Part 3: Investigating the Moathouse Ruins

Death save

Coulson lies on his back, seeing Sister Alice above him, his life’s blood spurting out into her face as she throttles him to try and stem the bleeding
"Grghghrgrhhugh" he gurgles at Alice "Blughrrhedh furgle glub" he coughs more blood into her face as he tries to communicate his final thoughts

"Be still Coulson, don't speak. You did a fine job, you are truly fearless and Saint Cuthbert will welcome you into his kingdom with open arms."

As the dwarf's life slips away, Alice prays to her lord for mercy.

"Righteous father, blessed is he who spills his blood on behalf of the weak. Judge this man mercifully and if it is his time then bring him quickly to your kingdom, but if his task be not finished return him to us to fight against darkness once more!"

Alice closes the dwarfs lifeless eyes and makes the sign of her faith above him, folding his arms over his chest with his weapon between them.

Then she turns her head to the captive bandit...

Alice quickly rises and marches over to where Elmo is holding the man, weapon in hand.

"On his knees Mister Elmo!"

Alice stands before the prisoner and holds forth her medallion as she speaks.

"In the name of the righteous Saint Cuthbert I judge you guilty of crimes including arson, letchery, trespass, refusal to yield and murder. The sentence is death, what say you all in witness?

Alice looks around to her companions gathered nearby...

Eltrezar stands silently and stoically, observing the priestess hovering over the body of her companion (of how long, the wizard did not know). It was not his place to speak. After Alice finishes her prayer, he places a hand on her shoulder and tries to add his comfort. "He died as all truly noble warriors yearn, protecting others from harm. It was a good death, as I am sure Moradin would agree. Untimely, but befitting. We shall ensure his body is taken care of properly, but for now we must ensure his death was not in vain. This encampment may still have present those wishing violence upon the village."

Seeing Sister Alice approach the bandit, Eltrezar objects to his outright murder. "This man has much to answer for, and I am sure we would be wise in asking questions first. And is your god not one of justice? There are laws in this land, and I would see that this criminal stand before the rightful law." He then turns to the bandit. "As for you, one should hope you can justify this mercy I have requested. Tell us about this camp. Tell us about your friends. Tell us about what is waiting for us inside, and what you were hoping to accomplish?"

Alice considers Eltrezar's words and hears the bandits plea for mercy.

"Good sir Eltrezar, your words are wise but my God is one of righteous vengeance and the penalty for such crimes is always death."

To the bandit she speaks,

"You did not yield either time I called for it and your resistance led to the death of one send under the charge of the town militia."

Alice looks to Elmo,

"You sir are the Captain of that militia and have the authority to pass judgement in the name of law, what say you?"

"If it is as your god commands, then so be it. The one I answer to cares more about unnecessary folding of page corners than dealt justice. But let us at least gather information before cutting off a possible source. After all, is The Cudgel not a patron of common sense?"

"Indeed he is Master Mage, but the common sense I find true is that a prisoner under interrogation will tell you anything if you whip him hard enough. If you would speak to this man then by all means, have at, but he must answer for the death of our man."

"Well, man, allow me to ask my questions again. Only this time, know that certain death is in your future. If you are useful, I shall ask that the good Elmo here end you swiftly. If you are uncooperative, then I shall stand back as my enraged, justice-drunk companion bring you down with her hammer. While I have not yet been killed before, I know damn well which I would prefer. Now then. Are there any more in the moathouse, and what were you planning?"

After hearing the man spill his guts, likely hoping to survive this encounter, Eltrezar stands for a moment with pursed lips. He runs his fingers through his beard, and he clears his throat.

AHRMPH! "Thank you for obliging. This is all very useful information. And as promised, Elmo will mete out swift punishment. May the gods see the actions of your final moments as they judge you."

"May whatever god you serve have mercy on your soul."

Alice nods to Elmo.

Alice looks proudly at Elmo,

"Well done, truly struck. Nasty business but God's will is justly served."

Alice pats a hand on Elmo's shoulder in comfort and then walks back to the body of Coulson. On her way she pauses, and over her shoulder says

"If anyone sees a cat, we'll take it back to the barn with us. It can grow fat on the rats therein."

The cleric wraps the body of Coulson in her cloak and then retrieves her horse, over which she lays the body of her slain comrade.

Gilly watches the execution from somewhere further into the courtyard, sitting on the steps there perhaps.

Oh my...I didn’t expect any of this...

She looks around at the bodies that she had brought down herself. Her mind whirled for a moment. She hadn’t done anything like this before, and yet when the bolts started flying, she immediately felt the instinct to fight, and protect. Maybe she was an adventurer, she thought. What did that mean for her as a person? A Halfling...

Is it possible to witness this scene again and again and maintain the bubbly spirit of her kind?, she wondered to herself without even really realizing she was doing so.

Before picking over any of the bodies for clues, or searching the keep for any signs of life, Gilly goes over to look at Coulson. She bends down over his face, splattered with blood. She rubs the side of his face, and slightly pinches his cheeks, to ensure it’s really him. Tears start to well in her eyes for this companion that she never got a chance to fully know. And never would