Only the Honor of a Paladin

[AMFV]

The dawn breaks cutting somewhat through the bitter chill of the early morning. A general sound of relief is heard from the workmen who are currently busy packing everything up following their early breakfast. The warmer climes to which they are accustomed are certainly different from these forsaken steppes, and they are all for the most part bundled as well as they can be. They are all for the most part swarthy in appearance and unarmed. They might be considered unremarkable if not for the unusual appearance as compared to the few local traders who chose to accompany the caravan. These folk are taller and thinner, families rather than traveling workmen, they appear for the most part to be pale skinned and fair haired, and they do not seem to mind the frigid morning, although a few of the elders among them seem to be looking rather uncomfortably at the horizon.

All counted, there were at least sixty civilians on the trail, but that wasn't the most notable point. The escorts of the civilian population, were of course worthy of notice. There was a small cadre of Paladins. Two of them, Mortagh and Melyria, had traveled down from the spire, they were the most veteran members of the group and at least in a notional sense the instructors of the young Paladins who had been gathered at various points along the route.

However much to the chagrin of their young charges, Mortagh had proven not terribly conversational, his dark weathered face seemed never to stretch with much visible emotion, as if it had leathered, wrinkled and showed signs of sandblasting. His skin was dark, beyond dark for most humans, moving into a deep brownish color. His armor was quite worn and beaten, although not in poor repair, it could be said that it had a certain character to it, there were signs of wear dents had been hammered out, and a few spots that had likely been patched after damage. His symbols marked him for his stern God, Heimdall, the watcher, and it was perhaps in some respect fitting, he certainly did seem to watch the area around him, almost seeming lost in it at times. However he had spoken less than two words to the Paladins under his charge, leaving them almost completely to their own devices.

Melyria for her part, was certainly talkative enough, when she was present. She seemed to always be, behind, ahead, or beside the caravan, never quite with it. She was an elf, and that was for certain, she did not wear thick armor or anything that seemed to shine at all, her garb was green and tightly wrapped around her body, with few bits hanging to catch on leaves or brambles. She had a thin bow strung with what appeared to be a silver cord. This morning however, she was as absent as she had often been, and of course until she rejoined the caravan she would be out of sight, that seemed to be quite in line for her.

Two of the the other notables, Marc Andrani, and Ana, rode at opposite ends of the caravan, which would have been prudent for security reasons, but mostly consisted of the fact that two of them could not stand each other. He was short and dark haired, with a fairly intense moustache, his armor was resplendant, although perhaps that was more a reflection on his family than on any particular care of his own. He was part of the Resplendant Order of The Light, which was a mouthful on the best of days, and was an order dedicated to the service of several knightly and courtly ideals. Ana for her part was pale skinned almost to the point of being ivory, her eyes were slightly slanted and she spoke with a very measured approach. She was a Paladin of Ilmater, which meant that she was garbed in rather plain hand-me down armor. She and Marc, had spent most of the past few days in heated discussion, with statements about privilige and sacrifice seeming to be the order of the day. Now they had settled into a rather sullen truce as they rode forwards.

Spoiler: OOC

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Howdy, folks I figured that this would be kind of a slow start, since a few people are still working on some character stuff we'd mostly start off with some banter and a chance for people to interact and introduce their characters a little bit before we start really rolling into the main plot. So basically you should probably describe yourselves, and maybe have some conversation. Additionally I've created an OOC Thread and a Dice rolling thread. Which can be found in their respective forums.

[Vhaidara]

Sale'j'oso, the blind follower of Rao, walks alongside the civilians. Clad in only a loincloth and a simple leather helmet covering his eyes, to a casual observer, he looks like any other civilian. He carries a simple walking stick. A light smile is set on his face as he walks, listen to the conversations and movements around him.

[Winds]

Varas, follower of Torm, was a tall and stern man clad in simple armor. The symbol of Torm was worked into his breastplate, while a simple cloth band bearing a thorned symbol was wrapped around his right arm. He mostly watched the road, though also looked around to check on the civilians.

[darklink_shadow]

"Merry," as the second son of the Rosebrew clan had often been called, walked with nothing but a bottle of strong alcohol, a short quarterstaff, some richly purple dyed monk's robes, and a broad, toothy grin. As he walked, keeping himself near the back, he let his eyes wander freely over the backsides of the various and sundry females among them, humming the tune of a rather raunchy bar song that had been sung by another bard that night. The rhythm was good, and the words were masterfully crafted, but supposed many around him would be appalled to hear it sung. Being devout of Chaav, the Smiling God of Pleasure, sometimes it was hard to strike a balance between his paladin duties, and his duties to Chaav. After wall, Chaav was only happy while his worshipers were happy.

