Gift" comes from? Even if you can defeat us... We'd kill some of you surely. And my men may panic and kill whoever they have in their care. Can a hand full of guards protect Glazing Winds? Don't you see Simon is still breathing? They've not even slain him. This is no plot for me to gain power. These people are here to help us damn it!"
Gwen shouted with desperation in her voice as she placed her blade on the ground leaning against it breathing heavily.
"They have killed the giants.. Defeated the Jet brothers. They done nothing but help us and yet.. You would damn them? Forget about you're thoughts on me give them a fair trial."
"Hm.. I'm willing to hear them out than. I am curious.. Why did you spare Simon? If you weren't here to usurp Glazing Winds? Explain to me what Gwen here is trying to say. Than I'll decide what to do afterwards."
If things couldn't grow more chaotic a few men had stumbled into the room. The duelist.. The ones they had spared from before!
"Stop! I may agree a few of them are bloodthirsty but.. They are mostly good people! They spared us!! Whatever is they are doing.. They are not monsters sir!"
"What.. I thought you were dead I saw Thomas's body and.. I assumed the worst!"
"No sir, I believe.. Thomas's death was a mistake sir. Even as we attacked them they did not use intentional lethal force upon us. Because of those two!"
They had pointed at Gilded and Drezmir. The captain had walked over with longsword and shield in hand. Looking close at Gilded than Drezmir.
"You two.. Spared my men? Truly?"
Drezmir nods to Gilded, "I agree. I'm pretty sure all of you knew that I had no intention of killing this man if it could be helped. That is the only reason I stabilized him."
"Well put Jess."
He looks to Corvus, "Focus or not, do you really think it is safe to carry around a tainted object? Besides, if we want to say first come first serve, I grabbed it first. If we aren't going to destroy it, I say let Gilded hang onto it."
Drezmir turns to Robin nodding as the rouge expresses his own opinions. Even if his vote didn't count, it was good to know where he stood on the issue.
When the footsteps were heard rushing towards them, Drezmir reached for his dagger. They should have expected someone to come eventually... He stays quiet, as the intruders discussed whether or not to attack...if they decided to...
Then Gwen enters the room, and Drezmir listens quietly as the conversation plays out. When Gwen asks if they had any proof of where Simon's power came from, he suddenly wishes there was something left of the book he'd managed to destroy.
"Yes, actually. There are remnants of a ritual downstairs...and an orb as well as a scroll," He looks to Gilded and Corvus as he says this, hoping that they will show the items. He also pulls his sleeve down in a hasty attempt to cover up the black mark on his wrist.
He opens his mouth to answer the guard's question about why they would help, but shuts it again when the duelist enters the room. Drezmir nods slowly in response to the question, "I came here with no intention of taking lives. We heard of something that troubled us...an Awakening that sounded like bad news for Simon and all of Glanzing Winds, we've made friends here, and we didn't want to see harm come to anyone."
Jess knows it’s probably best to keep her mouth shut during these sorts of interactions, the others do a good job of talking.
Corvus works his jaw causing his beak to make an odd clicking noise, "The only one in this group that i have contempt for is you." He says bitterly, "I have given you the scroll, I don't wish to keep that. But as I said before, I'm keeping this orb. It may be dangerous, but I am well equipped to deal with that. I've dealt with objects like this before." The feathers on his head quiver as he continues, "Believe what you will about me. Believe what you will about your own competence. It makes no difference."
Before he can respond to Drezmir or Robin, the guards storm into the room. When Drezmir mentions the scroll and orb, Corvus snatches the scroll back from Gilded and walks over to the commander. However, he makes no move to pull out the orb. Holding the scroll out so the guards can see it he says, "Your leader was sacrificing townsfolk in order to gain power. This ritual all but destroyed his mind. Simon is no longer fit to rule." He waits for a moment to let the guards look at the scroll then continues, "We found this on him as well." He holds up the keys so the dragon symbol is visible, "Does this mean anything to you?"