Buchek's Trial, To the Guardhouse
Subject: Trial of a Barbarian; Spring Festival 2
Bermid takes Holn's offered hand and grasps it in friendship, then greets the others in the party. He looks young and unseasoned, as though he's been protected under the shadow of his father and grandfather his entire life. There were few schoolyard tussles with the other boys, and no scars from childhood fights gone wrong. Bermid had led a life untouched by trouble, and his easy smile belied the fact that he had not thought of the dangers they would likely face - or that one or more of them might not come back alive.
As this initial meeting is taking place, with words of greeting exchanged, a loud commotion disrupts the festival proceedings. Shouts and jeers erupt from the crowd, choruses of "kill him" and "feed him to the dogs" sail through the air as the crowd presses in and finally parts for a pair of guards.
The guards approach the dais holding two heavy ropes, each attached to the waist of a barbarian prisoner. The man's hands are bound in front of him at his waist as well, and he is bracketed by two other guards with glaives. The prisoner's face is a ruin of scarred flesh and a white streak of hair is tussled, partially obscuring his eyes. His clothes drip with the juice of half eaten apples and the spittle of the townspeople, but his eyes show with fire and anger.
Holn recognizes a scar on the side of his face, a mark of death among the clans, and is confused by it. Who is this man who was given burial rites? As he looks closer, beyond the scars on the face, he recognizes his childhood friend, Buchek of the Cusshat. What had happened?
He whispers to the others, "I know this man. His name is Buchek, and he.." But the guard speaks and cuts him short.
"The barbarian prisoner is accused of assault on a member of the Caro outpost and theft of weaponry belonging to the Segreda guard. He has been brought to stand trial before Berom Windspear and to hear his justice."
The crowd quiets some at this, and murmurs rush towards the back of the throng who could not hear the proceedings. Holn watches as Buchek slowly twists his hands in an attempt to loosen the ropes binding his wrists.
"Berom is no longer in charge of the Guard, Oledd. The Captaincy has been passed to me." There is a hint of a sneer in his voice as he looks at the barbarian. "The fate of this animal is in my hands." At that, the buzz of the crowd grows as the people chatter and speculate about what is to come.
"Are there any here who would speak for the beast?" It is a taunt, and laughter erupts from parts of the throng. Some of the people look nervous or worried, and others sad, but the general feeling is one of anticipation. What would Bernin do to this barbarian to make an example of him? Holn thinks of speaking up, but before he can another voice interjects.
"I would."
A scout pushes through into the clearing before the dais. Buchek recognizes the man as the scout who helped to apprehend him, and his tension eases some. This was not at all what he had expected - and to discover the kindly older captain was gone... it made him wish he had put up more of a fight. He works as subtly as possible to loose his bonds, twisting his hands slightly, this way and that.
"I wish to call upon the Tradition of Leng."
More laughter from the crowd, but less. Even those who at first thought it jest quieted when they realized the seriousness of his tone.
"On what grounds, Ferrac? He is a barbarian animal and not subject to our laws or traditions."
"Lanek is a coward and a fool who claims a ghost attacked him and took his sword. But Lanek showed no wound, and this man is obviously no ghost. The charge is frivolous, and so I call upon the Tradition. It is the Ceremony of Spring Rites, Captain, and the Tradition calls for compassion toward prisoners."
Bernin spits at the ground.
"He is no man." He pauses, looking at the barbarian more closely. "Is this man armed, Ferrac? Did you bring a barbarian prisoner before me without even removing his axe?"
The rest of the council shifted uneasily as Buchek's head snapped up to meet Bernin's gaze. The barbarian was on edge, and likely to snap at any moment. Holn could sense it, and so could Ferrac.
"Guards - disarm the prisoner."
The guards on either side, who had been holding their glaives at the ready, move to take Buchek's axe from his back. Just as they move, he finally succeeds in loosing his bonds [Escape Artist check 20, DC 20, success, you lucky bastard], and suddenly his hands are free.
(Let me know what you all plan to do)
From: Jake
Subject: RE: Trial of a Barbarian; Spring Festival 2
Matt, what is the layout of the area? Who is close to Buchek, and what are they carrying? The two glaive bearing guards--I assume that if they've moved close enough to take Buchek's axe, they're too close to him for their weapons to be effective, right?
What possessions does Buchek still have on his person? Just his axe, or all of his gear?
From: Matt
Subject: Re: Trial of a Barbarian; Spring Festival 2
Okay. Here's where you're at.
