"Poor Lord Rottmas! If one of us could steal the ring, things would have been different. " Mia slaps her forehead and groans when she reads the name on the ring. The little druid enters the southern room with Gerard. She carefully picks up the materials, checks their weight and puts them into the pocket of her coat. ( Not the one, Mike peed! ) " I hope Mithann is okay. The spy would be just a mercenary, but they don't know Emial is dead! " When she reaches the entrance, Mia tries to find the tabaxi priest they saved and will take him to the caravan.
If there is any bag/sac/anything that can work like that, Mihris would suggest putting all the things there. She completely trusted Mia, of course, just wanted to be careful in case some mouse would join the company again. "It looks more like the spy is a loyal Zhentarim and at any rate not a threat to the caravan. Not alone anyway. Now we need to see those holy items to be safely transported to Ten Towns." For the rest of the trip Mihris full attention was on that sac/bag/pocket.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tapping his shoulder's leather pauldron for a moment, "Well... Ionna, Gerard. You know whose left or how many, or any of the other plans? Sure felt like you two were privvy to quite a lot. Enough to get close to the heart ritual." Red ask briskly, the walk having helped clear his concussion induced fog.
7 Insight if required of any conversation response.
The bundle of materials is a bulgy leather bag bearing the brass symbol of Amaunator (a stylized sun), but not overly heavy, some of its contents are diminished — scattered across the cavern forming the trail you followed — and bound to need some complementing, but most of it is still in there. You carry the weight towards your wagon, and as you approach you see some movement inside, the tabaxi Bandages taking shelter from the cold night winds, "Ah friends, excellent to see you alive! Are you all right? Are these..." he looks over to Gerard's and Ionna's robes with a puzzled expression.
"Well... Ionna, Gerard. You know whose left or how many, or any of the other plans? Sure felt like you two were privvy to quite a lot. Enough to get close to the heart ritual."
"No one is left, really."Gerard responds, "Emial had some informant in the caravan that sold the Harpers out. But it's just that, a paid informant, a Zhent as she said." he points at Mihris and clutches Ionna close as if hoping to protect the girl from the cold, despite the lack of necessity of that. His words don't sound like they bear any duplicity.
You all climb into the wagon, the horse neighs uneasily at the darkness around, Bandages lights an oil lamp to ease the sight of the narrow path ahead for the beast. The wagon is slightly more crowded than any of you would like it to be, Mathis and Gaoch share the driving seat and look back over their shoulders warily at times, Gerard and Ionna huddle together at one corner as you hear whispers of "It'll be alright...", and Bandages stands at the steps used to enter the wagon from behind it, almost outside the vehicle. You wind through the mountainous trail back north, sinuously making your way for some hours, until you rejoin the Ten Trail back where Harper's and the Cultist's wagons separated from the caravan. Following the much wider and trodden Ten Trail back northeast, in the dim light of the lantern you are able to see clear signs of the passing of the caravan — horse tracks, axe beak steps, humanoid footprints... blood!?
Mathis, stretching to get a better sight of the trail, announces "Blood. We need to make haste." and Gaoch urges the horse forward with the reins. It takes some time, but you eventually catch sight of the torches in the distance, the caravan is stopped at the site of the avalanche. As you approach, you see the caravan people working to clear the path forward with shovels and even improvising with shields. A couple of guards at the back of the caravan shout to alert the others of your presence as they hear the horse hooves and spot the lamp. Nothing seems overly out of the ordinary.
Vanys doesn't say anything as they approach if it appears that the guards aren't hostile towards their entry. When they arrive, Vanys will walk towards the nearest person and ask to be pointed in the direction of Ignazio. His thoughts are that the caravan master should know of what transpired in the cave and he will be able to use that information to best decide on a course of action.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Mia rested her back against the sideboard of the wagon and meditated as long as possible. There's no time to fully recover from her exhaustion but the little elf felt much better when she opened her eyes.
As soon as they stop, Mia jumps off from the wagon. She waves her hand and calls out to the people. " Hey guys! It's me Mia! We are back! "The little elf pushes through the snow and approaches the guards. " We found the base of cultists and took care of all of them. So you guys don't need to worry about these freaks anymore. And yeah, we took back Mithann's bundle too! Where is she? Is she okay? " Mia consciously avoids the name of Emial, in case people haven't noticed the betrayal of the fake warduke.