Taking another swig of the strange, burning liquor he had won in a singing duel against a rival bard, he pauses his song longer enough, due to the excess in which he drinks, to forget his place in the song. He picks it up again at the chorus, however, taking a swing at the air with his bottle-clasping hand, remembering the words to his favorite part of the song. Ah, a good dwarven ballad. Fighting, drinking and carousing with the womenfolk. His smile was soured for a moment, as he noticed the disapproval in the eyes of one of the men he was follow, he had paused to look back and scowl at him. Possibly because the man didn't appreciate the dwarf staring blatantly at his sister rear, or possibly because he didn't like the dwarf staring at his wife's rear. Either way, he blessed the man with his favor by looking instead at another fine rear as he walked.

[TheDragonmaster]

Dawn. The glorious rays of the sun licking the cold, unyielding ground. And yet I am forced to avert my gaze.

Anarnís takes a look around at her travelling companions. Strong, hardy workmen accompanied by such a motley bunch of recruits. One almost starts wondering who is escorting who.

Still, many of them seem to be strong both in arms and in faith, but what that crude dwarf is doing here, apart from singing obscene songs and ogling the women, and why he styles himself a paladin I may never know. At least he seems mostly preoccupied with our wards.

The white-clad elf shakes her head, then focuses her attention on meticulously controlling every piece of her clothing, making sure it is in place and properly covering her, before mentally preparing herself for yet another day under the sun.

Melyria is a model templar at least, if a bit verbose. I could learn a lot from observing her, if only when she is not teaching.

[AMFV]

As the band of diverse Paladins and the refugees make their way deeper into the steppes, the wind picks up quite sharply, whippng at the exposed faces of those who have such faces exposed. It is actually less pleasant than the chilled dark was a few seconds ago. And most of the refugees are walking behind carriages or out of sight.

Spoiler: Spot (DC 20, all but Sale'j'oso

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But still, a few of you with sharper eye can almost see something glinting around the bend of the next steppe. Something that seems to be some sort of metal, although it doesn't look large not by any means, but noticeable, barely.

In any case the caravan continues to move forwards, Mortagh seems to be almost asleep in his saddle, at least to everyone watching. However he reacts very quickly to what happens next, much more quickly than a sleeping man likely could have when he pulls his horse up sharply, several of the other horses seem to be reacting rather intensely, and many of them have come to a near stop or a complete stop.

Spoiler: DC 15 Ride Check, or DC 10 Handle Animal Check

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Some of you can tell that the horses are frightened by something, they're definitely much more on edge than most riders would be comfortable with. Eyes wide, none of them have bared teeth or have bucked or reared, but there is certainly some pulling back of ears and increased tension.

About a minute after this, two very shocking things happen in fairly quick succession, the first is that an arrow from somewhere to the North-west suddenly hits one of the wagons, sticking into it, and causing everybody to come to a fairly abrupt stop, and then a rather dirty looking man steps out into the road. He is dark haired with an equally dark beard and a rough weather beaten face.

"Alright, loves, you know the drill, now hand over 'yer valua..." he suddenly trails off as he sees the armed warriors who were mostly to the center of the caravan, he glances around rather nervously and sheepishly seemingly unsure of what to do at this point.

[Vhaidara]

Sale hears the arrow, and the bandit. So he calls out.
Friend, I fear you have made a mistake. And no, I don't mean firing that arrow. I am referring to your choice of professions. Lay down your arms, and come forward slowly. We shall be merciful.
He speaks then in a lower voice to those near him.
Let me know if he doesn't lower his weapons and come forward slowly, please.

Spoiler: OoC

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Diplomacy: (1d20+9)[26]

[Winds]

Varas nods, and turns to address the area at large.

"That goes for any friends that might be trying to surround us. Come out peacefully, and we can avoid any...ugliness."

[darklink_shadow]

Merry chuckled a bit at the would-be bandits. Nah tha's juss silly. Wha' you supposed ta be? Some kinna bannit, whose juss gunna rob a bunch o' paladins? Ha! I could write a song abou' yer folly, son.

Merry focuses his vision on the man and Detects Evil, and looks around a bit to see if any other auras of evil might be visible.

Spoiler

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I know, he's probably not evil, but maybe he is, or maybe he's got a friend who is.

[TheDragonmaster]

Quite unsure of what to make of the situation, Anarnís says nothing, but readies her shield just in case.

[AMFV]

Mortagh glances over at the bandits, sighing heavily. He seems to be almost waiting and glancing at him, most of you realize that he's observing you to see how you react to the scenario. He nods rather approvingly at Sale, or as close to approvingly as one could imagine him nodding, the perpetual scowl still wrapped on his face. He glanced around at the other unmoving Paladins, although his expression could have been dismissive, it was equally possible that it was pensive instead. He steadied his horse for a second.