Buchek still has all his stuff on him, which is why Bernin is upset. Ferrac, the scout, had left instructions overnight that he be allowed to keep his possessions, but be bound. The guards who had watched him were friendly and felt that Berom would release Buchek without much problem.
They had warned him some about the sentiment against barbarians, but never told him it was this bad. Buchek figures the coward who ran away must have spread stories and lies about him, and they thought him some kind of murderer.
The ropes are tied tightly around his waist, and there's no real way to get out of those. His hands are free, though, and the two guards are close enough to even grab. There is no way they could effectively use their glaives without first backing up.
No one yet seems to realize Buchek has freed his hands, so he has the element of surprise.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Trial of a Barbarian; Spring Festival 2
Erk strides confidently toward the prisoner. As he walks he yells out, "Stop! By Clangeddin I command that you cease all violence here!" [A calm emotions prayer]
OOC: Calm Emotions should stop everyone from fighting, as no aggressive actions are allowed while under the spells affect, and it is set to affect a 20' radius centered on the barbarian. It should give us time to work this out.
IC: Erk then turns to the guards, "Do not strike this man. Allow me to speak with him, and I will keep him from doing harm."
From: Erik
Subject: Re: Trial of a Barbarian; Spring Festival 2
As Holn presses forward through the crowd, tears threaten to cloud his vision as he calls to his old friend, "Buchek! Buchek be still! It is I, Holn. What has befallen you?" Holn struggles with the audience, squeezing through the throng.
(OOC: Holn will continue to plead with Buchek. If applicable, with Diplomacy.)
From: Erik
Subject: Re: Trial of a Barbarian; Spring Festival 2
A collection of unintelligible syllables come unbidden into Holn's mind, but he knows better than to speak them. Though Fancek Fa is at his feet, guards lying on the ground twitching in the aftermath of his favorite spell would certainly lead to his own demise.
What had happened to his friend? What force had produced such horrible burning? Where was Holn's family? Sortani, Buchek's mother, was always protective of her children, and would never abandon him to a mob, even though Buchek was a warrior in his own right. Something had gone seriously awry.
Holn redoubles his efforts to approach and calm his old friend.
From: Clara
Subject: Re: Trial of a Barbarian; Spring Festival 2
Kayla gets Erk's attention amidst the furor. "Erk, I'm stickin' by you."
Just then she notices that Buchek's gotten free. "What is he thinking? Is he crazy from the wounds?" she wonders. She readies her dagger in her left hand, hidden from any observers.
OOC: Kayla's willing to go with the flow, and mainly brought out the dagger as a habit for her own protection. She trusts Erk the most right now, especially since he's familiar with the customs and the personalities of the main NPC's. The others shouldn't know he's
brought out her dagger unless they see it.
From: Matt
Subject: The Prisoner Loose; Spring Festival 3
[I'm running this as follows. The party can make attempts to succeed on spot checks to see if they notice Buchek freeing his bonds. The guards were too focused on the discussion between Ferrac and Bernin to realize. The only person who *definitely* sees it is Holn, because he's the one who noticed earlier.
Those who spot it will be in the first initiative round. Those who don't are surprised this round, and in on the next initiative round.
So... Spot Checks DC 15
Kayla - 1 (roll 2, skill -1)
Erk - 19 (roll 17, skill 2)
Telwyn - 16 (roll 12, skill 4)
Gurk - 7 (roll 2, skill 5)
Manuuv - 14 (roll 11, skill 3)
Snylledd - 21 (roll 9, skill 12)
Bermid - 3 (roll 3, skill 0)
Initiative order: Snylledd 23, Erk 13, Holn 3, Buchek 3 (roll-off, Holn wins)]
Almost before Buchek has freed his hands, he hears the Trade Commissar's voice shouting at the guards.
"Look out, he's loose!"
The scene is thrown into chaos as the front of the crowd attempts to push back against itself to get away.
In the midst of the chaos, Erk steps boldly toward the scramble of guards spinning to face the freed barbarian. As he walks he yells out, "Stop! By Clangeddin I command that you cease all violence here!" [Calm Emotions, Will save DC 14. Buchek 9, fail. Guards 15, 13, 3, 11 - one succeeds, holding rope. Crowd 11, fail]
As suddenly as it started, the panic stopped. The front of the crowd stops pushing against those behind them, turning around in bewilderment and curiosity.
Buchek feels all anger and rage drain from his body, suddenly realizing the futility of his escape attempt. There would be no way for him to get away, especially with the heavy ropes tied around his waist. This dwarf seems to be stepping to his defense, and a glimmer of hope springs to his heart.