"Ah. We probably should've figured out how to do a few things... Some of us are still banished technically..." Remaining back with the Wagon-prisoners and harpers+guest alike. "Guess they'll talk to Ignazio..hope that goes well." Turning back to the prisoners, "Don't try anything odd-I'm not as kind as some folks."
(I should re-read the camp part. been a while!. For now Red is on guard duty with the folks. If Bandages tries to wander off he will not stop them. But Harpers, and Prisoners are staying on the carriage. Some of us are banished, and some of us can cause issues)
Mihris quietly watched the reaction of people to the group's appearance. Mia mostly said it, but a few things had to be added as well. "That avalanche was caused by the cultists in the hills nearby. We apprehended them before they could harm the caravan, and brought back a few survivers with us who can testify about the whole affair. Master Ignazio, would you like to talk to them? Though, it can wait until the we get Mithann to the city to begin the cleansing ritual."
The guards relax a bit and lower their spears when they notice it's you, but stand nearby watching when they notice newcomer Bandages in the lamp's light. As Mialee speaks, other heads turn to regard you, and Ignazio comes from the front of the 'digging' operation to greet you, "Did you get him, partners? Did you catch that damn murderer?" he looks around frantically expecting an answer. At that time you catch sight of a cloth-wrapped bulge at the back of one of the wagons, in a roughly humanoid shape. Ignazio purses his lips as Mihris speaks, unable to look the priestess in the eye after his grievous errors in judgement before, "Cultists, eh? The rumors were right after all... Shame my well-paid guards couldn't sniff this one out, huh!?" he raises his voice and looks at the guards around at the last bit.
Back at the wagon, Gaoch talks to no one in particular, "Technically, aye. But with tha' fake Warduke out o' the picture, I'd say that judgement of his from before should be null?" he looks at the others in the wagon puzzledly, "Not tha' any o' his accusations o' me disturbing the peace were false, mind you, but still..." he chuckles, trying to cheer up the somber mood of the wagon, while Mathis just leers at him and shakes his head slowly and Gerard and Ionna huddle silently. Bandages watches from outside the wagon and adds, "If Bandages' words can attest to anything, friends, I can tell them of how you saved my fur back there. You are heroes and should not be banished out into the cold."
Briefly afterwards, the familiar red-clothed priestess approaches you, her still tired eyes seeking something among you, and as she spots the bundle Mihris is holding, she rushes over and hugs the tiefling with what little strength she has left. You feel her shaking a bit, and between low sobs she manages "Thank you, truly. You don't know how good this will be for the people of Bryn Shander." followed by a deep and thankful smile as she looks Mihris in the eye with tears pooling at the corners of her own. The priestess moves and bends over a bit to hug Mialee and in turn even silent Vanys, "All of you, thank you, I hope you're all unharmed?" she looks over to the wagon and spots Red, waving at him with a smile that quickly fades when she spots the cultists and other formely banished folk. Mithann turns back to stare at you silently with a puzzled look.
Vanys awkwardly pats the priestess on the back as she goes in for a hug. He points out a few scratches from the avalanche, "A few bruises is all. Nothing a few days of rest wouldn't fix." Vanys also steps forward to explain the presence of cultists among those that returned, "Gerard at least is willing to repent for his actions, and while his actions are unjustifiable, he had a reason for them. Ionna on the other hand has yet to apologize or speak out against her previous actions. Perhaps a harsher punishment for her might help her realize her errors. Either way, they are both deserving of some punishment, but we felt it best to leave that matter up to you and the caravan master. If I had it my way, I'd carve the girl's heart out of her chest the way that I'm sure she did to many others. But again, I leave the choice to you." He turns back to Mia, Mihris, and Red to confirm that the party was deferring to Ignazio and Mithaan.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
"This is not my place to judge, but as a priestess of Eldath I am sure any harsh punishment only strengthens Frost Maiden. If her lost and confused followers can not find mercy and forgiveness on another side, what reason would they have to leave that familiar evil they are already used to? A murder remains murder, justified or not. Frost Maiden wants this place to be devoided of life, and every kill is a tribute to her. I say - mercy. Only living can atone for the crimes, the dead do not pay any debts."
Red shrugs "Not my call to make. I don't kill prisoners, or those who give up the fight. More so if they can be of use. The Fake Warduke was the one I wanted-he's dead as far as I could tell. Given how few, or rare, actual tangible Witch worshipers there seem to be. Having one or two that may answer questions at some point, seems like a valuable resource. I'd advise full chains, even if the cold will bite."
