A Nation Is Born (Inactive)

Game Master Ryuko

The third day of Pharast was not the nicest day to begin an adventure. Near dawn, the sky, fat and pregnant for days with huge dark clouds, had finally opened up, spilling a light rain which steadily grew towards torrential as the day wore on. By now, near dusk, anyone travelling has been thoroughly soaked and those without careful steps have had their legs covered in mud. As you round a hill you can see before you a light, which slowly forms into a clearer shape of a gate, standing within the wall of what looks like a light keep. The gate is made of worn old oak and the wall is half-crumbling, no determent to a truly eager foe. The light comes from a single lantern hanging from a hook outside the gate, miraculously not yet doused by the torrent.

Each of you realizes after a moment that this must be your destination, Oleg's Trading Post, the last southern port of Brevoy before The Stolen Lands beyond, and the only amount of civilized shelter for a week's travel in most directions. As you trudge toward the gate you each remember the day you recieved your charters, now tightly wound within a (luckily) waterproof scroll case on your person.

With the shelter before you, you hurry to get out of the wet cold.

Each of you feel free to describe your character and how they received the charter

"So this is Oleg's. No shining palace, but there is something beautiful in anything that gets us out of the deluge right now," Bydar gives a grateful smile at the sight of the lantern.

Each of you feel free to describe your character and how they received the charter

As might befit a priest of Shelyn, Bydar's face is a handsome one. His green eyes are clear and bright even in the rain, and while the locks of his hair are as drenched as the rest, some ladies liked the look of them. Alas, too much walking about in scale mail in such weather had him in want of a dry place and a bath to remove any smell of rust but that could be said of many of them.

Kastus shrugged his large travel pack up to his shoulders once more, cursing as his muscles protested. "I'll sure be damn glad to see that post in sight." He spit upon the ground, adding his own water to the rain. Sighing in defeat, he began walking again into the relentless rain. Leaving the shelter of the trees he had rested under, his ears were immediately assaulted by the sound of rain hitting his cloak and armor. Some might be annoyed at the constant noise, but to Kastus it was comforting. He had spent many a night standing guard in downpours just like this one, and lost just as many a good pair of boots. Gonna need another pair after I make it to that post. These ones have been soaked one too many times, I think.

As he traveled, his mind wandered back to the day he had received the charter: "Despite the strange circumstances under which you were recommended to us for this expedition, I cannot help but believe that you have the aptitude for it. Your long list of jobs, and the subsequent success rates that those jobs have had, speaks to your skill and your determination. Know, however, that you should probably make your way out of the city rather swiftly. I do believe that the tax collector you assaulted in your drunken haze means to take more than your money should his hired thugs find you. Good day, Kastus of Rostland."Smiling, Kastus shook his head in amusement. "That guy will piss himself if he finds out what I did to those idiots. Good thing I waited till I was out of Restov to rough them up."

Minutes pass, and after perhaps half an hour, Oleg's Trading Post finally enters the warrior's vision. "Damn, but that's a nice thing to see." Hurrying a bit, Kastus makes his way to the sole lantern outside the post. With a bit more light to see by, he examines the wall further. Anyone who might look down would see a large youngish man, swathed in a cloak of black cloth and well-worn metal scales upon his person. His head is covered by his cloak hood at the moment, but dark hair dips out occasionally as he looks about. The hilt of a large sword pokes out from his back, along with what might be a covered bow and quiver. His pants and boots, both brown leather, are mostly unadorned, save the odd patch or restitch. Generally, the man is soaked through, and covered in mud from his knees down.

Rapping sharply and strongly upon the gate, Kastus calls out "Ho there! I seek entrance! Who guards this place?"

humming to herself, Cedrica walks through the rain, and at random times skips in enjoyment. The rain has always made her happy, it reminded her of her youth, of jumping in muddy puddles, drinking the rain as it fell, making a simple paper boat and watching it sail along the drain.
topping the rise, Cedrica is suprised to see the establisment. Aww...i was having funshe mummers to herself with a chuckle.
walking to the building her mind takes her back to the last week, and how she got the charter...

getting closer to the building and the wall surrounding it, she sees a youngish man shouting to no one she can see. hmmmm...she thinks to herself.
walking up behind the guy, making enough noise to be heard, she walks past him and pushes at the gate, opening the side door with ease.
Care to come with me? she asks, holding the door open.

