Balassar just nods "War forces us all to do things at times. Hell of an assignment though Bladegarden. If we ever cross paths in a more friendly environment we'll have to exchange stories." as Art begins to talk he just lets him "If he wants to involve the Crownsguard then I won't object since it only hurts him. My companions are headed that way anyways and we can always have them send a letter for information to our employer that will prove our point. Just a shame since if I remember right horse theft is a serious offense. As he said Art, I have more people to back up my point then you. You picked the wrong marks this time and it's come to bite you."

His attention turns back to the orc and his companion "I know you're putting yourself out of the way with this issue and I'm sorry about that. Hate to waste someones time. I'm still willing to pay you all no matter what you decide and can understand not wanting to turn him over to just me also. Seems like the decision is yours then but you'll make 4 platinum either way. Plus you'll know if I was lying if you get to the inn back that way and they don't know what your talking about."

Oh that is rich, sir, the construct says to Art.  A play at being magnaninmous.  Well played.  It bows to the half-elf at its feet.  My friend and I have had some experience with highwaymen and ambushes along these roads and I assure you, not a one of them would have pushed his horse to exhaustion for "easy pickings".  No, that is nonsense sir.  This man has pursued you with great effort and yet he hasn't tried to kill you as you originally claimed was his aim. I say we go to Hupperdook and clear this matter up. 

The half-orc seems in agreement with the idea.

So the plan is to head north to find Wash and Alton and back to the inn?  Possibly as far as Hupperdook?

Also, roll a Persuasion attempt for your general attempts to get them to believe your side of the story, not Art's.

OOC:
Persuasion check: 8

If they aren't willing to just turn him over then yes back the way we came to find Alton and Wash. If needed Hupperdook.

They seem to take your statements in their stride; it's not clear how much they believe you.  However, you all agree to travel north, with Art protesting loudly and clearly looking for a way to escape at the first opportunity.  Will you do anything to restrain him?  Is there anything you would discuss with the half-orc or construct on the journey?

Alton laughs at what Wash thinks Balassar is doing. "That is some imagination you have. Maybe you should be a bard too. I think if there was a dragon around here people would be talking about it and we might have seen it flying around." He thinks for a moment, "I think Balassar made it to Felderwin and is waiting in a tavern for us and enjoying a few drinks."

Wash indicates with a cheeky smile "I would love to train in the arts, though my singing voice is terrible and I don't have the same way with words that you do, so I don't think I'd be a very successful bard. Also, I'm already a doctor, which pays the bills! I do think you are right about Balassar though and my guess is he will be at least 5 beers in so far. What do you think Trogdor?"

Wash, you get an image, as clear as day, of Balassar holding a massive axe in one hand as he cuts through an army of kobolds, and three tankards of ale in the other that he's somehow drinking out of all at the same time.  That one will never be short of adventure.

Balassar just looks around as he pulls out a rope "Do you mind if I secure him better for our travel?"

The construct agrees and assists you in tying Art up nice and secure.

You travel together along the Rillway Road, headed north towards Hupperdook.  Shortly after setting off, the half-orc says: Didn't catch your name, friend. I'm Silent, this is Magnum. 

For the rest of the day, there are few travellers on the road, and though your prisoner seems inclned to seek their aid, few look well armed enough to face you all, and he manages to hold his tongue.

Balassar nods in thanks. "Pleasure, names Balassar." he says as they begin to walk. He just looks to Art as he tries to seek aid as he gets a little annoyed. He looks to Silent and Magnum "So how did you two meet up?"

I was on the run from a bunch o' Port Damali city guards who were well convinced that I'd stolen this here greatsword. The half-orc named Silent gestures to the hilt poking over his shoulder. Ran into Magnum in woods outside of town, managed to shake 'em off. 

Balassar, the sun is low on the horizon and you are beginning to think of places where you might stop when you see, ahead of you on the road, the familiar forms of Alton and Wash, leading their remaining horse and headed directly towards you.

Alton and Wash, just as you are about to set up camp for the evening, you see Balassar on horseback approaching along the road. accompanied by a half-orc and a construct, both on foot, and a tied-up and unhappy Art.

Balassar just laughs as he looks at the familiars figures and waves to them "Glad to see you all didn't die without me. Look what these fellows found running away from me." he says pointing back to Art "They didn't want to turn him over on just my word, but maybe you all can help to show what I told them was the truth."

Atlon waves at Balassar as he says to Wash, "Hey Wash, looks like we were both wrong." He turns to the two new comers, "Thank you for helping stop Art. He stole Wash's horse to get away and also my family's map. I bet if you dig through his things you'll find it, though you might not make much sense of what is on the map. No one in my family has, anyway."

Balassar, Magnum asks you (before you get close enough to talk): That didn't take long at all.  Did this horse belong to one of them?

And with that, we will bring this thread to an end.  Please check your DMs for the link to the other campaign.