Looking around at the state of the camp Red continues "Murdered who? Who did what after we left? If you're asking for our opinion-and will actually take it under advisement, we should be informed of the sum total-including witnesses to said acts."
" If the murder you mentioned is Emial then the answer is yes. He met the end he deserves. But the egghead made a pact with barbarians named tribe of wolf to invade the people of Ten-Town. Oh also there is still one informant of Emial left in the caravan, they are an agent of Zhentarim and their initial is B.S… Wait! "Mia stretches her arm, making a gesture to stop the caravan master. " NO! No hurried trial or exile please! You know who helped us and fought with those cultists? They are Mathis and Gaoch! They risked their life to save the people who kicked them out into the snow. So please be careful this time. At least solid evidence first and punishment later."
@Mithann
All the way in the wagon, Mia was thinking about what to do with the two couples. The background of Mathis and Gaoch as the Harpers shouldn't be revealed. And that would be hard. Problem is Gerard and Ionna. Mia herself didn't know what she wanted to do with them. There's no way to justify their actions. Yet she wishes there will be a hope for the couple rather than the punishment. Then Mithann appears and the words of her friends give Mia an idea.
" I'm really glad to see you are okay! "Mia holds the priestess tightly and looks up at her with a serious look. " Please Mithann, listen to me and my friends . We need your help. "Then she tells the story of Gerard and Ionna. How the couple was outcast by their community because of the unwanted blessing. And how they were caught by the evil schema of Emial. " It's undeniable that the two made mistakes. However at the same time, they are victims too. Punishing them may give a feeling of triumph but it's actually a big defeat. Because everytime we exile someone into the cold darkness, we extinguish the light from their eyes. And what should we do if the frost maiden keeps giving her gift to random souls? Exile them too? Until there is none left and all fire and warmth of the north are wiped out? Please Mithann, return Gerard and Ionna the light that once guided them. Show them hope and warmth. That is only you, the child of the Morning Lord, can do."
"Murdered who? Who did what after we left? If you're asking for our opinion-and will actually take it under advisement, we should be informed of the sum total-including witnesses to said acts."
Ignazio purses his lips and his nearby guards shuffly uneasily on their feet. The caravan master eventually blurts out irritatedly "Emial, that lying conniving bastard!" followed by a short string of mumbled curses, calming down slightly "Took little waiting after the banished took their path, showed his true colors, took the priestess' bundle and bolted on his horse. He even killed one of my guards on his way out, poor Trolben." he shakes his head, "Everything was so quick it took us time to even understand what had happened. Glad you lot eventually sorted this one out. I know I was a bit pigheaded at the trial, that bastard had me around his finger. His judgements about those two are — of course — not to be taken into account anymore, partners." he tries an awkward smile, probably in hopes of some forgiveness.
At Mialee's mention of the B.S. initials, the caravan master's eyes immediately shoot towards a young woman nearby, who calmly observes the conversation from under her hood. Under the gaze of almost everyone around, she speaks coldly "I'm not with them, you can check my papers."she points to the wagon behind her, "Just sold information about those two." she nods towards the caravan. A brief silence settles among the group as you see a smile cut her features in the shade of her garment, "Just business." After a moment, two guards move to corner her, and she quickly starts producing some documentation papers and the cargo of neatly folded items. Ignazio shakes his head dismissively and looks back at you.
Mithann changes her expression to one of determination, and slowly nods at your words, looking at the wagon "Even though the actions of that one might have cost more lives than we could imagine, directly or otherwise, I see your point." and immediately she raises one prohibitive finger to the side before Ignazio can even start to protest, and the plump caravan master just adjusts his belt with some effort and breathes out sharply in frustration. The priestess continues, "However, some of the larger Towns have taken to sacrificing as a mean to try and appease the ill will of the Frostmaiden. Recently arrived criminals might just be prime targets for that, even from her own flock." she eyes Mihris and Mialee wish some puzzlement in her exhausted features, "I know not the reaches of your Eldath's mercy, for my Amaunator might not be so clement, especially against those who would deny him so." she points to the dark skies above where faint boreals begin to spark as the night grows older, "But if retribution against the fake Warduke was found and the materials returned, you all have earned our utmost gratitude and I will comply wherever possible." she nods at Red's mention of chains and Vanys' mention of repentance, "I can arrange for one of them to be sent to Revel's End for a time — instead of being sacrificed — and when their time is done they can head to Lonelywood, where no one has a past." she pauses for a moment and looks at Mihris, "As for the other one if you would be willing to bring her into your personal tutelage, fellow priestess... I believe the matter would be settled."