Loriel trudged through the torrential downpour her face tilted away from the rain, her woollen beret providing minimal protection from the damp. Her leather duster’s collar has been pulled up protecting her thin boyish body as best it can from drips running down the back of her neck. Hearing the other voices rise slightly above the sound of the rain Loriel looks up and sees the lantern’s glow and she gives a slight smile from under the black strands of her hair plastered to her face thanks to the rain.

“Oh finally” she said, sighing with pleasure at the thought of not having to set up for camp once again under the raining skies.

Seeing the outpost however, brought to mind the meeting that had led to her making the trip out this way. A member of the Alchemical guild in Restov had put her in contact with a man who represented the local swordlords when she’s been in town to purchase supplies, a group she’d heard of but had little contact with during her time living along the southern border of Brevoy. The man had told her that if she used the charter he gave her to expand the borders of Brevoy and clear the area of bandits she’d come into a lot of money. That promise of money, and its ability to further her research, is what had motivated her to join up.

Still walking along the path towards the outpost she looked back over her shoulder at the saddlebags lying across the back of her horse. So far they’d kept her spellbook and weapon safe but she was taking no chances, fearing the result if either became damaged. Normally she favoured brighter colours but the rain had turned her blue shirt a blackish colour where it showed from under her jacket and she was wearing her plain leather travelling boots rather then something fancy due to their utility.

All it takes is one wealthy abolitionist apparently. That fat noble basically paid for my entire trip! Lent me a pony, hired me an escort. Though I do suppose I shouldn't let him down, eh?

Liam had small saddle sores from riding his pony as often as he did, but he was determined to get to the Stolen Lands as fast as he could. This trip had been the greatest to happen to him since the night him and his partners raided that Qadiran plantation. His romantic side longed for adventure, and his philanthropic side longed to provide civility and freedom to this desolate region. Liam could not help smiling to himself.

Besides death or horrible injury, what could go wrong?

The halfling was humming a tuneless song to himself as he finally reached Oleg's. The rain had soaked him completely, and he was eager to get inside. He hopped off his pony as quickly as he could, then turned to face the guards that were sent with him.

"Thank you boys so very much. I hope the journey has been much better for you than it has been for me. Now I must be off! I would hate to disappoint our benefactor. Liam smiled a huge grin, then spun on the heel of his boot and walked inside. Liam immediately took off his boots, glad to be barefoot again, and found somewhere comfortable to rest his legs. His fingers tapped rhythmically on the table he eventually, and the light of the trading post allowed others to see him clearly. His short black hair was curled in an ever so slight fashion, framing his face nicely. His face was somewhat plain but nevertheless present, and was accentuated by two long, powerful sideburns that straddled his face like snakes. His simple clothes only served to make him seem even more approachable.

Liam let out a huge sigh of relief, and began smoking his pipe in bliss.

As everyone begins filing into the fort, a larger man with a barrel chest, wild red hair and small, angry eyes steps out of the largest building within with an ugly look. "In polite society, people tend to knock before opening the doors of a place. Might make a man twitchy." He says angrily, then points behind him. "My wife Svetlana is in there. Feel free to get some food and drink, stable your horses in there," He points to an obvious stables to the side. "I assume you're the guards sent from Brevoy?" As you head inside he comes in behind you, opening to a large kitchen and dining area combination where a svelte, pixieish blonde woman in a ponytail works away at a stove. "Are these our visitors dear?" She asks, pulling a large pot of stew from the fire. "Aye. Hungry and thirsty as you could ask." The large man, presumably the titular Oleg, gives his wife a chaste kiss as he takes the pot from her, placing it in the center of the large table in the middle of the room. "Feel free to eat. Bread will be out in a bit."

