The Rightful Heir

[psychopomp23]

Cutting the stem of the arrow from his calf he nods approvingly to her request

Spoiler: Inner monologue

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The bleeding should stop soon. I should've seen it coming...Humm i should see how Dimple is doing

Moving toward he leans on the carriage next to him making it rock.

Are you ok friend? You did good running away

[Felvion]

Running away?! Wasn't I the one... Nevermind, it's pointless to argue on this right now.
"I guess we all have our uses!"
Pausing his speech for a while, Dimple notices some bleeding wounds on the goliath warrior.
"You are wounded Menaric. Are you ok? Perhaps someone should take care of these wounds."
He intentionally emphasizes the last sentence, raising his voice enough to be heard to other people around.
"At least, the bandits didn't get what they were looking for. Lord Wethrin and his wife are safe in the carriage."
Watching Silan searching the dead bandits reminds Dimple to take a good look around as well.

Spoiler: Actions

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As soon as the dialogue with Menaric is over, Dimple will go and check out on the dead bandits. He worries about a lot of things but he will certainly look for the following:
First off, any conclusions based on their race, age and gender. Did the one who recruited them have a preference on any of the above?
Their appearance is important too. It's easy to spot if someone has been on the road for long otherwise they should have a base or something like this nearby. Do they seem well organised?
Does any of them have a special scar, tattoo or anything that really stands out and could help to identify them?
Do their clothes, weapons, horses or horse sadles have anything in common? Do they have any kind of signet jewelry? Anything of high value?
Did they bear any papers on them, perhaps letters or maps? What about magical or otherwise mysterious items?
I guess all these questions may require an investigation check (1d20+5)[18]
After investigating the place for as long as possible Dimple will go and gather the weapon that fell from the rider pursuing the carriage. He also looks for any other object that "he" (doesn't know she was actually female) had dropped there.
Finally, should they wish to leave the place, he intends to drive the carriage to the city instead of walking all this way.

[Professor Gnoll]

As the two of you search the bodies, the peasants- who had scattered during the battle- slowly start to filter back, milling around the carriage hesitantly. The guard captain remounts her horse and begins to shout commands, marshalling the peasants into some semblance of order.
The bandits are dusty from the road, but not ragged. While much of their armour seems scrounged, each one of them wears a uniform black surcoat bearing a silver star-and-crown. Their weapons are simple, but sharp and well maintained. Their saddles are similar, being well-crafted but not ornate. They do not appear to be carrying many provisions. Several of them bear scars along with their mortal wounds.
Your search proves somewhat less than profitable- the bandits appear to be carrying almost no valuables at all. Silan manages to find 10 silver pieces, while Dimple finds 5. You do, however, find that every single bandit appears to carry a single piece of jewellery- a simple metal bangle, two necklaces and a pair of rings. Each one appears to have a star engraved into it.
The mix of genders is about even, but you do note one thing- every single one is human. There are no elves, dwarves, gnomes or even half-elves- though in the case of one bandit who is missing most of her head, it is difficult to tell. Apart from this, you can discern no particular pattern.
The axe dropped by the armoured rider is of a notably finer make than the rest of the weapons. It has a long haft of solid, polished oak and a wide double-head. While it bears no gems or precious metals, the now familiar star-and-crown symbol is etched into the black blade.
As your search concludes, you hear the sound of a throat being gently cleared behind you. Standing there is Lord and Lady Wethrin, apparently recovered from their traumatic experience. Rather aged, he is quaveringly scrawny, with a wobbling neck that bobs as he talks, a hairline that appears to be fighting a losing battle against baldness, and trembling fingers that bear several rings. His faded indigo robes threaten to drown him in their mass and he must continually hitch them up- it is clear they were made for someone of a rather bulkier frame than him. He walks with a slight limp, his left leg dragging behind him. Lady Wethrin appears to be several decades younger than her spouse, rosy of cheek and rather plump, though she still seems sprightly. While she is bedecked in a rather garish yellow dress that clashes with her husband's attire, as she hitches it up to elegantly step over the corpses she reveals feet clad in riding boots of supple leather that look well-used.
Lord Wethrin clears his throat once more, apparently grappling with a particularly stubborn bit of phlegm. Finally freeing his airways enough to speak, he says, "M-my brave fellows... allow me to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your timely rescue." He pauses for a moment, a slight look of confusion settling over his face. "Of course I would like to particularly... particularly thank the- the Halfling..." Lady Wethrin steps forward and rather more elegantly continues. "What my dear husband wishes to say, of course, is that we must particularly thank the brave and selfless conjurer that so deftly steered us to safety. You may consider yourselves friends to the Wethrins, and will always be welcome in our halls." She smiles warmly, curtseying slightly. "In addition..." She glances over to her husband and sharply elbows him. "In addition? Gerrol? Lord Wethrin, jolted to attention by the strike, blinks several times and speaks once more.\ in a slightly brusquer tone."Ah, yes of course. In addition, allow me to present you with- with this- present you with a..." Lady Wethrin sighs slightly and takes over once again. "We're giving you a signet ring as a sign of appreciation. It will aid you if you ever decide to participate in higher circles. We've only got one, so you'll have to share, but I'm sure you'll manage." She smiles again, and her voice is once again the essence of politeness. Once again, a thousand thanks. May good fortune smile upon you."