"I will." How would Mihris say otherwise? "Here or back in the lands untouched by the Maiden, I will do what I can to spread Eldath's word and deeds." If that meant for her to stay in that inhospitable place even for the rest of her life - so be it.
(Did Trolben happen to be one of the ones Red fed earlier? random curiousity)
((It's not the duo who (Red or Vanys) talked to at the back of the caravan in the beginning of the investigation, but certainly this Trolben approached when Red offered warm food for all. Young fellow, local straw-haired Luskan descent, mostly shy and silent.))
Vanys shrugs. He had his own form of justice, but far be it from him to impose it upon strangers. The half-elf had made his wishes known and was willing to let the more benevolent members of the group decide the traitor's fates. He does suggest one thing, however, "Gerard did make mention of his repentance. Perhaps he should be the one to travel with Mirhis. Although I leave the final decision up to those that are wiser than I."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
" I'll be with you, buddy." Mia puts her hand on Mihris's waist. She doesn't mind at all staying with her friend for another few decades. After all, the mortal's life is nothing more than a few seasons for elves.
@Vanys
" Gerard will be a great companion for sure. But… "Mia glances at the couple worriedly. " I'm feeling Ionna is the one who needs to be looked after. I don't know if she can get along well in the Revel's End. There could be other followers of Winter Witch. They will drag the girl back to the barker path…easily. And I really hate to say this but… "Mia hesitates for a moment then continues. " If Gerard is sent to the Revel's End, we can use him as leverage to pursue Ionna " Mia frowns as if she just tastes something very bitter.
"I did not mean to separate the couple, that is a monstrous thought! What would be the point of such torturing? No, of course not. Gerard and Ionna go together and I - or we - are with them. To help souls to recover, to repay people for what they've done. I am sure Ten Towns have a lot of use for someone who can resist cold. Searching for lost, for example, saving lives instead of harming. If you agreed to show mercy, then be merciful."
"Poor Lord Rottmas! If one of us could steal the ring, things would have been different. " Mia slaps her forehead and groans when she reads the name on the ring. The little druid enters the southern room with Gerard. She carefully picks up the materials, checks their weight and puts them into the pocket of her coat. ( Not the one, Mike peed! ) " I hope Mithann is okay. The spy would be just a mercenary, but they don't know Emial is dead! " When she reaches the entrance, Mia tries to find the tabaxi priest they saved and will take him to the caravan.
If there is any bag/sac/anything that can work like that, Mihris would suggest putting all the things there. She completely trusted Mia, of course, just wanted to be careful in case some mouse would join the company again. "It looks more like the spy is a loyal Zhentarim and at any rate not a threat to the caravan. Not alone anyway. Now we need to see those holy items to be safely transported to Ten Towns." For the rest of the trip Mihris full attention was on that sac/bag/pocket.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Tapping his shoulder's leather pauldron for a moment, "Well... Ionna, Gerard. You know whose left or how many, or any of the other plans? Sure felt like you two were privvy to quite a lot. Enough to get close to the heart ritual." Red ask briskly, the walk having helped clear his concussion induced fog.
7 Insight if required of any conversation response.
The bundle of materials is a bulgy leather bag bearing the brass symbol of Amaunator (a stylized sun), but not overly heavy, some of its contents are diminished — scattered across the cavern forming the trail you followed — and bound to need some complementing, but most of it is still in there. You carry the weight towards your wagon, and as you approach you see some movement inside, the tabaxi Bandages taking shelter from the cold night winds, "Ah friends, excellent to see you alive! Are you all right? Are these..." he looks over to Gerard's and Ionna's robes with a puzzled expression.
"No one is left, really." Gerard responds, "Emial had some informant in the caravan that sold the Harpers out. But it's just that, a paid informant, a Zhent as she said." he points at Mihris and clutches Ionna close as if hoping to protect the girl from the cold, despite the lack of necessity of that. His words don't sound like they bear any duplicity.