The Bandit seemed to somewhat recover himself, glancing at the armored warriors. His eye's flickered dangerously for a second before he cursed loudly and motioned. He was soon joined by four other figures who all appeared equally scruffy. Possibly dangerously thin as well. "We surrender," he said softly, shrugging as the bandits moved into the open and started to throw down their weapons.

Spoiler: OOC Stuff

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He doesn't detect as Evil, also none of his compatriots do. Anybody that has any ability to sense motive check might want to, and then let me know what the results are.

Mortagh looks down at the Paladins in his charge, "So what now?" he asks, coming the closest to bemused that anybody had seen him to this point.

[darklink_shadow]

Merry harrumphed, and then chuckled again. Well, looket et this way boys, yar gunno get two square meals a'day, and all ya'll have t'do is hard labor. Now I'm sure most of ye turned to this on accounta ya'll couldn't find a decent job. After ya'll get out, repent and take wha' ya learnt and get some kinna real jobs. Yer lucky ye got stopped by a bunch o'paladins. Them adventurer types woulda kilt ye dead for this sorta funny business.

[Vhaidara]

Sale nods.
My Chaavian friend speaks the truth. Honest work is much easier than banditry anyways. And safer. And more respectable.
He begins to walk towards the front of the column, his hands spread in an open gesture.
Actually, what is the advantage to banditry? I'm really struggling to think of one.

Spoiler: OoC

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Sense Motive: (1d20+7)[18]

[TheDragonmaster]

What now? What room is there for doubt? The law must be upheld.

Anarnís tries hard not to sound like she agrees with the dwarf as she delivers her answer, more toward the bandits than Mortagh, in the sternest voice she can muster.

"These men are criminals and require punishment. The proper authorities have a responsibility to mete out such punishment, and until we come upon those designated for such a role in this area, the responsibility falls on us."

She then continues, after a brief pause, slightly softer.

"They do seem to require food too, that is true. The requirements are thankfully not mutually exclusive, however."

Spoiler: OoC

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Since Sense Motive can be used untrained, I will try my luck.

Sense Motive: (1d20+4)[16]

[Vhaidara]

Sale turns towards Anarnis' voice.
But friend, the only thing that they are guilty of so far, to our knowledge, is, unless my ears deceived me and given that I have heard no cries for pain, giving us an arrow. His method of conveyance may have been questionable, as might his intent, but I do not believe that violates any laws.
His angelic face bears a small grin.

Spoiler: OoC

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I'm trying bolded orange to see how much easier it is to read.

[darklink_shadow]

Merry laughed, and moved forward to pat Sale on the back. Ah, youva wit, my frien'! But quite unforn'ate fer them, tha' one in front did say "Ye knew tha' drill, han ova yer value." Sure as rain, tha's highway slang fer robbin' us. Buh, what courta lahw wouldn' take pity on these scraggly little whelps? And they surrendered awfully quick like. I'm seeing three mon's, six tops, before they're free ta look for more gainful employment. 'side, jail'll be good fer em. Some exercise in the outdoors, and some food free uh charge. Then they kin take their new stronk muscles and go work at some quarry or somfin.

[Vhaidara]

Sale turns to present the side of his head to Merry.
But my friend, that was clearly just the beginning of bargaining for the arrow. Unless he finishes his statement, we will never know his true intent.

[darklink_shadow]

Ohhh, I see. Merrry says, exaggerating the words. Bemused, he strokes his beard. And I s'pose them surrenderin is outta fear what'cuz they thought us to be bandits, izzit? Why, s'all juss one big misunnerstandin? Why, how could we be so callous! Merry threw his head back in laughter, and patting the blind man again. Nah, I s'pose we could juss ask them, whaddya think? We have ways uv tellin' iffen they're lying though. And the offer migh' make them think they can kin get away withet.

[AMFV]

The Bandits seem in a hurry to throw down their weapons, almost too much of a hurry in fact. They quickly walk over to the lot of you, while you're still engaged in your discussion. Arms extended somewhat expectantly. "Well," Mortagh, sighs deeply, "bind them." He seems to be fairly distant at this point, deep in though about something. As the would-be bandits are bound and following. Ana and Marc resume a spirited discussion. Of course most of you have learned to tune the two of them out. But at least this time there is something of interest to be heard.

"Look isn't obvious, Marc?" Ana asks, raising her voice, shrilly, "They wanted to be caught, they're hungry, they don't deserve to be punished." She ran her mailed hand through her dark hair in exasperation.

