The Church's Justice

[GM Craig]

Sir Cedwyn, in the company of his squire Haydn and companion Sir Artaigne, along with a press of militia from his peasants, make their away through the Selwood  along the old Roman road between Wells and Vagon. This is near the limits of Salisbury, but still within the lands of Earl Rodrick. The Selwood has an evil reputation, as most large forests do, but superstitions can be set aside when carrying out the Lord's work.

Father Thomas had been most appreciative of Sir Cedwyn's efforts on behalf of the church. And while he promised spiritual benefits, there was no word of compensation for the costs to Sir Cedwyn to raise his militia off-season. The cost was, in truth, not significant - just some supplies and wear and tear on war gear, so it was easily borne.

Your guide, a taciturn fellow, knows the Selwood well, and leads you directly to the settlement. You stand there presently, on a small hillock overlooking a long-abandoned stone building with a collapsed roof and tumble-down walls, re-purposed into a makeshift church.  A cluster of small huts and tents have grown around the structure. The numbers the bishop reported were accurate - about thirty dirty peasants mill about below, making a living in the forest - and poaching on the Earl's lands - you can both see deer roasting over a fire. These peasants are likely runaways from their manors, and so outlaws as well. It seems there is little need for clemency, though as the voice of law in these lands you are free to decide their fate.

[Actions?]

These people are clearly no threat to anyone. They have no weapons beyond crude hunting bows and skinning knives, and no one keeps watch. The poaching itself is enough to earn them the hangman's noose, though someone generous of spirit would allow that they need to survive. There does not appear to be anyone of quality among the rabble of escaped serfs. You would be well justified in riding down on them under arms, putting the lot of them to the sword, and burning the small village to ash.

There are women and children among the villagers.

Up to you how you proceed. Feel free to discuss, or just let me know in general terms how you intend to proceed. They are no threat to you, and could not really threaten you even if they wanted to. I don't necessarily need specific actions, your general intent is enough, but we can get more detailed if you like.

[Cedwyn]

[could I offer them the protection Winterbourne on Stoke if they renounce their heresy?]

[GM Craig]

[OOC: Up to you. You *are* the law so you can do whatever you like, though the Earl may overrule you (if he finds out), so be careful what you promise. These are outlaws though, who likely ran away from their rightful lords. When serfs get the idea they can get uppity, nobles tend to die, so this might be sending an unwelcome message. If you took them for the purposes of inflicting punishment (hard labour, etc.) that might be more socially acceptable.]

Again, up to you how to handle this.

[Artaigne]

ooc: Waiting to see Cedwyn's take on this before I chime in.

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn sidled up to Sir Artaigne. Under the winter clothing and armor, it was clear the knight looked distinctly uncomfortable.

“It is the heretic we want. I mislike killing women and children; it only breeds contempt. And it feels wrong. Any who attempt to gainsay us meet justice. The remainderwill be be brought before the Earl and returned to their rightful lords.”

[Artaigne]

"As you command, milord.  I admit I am also loath to kill woman and child.  Let us hope these peasants were only mislead and not completely corrupted by this heresy."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn sighed, “Those who were corrupted will show us their nature by how they respond. Those merely misled...labor is a cleansing thing. That said,” and sotto voce added, “never say this in my lady wife’s presence, their lords likely mistreat them. They run away because their lords are inattentive and foolish with them. A lord who mistreats his peasants mistreats his land. They are part of the land and the trust we hold for our lords. That said, it is my duty to return them to their lords. As much as it pains me.”

Louder he called to his militia , “Men of Winterbourne Stoke, to arms. We come for a heretic. Any below who gainsay the Lord’s Justice are to be met with your arms. Those who do not interfere will come with us to face the justice of the Earl and their lords.”

Tis the best I know I can do. He thought. Were I able to promise it, I would bring them to Winterbourne Stoke. But how do I know I could trustthem not to run away. They are outlaws under the Earl’s Justice. Killing his deer. And I woupd gain ill will of my peers...or worse my betters. No. Tis the best I can do. Though tos not justice. Lord guide my hand. And let me see the way. He prayed silently.

[GM Craig]

You trot down the hill, with your militia spreading out to support and protect you. Artaigne on the left, Haydn on the right, you must be an imposing figure. The outlaws see you, and screams spread through the camp and some run, and others run for weapons. Some of the serfs grab heavy objects and rush to block your progress. They are summarily cut down by your militia - serfs are well beneath bloodying your blades.