The guards all turn toward Buchek, backing away and readying their weapons, but none decide to take action. Even without a weapon, the barbarian is a formidable opponent, and not one of the guards is prepared to tackle him alone.
Amidst the tense scene, Holn pushes past Kayla and Telwyn to rush to Erk's side. "Buchek! Buchek be still! It is I, Holn. What has befallen you?"
Buchek's tensions ease some more. He has two allies, now.
Farrec speaks again. "His weapons are peace bound, my Captain. I thought it both unwise to fight and kill and innocent man and unjust to take his weapons when he had come along peacefully. It seems there are others here who wish to speak on his behalf, as well."
With that, he looks urgingly at Holn and Erk.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Prisoner Loose; Spring Festival 3
[Erk continues concentrating to maintain the Calm Emotions spell]
?I know nothing of this man, or what the accusations against him are, but I do not like seeing a prisoner cut down while in bonds. There is neither honor nor justice is such killing. I will not interfere with the righteous workings of law, but I will see to it that such law is followed to the letter. If this man stands accused, then there is no other option than a hearing or trial. If you mean to cut him down without one, then yes, I will defend him.?
He turns to the crowd, ?Be ashamed, people of Segreda! How quickly your joy in the festival turned to hate and murder! Be ashamed that your children saw you so! The laws that protect this man are the same laws that protect you and your families. We steal his rights under those laws only at great peril to ourselves. Now back away, and let law and goodness shine through to the truth. Back away.?
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Prisoner Loose; Spring Festival 3
The crowd falls back a bit at Erk's words, unsure how to respond. Most bore no malice toward the barbarian, but many had seen the broken and mutilated bodies of their kin return home after a barbarian raid.
Bernin capitalized on this second emotion.
"Good dwarf, I thank you for your concern, and for your actions to ease this situation, but your indignation is misguided. The letter of the law was *not* obeyed, or this prisoner would have had its weapons confiscated and held at the guardhouse pending trial."
"So kindly step back. This barbarian has no right to the Tradition of Leng, just as the hundreds of men and women the grassland tribes have slaughtered were given no rights of burial or honor. He stands accused of attacking the guardsman Lanek. If Lanek were not such a coward, I am sure this barbarian would have ended his life and continued on to the next guardhouse on the perimeter, likely to make way for a raid by his people."
"In a way, Lanek's cowardice may have saved many lives - though the guard no longer has any use for him."
"However, we are not barbarians ourselves, this is true. All prisoners should be allowed to face their accusers. Bring Lanek forward."
Lanek walks forward hesitantly, giving sidelong glances toward Buchek and the other party members who have stood by him. He is obviously uncomfortable in the limelight.
"Yes, my Captain."
Bernin looks the man over carefully.
"You have no wounds, Lanek. And no weapons."
"I... I... I was attacked, and they were stolen."
"Stolen? Bow, quiver and sword? Without even taking a bruise? You ran, Lanek."
There was silence.
"Tell me what happened."
Buchek was disgusted at the man's shifting stance and his inability to look even his captain in the eye. If he had been a soldier of the Cushat, he would have lost his privileges long ago - been forced to mind the animals, or carry equipment.
"He came out of nowhere, sir, and I thought him a ghost by the markings on his face. I... I ran to tell others of an attack."
"You are pathetic, Lanek. I designed those guard houses myself. There is no way to sneak up on an alert guard from any direction, and no reason for you to drop your weapons when you ran." He pauses, considering. "You were asleep at your post."
Again, silence, and Lanek bows his head. Buchek's hope rekindled, the tension in his shoulders relaxes. Ferrac has been silent, and a quick look finds him just as surprised by this turn of events as Buchek. Perhaps the son *did* have the wisdom of the father.
"Barbarian. You did not harm this man, but that does not mean you would not have. What business did you have approaching that guard house at all? What business do you have outside the grasslands? I think you are an advance scout for a raiding party coming from the east to attack Caro, and you might have killed any number of lone sentries beforehand."
"What have you to say?"
From: Jake
Subject: Re: The Prisoner Loose; Spring Festival 3
Buchek meets his gaze, and looks steadily into his eyes as he replies. "I am not an advance scout. I am clanless. The People flee before me like your guardsman, fearing that I am dead or cursed."