[Adrian Gecko]

"Thank you for your kindness, mi'lord and lady." I have no idea how to talk to nobility, so I try to act polite and courteous. Hopefully, my voice doesn't betray my nervousness. These people seem rather peculiar in addition to being grateful.

Still, I need to think of my mission at all times. They might feel betrayed later on if I interact with them more than I should.

Remembering the brutality of the attack, I said aloud. "We need to take the bodies of the fallen to the city temples to be properly buried. The bodies of the peasants caught up in the confusion as well as the brave guards who gave their lives to defend us, and anyone else that was killed. I will rest better knowing that they are given a proper resting place."

[RickAllison]

Silan approaches the noble duo and attempts to put his charm on: "I also thank you; friendship is the greatest reward and I happily accept it. On the behalf of and with the permission of my associates, I accept the ring."

Spoiler: Charming roll

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(1d20+5)[13]

Silan then turns to Nicolle, saying "If we can find enough rope, we can create a net to carry the deceased and pull them with the horses. It is an... unfortunate way to carry them, but I do not see many other options."

[psychopomp23]

Not paying any real attention for the nobles Menarik goes to pet the horses to put them at ease.

Nice horse, you did good.

[Felvion]

Dimple is busy searching the bodies for anything that could prove useful.
He almost ignores the Wethrins and their speech, they lost him when the old man called him a halfling!
Finally, the phrase "higher circles" caught his attention. He'd really like to have the ring for himself but Silan can have it too, as long as he's willing to share. Perhaps when they reach the city they could take advantage of the Withers' offer to spend some time "in their halls". He doubts they could find respectable accomodation, especially in a city with such a reputation, so some noble hospitality would be very welcome.
They could even have a library...
He's heard the conversation about the dead guards' bodies but he's not willing to participate since he doesn't feel he can cotribute much. Even though he finds the "net" idea a bad one he can't come up with something better.
The one thing the gnome knows for sure is that he's travelling the rest of the way on the carriage even if that would mean he'd drive it himself!

[Professor Gnoll]

Lady Wethrin raises an eyebrow at your suggestion. "Well, yes. We could drag the bodies to the city like a haul of fish. Or, if I may be so bold, we could return to the city, alert the guards, and allow them to collect the bodies." She turns and gestures towards the carriage. "Come. It seems our good Captain has the peasantry well under control, so why don't you ride with us in our carriage? The recent, hmm, redecoration courtesy of a lightning bolt has accorded us some additional space. We'll be in Valzana momentarily, and in substantially more comfort." Lord Wethrin bobs his head up and down."Y-yes, do come with us..."

[Adrian Gecko]

"Thank you, Lord Wethrin. May Lord Solas bless your house."

I felt more at ease knowing there are good people here, but I could not help but be afraid. The area around the city was dangerous, and there was a reason corpses had to be disposed of. Undead form from the corpses of those not properly put to rest, or so I heard. I had never seen an undead before, I did not want to have to deal with one.

[RickAllison]

"I greatly appreciate your offer, Lord and Lady Wethrin, but my bardic talents are needed among the people. An uplifting, marching song sounds like it is in order, despite the tragedy. If we are near enough to the city to allow the guards to handle their comrades, that is a fine idea."
Smiling, Silan leaves to gather Kara, Karth, and any other horses that the bandits abandoned. It would be wise to limit the amount of time spent outside the city walls, so getting the old and young mounted would be best.

[Professor Gnoll]

Lady Wethrin smiles graciously. "As you wish. Those of you who wish to join us in the carriage, you may do so. We can rendezvous outside the city gates." She turns and begins to walk towards the carriage, arm-in-arm with her husband. "Quickly now. It would be unwise to tarry past sunset."
The Guard Captain, grim faced, is shouting orders to the millimg mass of peasants who begin to trudge towards the city. Once again, the caravan is on the move.

[psychopomp23]

Searching in his backpack he finds what he was looking for; his waterskin. Kneeling, he pours some of its content on the dirt to make mud. He then tries to remove as painlessly as possible using his strong hands.