The more prudent among the outlaws form a line, and back up slowly as you and your forces advance. Naked fear is on their faces, and more than a few are mouthing silent prayers. Behind them, the children and women run, scatter or hide as their means and imaginations allow. The line of serfs stops retreating then, and you are faced with the grim choice of ordering your men forward when a loud voice cuts through the scene.

"Hold!"

You see a wizened old man with unruly hair and a long beard, dressed in a filthy long robe that may have been white at some point in the distant past, emerge from the ruined structure. He walks with a crooked staff, and surveys the scene before his eyes fall on you. He seems to consider a moment, then nods to himself.

"My flock, put down your weapons. Surrender to these knights, or they will be forced to kill you all."

A wave of protest runs through the crowd, but the old man waves them silent. "Silence!" He continues, in a gentler tone. "You all knew this day would come.  What will be will be, and remember whatever they do to you, greater rewards await you in the hereafter! Your names will be remembered as martyrs!"

The crowd seems to relax, their fear turning to sadness. The old man makes his way through the crowd. Those that are close enough reach out and touch him. At length he stands before you.

"I know why you have come. I beg only that you spare those who keep their faith and surrender peacefully. Do not punish all for the actions of those few who's faith is not as strong."

[Cedwyn]

Cedwyn nodded to his men, “Disarm them and place them under guards. Bind the men’s hands as well as those of any childless women. Women with
Children may remain unbound so long as they cause no trouble.”

He turned his attention to Ellis, “By order of the Church, Ellis, once-priest, you are sentenced to die for heresy and for bring ing others to follow you in this heresy.”

Cedwyn dismounted, hand on Witchbane’s hilt.

“It is my duty to carry out this sentence. Kneel, Ellis, and prepare to face the Lord.”

More quietly, so only Ellis could hear, “I can make no promises towards the peasants in your care. Their lords will want justice. The Earl too. Those that come quietly and repent of this heresy will be spared.”

Once Ellis knelt, Cedwyn drew Witchbane and held the blade to his face, sayijg a quiet prayer, whispering, “Lord, I commend this man to thy care and Justice. May Your Will be done.”

Cedwyn raised Witchbane high and then brought it down upon Ellis’s exposed neck.

[GM Craig]

As you raise your sword, the old man says, "I forgive you, Sir Knight." A flash of steel, and his head comes away from his neck.

Some of the serfs scream and others rush your soldiers. A few are killed as a result, but most of those observing are quiet.

[Artaigne]

The Irishman stood by impassively as the judgment was delivered, his sword drawn, but in the low ready.  He did not think the peasants a threat, but he was not about to let himself be caught unprepared. 

As the peasants were brought back to heel, he spoke loud enough to be heard.  "See, hear, and remember that the Lord is a jealous God and righteous judge!  There are temporal consequences to spiritual failings.  Let them remain temporal and each of you look to your eternal souls.  Let not your standing with the Lord be swayed by this one man.  Return to your lands, and serve your lords as God commands.  The scriptures say that those who honor their earthly masters will be eternally rewarded by their heavenly Master.  If the toil is troublesome, remember that our Lord Christ was also tormented here on earth and said that His servants will face no less, but be blessed for bearing up underneath it."

[Artaigne]

ooc: Would this be the right place for an orate or spiritual trait check?

[GM Craig]

[Absolutely.]

[Artaigne]

Orate roll 5 vs 5 success!
Spiritual roll 19 vs 12 failure

[GM Craig]

[rolling the target number exactly is a crit. Make yourself down for an Orate check under pending skill checks in your personal board.]

Sir Artaigne's words are simple, but delivered with conviction. Several heads nod, and several peasants
come forward to offer their thanks for your mercy.

In the end, while there were some regrettable deaths, the outcome was quite good. The Church's justice was carried out, with a minimal loss of life. Peasants can be flighty and inconstant by nature, but the strength of Sir Artaigne's admonishment and the strength of his conviction moved many to repent who otherwise might not have.

[Sir Cedwyn and Sir Artaigne both earn checks for Pious and Merciful.]

Back at the manor. The father recieves the report of justice carried out with satisfaction. He seems a little disappointed that you spared so many of the others, but his primary goal was to sever the head of the serpent, and so is satisfied.

He says, "Sir Cedwyn, in acknowledgement of your piety and faithfulness to the Church, the Bishop has empowered me to offer you a choice. You current priest is a pious, but unlearned man. He could provide you with a more scholarly shepherd for your flock, at the expense of the Church. Or, the Bishop could see his way clear to erecting a shrine on your lands, which would also bring certain benefits. What say you, Sir?"

[Sir Cedwyn gets 100 Glory, and Sir Artaigne gets 50 Glory.]