"Well then they should have worked for the liege lord" Marc answers back curtly, "It is the responsibility of local lords to provide for those under their care, but it is also the responsibility of the peasantry to maintain an obedient position."

This discussion becomes very heated, very quickly. However unlike most of their discussions this one falls silent. As both young faces find themselves face to face with a very disapproving dark skinned, Mortagh. "Alright you two, that is enough." He says, his voice level, but angrier than you've probably ever heard him. "Look you two get to take them down to that village." He points, "Maybe next time you'll work and be attentive instead of arguing."

As the two head down towards the village he stands and watches them, a thin puff of smoke rising in the distance from one of the chimneys. But other than that most of the village is obscured by the hillside which soon obscures Ana and Marc as well.

[darklink_shadow]

Merry looks up as the two hot headed paladins walk off. Ah. Hmm. Mortagh, m'good man. Mayhaps someone more should go wit' 'em? Ye know, iffen the bandits decide to book it on out, tha's only two of 'em and four of 'em. Ye know? 'sides, they'll prolly start arguin' 'gain soon as they get outta earshot, iffen no one goes wit 'em. Migh' not look tha' best fer 'em. Anyways, besides tha', I'd be much obliged iffen I had tha' chance to give tha' lads a brief prayer. Gods know they runts need it. I kint help but think, ah, tha', ah, ... ah, well, somefin is fishy, ya?

[Winds]

Varas looks around at the conversation going on, slightly nonplussed.

"Well, it isn't that strange for them to surrender when faced with more opposition than expected. In any case, I will go with those two if you feel it is wise."

With that, he increases his pace to catch up with Ana and Marc.

[Vhaidara]

Sale turns his ear to Varas
I think that the point Ana was making was that the strangers wanted food, not valuables. Though I suppose to them, food is about the most valuable thing around.
He continues, addressing the group at large.
I would also be willing to go.

[TheDragonmaster]

"I on the other hand will not attempt to find a convoluted reason to go drink in local taverns. I am staying, unless ordered elsewhere."

The elf takes on an overbearing posture to deliver her thinly veiled accusation, then adds, as more of a muttering:

"Besides, it matters little if the bandits wanted to be caught. Threatening innocents with violence is crime enough."

[AMFV]

Mortagh scoffs for a second, not responding to the requests of his young charges to descend into the village. "Hold on," he motions at Varas, "Those two are the ones assigned to that duty, you've got your own. Staying behind may seem the lesser part, but there is great glory in the little duties." His hand rests on his sword. Pensively, another thin whisp of smoke drifts out of the chimney. Mortagh continues to peer at the village as the caravan seems to come to a complete stop, frozen and still. It is perhaps fitting that the wind suddenly picked up and whistled sharpy through the valley, biting at the faces that were still exposed.

It had been nearly an hour before Mortagh's scowl deepened further, there was even some hint of worry along his creased face. "Alright," he finally breathed, "Go find out what's taking them so long" He murmured, apparently unhappy at the unexpected change in circumstance. And the biting whistling wind continued to scream through the valley.

[Vhaidara]

Were his comrades not in danger, Salèj'oso would have laughed at the situation. As it was, he turned to his dwarven friend.
Lead the way, my friend. They may need our help.

[darklink_shadow]

Merry walked a little ways ahead of Sale before humming softly as he set off on a leisurely pace, but yet still a quick one. A little trip into the village, and a little adventure into the constable's office before they headed back. Maybe swing by the tavern for a sip of their finest.

[Winds]

Varas loosens his greatsword in its sheath before walking after Merry.

"...Something seems odd. Neither going nor staying seem entirely right..."

He glances back toward the caravan for a moment before nodding to himself.

"I will stay here."

[TheDragonmaster]

Anarnís does not comment on the assignment, nor on Varas' decision to disobey an order, and follows Merry and Sale at as fast a pace as can still be considered walking. When she overtakes the pair, keeping her distance, she attempts to courteously encourage them to hurry a little, in a voice best described as annoyed.

"Move those short legs, time may be of the essence here."

Spoiler: OoC

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And now I am turning to racism... oh dear.

[darklink_shadow]

Merry chuckled at the impatient man. Yer welcome ta try'n carry myself an' tha blind man. T'therwise, this is tha' pace I set, my friend. Ye kin go on ahead iffen you muss. We'll be there a few shorr secon's later.

[TheDragonmaster]

The elf pays no further attention to Merry and continues forward at her higher pace.

Spoiler: OoC

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I just realised selecting prepared spells may be a good idea before we get into any sticky situations beyond what we already have. This would be the loadout Anarnís would make ready for general field duty (and until further notice).

Orisons: Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Light
Level 1: Bless, Detect Secret Doors (D), Resurgence