You all climb into the wagon, the horse neighs uneasily at the darkness around, Bandages lights an oil lamp to ease the sight of the narrow path ahead for the beast. The wagon is slightly more crowded than any of you would like it to be, Mathis and Gaoch share the driving seat and look back over their shoulders warily at times, Gerard and Ionna huddle together at one corner as you hear whispers of "It'll be alright...", and Bandages stands at the steps used to enter the wagon from behind it, almost outside the vehicle. You wind through the mountainous trail back north, sinuously making your way for some hours, until you rejoin the Ten Trail back where Harper's and the Cultist's wagons separated from the caravan. Following the much wider and trodden Ten Trail back northeast, in the dim light of the lantern you are able to see clear signs of the passing of the caravan — horse tracks, axe beak steps, humanoid footprints... blood!?
Mathis, stretching to get a better sight of the trail, announces "Blood. We need to make haste." and Gaoch urges the horse forward with the reins. It takes some time, but you eventually catch sight of the torches in the distance, the caravan is stopped at the site of the avalanche. As you approach, you see the caravan people working to clear the path forward with shovels and even improvising with shields. A couple of guards at the back of the caravan shout to alert the others of your presence as they hear the horse hooves and spot the lamp. Nothing seems overly out of the ordinary.
Art Portfolio
Vanys doesn't say anything as they approach if it appears that the guards aren't hostile towards their entry. When they arrive, Vanys will walk towards the nearest person and ask to be pointed in the direction of Ignazio. His thoughts are that the caravan master should know of what transpired in the cave and he will be able to use that information to best decide on a course of action.
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
Mia rested her back against the sideboard of the wagon and meditated as long as possible. There's no time to fully recover from her exhaustion but the little elf felt much better when she opened her eyes.
As soon as they stop, Mia jumps off from the wagon. She waves her hand and calls out to the people. " Hey guys! It's me Mia! We are back! " The little elf pushes through the snow and approaches the guards. " We found the base of cultists and took care of all of them. So you guys don't need to worry about these freaks anymore. And yeah, we took back Mithann's bundle too! Where is she? Is she okay? " Mia consciously avoids the name of Emial, in case people haven't noticed the betrayal of the fake warduke.
"Ah. We probably should've figured out how to do a few things... Some of us are still banished technically..." Remaining back with the Wagon-prisoners and harpers+guest alike. "Guess they'll talk to Ignazio..hope that goes well." Turning back to the prisoners, "Don't try anything odd-I'm not as kind as some folks."
(I should re-read the camp part. been a while!. For now Red is on guard duty with the folks. If Bandages tries to wander off he will not stop them. But Harpers, and Prisoners are staying on the carriage. Some of us are banished, and some of us can cause issues)
Mihris quietly watched the reaction of people to the group's appearance. Mia mostly said it, but a few things had to be added as well. "That avalanche was caused by the cultists in the hills nearby. We apprehended them before they could harm the caravan, and brought back a few survivers with us who can testify about the whole affair. Master Ignazio, would you like to talk to them? Though, it can wait until the we get Mithann to the city to begin the cleansing ritual."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The guards relax a bit and lower their spears when they notice it's you, but stand nearby watching when they notice newcomer Bandages in the lamp's light. As Mialee speaks, other heads turn to regard you, and Ignazio comes from the front of the 'digging' operation to greet you, "Did you get him, partners? Did you catch that damn murderer?" he looks around frantically expecting an answer. At that time you catch sight of a cloth-wrapped bulge at the back of one of the wagons, in a roughly humanoid shape. Ignazio purses his lips as Mihris speaks, unable to look the priestess in the eye after his grievous errors in judgement before, "Cultists, eh? The rumors were right after all... Shame my well-paid guards couldn't sniff this one out, huh!?" he raises his voice and looks at the guards around at the last bit.
Back at the wagon, Gaoch talks to no one in particular, "Technically, aye. But with tha' fake Warduke out o' the picture, I'd say that judgement of his from before should be null?" he looks at the others in the wagon puzzledly, "Not tha' any o' his accusations o' me disturbing the peace were false, mind you, but still..." he chuckles, trying to cheer up the somber mood of the wagon, while Mathis just leers at him and shakes his head slowly and Gerard and Ionna huddle silently. Bandages watches from outside the wagon and adds, "If Bandages' words can attest to anything, friends, I can tell them of how you saved my fur back there. You are heroes and should not be banished out into the cold."