The stew is a delicious venison blend. A bit light on vegetables, but quite tasty nonetheless. The black flatbread which comes later is even better, served with dark peppers that sizzle the mouth.

Bydar wipes his feet. "Our apologies, good sir, for not knocking. I'm Bydar of Shelyn" He inclines his head to the man's wife respectfully."[/B] The scent of the food catches his nose, and he has to remind himself to say thanks to his goddess for the bounty.

"Thank you for this bounty, and may love and beauty always be found in houses as kind as this one, sweet Shelyn." a prayer both to thank his goddess and his hosts.

"If I might ask," He suddenly recalls something said as he fills his bowl "is there anything in particular you need guarding from?"

Loriel follows the group quietly and heads for the main hall after stabling her horse. Before leaving though she takes the saddle bags off of the back of her steed and slings it over her shoulders and hurries after the crowd into the dining hall.

At the entrance she carefully removes her duster and shakes the stray droplets from it before hanging it from a peg in the entryway. She takes her beret off and blows as much water as she can off of the soggy feather stuck in its rim before giving up and placing it back on her head. As she enters the hall she takes a moment to stand near the cooking fire to dry herself off and warm her bones waiting until her teeth no longer wish to chatter before taking a seat at the table and helping herself to a bowel of the stew.

“Yes” she mumbles around a mouth of stew “what was this you were saying about guards?”

Liam decides to leave the apologizing to the mailed man and immediately takes a seat. He never really did learn any manners.

"A good day to you all, and thank you very much for all of this food." The word "food" is slightly muffled by the sound of Liam stuffing the spoon into his face. He was so very hungry, and the soup was so very good.

Looking around, Liam idly eyes Svetlana, before remembering she was Oleg's wife and quickly looking away. After shifting in his seat uncomfortably, he props his head up slightly to hear Oleg's response to their questions.

Oleg sits down and digs in heartily, his hunger obviously undiminished from your perceived rudeness. He talks between bites of stew. "Lookin' like you're not guards. No uniforms and such. Probably a charter group then. Still might be a help to us, since the guards seem to be late." His expression darkens in anger. "Figures the Gods Damned Swordlords in their high towers wouldn't even tell you that we were having bandit problems here." He makes an angry gesture towards his wife, who's coming out with a bottle of wine. "Oh and my wife brings out my wine. I'll tell you now. You'd better be helping if you're drinking my wine." Svetlana has a decent vintage wine which she pours for each of you while Oleg glares at all of you in turn, then continues. "Damn bandits have been bothering us for four months now. Threatening us each month." His face darkens to a rich plum color with unbridled rage. "They. Threatened. My. Wife." He says with slow emphasis, the rage plain in his voice. Svetlana steps over and hugs him, with a quick whisper in his ear and he begins to visibly calm.

Svetlana takes up where he left off. "The men forced us to give up our furs and trade goods, as well as the meager gold we'd made that month. They keep coming back and taking our livelihood. Luckily my husband and I kept a bit of credit with a few friends who are keeping us afloat, but we can't continue if they keep taking our profits. They always come near the beginning of the month. They're late right now, so we can expect them any day. They always arrive near midday." She bit her lip, gathering strength for a moment. "The worst of them is the woman with the hatchets. She's... cruel. Purely cruel. She threatened to take Oleg's hand and... smiled... when she said they would... would..." She stopped. This time Oleg pressed her into the chair before standing ahead of you.

"The woman don't come with them much anymore. Usually it's a big cloaked fella they call 'Happs'. Used to come with 20 bandits, but it's been less each time. Last time they only came with six men." Oleg looks up, an obviously uncharacteristic look of shame on his face. "We need help... and we can pay well, including room and board until they get here. You get them to stop bothering us and we'll keep you rested and fed any time you need it." He wrings his hands in shameful anger. "Just make sure those bastards don't bother us anymore."

