Cadogan can’t understand what Hans is saying, but he gives him a a stern look as Hans twists the rope into a noose. “There’s no need to make threats- they know what they’re facing.”
looks down his impressive nose at Cadogan, lifts one cheek off the pony saddle, makes one eloquent comment
Crumlin comments that if Gawain were here, he would tell Hans off too.
The Kobolds are surprised that they were overheard and understood. They blurt out (in Kobold)
"We’ve heard of Gisbourne - please don’t send us to him! :eek:
We’ll tell you what you want to know.
It was all the Shaman’s fault. He used to cast a few minor spells and we lived rough, hunting and foraging for food. We got some work, because we can dig and see in the dark.
Then a stranger turned up and the Shaman got big ideas. He started wearing those posh red and black robes and we hooked up with the Giant.
It was lucky, because the stranger had given the Shaman the huge suit of Chain Mail and we thought it was really stupid we had to carry it everywhere. But it was just what the Giant needed, so he joined us.
Then the Shaman said we had to kill people, so we did. Grzt argued, so the Shaman told the Giant to kill Grzt. Then we stopped arguing.
Then the Shaman said we had to eat people, so we did.
I’m sorry about that - but it was the best meat we ever ate …errr… :smack: :o
Then the Shaman had a vision. He said this kid (they indicate John Baker) was coming. Well he was - brought by 3 men to us. They just handed him over and left. They didn’t have any markings, but they looked like military men (the way they marched and obeyed orders).
And the Shaman said we were going to eat him too.
Are we going to die?"
Cullen says to the Kobolds, “As you are cooperating with us and if you continue to, I see no reason why you would die. We will also turn you over to the Temple of Heimdall and the fair-minded Lady Edith.”
The Kobolds confer briefly then add
“We admit we attacked people and stole things, even before the Shaman changed our lives.
We could probably identify the men who brought the human kid to us - isn’t that worth something?”
Cullen to the Kobolds, “Yes, identifying the men should be worth a lot in reducing your sentence … … umm punishment. It will also get a very good word put in my us.”
Crumlin can go stick his head up his postern gate, Crumlin can.
Sure, long as you’re playing along, I guess we can get you lighter treatment. Always makes sense to go after the boss, if we can.
To the Kobolds: I give you my word as a curate of the high curch that the High Priestess will treat you most fairly. Continue to co-operate and all shall be well. You will have to pay for your crimes, of course, but petty theft will get you a much lighter sentence than kidnapping and murder.
The Kobolds are now ready to plead guilty to theft, robbery, kidnapping and worshipping an evil God.
They decide to ask the judge for some mercy because:
- it’s not ‘Hanging’ Guy Gisbourne
- they admit their crimes
- they will identify the soldiers who kidnapped the boy
- they thought the Shaman would kill them if they didn’t go along with him
The party have no trouble getting back to Oakham. (John Baker enjoys riding on Mearas.)
They can see Simon waiting patiently for them. He has obviously bought the Town Crier a drink, since that worthy citizen is sitting next to him, complete with bell.
Hulgfar bids the party a cheerful farewell and sets off for Portsmouth.
Crumlin gives him a couple of Cures before he leaves (for 10 points)
The gate guards give the Kobolds suspicious looks…
Cadogan rolls his eyes and pulls ahead of Hans.
Well, the kobolds cooperated, so I’ll see them off to Edith, then stick around for the trial if it’s going to be quick or go off to John Smith to sell off the weapons (and let him make a bid on the armor).
Are there any objections to my taking the Giant’s shield as part of my share of loot? I seem to have left mine behind in Nottingham.
A trial for kobolds… (Ergj smiles wryly to himself.)
No objections to taking the shield. Also, I could use a bit of healing myself.
In answer to Cadogan’s query about the shield, Cullen answers, “The shield is non-magical so I see no reason why you should not claim it.”
Cadogan takes the shield.
The shield is a standard human-made one, is in good condition and worth about 5 gold. It can only be used with a one-handed weapon, when it gives +15% defence.
Crumlin casts Cure Light Wounds on Erjg (for 7 points).
(Erjg is now down [COLOR=Red]21)[/COLOR]
Since the Kobolds are pleading guilty, their trial will be very quick.
John Smith, the Weaponsmith, lives in Upper Hambleton - on the edge of Rutland Water.
(Simon Smith comes from there too.)
Oh. That’s a good deal out of the way, then. Simon Smith is the local smith? Then we’ll go to him after the trial.
Crumlin explains that Smith is a pretty common name hereabouts.
Simon is a retired peasant, who is proud to be an ‘associate’ of Cullen. He comes from Upper hambleton, where John Smith really is the smith.
“Shall we deliver the prisoners … to the Temple for trial? After that, perhaps we can … see to the horses and … see young John back to the … bosom of his family Or … the other way round, mayhap.”
So who, then, is the local blacksmith?
Crumlin explains that Smith is a pretty common name hereabouts.
He adds that there has been a surge of popularity in the name Robinson recently, and jokes that Robin must have been busy (or popular)…
You know of two Smiths already:
- John Smith, the Weaponsmith who lives in Upper Hambleton
- Simon Smith (probably some relation), retired peasant who comes from Upper Hambleton
The Stables in Oakham (where a few of you bought your horses) are run by John Little (known as Little John). He does do horseshoeing, but would probably send to Uppingham for more complicated work (where Arthur Smith is the Smith).
The Kobolds are safely brought to the Temple of Heimdall in Oakham, attracting a lot of interest from many folk shopping on Market Day.
High Priestess Edith Weston immediately accepts responsibility for judging the Kobolds and provides a suitable cell for them.
Given all that is going on (e.g. County Fair tomorrow), she states there will be a speedy trial (later today).
Jimmy Baker, John’s father, is already at the Temple hoping for his boys safe return, gladly embraces his lad and thanks the party effusively.
The Town Crier, who has been lauding the party’s rescue of John Baker, switches to announcing the trial.
Here are some people the party has met (or heard about):
Thorganby Wheldrake (Human) Baron, sponsors County Fair
Sir Guy Gisbourne (Human) Lord of the Manor (Oakham)
Edith Weston (Human) High Priestess (Heimdall, Oakham)
Marian (Human) Senior Druid (Rutland) + candidate for Sheriff
Crumlin (Human) Acolyte Cleric (Heimdall, Oakham) + candidate for Sheriff
Cuthbert (Curly) Brown (Human) porter + candidate for Sheriff
Will Scarlett (Human) Oakham Bowyer
Little John (Human) Oakham stables
Alan A’Dale (Human)Oakham bard (The Old Plough)
Jack Baker (Human) Youthful potential thief
Jimmy Baker (Human) Baker, father of Jack and John
John Baker (Human) Youthful kidnap victim
Simon Smith (Human) Upper Hambleton peasant
John Smith (Human) Weaponsmith, lives in Upper Hambleton
Arthur Smith (Human) Smith, lives in Uppingham
Fundin (Dwarf) Miner