Applying the cold mud on his wound, to try to stop the bleeding to carry on the rest of the way he then washes his hands with some of the water left from inside his pouch.

Rising up, apparently pleased with his work he turn to talk to the half-elf:

Sing us a uplifting song to bring us to our destination!

[RickAllison]

Grinning, Silan pulls out his flute and begins playing a simple, but charming melody...

Spoiler: Music, Maestro!

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[Felvion]

The melodies of the flute and his companions' commitment to travel with the crowd bring second thoughts to Dimple.
Do we really have to escort these peasants? We already saved them once. Well, I hate to be the odd one but I see no point of me staying with them, I'd slow them down and they better give the horses to children and women. To be honest, Ris, a gnome riding a horse is a spectacle itself, I'm not willing to share a mount either.
"I think I'm going to accept your offer milady and join you and Lord Withern for the rest of the road."
Looking back to his friends, Dimple feels bad for leaving them. Passing by Menaric, he says "It's not only about my comfort, I'm too tired and I'd slow you down. I don't want to take a mount eiter, there are others needing it more. I think going with the Witherns is the best choice for me."
"Hopefully we'll meet at the city gates soon." he adds as he leaves to climb once again to the carriage driver seat.

[Professor Gnoll]

The caravan is back in motion, but even Silan's cheerful melody can't break the solemn silence. Peasants glance around, fearful of another attack, while the Guard Captain is completely silent save for the occasional growled order to a straggler. Luckily, your progress is smooth, with no further incidents. Finally, you've reached the gates of Zaloran, also known as Valzana.
Despite the melancholy air of the caravan, there's still something of a ripple of amazement at the sight of Valzana's magnificent gates. Two vast, gilded statues from the archway- one of a terrifying manticore, rendered in frighteningly accurate detail, arms stretched out. It's tail is so lifelike you could swear it was about to lash out. The second is an ancient oak , possessed of gnarled branches and realistically rendered hollows in which tiny golden animals reside. It's an incredible work of artistry, and only enhanced by the thousands of flowers that pour down the gate. And the flowers are everywhere- lilies, orchids, irises, daisies dangle down the stone walls of the town, stream across the floor and nestle amongst the teeth of the manticore. The whole city seems to be flooded in them, and your noses take in the perfumed air, washing away the distinct smell of blood that has hung in the air since the attack.

[RickAllison]

Just quietly enough so that the nobles and their retinue couldn't hear, Silan says, "Just think of how much money went into that statuary, and how many mouths it could have fed instead."

[Adrian Gecko]

This is perhaps the most gaudy display I have seen. Truly, there must be a lot of money in this city, more than I could ever imagine.

[psychopomp23]

Walking along side the caravan you can hear a loud sneeze coming from the Goliath

What is that odor!? My nose is itching at the smell of it!

While blocking one of his nostril with his finger he inhales and forces the rest of the green slime from his nose into the ground

Urgh cities...

[Felvion]

It was about time thinks Dimple as they reach the gates of Zaloran.
He takes a moment to gaze at the statues. Even though he's read about this archway decoration, no picture or other description can compare to the impressive, first hand view he gets entering the city.
I wonder if we can find any information on the silver star-and-crown sign these bandits wore, or this star signet ring. I guess we should report this information to the city authorities.
Well... Not before we get some rest, right Ris?

[Professor Gnoll]

As you pass through the gates, the perfumed scent of flowers grows even stronger, until it cloyingly fills your nostrils, almost leaving you gasping for air. And the reason is clear to see- flowers are everywhere. They pour out of windowsills and nestle in the corners. The gutters overflow with roses, daisies, violets, irises, primroses and a thousand other petalled plants.
The city itself appears to be built upon a gentle incline, and you ca n make out the docks in the distance, some distance below you- a vast cluster of sails and gently rocking wood. The sea itself is lit ablaze by the slowly setting sun.
The houses and buildings are disordered and haphazardly organised, built in dozens of completely different architectural styles. You can see stone towers, finely carved wooden manors, mudbrick huts and more, all jammed up against one another. From every building flows not only flowers but fluttering flags in a multitude of colours, displaying all sorts of heraldry and iconography- the king's own nine-starred flag here, a labyrinthine Minotaur flag there- it's a truly impressive display.
In the distance, there is a particularly notable piece of architecture- a large hill upon which is built some kind of palace. From this far away, you can't make out the details, but it appears to be almost entirely coated in gold.
While the outskirts of the city seem only lightly populated, you can see larger groups of people further in.
The Guard Captain rides up to you, bringing her horse to a halt. "You're free to go. Try to find an inn and rest for tonight- then come along to the guardhouse tomorrow. Until then." Her voice is brusque, and she does not wait for a reply before wheeling around and departing. Clearly, she is not in the mood for a conversation.