Cedrica calmly walks into the inn, mummuring apologies to both oleg and svetlana about the rude entry, although the man in scales did pound loud enough to be heard 50 yards away in this weather.

taking some food, she seats herself with feline grace. holding the utensiles of a well-bred woman, she begins to cut her food up and eat slowly, savoring the morsels. she sniffs at Liam's poor manners.

listening to Oleg's story, Cedrica at first seems distant, but upon hearing how they threatened his wife, she starts to get mad. her mouth purses into a pinched lip frown, eyes tighten with anger.

i know your pain, Oleg.Cedrica reaches a hand out and puts it on his to show compassion. looking at Svetlana, she does the same.especially yours. to be threatened like that is the worst; its demeaning, and makes one feel humiliated, after the shock and anger fades. That is the greatest crime, greater than stealing your coin. Coin can be replaced, but a sense of one's self, once shaken, takes such a long time to repair.Cedrica finishes staring at Svetlana.
i dont know about the rest of these others, but i promise you that i shall help defend this place against these bandits. I wont take your coin as payment, but i will gladly accept your food and a warm bed.

Bydar hear's Oleg's plight and frowns. Then he nods at Cedrica's words in agreement, "I cannot speak for anyone but myself, but I too will aid you in this. Your love has been threatened, I'd be remiss in my faith if I didn't try to assist."

With another awkward fidget, Liam slurps down another spoonful of broth. After everyone finishes speaking, he props himself up and leans back while idly feeling a scar that runs the length of his bicep.

"They do indeed sound like bastards, but also cravens and scoundrels. I'd reckon we could do exactly what you're asking. And when I consider your lovely home and your delicious cooking, how can I say no to assisting you?" Liam smiles yet another honest grin and begins to pour himself a modest amount of wine.

Loriel frowns and nods along with Bydar as Cedrica speaks to Oleg. Combing her fringe back with a hand nervously she leans forward and smiles shyly.

"Well I'm not sure how much I can offer in the way of physical support but I'll do what I can to help" she offers in her soft lilting voice.

"Our charter certainly puts stomping out banditry along side exploration of the green belt," Bydar adds as he dines, "So duty would require it as well as conscience. Is there anything else you can tell us about these bandits? You mentioned their number, but how well armed would you say they are? The more we know, the better we could prepare for them I would think."

"Thank you for your kindness Oleg. We are all chartered explorers, looks like. Guess that means we are the ones who deal with this Happs." Kastus takes a long drink before speaking again. "Might as well get the niceties done. Call me Kastus. No last name, I'm just a farm boy with a sword. Don't know about you people, but I've gotten a head start on the bandit killing. Two tried to take me about a day back uo the road. My sword left them gutless in a ditch, and I'll do the same to this Happs." A large slice of bread disappears into the man's maw. "Now that I've gotten that out of the way, don't suppose you've got a better pair of boots lying around? Mine are soaked through."

standing up, cedrica addresses the group I am Cedrica Einkill, daughter to Maustus Einkill, ArchMerchant for Magnimar. while not as brutish as Kastus here with a sword, i do use this musket to take out targets. she unwraps her prized possession, a battered musket that has scratches and gouges in it.

this is what i wanted to say I am Cedrica Einkill, daughter to Maustus Einkill, ArchMerchant for Magnimar. My skills lay with my Boom stick. It's got a walnut stock, cobalt blue steel, and a hair trigger. S-marts top of the line. so shop smart. shop S-mart. you got that?

Haha... very nice Cedrica. That made me giggle.

"Good to see they sent some capable warriors." Oleg says with a small smile. "They tend to be armed with bows and short blades. Happ's has a damn fine bow himself. Very nice quality but looks to be tough to draw."

Svetlana unexpectedly hugs Cedrica, smiling as she pulls away. "Thank you." She whispers quietly.

"Got an extra pair of boots. Might fit you. If not I can send out to Brevoy with the next traveler." Oleg says to Kastus, sizing him up carefully.

"I'll be glad for any boots you have Oleg. Wouldn't be the first time they weren't the right fit. I'll be happy to pay as well. Can't be grubbing from you before I've done any work, now can I?"

Bydar finishes his meal, a thought occuring to him, "If its alright with you and your wife, Oleg. I think we should get a look around at the layout of the trading post and the immediate area around it." He looks at his compatriots, "I'm assuming we all agree we should find a way to deal with these thugs that keeps our hosts as safe as possible?"

Cedrica winks at Svetlana.
turning to Bydar, she nods. you have a good head about your shoulders, friend. i think we should see to securing this inn in the best way possible. perhaps setup a watch, set heavy timbers next to the doors to provide an easy way to stopping the doors, and blocking parts of the windows, so that we have cover against brigands from outside.

Oleg's Trading Post

Oleg shows you around the Trading Post, stopping in the stockroom to haggle out a short deal with Kastus (Fine Boots for 2 gp, which is a low price for such).

before walking with Oleg, Cedrica strings her bow and notches an arrow to the string im on the clock now, and my powder will get wet and worthless in this rain.
Taking great care to keep the string dry, cedrica walks around looking over the fortifications.
Master Oleg, is there any regularity to these bandit attacks. i know you said its a monthly occurance, but is it on a specific day? also, how much food was taken in the last raid? and on what day was that?

Liam unceremoniously nods in agreement with everything said, paying much more attention to his meal than anything else. Then, as everyone leaves, he represses to urge to ask for seconds and quickly shuffles behind.

Looking around the Trading Post, Liam studies everything delicately, hoping to use the environment to his advantage at some point when the bandits come to fight.

I wonder about these few I travel with. They seem somewhat untrustworthy, but ultimately good sorts. Obviously these Swordlords know what they're doing.

Liam then frowns as he puts his pipe away to avoid wetting his tobacco. "So, Oleg, my good man. Are you really okay with us just waiting around for them to come to us?"

Oleg grunts at Liam and Cedrica's questions. "Don't worry yer heads about it. They've come the first three days of the month for four months now. They're late, but I'll bet we see them by morning. Didn't take much last time, and no food. I think they got their own food, trapping, hunting, mayhaps foraging though they don't seem the type. Mostly took my gold and a crate of furs I was saving to send to Restov."

by morning! Gods above, man! we've got planning to do. spining around Cedrica looks at everyone. right, we need to get work then. first, we need to get that wagon shoved against the gates. the extra weight will work good to prevent entrance. next, we need to get two people up on opposite ends of the walls, the south east and northwest towers, watching for attack. We also need to get Oleg and Svetlana into their domicile and have someone watch over them. that puts 3 people up, and 2 people sleeping come night fall, which looks to be in about 3 hours. i figure that we do 2 hour shifts.
walking under an overhang, she pulls out a dagger and squats down, drawing out a rough outline of the complex.
the tower people will be our eyes and ears. we need to get something that is loud and obnoxious to let us know that an attack is coming. Master Oleg, do you have any metal pots and pans? They are very loud when banged together. we use those and those sleeping will rush out to the wall. If there is only 6, then we should be able hold them off from the walls with ease. if not, or if there is more, then we fall back to the inn. with all this rain itll prevent them from burning the inn to the ground. they will be forced to come into the building, and there the numbers will mean crap. 2 men to the doors and 1 on reserve, we should be able to hold them off and push them back. questions?

To be a bit clearer , they always arrive at noon, and Oleg is expecting them tomorrow at noon. Not in the morning or tonight.

Kastus gladly pays 2gp for boots, and thanks Oleg mightily for the opportunity to dry his feet out. Cringing at the smell of his feet as he yanks off the old boots, he swiftly wipes them down with whatever rags he can find in his pack before yanking the new boots on. Flexing his feet a bit once he has them on, Kastus sighs in relief. "So good to have dry boots! Let's see what these others are up to." Wandering back to the group he overhears Cedrica making plans for the bandits.

"Good to see that someone wants to make plans, but I can tell you right now that though I have a bow on my back, I'm far from a good shot. Mainly for hunting, not shooting at armored men. My arms were made for the hoe and the sword, not a bow." Kastus yawns mightily. "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready to sleep. Bandits or no bandits, I'm hitting the hay."

"Rest will be needed," Bydar concedes t Kastus' comment, "But I do not mind taking my share of a watch just in case someone or something comes earlier than the expected time."

Liam blows a smoke ring and smiles at it's impressive size.

"I also volunteer myself for whatever watch is most inconvenient, I've never been much bothered by strange sleeping hours." Liam smiles, then quickly separates his lips for another puff from his pipe.

The master didn't much care for us having a good night's sleep, did he?

After blowing another ring, Liam turns to Kastus, while also acknowledging the others, making sure he's heard. "I'm a crack shot so I can take the vantage point and ranged support and such. Forgive the lack of humility, but I feel this matter deserves some bluntness, yes?"

After 'shifts' are settled on, Bydar will take one and then find a place to sleep for the rest of the night . He will be up by morning and pray for success. Not for their sake, but for a couple that acts as their hosts. Clearly they love each other very much.

you know, morning is alot different than noon...lol
Cedrica will ask every one to take a 2 hour shift for posting watch, with her taking the first.
She awakens at sunrise and looks over her musket once more, ensuring that the powder is still dry. then she grabs some food and sits with the others.

i remember you saying something bout being good with a sword than the bow, kastus. An extra bow is better than naught, and there still is a chance that you can hamper the enemy. i think we will put you in a spot thatll allow you to be effective with both sword and bow. And Liam, how bout we have you post yourself up on the wall, the height will be a great advantage to you. I also will be up on the wall, using the musket and the shortbow to devestating effect. Loriel, i think you will be better as a suprise in the center yard, should they breach the gate. Bydar, i think a man with your skills should be guarding oleg and svetlana. I am sure youd love to be in the thick with us, but we need someone to prevent any suprise attacks on them. This is just a rough idea, so i am open to ideas

"Cedruca, Are you sure you won't need the healing my goddess can provide?" He raises a brow.

Liam sighs lightly, puts out his pipe again, and puts it in his bag. Almost immediately he regrets it, but the rain DID make it quite difficult. Liam smiles and then looks at Bydar inquisitively.

"That is a solid point, yes?" Liam reaches for his pipe, then remembers what just happened. Mildly annoyed, he continues. "Hurm. Cedrica, I think it would be better if he were out with us. According to Oleg, there are not many bandits, and I reckon we can take them out before they even get close to the lovebirds."

cedrica purses her lips, thinking, looking at both byran and Liam.
id hate to leave them unguarded, but his ready healing would benefit us should we need them. hmmm...perhaps he could join loriel in the courtyard, able to respond to demands.

Eventually Svetlana and Oleg show you to the bunkhouse, which has been warmed in preparation of your time here. There is a partition to seperate the males and females, which is movable so as to allow a variable number of people. As each of you takes a bed Oleg mentions that Svetlana will make a breakfast around 8 then shows you a small tub under an overhang behind the bunkhouse for cleaning, then excuses himself to head to bed.

The Fourth of Pharast dawns better than the night before, with a cloudy dark sky but no rain falling. The muddy ground sucks at everyone's boots as they sit to eat with Svetlana, who makes a warm, filling oatmeal, bland but edible, on the firepit in the center of the fort, nervously attempting to make sure everything is set to their guests expectations. Oleg spends most of the morning fixing a few loose tiles on the roof of the bunkhouse, obviously working to keep his mind from the battle to come.

At around Eleven in the morning, anyone watching can see five riders approaching at an easy pace on horses, with one pack horse moving behind them. The lead rider is wearing a green cape and matches Oleg's description of Happs. The riders will be upon the fort within 15 minutes.

On watch, Bydar comes back to tell the others what he's seen, "We have about 15 minutes, I see five on horse. One looks to be Happs. If possible, can we spare a horse or two?I could use one on our exploration." he says pragmatically

Liam readies himself, drawing his bow and holding an arrow. He saunters over to the wall, and prepares for the coming riders.

Hearing Bydar give the warning that the riders are approaching Loriel closes her spell book and heads for the seats near the fire pit in the courtyard. She’s memorized her spells for the day and now takes a seat and does her best to look like a world weary traveller, which thanks to the recent rains and trip south isn’t that untrue.

Bydar admits to himself he still isn't sure of the plan but goes outside near Loriel as was suggested. He doesn't get too close to her, so not to detract from her efforts to appear as merely a traveler.

For himself, he loads up his crossbow, and tries to find cover to shoot from. He's not the best shot in the world, but he trusts that range is an edge anyone could use. Perhaps he could fire over a low wall or somesuch.

Cedrica goes over her musket one last time, ensuring that it is ready.
looking over everyone to ensure that all is ready, cedrica asks oleg so what does happ do? does he rant and rave before coming in or does he just ride in?

"He'll ride right in. Let's see how this goes." Oleg says as he comes down to stand by the tables with a crate.

The bandits ride towards the gate, stopping outside for a moment, when you hear Happs yell. "Let us in you sniveling old bastard." and a spat of laughter from the bandits. Oleg stands, looks around at everyone, sighs, and steps forward to open the gate, letting the bandits into the trap.

From his position, Bydar looks concerned. Last thing they need is Oleg in danger. Hopefully the olderman will clear out fast.

Liam moves to where he has the best view of the oncoming bandits, crouches, and prepares to fire.

I'm gonna go ahead and roll initiative for if battle breaks out. Whoever starts battle and anyone hidden get a surprise round.

The bandits ride into the fort, Happs almost running Oleg down as the others laugh, then all of them stop. Happs looks at Bydar and Loriel obviously confused. "And who might you be then?" The attractive bandit leader asks with a sneer. "Two lovely friends come to visit you have they Oleg?" He asks with a dark glance at the newcomers.

Well, seeing as I'll be going last a lot here, and I'm online. I suppose I should do myself and hopefully the GM a favor and get things started with the surprise round.
Let's just hope they don't all play 'shoot the cleric' ;)

"By the authority invested in me by the state, and by the duty invested in me by she who cannot stand idly by while love is endangered, I hearby declare your lives forfeit." For a moment, he can't believe he's doing this. Does he want to die for his own crime? Is this suicide by foolhardiness, or is he merely hoping to draw attention from Oleg buying him cover? Hopefully either way, his cover and the distance will give him a much needed advantage.

He fires his crossbow at the nearest bandit, whoever that might be.

Crossbow to hit: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Damage if any: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Liam clears his throat and lowers his bow. He does not, however, undock the arrow. He looks down and tries to collect his thoughts and gather his composure. He is mostly unsuccessful.

"Hello there, lovely! I'm afraid that you're not going to have a very easy time raiding this post anymore, as some stalwart warriors and I have taken it upon ourselves to fend off you scum." Liam chuckles, then smirks in as menacing a fashion as he can muster while quickly firing his bow at the leader.

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 211d4 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Loriel looks as surprised as the bandits at Bydar's proclomation and stands in a hurry knocking her plate of stew aside while doing her best to begin cast Mage Armour. One of her hands still rests on the grip of her holstered pistol as she begins chanting. It's markedly strange to hear the soft lilting voice of the mage deepen as the spell begins to take hold forming the words of power she studied the night before.

Heh, my own damn description makes me think "FUS RO DAH!"

cedrica just had enough time to get up on the wall close to the gate and crouched down, first placing out the musket, then taking a moment to set the bow and quiver up. grumbling to herself for allowing these idiots to come walking into the place, she calms down and sights along her barrel, breathing steady, proper sight picture, steady position, holds her breath, and squeezes the trigger properly. her mentor would be proud.

standard action: shoot at the leader move action: drop rifle and grab bow with nocked arrow thats at the ready
1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
1d12 ⇒ 4

i added a +1 to my roll due to the height my character has over the enemy.