We have reason to believe Goretooth did not act alone. A caravan guard passing through LCO lands messaged me the other night. He told me several weeks ago he was leaving the tavern in New Dhirim and stopped to take a piss in the back alley. He says he saw two shadowy figures there and decided to eavesdrop. This is what he heard:
Unidentified voice: This peace with the Thirteen Knights ill suits me, Goretooth. We've let those swine have their own way for far too long. Now they get stronger with each passing day and their arrogance knows no bounds. I say, we must wage war on them before it's too late. Unfortunately some of the bleeding hearts among our faction's leaders are blocking a declaration of war. Witless cowards with no stomach for blood.
Goretooth: You are right sir, but what can we do?
Unidentified voice: Ah,'tis good to hear someone who understands! As a matter of fact, there is something we can do, Goretooth. A little bit of provocation... If one of our war parties managed to pillage one of their caravans they would have ample cause to declare war on us. And then, well, even the cowards among us must rise to defend themselves. So what do you say? Are you interested?
Goretooth: An excellent plan. Count me in.
This leads me to believe that Goretooth was trying to improve his relations with one of the more belligerent LCO lords. I only wish he was asked to deliver a letter or train 7 recruits instead. But what is done is done.
As for the recompensation, Azraeyal had 1800 goods, which he could have sold at 350% at 25 silver per good which, according to my shaky math, is 157,500 silver, minus tax. As for the punitive damages, can you really put a price on anguish and mental suffering? Azraeyel was more like a father to his troops than a commander. He took the time to talk to each one of them, learned about their families and their hopes and dreams, and would host a pizza night every thursday for them. He loved them, and they loved him.
But we are reasonable men. We will reduce the punitive damages to 500,000 silver, and round down the value of the goods to 150,000 silver, for a grand total of 650,000. But in exchange for our magnanimity, we ask that LCO charge Goretooth with treason, and strip him of his lands and titles and boot him from the faction. We would also like them to find the 'unidentified voice' and do the same to him. We suspect it's Chevalier Panda. His very name gives him away. While I do not know Panda at all, his name suggests a homicidal maniac who will stop at nothing to spread bloodshed and mayhem over the length and breadth of Calradia. Panda. Ooh, just saying the name gives me shivers.
And, once LCO delivers us our generous offer, we would not use the gear and troops against them because if we did, no one would ever trust us again, plus LCO seems like a bunch of decent guys who already have their hands full fighting off Jack's plated armies. Except for Panda. That guy freaks me out.
