Malthir, Vaysh says, I know what you go to do. I feel that I should be there as well, but I cannot bring myself to attend. I shall remember those men, and pray for them while their sentence is carried out. Mayhaps next time I will have the courage to attend their execution, but please forgive me this time.
I am confused on one matter Happs, you have told me that your camp is about a day away, this is walking and not the speed that you and your company would have covered the ground?
That is walking. The horses are not for riding; they are to collect Oleg's tribute.
When most people's attention has drifted away from the prisoner, Vaysh says, I have one last question, and this question is of the greatest importance to me Happs. A man came south this past fall. She pulls out a locket from around her neck, and opens it to show a portrait of a handsome Restovan man with dark hair and a scar over his left eye. Do you recognize this portrait of him?
Happs nods in recognition.
Aye. He travelled into these lands some time ago... Maybe three months or so. Kressle gave us orders not to try and accost him. Didn't say why though. Her face was always pale as a sheet when we saw him in the distance.
Only got one close look at him... When a foolosh bandit called Strutt decided his gear looked worth killing for. The man slew him with a longsword in a single blow. He went further south, into the Greenbelt.
Thank you for all that you have told me Happs. Is there anything that you wish to say before all of this is over? Vaysh asks, knowing that this is the last conversation that the man is to have before his death.
Aye... I wish to say that I don't regret the life I have led in the Greenbelt. You have to take to survive here; there is no room for morality, and the Stolen Lands care not for the laws of petty lands.
I do regret what happened in Restov though, and I regret that my children will grow up without a father because of a murder I committed. That is all. I shall meet my fate with dignity...
I find myself in the company strangers so suddenly. I wish to prove to them that I am worthwhile on the trail, but have less skill than they do at many things. I try to aid them whenever I can, and so I have taken to cooking for our group. Sadly, I was never the most attentive to my mother’s lessons, far more interested in playing with my brothers or following other distractions on the farm. I was wondering if you might have recipes that I could buy from you to help me learn how to use the materials of this land in the proper art of cooking. I had hoped to work with you in the kitchen this night, but I am afraid that the bandit only wished to speak with me, and not any of my company.
Svetlana winks at Vaysh, with a wicked grin and a giggle.
I too would want to impress if I was around such handsome men! You need not pay me my dear, but you can aid me in the kitchens whenever your around in the Trading Post, and you can pick things up as you go along. In the short term, of course i'll write you a few recipes my dear!
Vaysh turns her pleading gaze towards Oleg and Svetlana, Please, do you have any word of my father?
Oh dearheart... We have heard nothing i'm afraid, but i'll ask the locals every day I promise. Perhaps he is not returning from these lands for other reasons than his demise- these lands have many mysteries, and he may not be able to return unaided.
At Malthir's proposed toast, Oleg refills everyones glasses with fine wine as the evening is beginning to settle in and cheers heartily, the big man beaming. Other hunters and locals have begun to join, paying Svetlana for a share of the meal and the warmth of the fire. Somne of the local hunter's have brought skins for Oleg, and he excuses himself briefly to do business. Upon his return, Oleg says-
The Guardians of the Greenbelt? I like it personally. No offence, but its a lot more warm-hearted than some of the suggestions you've made.
Oleg, do you have any more healing potions about?
I already gifted you all I possessed i'm afraid my boy. Please, enjoy our hospitality and stay the night; Svetlana has already made the beds up for you. It doesn't sound like you would reach their camp in the time you have left this evening, and a long nights rest in a warm bed may become a rare experience for you in these lands.
Throughout dinner, Oleg tells you his own tale. He and Svetlana volunteered to restore this trading post as agents of the Swordlords of Restov, but the promised soldiers that were to accompany them never arrived; and the bandits quickly took advantage of Oleg's trade with the locals and travellers to provide themselves with a monthly tribute.
Oleg is sure the trading post could become a real success now that the bandits plaguing them have suffered a stinging blow and that soldiers from Restov are finally on their way. Oleg also proudly tells you all that Svetlana's cooking is renowned in these parts; and indeed the Elk Stew is delicious.
As the evening draws on, the trading post becomes very busy; mostly with grizzled hunters, trappers, and small families from nearby hamlets. There is a lovely atmosphere and although Oleg is a little gruff, Svetlana is a born social butterfly; chatting and introducing you to several people throughout the evening as well as ensuring that your glasses never stay empty for too long.
As the talk turns to the loot gained from the bandits, Oleg takes the time to show you a list of his current stock.
-Oleg has enough capital to buy 260GP of stock from you.
A suit of leather armor, a heavy wooden shield, two hand axes, five javelins, a longbow, two dozen arrows, a scythe, two spears, two vials of antitoxin, six torches.
All right. Let the bandits sweat for a few days in their camp, wondering what happened to their comrades. We will be ready for them, if they should come here. In the mean time, we can gather more resources and practice fighting as a group.
What can you tell us of the intimidate area and of recent events in these parts - besides the bandits?
All right. Let the bandits sweat for a few days in their camp, wondering what happened to their comrades. We will be ready for them, if they should come here. In the mean time, we can gather more resources and practice fighting as a group.
What can you tell us of the intimidate area and of recent events in these parts - besides the bandits?
Well... the further south you go the more dangerous it tends to get. We've been so busy restoring this trading post that we haven't really learnt too much about the surrounding area...
Oleg tells you what he knows. To the south and south-west the land is mostly forested, and to the southeast the land starts off with fertile land and eventually runs parallel to the forest into hilly terrain. Directly to the south are two rivers that meet; the Shrike and the Thorn river. The thorn river runs north into the forest eventually, while the thorn runs east into lands not under the jurisdiction of your charter.
As for recent events; the trappers mentioned that one of their number may have gone rogue and joined the bandit's, but I haven't heard much beyond that. The locals have a whole crazy bunch of rumours though; people crazy enough to live this far south are very superstitious you see...
Once done with his weapons, Casimir sits and talks with the hunters.
Gossip roll:
Gossiping with the hunters, they mention the man who may have joined the bandits- He is known as a particularily foul-mouthed trapper called Breeg Orlivanch, but he's unpopular with the other trappers as he often places traps where a hunter or traveller might step on one, and does not flag them in any way. He enjoys watching animals; and people- suffer in cruel bear traps.
Since we seem to be staying, Malthir will try to meet most of the locals that he can, spending some time getting to know them a little better and trying to make a favorable impression of himself and the group without being too intrusive.
Gossip roll
Since we seem to be staying, Malthir will try to meet most of the locals that he can, spending some time getting to know them a little better and trying to make a favorable impression of himself and the group without being too intrusive.
Gossip roll 1d10
The hunters are happy enough to mingle with you, but you get the impression that they worry that your presence means the Greenbelt is facing another attempt at colonisation; some of these particular men are fiercely independent.
A grrizled old hunter tells you that a decade or so ago, a group of evil monks and priests of a lesser-known goddess of hatred, extortion, and spite travelled into the Greenbelt and dwelt on the northern shore of the Tuskwater lake to the south.
The grizzled old man thinks that there are still cultists out there, and that they’re behind the sudden rise in banditry. His theory is that this Stag Lord is merely their puppet, tortured into serving them as their figurehead.
This lesser-known Goddess is Gyronna, a vicious hag of a Goddess who enjoys disfiguring the beautiful. Her faith and followers have only ever been strong in the River Kingdoms.
Once the bandit's have been questioned, but before the group sit down to eat, Fenna concentrates on the remainder of her earlier cast magics to clean herself and her companions of the blood and gore of the combat. She remains quiet during the talk of spoils, apparently content to allow the others to decide what is best, though looks at the silver stag amulet intently for a while, "Perhaps we would be able to use this to convince any wandering bandits we encounter that we act on behalf of this 'Stag Lord.'"
Fenna nods in gratitude during dinner to Vaysh's answer to her earlier question, then offers her a sympathetic smile when she continues on about her father's absence, "We will endeavor to find him, child. Without your celestial guardian explaining why he will not return to your home, there is yet hope he still lives... The gods act without our full understanding, perhaps your father was instructed to remain here so that you would be drawn to join him. All I know with certainty is that you are exactly where you are meant to be, perhaps your Lady intended this."
Turning to Malthir, the gnome speaks purposefully, "Maybe we should act sooner, rather than later, and leave for the camp in the morning. The energy bestowed upon me is renewed in the evenings, so I may be able to call upon Aroden's power to heal us all on the morrow, and be ready to aid us once more during a night-time assault, when the bandits may be less on their guard."
Once the local trappers begin to arrive, the gnome makes polite conversation with them, and inquires how the bandits have impacted them personally while reassuring them that the intentions of the group is to rid the Greenbelt of their taint.
When first we came to each others company, I found all three men to be very handsome. I am not used to the feelings that have coursed through me since then. Most men that came to the farm were far older than me, and rougher in appearance than what I care for, she looks at Svetlana and continues as if confessing. I find them attractive, and I like the attention that they pay me, but I do not know what to do. She trails off, a look of confusion crossing her face.
Is what I feel usual? Vaysh starts slowly, but quickly the words come out of her mouth as if fighting to get to the surface, I fear that my seclusion from so much has left me disarmed around them, I feel awkward and foolish constantly, and I cannot stop myself from speaking my mind at times, then I feel I have said to much. Often I wish to hide from them, but I also wish to spend more time with them. I find myself withdrawing and reaching…. The girl gets more louder And I don’t understand any of this foolishness. She looks to the older woman in hopes she can guide her.
Thank you so for writing some recipes for me. I wish to cook better than I do, though until these past days I never had a desire to learn this craft.
though looks at the silver stag amulet intently for a while, "Perhaps we would be able to use this to convince any wandering bandits we encounter that we act on behalf of this 'Stag Lord.'"
It is an excellent idea, if only we were better at subterfuge and spying...I fear that upon seeing our group though, that they would immediately see us for what we are, especially with my armor and shield emblazzoned with the symbol of Iomedae on it. Do you have any magic that might be able to disguise us?
Turning to Malthir, the gnome speaks purposefully, "Maybe we should act sooner, rather than later, and leave for the camp in the morning. The energy bestowed upon me is renewed in the evenings, so I may be able to call upon Aroden's power to heal us all on the morrow, and be ready to aid us once more during a night-time assault, when the bandits may be less on their guard."
I like the plan, it is a bold one, but allows some measure of safety. What do the rest of you say? I do worry about any scouts they send out though spotting us though.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
I ask only that if you are ever in a position to grant them a better life than the poverty they live in, please... do so. Farewell my friend...
Handsome indeed! But don't worry sweetheart I love Oleg dearly.
What your feeling is very usual; from your own description you haven't been around handsome men much in your life, and now there are three of them! Also, all three are strong men. Lions among jackals. "Men to walk the mountains with", as my father would have said. Just try and relax around them all and be yourself;you'll grow more accustomed to their attentions in time, and it looks like they would all give their lives to see you safe.
Svetlana curtsies when you thank her.
No my dear, you and your band saved our trading post and our lives. It is the least I can do.
It is an excellent idea, if only we were better at subterfuge and spying...I fear that upon seeing our group though, that they would immediately see us for what we are, especially with my armor and shield emblazzoned with the symbol of Iomedae on it. Do you have any magic that might be able to disguise us?
"I fear that I have always been lacking in the talent my people have for hiding the truth of things." Fenna says apologetically, "Perhaps you could claim to have stolen your shield and armour?"
Once Fenna finds an opportunity to extricate herself from the conversations around the dinner table, she climbs onto the walls and approaches Vaysh, coughing gently to announce her presence, "Did I say something to offend you, dear? You left so quickly."
Smiling she finishes, Thank you so much for your advice, I am sorry to act like a child around you, but my company does not have someone I have felt comfortable speaking of this with. Though it has been only days, I feel like it has been much longer with what I have kept bottled up inside of me.
No, it is not something that you said Miss Thistleswade. I am sorry if I gave you that thought. It is just… Vaysh pauses in her speech. I have been unfair to you Miss Thistleswade, I would like to apologize to you. I know not what it is, but some air about you has set me on edge since our first meeting. I have found myself unsettled in your presence and so I have kept my distance. I have had no reason or cause to do so, merely an inkling.
I have wondered the cause of this, but been unable to find one. I thought that it may be your heritage, as I have no experience with your folk, or perhaps the beliefs that you hold. Vaysh bows her head, unable to meet Fenna’s gaze as she continues, The relation of the Last Azlanti to my Lady is known to me, but it has always been a piece of history from a time long ago. You refer to Iomedae as the Herald, a term that I have been taught as a historic title. These evidences of your faith have struck me as odd, and I have wondered if it was some aura provided by it that has left me uncertain.
I cannot question the connection that you still somehow hold with Aroden, the evidence of it is very clear. I felt the touch of it this day, Vaysh’s hand returns to the wound she has suffered and rubs it lightly. If you do have some connection to Aroden still, it is wonderful. I only mention this as I have searched for some reason to explain my suspicions, and I have found none.
Vaysh raises her gaze to meet the gnome again, though she keeps her curtain of hair between them, This day you acted as a true friend and loyal companion. I do not know why I feel so around you, but I have seen the strength of your character. Thank you for saving my life, I have no doubt that without you I would likely have fallen in the courtyard.
I am sorry. Please accept my apology for any behavior that has been unkind to you thus far.
Vaysh pauses to listen to Miss Thistleswade’s reply, then returns to the reasons that she has followed her up the wall. I am ashamed of myself, of my behavior in the courtyard. I could not hold back my tears, I have hoped for a long time that Mister Leveton would have some information of my father. As I spoke of what has transpired, I could not keep my composure. When I heard the reply, my heart sank. I would have excused myself immediately, but you offered your sympathies. I could not properly thank you for them at the time, my entire being wanted to break down.
I already fear that I need to prove myself to our companions as a useful member of the company. Though they are very accepting of me, I look to what each of them brings and cannot help but notice everything I do not. I could not bring myself to break down any further in front of them, nor dampen the mood of Mister and Missus Leveton any further.
I worry that they will remember my outburst of emotion, it seems that this place does not welcome such, Vaysh moves her gaze away from the men in the courtyard and out to the south, where she had been looking through tear filled eyes before Fenna came upon her. This is a hard land, I need to harden myself if we are to be victorious in cleansing it.
She sits quiet for a few moments, then turns to Fenna, Have you any advice on how I would accomplish this? Many of you seem far less affected by what has transpired than I do, I wish to be more like them, she gestures back to the courtyard.
Vaysh stops for a moment, and then withdraws, realizing the weight of everything she has just put forth on Fenna’s small frame. She pulls her heavy cloak around her, clearly some comfort to her in any time, and pulls her legs up under her chin, I am sorry Miss Thistleswade, you came here to ask me if you had offended me, and I have laid too much at your feet. You provided no offense this night, or any since we have journeyed together. Please, forgive me, I’m just being a foolish girl.
"I fear that I have always been lacking in the talent my people have for hiding the truth of things." Fenna says apologetically, "Perhaps you could claim to have stolen your shield and armour?"
I wouldn't feel right lying about something that makes me most proud. Maybe if it was the only way to save the rest of you, but if you can't tell by now I am not exactly the low-key kind of guy. That is a worry of mine, how we will sneak up to a bandit infested camp without raising the alarm? My only thought is to try to sneak in the opposite direction of the sentries and hope that they are asleep and catch them unarmored and sleeping. Not my idea of a fair fight but if they are worried about trouble, they will probably be in armor and have their weapons next to them. We will be outnumbered so I am not really worried about fighting duels with them.
Malthir will wait for the rest of the party to die down before going to their accomodations and start to finish cleaning himself up. He finds out that Fenna has done a much better job than he could have imagined, I must thank her for this, although it takes away from my routine, we will all have to get used to different routines I guess.
So now I know what troubles Vaysh so much, no wonder she reached out to me about my brother. It seems to trouble her greatly, when she is ready she will talk to me about it.
He still goes over his armor one more time and prepares to work on his sword. He stop for a moment remembering that Vaysh wanted to help. He decides maybe he will wait for a while to see if she recovers.
After a moment he regains his composure and turns to face the group, his face still red, and his hands still trembling. Slowly Talia trots over and nuzzles her master reassuringly. A small smile forms on the knight’s face and he begins to stoke the horse’s main. ”I am sorry to react in such a way. The heat of battle had overwhelmed me and I became lost in my own anger.” Looking ashamed he turns to Vaysh, and offers her a small bow, ”Thank you, once again your powerful magic has won the day, there is no telling the amount of carnage this vile man would have sown had it not been for your actions.”
As the rest of the party goes about securing the prisoners Edric, looks to the wound on Talia’s flank.
At being formally introduced to the man who saved his live, Edric draws his sword, plants it tip down into the dirt and slowly drops to his knee ”Master Oleg, I Sir Edric Orlavsky humbly pledged my blade and my blood to you and your family for the truly noble actions you performed today.”
With the arrival of Svetlana Edric takes a deep bow ”Milady, you are blessed to have such a valiant husband, if you are ever in need of my serves I would be honored to assist you.”
Not trusting himself around the brigand leader during the questioning Edric approached Oleg and asks to borrow a spade to bury dead. The knight balks at the man’s proposition to hang the bandits from the walls of the trading post. Unable to voice his objections to the man who saved his live Edric is relived when Malthir objects to Oleg’s plan. As Happs wakes up from his magical slumber Edric slips away to dispose of the bodies of the other bandits out side the trading post walls. Upon his return He approaches Malthis ”Thank you, for earlier dissuading Oleg from his grizzly proposal. The remains of no man should be dealt with in such a fashion even ones as foul as these. I have buried our foes out front and entreat you, as a man of the gods, so say a few words over their graves.”
When informed that the interrogation is over Edric listens intently as Malthir recounts the information received. When asked to accompany the Paladin to perform the execution of the two remaining bandits in the barn, Edric suggests that the men be taking outside the walls of the compound, ”I would hate to upset the horses with such bloody job and as fortune would have it I have prepared two empty graves for the scoundrels next to their companions.”
Walking back Edric discusses his thoughts on the parties further actions, ”It seems that a quick assault on the camp would be prudent but unfortunately the wounds I suffered are far from healed. Perhaps we should wait a week or two until the bandits either attempt an attack on the trading post or once again grow complacent. Fighting on the defensive would be safer than a full on assault, especially if the soldiers Oleg is expecting arrive without the bandits knowledge.”
Walking over to the edge of the palisade to look out at the darkening sky, "I admit that my faith can be seen as foolish, I know with my mind that Aroden is… gone. But my heart will not allow me to abandon my beliefs, sometimes it seems that my faith is the only thing I have left. Perhaps the small vestige of the Last Azlanti’s power that I can yet channel is nothing more than an echo, but I have hope that it is a sign that he is not truly dead as some claim, but merely… absent."
Once Vaysh has finished speaking for the second time, Fenna reaches up to place a small hand on the girl’s back, "you are not foolish, my dear girl, and you are just as useful in our endeavours as any of us. Perhaps you show more emotion that we do, but this is just as much a strength as a weakness, a group such as ours needs a strong heart to prevent us from becoming the uncaring monsters whom we fight against… do not try to change yourself girl, there is nothing wrong with the way you are right now." Fenna pauses a breath, to allow her words to be absorbed by Vaysh, before locking eyes with her and continuing, "as to your usefulness, think on this… those men downstairs may have bravely fought toe to toe with the bandits and the thylacine, but in both cases it was your magic that brought an end to the conflict."
Vaysh listens to Fenna, The faith that you hold in your heart seems no different than what I hold in mine for my father. I hope that we may both find those we are looking for.
Vaysh leans into Fenna’s hand, though a woman in years she has never been on her own before; her positive reaction to the physical assurance is obvious. Vaysh listens to Fenna, wiping away the remaining tears from her eyes, then looks to the gnome, Do you really think so? She pushes her hair back, now that her tears are under control to look on Fenna with unobscured eyes.
Talia's wound is quite a nasty one. It will take about a week to heal naturally. Shes down 6HP.
Anything I need to be aware of before I zoom time forward a bit? Anyone providing some overnight care for the wounded? Fenna have any healing left? Am keen to start day 3 :)
Before you turn in, Oleg insists he gives you a tour of the trading post. The palisade is simple but sturdy, but the four catapults in the tower are just for show; they are ruined almost beyond repair.
The central courtyard area with the two tables and several benches scattered about is where the couple entertain and feed and travellers or locals. The area includes a warm firepit and a storage pen for hanging hides etc.; which is currently empty.
The smaller building on the right as you enter the trading post is the guesthouse, where you are staying. The room is a little cramped as Oleg and Svetlana have squeezed an extra bed in there for the fifth of your party, but its warm.
At the north end of the trading post are three large middens- pits dug into the ground for refuse disposal, and a toilet for the desperate.
On the west side, the large building is the stables, currently very full with the horses you took from Happs. There's an old and jittery horse in here owned by Oleg that he introduces you to; the horses name is Claptrap.
The largest building is Oleg and Svetlana's residence, consisting of a small hall, a dining room, a bedroom, a dusty-looking office, a stockroom full of the wares Oleg mentioned to you, and a storeroom for wares he plans to arrange to sell in Restov, mostly trade goods.
Malthir awakes to a new day, feeling a little less sore but with some fresh thoughts. At the early breakfast.
I believe we should follow Fenna's plan. I can't live with the thought of the remaining bandits possibly hurting another soul. What would happen if they captured one of these good folk we met last night to find out more about what happened to their comrades. I say we heal as much as we can and head out. Fenna can regain her magic tonight and we can stike as soon as they are settled in for the night. We have the sunrods but does Oleg have a hooded lantern we might be able to borrow? We may not be quiet, but at least if they are sleeping, we should be able to get to their camp by the time they are up. What say ye?
Casimir sleeps soundly through the night, and awakes feeling refreshed. His throat is still sore and bleeding a bit where the Blood Cougar tore through it, but it is not as bad as yesterday.
When Malthir mentions the bandits at breakfast, Casimir says:
All right, then we should move out as soon as everyone are up and ready. If Fenna can heal those still wounded before we leave, we are prepared for what we may encounter along the way. We can take the horses the bandits brought - that way we can move faster.
We should ask Oleg to order a couple of healing kits as well as picking up the 2 antitoxins.
We should ride, today, but I am concerned about them spotting us. Were the bandits cloaked so that we could use their cloaks at least for some disguise from far away? It sounds like their camp is in the woods so most likely we will be on foot when we attack. How do we get to their camp without being spotted? We know approximately where it is. I have a feeling that we will end up riding right into it. Okay another thought, Fenna has speak with animals so once we get within a few miles she uses her ability to talk with ahmials in order to better pinpoint of their location? We then hide in the woods until nightfall and then approach late that night?
I have the Shield of Faith - don't know who has the CLW.
Maybe Vaysh or Fenna should have the Shield of Faith, since none of them wear armor.
Using the cloaks of the bandits and the silver stag sound like a good idea. At least it may buy us valuable moments.
And asking the forest animals for information sound like a fine plan. What do you say, Fenna? Would it work?
I have the Shield of Faith - don't know who has the CLW.
Maybe Vaysh or Fenna should have the Shield of Faith, since none of them wear armor.
Using the cloaks of the bandits and the silver stag sound like a good idea. At least it may buy us valuable moments.
They all have bows and if we just ride up there they could turn us into pin cushions with a couple of lucky shots. I had thought you should hold onto the CLW potion since we should have someone who can heal our healers with a 30' move. What about the night assault?
A night assault will be a risky thing, on the bandits home ground. We do not know if they have traps or the like, and we may easily miss a hidden sentry who could fall at our backs. A dawn raid may be a possibility, if we can stay hidden long enough.
Vaysh listens to Malthir’s thoughts on supplies, I too thought that the antitoxins would be useful in combating some things we may find in the wilderness, and asked Oleg to stock more healing supplies like those he has given us. I did not think of a healer’s bag, do any of us know of its use? One thing I would like to ask of the company, the pendant that Happs had, I would like to take it. I am willing to purchase it from the group, but I hope that it may bring some small happiness in the future to those who may need it.
Vaysh listens to Casimir and his thought of her lack of armor, While I appreciate the thought of this magical elixir, I do not think that armor in a bottle will aid me quiet enough to dissuade or stop an enemy assault. It would be just a drop in a large bucket, perhaps some of our more…bucket like, she says with a mocking grin, Would be best carrying it. The best armor I can hope to have is worn by my two gentle fellows and Sir Orlvasky.
Vaysh attentively watches the discussion between Casimir and Malthir over breakfast, When I spoke with Happs yesterday I asked him of traps that they would have. He was unaware of any traps that were at the location, though we can expect the road to be blocked and their sentinels to be attentive from what we have been told.
My eyes are not keen enough to see at night, though I am willing to follow whatever plan our tactical minds think best. I know that we should strike at this group of rogues quickly, mayhaps Kressle still has not gathered all the forces that are available.
One worry does come to my mind, as has been pointed out, our company is not one that seems to have the element of surprise on our side. This is true in so many ways. It would seem to me that any approach through the forest would draw attention from the noise we will make tromping through. I do not say this would be more dangerous than to approach from the front of the camp, but another consideration.
Iomedae, lead us to victory and I shall continue to act as your vessel here, spreading your word through my actions.
Frontal assault then, tomorrow morning? Charge in and try to take out the sentries quickly with ranged weapons, then advance on foot to the bandit camp while they are trying to ready themselves?
I say we make our way as close to the camp as we can safely do tonight. Perhaps Fenna with her keen night vision can scout the camp a bit. After we have more information, we can make a final decision.
You all wake up on the 3rd of Erastus to far drearier weather than the previous day- the air is no longer humid, and it clearly rained last night. Large, grey clouds threaten further rain and possibly even a storm if things take a turn for the worst. Oleg and Svetlana feed you inside the guesthouse around a cramped dining table. By the time you've eaten and are ready to leave, its about 9:30AM.
I think we will go with Casimir's plan to get near the camp and determine what to do then. We will be on the lookout for any scouts and be sure to keep Edric's load on his horse as light so I will take some weight from him if I need too.
You travel southwest across the open plains, heading towards the absolutely huge forest that dominates a good portion of the Greenbelt. The clouds above continually tease and threaten you with heavy rain by drizzling or raining heavily for very short periods of time, but you mostly stay dry as you travel. The land here is nearly all open terrain, with the occasional small forest area and hill. Perfect farmland...
About twelve miles from Oleg's, you find yourself on the edge the large forest. It will be slower going from here.
You think you can hear wolves howling from inside the forest somewhere; certainly nowhere close, but the sound is nonetheless unnerving.
According to Happs information you have another 12 miles or so of forest to cross before you get into the camp's 'territory', and then another 5 or 6 miles until you reach the river. Its currently about 2PM and you've made pretty good time.
The forest quickly becomes very dense, and the little sunlight getting past the clouds does not break through the dense tree cover often; this has the effect of making the light within the forest fairly dim. However, the dense tree cover also kept certain areas fairly sheltered, and occasionally you pick up signs of Happ's men and their passing.
As you are travelling through the forest, you occasionally get the feeling that you are being watched...
I need Perception rolls from everyone please, base DC18 but higher may glean more information.
"As far as my appearance, yes it is somewhat different to that of most other gnomes, they tend to be more... colourful. It is a result of something I can best describe as our equivalent to human aging, but it isn't something that we gnomes usually discuss, even amongst ourselves."
In the Morning: "Before we head off, who requires further healing?"
** spoiler omitted **
The wolves are howling in honour of their new alpha, the new pack leader.
Casimir- ,
Malthir- ,
Vaysh- ,
Edric- ,
Wolves... Well we knew these lands were hostile...Casimir mutters
Malthir rides ahead confidently, as per usual not noticing a lot of his surroundings...
Just to be clear, we were not exploring, just making best speed to the area near the bandit encampment. If we are successful, we will probably explore some areas on our way back?
Vaysh nods at Fenna’s admission and replies in a serious tone, I don’t like lying, it is not right to do to people. Happs was an awful man from what I know. I spoke with him at length about many things, only a short time pertained to what we are doing here. To listen to him state with pride that he had no qualms with his actions in these rough lands other than attacking me, she stops and closes her eyes for a moment, allowing the silence to hang.