Briefly afterwards, the familiar red-clothed priestess approaches you, her still tired eyes seeking something among you, and as she spots the bundle Mihris is holding, she rushes over and hugs the tiefling with what little strength she has left. You feel her shaking a bit, and between low sobs she manages "Thank you, truly. You don't know how good this will be for the people of Bryn Shander." followed by a deep and thankful smile as she looks Mihris in the eye with tears pooling at the corners of her own. The priestess moves and bends over a bit to hug Mialee and in turn even silent Vanys, "All of you, thank you, I hope you're all unharmed?" she looks over to the wagon and spots Red, waving at him with a smile that quickly fades when she spots the cultists and other formely banished folk. Mithann turns back to stare at you silently with a puzzled look.
Art Portfolio
Vanys awkwardly pats the priestess on the back as she goes in for a hug. He points out a few scratches from the avalanche, "A few bruises is all. Nothing a few days of rest wouldn't fix." Vanys also steps forward to explain the presence of cultists among those that returned, "Gerard at least is willing to repent for his actions, and while his actions are unjustifiable, he had a reason for them. Ionna on the other hand has yet to apologize or speak out against her previous actions. Perhaps a harsher punishment for her might help her realize her errors. Either way, they are both deserving of some punishment, but we felt it best to leave that matter up to you and the caravan master. If I had it my way, I'd carve the girl's heart out of her chest the way that I'm sure she did to many others. But again, I leave the choice to you." He turns back to Mia, Mihris, and Red to confirm that the party was deferring to Ignazio and Mithaan.
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
"This is not my place to judge, but as a priestess of Eldath I am sure any harsh punishment only strengthens Frost Maiden. If her lost and confused followers can not find mercy and forgiveness on another side, what reason would they have to leave that familiar evil they are already used to? A murder remains murder, justified or not. Frost Maiden wants this place to be devoided of life, and every kill is a tribute to her. I say - mercy. Only living can atone for the crimes, the dead do not pay any debts."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Red shrugs "Not my call to make. I don't kill prisoners, or those who give up the fight. More so if they can be of use. The Fake Warduke was the one I wanted-he's dead as far as I could tell. Given how few, or rare, actual tangible Witch worshipers there seem to be. Having one or two that may answer questions at some point, seems like a valuable resource. I'd advise full chains, even if the cold will bite."
Looking around at the state of the camp Red continues "Murdered who? Who did what after we left? If you're asking for our opinion-and will actually take it under advisement, we should be informed of the sum total-including witnesses to said acts."
@Ignazio
" If the murder you mentioned is Emial then the answer is yes. He met the end he deserves. But the egghead made a pact with barbarians named tribe of wolf to invade the people of Ten-Town. Oh also there is still one informant of Emial left in the caravan, they are an agent of Zhentarim and their initial is B.S… Wait! " Mia stretches her arm, making a gesture to stop the caravan master. " NO! No hurried trial or exile please! You know who helped us and fought with those cultists? They are Mathis and Gaoch! They risked their life to save the people who kicked them out into the snow. So please be careful this time. At least solid evidence first and punishment later."
@Mithann
All the way in the wagon, Mia was thinking about what to do with the two couples. The background of Mathis and Gaoch as the Harpers shouldn't be revealed. And that would be hard. Problem is Gerard and Ionna. Mia herself didn't know what she wanted to do with them. There's no way to justify their actions. Yet she wishes there will be a hope for the couple rather than the punishment. Then Mithann appears and the words of her friends give Mia an idea.
" I'm really glad to see you are okay! " Mia holds the priestess tightly and looks up at her with a serious look. " Please Mithann, listen to me and my friends . We need your help. " Then she tells the story of Gerard and Ionna. How the couple was outcast by their community because of the unwanted blessing. And how they were caught by the evil schema of Emial. " It's undeniable that the two made mistakes. However at the same time, they are victims too. Punishing them may give a feeling of triumph but it's actually a big defeat. Because everytime we exile someone into the cold darkness, we extinguish the light from their eyes. And what should we do if the frost maiden keeps giving her gift to random souls? Exile them too? Until there is none left and all fire and warmth of the north are wiped out? Please Mithann, return Gerard and Ionna the light that once guided them. Show them hope and warmth. That is only you, the child of the Morning Lord, can do."