"The Buchekat--my clan--were traveling on a journey into the Tall Grass. In a storm, I was struck by lightning", Buchek says, gesturing to the ruin that is the left side of his face, and holding up his hands so that all can see the thick scars that mar his palms. "The Buchekat believed me dead, and marked me so, and continued their journey. When I awoke they were far away. I tried to track them through the Tall Grass, but lost their spoor. I backtracked, searching for help in finding my family, but The People turned me away. I thought to come here, to your city. I had heard that you sometimes sent people into the Tall Grass, and I hoped to find companions--the Tall Grass is not kind to those who travel alone."
"Your guardhouse was the first building of your kind I came across, and your guard fled before me, just as The People had. I admit, I took the weapons the guard had abandoned. I hoped to trade them for supplies to aid me in my journey. They did not belong to me, and perhaps it was wrong, although they did lie in the dust for the taking."
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Prisoner Loose; Spring Festival 3
Erk quietly curses himself for not having circle of truth in his prayers today. But he will listen to the barbarian?s words and try to hear the truth in them [discern motive check]. If nothing else, surely his mentor will have the skill to hear falsehood in the man?s words. After listening to the testimony, he looks up at Grev for some sign of his reaction to this Wildman.
From: Matt
Subject: Re: The Prisoner Loose; Spring Festival 3
Erk's concentration on maintaining the Calm Emotions spell distracts him enough that he can't get a good read on the barbarian, [Sense Motive check 5, DC 15, fail]. Glancing back at his mentor, he sees Grev muttering under his breath, moving his left hand slightly and clutching a clear crystal orb in his right, and Erk recognizes the spell as Detect Evil. After a moment he stops, seems satisfied, and turns to focus his attentions more on Bernin's reactions.
He seems angry, as though he totally ignored Buchek's story.
(I'll wait to see if Holn has any response to this before continuing... and, if you all could, please send to RynDrythorn@aol.com *AS WELL AS* to cowgame@sakeriver.com... for some reason, I haven't gotten any of the past emails. Ty had to forward them over to me. Thanks)
From: Erik
Subject: Re: The Prisoner Loose; Spring Festival 3
Holn privately despairs at the mob's reaction. The alien syllables form in his mind again, perhaps Boccob was sending these thoughts. He looks into Fancek Fa's eyes, the feline staring back knowingly.
His hand strayed to the dagger at his belt. If the crowd would go against them, he would have to act.
(OOC: If the crowd does turn, Holn will cast Shocking Grasp, and Fancek Fa will deliver the spell. He does not wish to use force, but will to save his friend. He also realizes with so many magic users about, that they will detect his spell use when he begins to cast, and so he is still holding off.)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Prisoner Loose; Spring Festival 3
OOC: yeah, that sounds like a good way to get rushed by the mob. No one will fight within 20' of Buchek right now anyway, with the calm emotions spell in effect.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: The Prisoner Loose; Spring Festival 3
Erk will remain near the barbarian, keeping his calm emotions affect as long as is possible. He does not desire to necessarily save this man from lawful prosecution, he just wants to make sure it goes by the book. And the calm emotions spell will keep the barbarian from trying anything stupid? he hopes.
From: Matt
Subject: Exile; Spring Festival 4
Before Bernin can respond, Snylledd Mandrake interrupts, a sly look in his eye.
"Captain, this man is at home in the grassland wilds, and likely has much experience in the Tall Grass..." He pauses when he sees Bernin's reaction to the word 'man' but hurries on. "He would be a valuable ally to the expedition... perhaps, if you feel a punishment is truly necessary, you might exile him, in a manner of speaking? Or possibly sentence him to service with this party travelling east?"
Bernin turns on Snylledd angrily.
"And return him to the very raiders he's left!?"
Snylledd splays his hands wide, and bows his head slightly, showing no intent to confront the Captain directly.
"He would be under the guard of your son, Captain. And who better to make sure he stays in line than your own blood? Surely you feel Bermid is up to the task, for you just promoted him to Watch Commander last moon..."
The party can see Bernin mentally squirming, not sure how he can back out of the situation without disgracing his son or discrediting his own choice to promote him.
"Your words are... wise, Commissar." He pauses, angry but hoping to turn the situation to his advantage. Turning to the crowd, he announces his decision. "The barbarian will be held prisoner and under guard until such time as the expedition is ready to head east. He will then be taken under guard to Caro, at which point he will be turned over to the custody of my son and these brave souls."
Then, to Buchek. "You are never again to travel west of the river, on pain of immediate death."
"Take him back to the guardhouse," and with a glance at Erk, who looked ready to speak again, "and be sure to keep the rabble off him."
