Into the dark forest....

[gazzaverage]

"I hate them" replies Dross. "I say kill them"

OOC- I'll let you guys sort this out among yourself.

[aerondor]

[Ilmanyal]
The scholar shrugs. "Evil, yes. Beyond redemption? Who amongst us can say. It is a dark day that we wear the cloak of our enemy. I cannot stop you from slaying them, but I will not assist in these deeds. Your gods watch over your actions Cain, Gunther. They will hold you accountable for them."

[Jondera]

Gunther shrugs. "Certainly, killing these things is neither a kind nor a spiritually lifting act, but we know that they have commited crimes; murder and theft among them; Dross here is proof. Justice, though not always pretty or enjoyable, must be dispensed."

With that, he nods to Dross, and raises his crossbow again.

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+3:	(2) + 3	Total = 5
d6:	6

[Malkier]

A doubtfull look comes onto the cleric's face as he listens to the scholar speak of evil and redemption. He draws another arrow, lowering his bow to reply.
"If you want to assume personal responsibility for the custody and rehabilitation of these two gnoll killers, then be my guest Ilmanyal. If they were fellow men, halflings, elves or dwarves, the races that tend toward good, I would consider turning them in to the authorities. Although our prisons aren't exactly known for rehabilitation. They are closer to thieve's schools. Anyway, I'm sure Captain Mallory won't take them. Letting them go and hoping for their salvation is a pipe-dream. Heironeous seeks justice as do I. I don't think of Wee Jas as a compationate god either."

With that, Cain raises his bow and fires three more arrows at the pinned creatures.

Bow attack 1 
Dice Roll:
(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+4: 
(17) + 4 
Total = 21
  Damage 
Dice Roll:
(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d8+2: 
(2) + 2 
Total = 4
  
Bow attack 2 
Dice Roll:
(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+4: 
(9) + 4 
Total = 13
  Damage 
Dice Roll:
(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d8+2: 
(5) + 2 
Total = 7
  
Bow attack 3 
Dice Roll:
(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+4: 
(11) + 4 
Total = 15
  Damage 
Dice Roll:
(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d8+2: 
(6) + 2 
Total = 8

[aerondor]

[Ilmanyal]
"Would that I could speak their language.. I shall endeavour to not be so lacking in the future. While my reason cannot deny your logic, my heart tells me that the wrong that is wrought this day will come back to haunt us. For justice to be done, surely those who are receiving it must realise what is happening, and why."

With a sad eye, Ilmanyal watches the slaughter, his hands go to his ears to block the pitiful yapping, but then with a glare he pulls them back down, his face drawn and angry, although whether at the gnolls, his companions, or his own ability to alter the situation is anyone’s guess.

[GLM]

Abban stands there, watching the exchange between Ilmanyal, Cain and Gunther. After long pause, he speaks. "Well, I can't say that I like this. But if I'm going to to kill them, I gotta do it my way."

He starts walking towards the trapped gnolls, sword in hand.

[gazzaverage]

You slaughter the entangleds gnolls. All falls silent.

For defeating a large group of gnolls, each of you recieves 700XP

[rasty]

OOC:Sorry for my absense. My pc crashed for good (windows...original pro) and I am on vacation right now so I think Argonath will head back to Thanedor for now or somewhere safe. I'll try to post one more time today after I think this over a bit.

[GRIMM IRONHAND]

Carll watches without showing a care one way or the other.Perhaps these fleabags have something that might be of value.Carll moves over to the bodies and searches them and presents anything of value or interest to the party.

[aerondor]

[Ilmanyal]
"We should not waste too long here, we have two, maybe three obvious choices. Firstly tracking the one who got away, second burning these bodies so the necromancer will not make us face them twice, or third perhaps retiring back to the Coachhouse... lingering here for too long would be unwise."

Blackie, friend, keep your eyes open, let me know if you see more figures appraoch...

The scholar seems to either have put the recent slaughter behind himself, or perhaps be trying to keep so busy as to not have to think too much about it...

[Malkier]

Cain watches the life leave the last gnoll and turns to the scholar.
"You are right my friend, we should move on quickly. The one that escaped will no doubt join his allies. They may even mount a retaliation with a larger force. We should make for a fortified spot to set up camp. The gorge would do nicely. We could follow the river a half-mile back the way we came. Our tracks would lead into the gorge but we could make a hidden camp on the cliff above. If they decide to follow our trail, we would have higher ground. Marcus should be waiting there with the horses."

The heavily armored warrior scans the road to either side. "I think I'd rather take their heads than make a fire here. The stench would spread far and wide."

Cain dismounts his horse drawing his long sword and a large canvas bag. He methodically goes to each corpse, decapitating the gnolls and placing the heads into his bag. When he is done he retrieves his flail and lance, mounting Fontana again.
He looks to the group obviously trying to ignore the bloody sack hanging from his saddle.
"So then, shall we make for our campsite?"

[aerondor]

[Ilmanyal]
The scholar looks on in a somewhat puzzled way, asking.
"I'm not sure what taking their heads will achieve...that will stop people talking to them, but not reusing their bodies. All their information and more will be given away by the one that got away. Do you think there is any chance we could track him down and catch him?"

[GRIMM IRONHAND]

I am not sure that tracking the one who escaped would be wise at the moment. For one we are in his territory and second this could have been a scouting party for a much larger force in which case I would reccomend leaving this place as soon as possible before the scent of blood on the air brings predators or worse.

[Malkier]

Cain speaks up.
"I agree with Carl, if we were to follow this gnoll we would be getting deeper into the enemy's territory. He has a head start on us fleeing into the woods. We cannot catch up to him following his tracks untill he stops for the night."

He turns to the scholar. "The only reason I would take their heads is to keep them from being raised by a necromancer Ilmanyal. I am so new to the faith, I don't know if this is enough. If we must burn them then we must."

The cleric racks his brain trying to remember the details of necromancy.
Knowledge religion

Dice Roll:

(as this is an older post, these rolls are interpreted by the older (more basic) dice roller code)
d20+4:	(16) + 4	Total = 20

OOC:Can a headless corpse be animated?

[GLM]

Abban weighs in:
"Yeah. I see your point Ilmanyal, but we could be setting ourselves up for an ambush if we go after him. Go back, rest up, I could use some, and come back again. Maybe we take a different route once we get back to this point."