Jaana And The Goblin: 1
From Atlantic Roleplay Wiki
Title: Jaana and the Goblin: 1
Author: Chris McCubbin
You know that the fellowship of the Druids is dedicated to the Virtue of Justice, and that Druids are from ancient times the custodians of the High Court of the land. It was also the custom, in bygone days, for Druids You know that the fellowship of the Druids is dedicated to the Virtue of Justice, and that Druids are from ancient times the custodians of the High Court of the land. It was also the custom, in bygone days, for Druids or three times in a year.
Now it happened that one of the larger towns in this region — a walled mountain fortress — was engaged in a fierce and ongoing battle with a tribe of goblins that lived in those parts. The object of this contention was the control and security of a nearby mountain pass, which brought trade to the humans and plunder to the goblins. The chief engine of this conflict's continuance was a goblin chieftain of exceptional wit and ambition, who for years bedeviled all humans who passed through his territory.
One day it came to pass that a patrol of men from the town happened upon a small band of lightly armed goblins, whom they immediately engaged and quickly vanquished. Much to their surprise and delight, at the end of the battle they discovered that very chief of the goblins who was the source of all their tribulations, still living and helpless in their custody.
They bore their captive back to town amidst great rejoicing, for they knew that without their leader the goblins of the mountains must soon fall, and the pass would once again be safe and in civilized hands. So when the goblin chief was brought to their town, the people immediately commenced a great feast, where much food was consumed, and far more strong mountain liquor than food.
Amidst all the revelry, the chief topic of discussion was how to best dispose of the captive enemy of the people, and as the impromptu festival continued, the plots for the goblin's demise became ever more elaborate and impractical.
It was in such a mood that Jaana the Druid was seen approaching the town. And certain wags took it into their heads that it would be greatly amusing to set their bestial captive to a civilized trial, and execute him formally under the King's justice. And thus before Jaana even reached the gates of the town, it was determined so to do.
When Jaana arrived she was immediately confronted by a grinning and redolent mob, which informed her with slurred mock solemnity that a notorious murderer had been captured, and was to be brought to Justice before her.
Jaana found it a bit annoying that while the entire town was obviously far-gone in merriment, she was being asked to mete out high Justice before she was even offered a cooling mug of small beer. Nonetheless, she singled out a townsman who seemed more in possession of his facilities than his compatriots, and pressed him for a summary of the case. When she had learned the nature of the case Jaana tried to dissuade the people, saying, "Look you, there is no call here for the King's Justice. This creature was taken in war, and war is governed by Honor and Valor, but Justice has no part in it.
Had you killed your enemy in battle, that would have been an Honorable deed. Even now if your city fathers choose to put him to death on their own recognizance, that would be an act of Compassion, for it would secure the safety of travelers, and the children of this town. Do what you wilt, and I will tell you if your course is lawful and Just, but there is no need for any trial of this creature, and I will not demean my station by holding one."
Some were moved by the sense of Jaana's words, but many others, addled by drink, were incensed to be deprived of the sport of a trial.
And some young rabble-rousers in the town made it their business to put it about that Jaana was refusing their community their lawful right to protection under the King's Justice. Therefore, only a few minutes after her first statement, Jaana was again confronted by...