***
Buchek is treated well and guarded by Ferrac on the walk back to his cell in the guard house, and none of the guards attempt to bind his hands. The ropes bound around his waist are slack, and he walks at his own pace.
The rest of the party is uneasy about the turn of events, but the ceremonies end shortly afterward, and Snylledd asks them to meet at the guardhouse to discuss the trip. Any questions about Buchek's addition to the expedition will be dodged with "we will discuss everything at the guardhouse." He melts into the crowd toward some wealthy potentates, and leaves the group to make their way.
(Okay. The guardhouse is an easy walk, though you'll likely get a few dirty looks on your way - especially Holn. From your best guesses, about 1 out of 10 people are very irritated that the punishment wasn't far more severe, and the fact that the party is now connected with the barbarian draws their disgust. However, there will be far more on the walk who thank you for your help, wish you luck, give you baked goods, say they will pray for you, offer to buy you drinks when you get back, etc.
The next scene will be in the guardhouse. Let me know if you're going there right away, if you're going with anyone, what you're talking about, etc. Bermid will walk with Holn.
The guard house itself has a large-ish room where everyone can sit down, with the cell door off to the side so Buchek can see them and talk. The guards are pretty easy going, and will let you guys hang out - but will not open the cell door.
You can discuss what's just happened while waiting for Snylledd.)
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Exile; Spring Festival 4
Erk will travel directly, but slowly, to the guard house. He is willing to let anyone walk with him that wishes to do so. On his way, he ponders the events of the day.
Erk believes in the active hand of the Gods in earthly affairs. He finds little that he can honestly say is nothing but random chance. The sudden appearance of the barbarian, one that is connected to a member of their own group and is familiar with the lands they travel to, is interesting. Is this the hand of God, moving events? It is possible. It seems too improbable otherwise. Is this a sign that Silverbeard watches over this journey? If so, it is a comforting thought.
As he walks, Erk prays for guidance. Can he trust this man from the wilds? [if it fits in RP wise, he would use his Guidance prayer for some sort of answer. It is normally used to modify rolls, but if it fits in as a way for Erk to receive any kind of divine answer to this question, he will gladly use it.]
From: Matt
Subject: Erk?s Prayer (to Ty only)
As Erk sends a silent prayer to Clangeddin for guidance, his mind is pulled back to his memory of the events surrounding the barbarian. In clear focus, he remembers that the altercation started when Bernin demanded that the barbarian forfeit his axe. The axe looms in Erk's mind - the barbarian was tied to the axe, would battle teeming multitudes of enemies so as not to be stripped of it.
From: Ty
Subject: Re: Exile; Spring Festival 4
The axe. Favored weapon of his own mighty God, and the weapon he himself uses. Perhaps it is only me fitting things where I wish them to be, he thinks. But I believe this to be the hand of God. I believe this man was sent to help us. I believe we will need him, and that we travel with the aid of Clangeddin.
For the rest of the trip, Erk?s prayers are prayers of thanks to God for his aid and guidance.
From: Erik
Subject: Re: Exile; Spring Festival 4
Holn and Bermid walk in the direction of the guardhouse. Holn feels a kinship with Bermid, due to the loyalty and determination that Bermid had shown to his grandfather earlier. Bermid's cause was not unlike his own.
The street is a welcome relief after the caustic stares of the townsfolk. Dogs play with children at their parent's storefronts, the bustling activity of commerce all around. So simple, these folk, and Holn would have been charmed by the sight, as he often had been when visiting Segreda in the past, were it not for the hate in the eyes of these same people earlier.
But Holn was used to being an outsider. Even amongst the clans, he and Singard had been accepted, but only rarely, as in the case with Buchek's parents, Chauth and Sortani, had they actually been welcomed as friends and equals. People tended to fear sorcery, and it set him apart from others. With her own meager gifts, Sortani seemed to understand....
Where had Sortani been taking her clan? Since the death of Buchek's father, they were no longer bound to the Cushat-Tshvek Clan, and had been exiled. The mysteries surrounding Buchek's mysterious maiming were growing in Holn's mind.
A tiny "mew" draws his attention, as Fa looks up at him, scouting for a perch, no doubt. He allows Fa to jump onto his shoulder. "Let's go, little spark," he chides, as Fancek Fa bounds up on his shoulder and balances effortlessly on it as they pass through the crowd.
He turns his attention to Bermid, who seems a little distracted, but happy. No doubt the weight of the expedition was just sinking in.
"Well, Master Bermid," he states, "home is always at hand in the heart."