Ignazio purses his lips and his nearby guards shuffly uneasily on their feet. The caravan master eventually blurts out irritatedly "Emial, that lying conniving bastard!" followed by a short string of mumbled curses, calming down slightly "Took little waiting after the banished took their path, showed his true colors, took the priestess' bundle and bolted on his horse. He even killed one of my guards on his way out, poor Trolben." he shakes his head, "Everything was so quick it took us time to even understand what had happened. Glad you lot eventually sorted this one out. I know I was a bit pigheaded at the trial, that bastard had me around his finger. His judgements about those two are — of course — not to be taken into account anymore, partners." he tries an awkward smile, probably in hopes of some forgiveness.
At Mialee's mention of the B.S. initials, the caravan master's eyes immediately shoot towards a young woman nearby, who calmly observes the conversation from under her hood. Under the gaze of almost everyone around, she speaks coldly "I'm not with them, you can check my papers." she points to the wagon behind her, "Just sold information about those two." she nods towards the caravan. A brief silence settles among the group as you see a smile cut her features in the shade of her garment, "Just business." After a moment, two guards move to corner her, and she quickly starts producing some documentation papers and the cargo of neatly folded items. Ignazio shakes his head dismissively and looks back at you.
Mithann changes her expression to one of determination, and slowly nods at your words, looking at the wagon "Even though the actions of that one might have cost more lives than we could imagine, directly or otherwise, I see your point." and immediately she raises one prohibitive finger to the side before Ignazio can even start to protest, and the plump caravan master just adjusts his belt with some effort and breathes out sharply in frustration. The priestess continues, "However, some of the larger Towns have taken to sacrificing as a mean to try and appease the ill will of the Frostmaiden. Recently arrived criminals might just be prime targets for that, even from her own flock." she eyes Mihris and Mialee wish some puzzlement in her exhausted features, "I know not the reaches of your Eldath's mercy, for my Amaunator might not be so clement, especially against those who would deny him so." she points to the dark skies above where faint boreals begin to spark as the night grows older, "But if retribution against the fake Warduke was found and the materials returned, you all have earned our utmost gratitude and I will comply wherever possible." she nods at Red's mention of chains and Vanys' mention of repentance, "I can arrange for one of them to be sent to Revel's End for a time — instead of being sacrificed — and when their time is done they can head to Lonelywood, where no one has a past." she pauses for a moment and looks at Mihris, "As for the other one if you would be willing to bring her into your personal tutelage, fellow priestess... I believe the matter would be settled."
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"I will." How would Mihris say otherwise? "Here or back in the lands untouched by the Maiden, I will do what I can to spread Eldath's word and deeds." If that meant for her to stay in that inhospitable place even for the rest of her life - so be it.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(Did Trolben happen to be one of the ones Red fed earlier? random curiousity)
((It's not the duo who (Red or Vanys) talked to at the back of the caravan in the beginning of the investigation, but certainly this Trolben approached when Red offered warm food for all. Young fellow, local straw-haired Luskan descent, mostly shy and silent.))
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Vanys shrugs. He had his own form of justice, but far be it from him to impose it upon strangers. The half-elf had made his wishes known and was willing to let the more benevolent members of the group decide the traitor's fates. He does suggest one thing, however, "Gerard did make mention of his repentance. Perhaps he should be the one to travel with Mirhis. Although I leave the final decision up to those that are wiser than I."
“The mark of a successful DM is when you have caused more player deaths with doors than dragons, demons, or devils.”
@Mihris.
" I'll be with you, buddy." Mia puts her hand on Mihris's waist. She doesn't mind at all staying with her friend for another few decades. After all, the mortal's life is nothing more than a few seasons for elves.
@Vanys
" Gerard will be a great companion for sure. But… " Mia glances at the couple worriedly. " I'm feeling Ionna is the one who needs to be looked after. I don't know if she can get along well in the Revel's End. There could be other followers of Winter Witch. They will drag the girl back to the barker path…easily. And I really hate to say this but… " Mia hesitates for a moment then continues. " If Gerard is sent to the Revel's End, we can use him as leverage to pursue Ionna " Mia frowns as if she just tastes something very bitter.
"I did not mean to separate the couple, that is a monstrous thought! What would be the point of such torturing? No, of course not. Gerard and Ionna go together and I - or we - are with them. To help souls to recover, to repay people for what they've done. I am sure Ten Towns have a lot of use for someone who can resist cold. Searching for lost, for example, saving lives instead of harming. If you agreed to show mercy, then be merciful."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice