After a hearty breakfast: So, east for a day first, then back here for a night and the head west to see what the forest hides? Or east and then straight south without returning here, I am game either way. I am ready when you all are.
While waiting, Carina sets up a target of hay bales and takes some target practice with her crossbow.
"I suppose we need a command decision here. If no one objects then we will head West. Everyone should pack enough supplies for at least ten days. Being exposed to the elements for a long period of time, I'd recommend everyone purchase a tent or some sort of shelter."
While placing his order he ensures that Cambyl can hear the last part clearly, "And one quarter barrel of Ale!"
"Tell me Oleg, would you have any barding I could purchase for Donal? I have heard that these Stolen Lands can be quite nasty for the unprepared and I'd not want my friend injured. How much feed and trail rations do you stock? I've no idea how long we'll be out but I'd rather not run short of food if I can help it."
"I don't stock barding unfortunately, but I have been looking out for adventuring equipment and I can order the barding but it'll take a week to get here through my contacts." Oleg admits but smiles as he then continues "I stock piles of rations and feed for you to buy. I do have a stables afterall so I have all the basic horse equipment."
"If you could order a set of studded leather barding I would appreciate it thank you. In addition to the other's shopping needs I would also like to purchase a tent and several days of rations and feed, let me check my supplies before finalizing an order."
Jameson pauses to think while surveying the goods in the store.
"If I count correctly Carina is in need of a mount. Do you have one for sale? I will help her purchase it if the price is beyond her means."
I purchase another 20 bolts and two traveller's outfits. I already have a tent (which I why I really need the horse since this damn thing is heavy).
I purchase another 20 bolts and two traveller's outfits. I already have a tent (which I why I really need the horse since this damn thing is heavy).
Since Tholamin and Zayne were close and seeing one new person to join the group they get on the same horse and Zayne leaves you his horse. Not a war horse or anything, but it beats walking.
"If you could order a set of studded leather barding I would appreciate it thank you. In addition to the other's shopping needs I would also like to purchase a tent and several days of rations and feed, let me check my supplies before finalizing an order."
Jameson pauses to think while surveying the goods in the store.
"If I count correctly Carina is in need of a mount. Do you have one for sale? I will help her purchase it if the price is beyond her means."
** spoiler omitted **
"I agree with Lukan, we should skirt the woods and gather whatever information we can about the bandits that hide out in there. They're our main concern, and until they are defeated and their group is disbanded we shouldn't rest."
He mounts his horse, Bandit, and says:
"Let us not forget the reign of terror they maintain in this land, how they intimidate and bully all these honest folk into submission. I don't speak for everyone, but it troubles my sleep knowing they still walk around unpunished. You can be sure, goodman Oleg, that Sir Bronwyn won't rest until those criminals are brought to justice!"
After saying that, he raises his shield with the insignia of a golden lion on a blue field.
"The enemy awaits us, goodfolk! We mustn't leave them waiting long!"
Mounting up on her new steed while shading her eyes.
West it is then, the sooner we are in the shade of the trees, the happier I will be.
He rides slowly to Carina's side, and offers his hand:
"Milady Stigard, this here is Bandit, he says, patting the horse in its neck, "and he would be honored to carry you in these travels. I'd be as well if you'd ride with me, seeing as we don't have extra horses."
Why thank you Sir Bron. However I was just told that one of your former companions, left his mount when he headed north. But, thank you for your generosity and offer.
@ DM Aron - let me know what equipment I need for the horse/what was not left behind by Zayne, so that I can deduct the money and add the equip (Riding Saddle, Saddlebags, Bit/Bridle, Grain)
Looking at the new horse: She looks really nice, I like the way she has a reddish streak along her flanks. I think her name must be "Flame".
"Tell me Sir Raslov, how long have you had Bandit? He seems a fine horse, well used to life on the road."
"He's a good horse, although quite mean-spirited, aren't you, boy?" The horse snickers and moves, almost rearing. "I think he still misses his last rider, that's why he's so rebellious."
"His last rider could certainly have an effect. Who rode him before you?"
Jameson continues his examination of Bandit as he rides Donal out with the group.
"You four have been working as a group before Carina and I got here, what are your standard battle tactics and marching order? How do you organize watches at night?"
"I will take point and scout ahead. I've been told your kind can see on a broader spectrum, Jameson, so you should cover our rear. Her spirit notwithstanding, Carina you will remain in the protection of Cambyl, Swane and Raslov. We can rotate positions in order to give rest to those who need it but we need sharp eyes at our front at all times." Ganit jumps effortlessly atop his grey horse and utters a single swift word to which she takes to a quickened pace. Pausing before taking his position several yards ahead he turns back to ask, "Any questions?"
"The original Sir Raslov, of which I'm only a poor copy, his son. He was a really brave man, that one, a real fighter right until the very end." Bronwyn's voice trails down as painful memories resurface. He finishes the sentence slumped in the saddle, looking at the far distance.
"You are correct Ganit, I can see in the dark. You are lucky, not all knights are capable of this."
My kind! Harumph!
Jameson nods in sympathy at Bronwyn's words.
"Not many great knights remain of our father's generation, and we can only try to live up to them. How did your father die?"
Why thank you Sir Bron. However I was just told that one of your former companions, left his mount when he headed north. But, thank you for your generosity and offer.
@ DM Aron - let me know what equipment I need for the horse/what was not left behind by Zayne, so that I can deduct the money and add the equip (Riding Saddle, Saddlebags, Bit/Bridle, Grain)
Looking at the new horse: She looks really nice, I like the way she has a reddish streak along her flanks. I think her name must be "Flame".
"Well, Ganit explained the marching order better than I ever could, but I may shed some light on our watches. I had suggested we form three rounds of watch, each with two people covering four hours. I had both Tholamin and Zayne in the early morning shift, since those mages apparently needed to get a good night's sleep to replenish spells or summon flying monkeys or something."
He straightens his back in the saddle, thinking for a couple seconds.
"We could keep the same idea, just adapting the shifts. Let me see; I could take first shift with Carina, whose ranged capabilities and sharp eyesight will do wonders to prevent an ambush. Jameson and Cambyl could take the second round, and I would never come between the special relationship Ganit and Lukan have, so they could take the last round. Agreed?"
Just so you gentlemen know, my eyesight is less than perfect during the day. This is not to say that I cannot see, just it is less than it used to be. However, I have discovered that at night my visions, which use to be naught as with most humans, is now exceptional. In fact, as James discovered, I can see somewhat further than even he can. Thus, it might be best if I either slept first, before the sun sets, or last, when the sun is rising, that way I will be on watch through as much of the night as possible. The only thing that I need is a full eight hours of rest or I have found that I am less effective.
Visibly saddened by the memories, Bronwyn silently wishes Jameson would just drop the subject.
"That's all I'm trying to do, but it always feels like I'm wearing an armor made for a bigger man."
"He... He was attacked. And he never... Backed down. I guess he didn't know how to. They must've never taught him that. He fought, but he lost. Stubborn until the end."
Bronwyn takes his helm from its saddle support and equips it, something no one has seen him doing so far.
"My father always used to say 'Son, if it weren't for windmills we wouldn't need knights' whenever he heard such a tale. I didn't understand it then either."
Bronwyn respectfully nods at acknowledgement to Jameson and asks to the group:
"Are we agreed on the night watches? Ganit, Lukan?"
While I am guessing with this crew we should be safe anyway, my only thought is that we have one person with night vision up at all times. I know that I and James can see very well. Just noticing the ears, isn't the good cleric of drink part elf? Not that I want to split up Ganit and Lukan. But, to maximize vision, and rest, it seems that either I or the cleric should be with the first watch and the other with the last, with James during the middle shift.
"It makes no difference to me as long as we all wake up in the morning. Provided we have a decent pair of eyes and swords protecting the others at their most vulnerable state, I will be content. Remember, these shifts aren't set in stone. If there's a failing we can change them... That is to say if we're all still alive."
"This last round is mostly around dawn and early morning, and Ganit's honed hunter's reflexes and perception will more than make up for the dim illumination, right mate?"
He smiles lightly, looking at Ganit.
"You bet your ass, kid." Ganit replies, smiling wryly to the charming young knight. "What good would it have been for the swordlords to hire me otherwise? Now we can prattle on all day about camp rotations or we can finish the task at hand." With another word, Felicity kicks up to a dash and Ganit makes for his marching position 60 feet ahead of the group.
Jameson allows himself to fall behind the group in his role as rearguard.
"Well at least if I break my lance the others are keeping the spares warm..." he mumbles.
Lukan had spent the rest of the morning before the group decided to leave getting his newly purchased pack mule ready for the road. The mule, loaded with ale, tent, and a majority of his rations follows closely behind his horse, led by a short rope.
Lukan takes his place at the front of the group, just behind Ganit. He shrugs at the watch suggestion. "I'll stand whichever watch. It matters little to me, but Cambyl may want to be on my watch," he makes a motion towards the keg on the mule's back.
In a few hours of riding, Bron removes his helmet, tussles his hair and starts whistling a tune.
To whoever is closest: So, what all have you encountered so far in your expedition? I noticed from your map that you have scouted a fairly large portion of the northern section of the Greenbelt. Any information on these bandits or kobolds mentioned on the board?
Well, milady, we have indeed found some kobolds, but they were few, around six if I recall correctly. They were protecting a patch of roots, you might have tasted those; the moon radishes?
He takes a gulp of his waterskin.
We also saved Oleg and his wife from men sent to take his money and goods. How many were there?, he asks, looking to Ganit and Lukan.
Seven of them, I believe. That's actually my concern. These men were sent by their leader, a woman named Kressle. I fear she might send some sort of retaliation when she notices her men are gone. Her camp is supposed to be in these woods somewhere.
So, you have met approximately a half dozen kobolds and also a half dozen bandits and dispatched both. Congratulations, sounds like I have joined the correct group of adventurers. So what is the usual plan of attack? Full frontal assault? Soften them up with arrows, and then take them down once wounded? Hit them with spells and hope they run?
Bron smiles honestly.
I'd have to say we quickly adapt to different cicurmstances, and rapidly employ improvisational strategies based on the current specifics of each battle.
He smiles at Carina, quickly following up with:
Of course, those are just ways to say we don't plan that far ahead. You'll find that this land is strange is full of possibilities, and any given single strategy would probably hinder us more than benefit. That said, Ganit there is quite a passable trapper, and his traps have almost killed a terrible giant after I lured it into them.
Also, we had a couple of mages and one dragon-demon or something that could tear a man apart using only its hands. So my job and Lukan's was just to keep foes away from the mages long enough for they to shape magics and lay them down.
He shrugs, feeling ambivalent towards the lack of spellcasters.
They were really strange fellows, but they were handy in a battle.
Lukan looks a bit disgusted at the response given, "Actually they were my traps. It seems your memory alludes you. Were you possessed? You surely seemed possessed as you entered that cave, not knowing what was ahead, with Ganit following shortly behind you... while I remained, setting the traps and ambush up. We were formulating a plan when you decided it was a good idea to, he pauses for a moment judging Bronwyn's reaction, "No, don't even think it was bravery. You entered that cave without half a mind."
Lukan keeps moving forward. He remembers more and more every day of 'Sir Bronwyn Raslov' . Each act the 'knight' makes out of turn, beyond what a knight would do, pushes Lukan's mind closer to the truth. The truth of the fake knight's escape from the guards in Restov. The tale Bronwyn spun when he was confronted by James has pushed Lukan's mind to the fine line between a foggy memory and the sharp point of truth. Every instinct in his body urges Lukan to confront the man. Not yet. I can't confront him here. We need everyone, even a bandit. Who knows, maybe he is innocent. He hasn't shown any malevolent behavior. Lukan's teeth clench together, a vein pops out along the side of his head.
"Ha-ha, my dear friend Lukan speaks the truth, I had forgotten the details about who laid what trap and such. But I can assure you I entered that cave with a purpose in mind, to lure our enemies onto open space where you were awaiting safely."
Bronwyn turns to Carina and James.
"You see we had known there were two giants in a cave, and the group was almost giving up the chase and retreating, to maybe gather intelligence and equipment. I couldn't suffer the beasts to live and be free to wreak havoc, so I charged in, expecting my good fellows to follow; but alas my surprise when I looked back and found myself alone in the midst of the beasts' den! ".
He laughs heartedly, amused by the memories.
Carina wonders if perhaps she is not the only one in the group who is insane. Al least she has been able to resist the rage and keep the dreams from taking over her life. She is not certain whether the same can be said for Sir Brom.
encounter:
5%
5%
As you ride west you make good time over the planes with ease on the back of your horses. Nothing yet seems to leap out and you head towards a lightly wooded area. On the horse it takes you only 3 hours to travel across the planes, but now you enter a wooded area.
Riding through the treeline is more difficult, but certainly not so difficult that you'll have trouble controlling your horses. You can hear wild-life all around though you havn't seen the occassional deer or elk for a while
"That was a noble thing Sir Raslov, to lead your companions into such beasts without fear for you own life. I aspire to such greatness myself some day."
Jameson is still tall in the saddle despite 3 hours of riding. Donal is tireless beneath him, though he will soon need a rest and some food and water if he's to continue at this pace.
"Have you fellows been this way before? Are there any streams about where we could water the horses?"
It is very tranquil here, almost too tranquil. We should proceed with caution. Lets explore this area and then continue onward.
Is it normal to have such a dearth of elk and deer?
Knowledge(nature):
Ganit falls back from his position momentarily to take a few swigs from his waterskin. He slides off his hat and combs his fingers through his silver streaked black hair, then rubs some water over the nape of his neck to cool off.
"I agree Carina. Their absence could mean that we're close to a settlement of some kind. There are three groups in these lands that we're aware of: the Sootscales, the mites, and obviously the Bandits. I wager we won't see many animals around the areas these tribes have settled."
Something seems familiar, however you can't quite recall why there are a lack of animals.
There are some rustling of innocent creatures, but they appear to be all tree dwellers at the moment, evading the group as the sight of humans must be uncommon to them.