When Vaysh starts again, she pulls her cloak closer, The only reason he felt remorse for that is because I made him. He had done things that were not right, but in that short time I found things that gave me hope for him in his next life. His hour spent with me, I saw that there was another path that he could have taken in his life; but circumstance, bad decisions, and a willingness to misuse people ended him up here.
Malthir spoke to me that Happs was beyond redemption. I am not certain that is true and worry I did not seek to find enough common ground with him. In our conversation though, Happs spoke to me honestly, and confided in me his only real regret was to the family he left behind in Brevoy. When we return, I plan to seek them out and see what I may do to aid them.
Today is only the first day that we are here. The anger that I saw in Sir Orlvasky, how easily life was taken from many men, men that we know not what brought them to this point. I know some of why Happs was here, for the others there will be no resolution.
I know that we must strike out here with strength, but it is constantly in my mind that if we claim this land through force of arms, then we shall only continue the cycle on these lands. I think that there needs to be some break in this chain of aggression, I think that we need to break the links.
Vaysh wipes her eyes again and with a chuckle, Oh, I do tend to go on, don’t I Fen…Miss Thistleswade. Thank you for listening.
He says this in jest, but if there were not some truth I think he would not have commented. The word that I give is important, and I must treat it so. I cannot run off overwhelmed with emotion as I did this day. Fenna has said that me feeling so much is a boon to our company, it seems to only leave me in awkward positions. She is my elder, and from what she has told me, the elder to all of us here by many years. Mayhaps there is wisdom in her council.
Vaysh listens attentively to Malthir’s instructions on how to care for a blade, though she leaves her tresses in front of her face to act as a shield against the world. I can see that this is not far from care of tools that I am used to. Do you enjoy the ritual or do you perform it out of necessity? I cannot say that I enjoyed maintaining the old tools of my trade, it was necessity. A blade such as this though, I can see wishing to care for… Vaysh looks very puzzled for a moment, then turns to Malthir.
Her expression has changed during the time they have spent together, it is clear that the swelling around her eyes has reduced. She pushes her hair out of her face, and blows the one loose strand away. Is your blade a boy or a girl? Are weapons commonly referred to by one or the other?
Vaysh nods, I think that enjoying the cool night air would be wonderful. Where we go, the five of us will be alone frequently, but from stories I have been told we will not wish to venture too far at night. I would like to enjoy this while we can. Vaysh walks in silence next to Malthir for a time, showing him places she remembers from younger days around the fort. She climbs the wall once again with him, to look out over the lands they are meant to tame.
Vaysh’s tone becomes very serious, There are stories of this place, bad stories. She turns to look at Malthir, I don’t know if they are true, but I have heard many tales of otherworldly dangers that lie within these Stolen Lands. Faerie tales some may call them, but I have heard that this is the land of such creatures.
She giggles for a moment, then catches herself, her voice is soft once again. I must sound silly saying such things. Most likely the stories are to keep young ones in line. My parents needed anything they could use to keep my brothers and I from causing too much trouble. I have wonderful memories of my brothers, she stops abruptly.
Mayhaps speaking of brothers is not the best at the moment.
I have wonderful memories of growing up, and Vaysh leaves it at that.
Miss Thistleswade, Mister Al’Dagon asked me to see to his wound this morning and has told me that he is fully recovered since I did so. I know not of Casimir and Sir Orlvasky, but I am uninjured, just somewhat sore, Vaysh relates, rubbing where she was stabbed the day before as she finishes.
She looks over to Casimir and brightens slightly, How are you feeling this morning? I hope that the lodgings did you well.
Looking to Sir Orlavsky, Oh, I fear that I am not a very good shot. I have been around such weapons most of my life. My father wished to teach me how to hunt when I was younger, but never have I been able to aim straight and true, she leans in to him and whispers, And my pack is heavy as it is. I am not near as strong as you, Sir Knight.
Vaysh listens to Sir Orlvasky’s question of Fenna, and a puzzled look comes to her face.
Casimir removes the bandages around his throat, revealing the half-healed gashes.
A day or two would see me fully rested, but in light of our mission, it is probably best if you speed up the process, Fenna.