Edrukk nods to the other reformed bandits, "I'm sure these two can tell you the advantages that choosing a new profession has over the alternative."
Edsm:
Eusm:
Ksm:
Ssm:
Ysm:
Dirty Jeb calms down as he finishes telling everything he knows about the Stag Lord, and listens carefully to Karthas’ and Edrukk’s offers of redemption. ”Aye. Maybe your right. Turnin’ away from banditin’ an’ th’ Stag Lord’s turned out alright fer them, you say?” he asks, a hint of hope in his voice. ”Maybe that’d work out okay fer me too?”
Dirty Jeb suddenly breaks out in evil laughter. ”Naw! Who'm I foolin'! Can’t even keep a straight face!” he exclaims, gasping for breath. "Stag Lord’s gonna put a arrow - or worse - through you an’ your friends ‘fore you know it. Your heads’ll be hangin’ from his walls when all’s said an’ done!”
The other captured bandit looks on in mute horror, certain that his end is now at hand.
"Eh, whatever, your loss. Karthas, I think we've accomplished everything we need to with this fool. How about you take him out, and finish his miserable life off before he is forced to see his fortune telling skills greatly embarrassed. Meanwhile, perhaps his friend will prove to be a bit more willing to consider other options than being a pig headed stubborn idiot who can't think for himself."
Suny continues to sit and watch. She blinks at Yelena's quick, if bloody, end to Dirty Jeb's existence. Her gaze following intently as Yelena offers the other bandit his choices.
”Uh… y- y- y- yes, ma’am!” the other bandit stammers, his eyes darting back and forth from Yelena’s blood-stained talon to Dirty Jeb’s slit throat. ”Didn’t wanna be no bandit anyway… Just weren’t any other way t’ survive. Please don’t kill me!” he exclaims with heartfelt sincerity.
As Yelena's interest in the other bandit seems to wane, and Edrukk and Karthas go about putting the late Jeb in the ground. Suny also stands, yawns and stretches a little. Working the kinks out after having been sitting upon the ground with her hounds.
"Well...we can't right leave ye out here on yer ownsome." She says to the remaining bandit as she goes and helps him to his feet.
"So...whut say we bring ye in't th' place an' work on ye gettin' t' not be all 'Bantiy'?" She grins, calling her hounds to her and walking the new fellow back into camp, one bare brown arm about his waist to help steady him across the open grass in the dark.
"M'name be 'Suny'...whut's yours?"
"I would have at least taken out where he wouldn't bleed all over our host's home, but at least it is done." Getting the help of one of the original reformed bandits, Edrukk will throw the dead body out, his only care being that of keeping any more blood from the floor and walls of the temple. He'll bury it and the other bodies in a shallow grave, and even that is only to keep others from finding them before the group can deal with the Stag Lord. Coming back in, "Now what? I think we need to act quickly, lest we find this fort of his even harder to deal with."
Euron nods to himself as he watches the end of the questioning with Jeb.
"Now there's a plan I can get behind. If we act fast, maybe we can take this Stag-Man unawares, make him think it's just these fellas returning from taking care of us -- if we come back late enough with the right number of folks. Heck, a few of us could probably even appear like prisoners."
Euron rubs his beard a bit in thought.
"I wonder if anyone of the remaining folks would be helpful in telling us what we might need to know to get to pass inside like that?"
"Well...we can't right leave ye out here on yer ownsome." She says to the remaining bandit as she goes and helps him to his feet.
"So...whut say we bring ye in't th' place an' work on ye gettin' t' not be all 'Bantiy'?" She grins, calling her hounds to her and walking the new fellow back into camp, one bare brown arm about his waist to help steady him across the open grass in the dark.
"M'name be 'Suny'...whut's yours?"
”My name’s Garik, ma’am,” the bandit introduces himself shakily. ”Do y’all really mean what you say? ‘Bout lettin’ us turn over a new leaf an’ get away from banditin’?” he whispers hopefully.
"Now there's a plan I can get behind. If we act fast, maybe we can take this Stag-Man unawares, make him think it's just these fellas returning from taking care of us -- if we come back late enough with the right number of folks. Heck, a few of us could probably even appear like prisoners."
"I wonder if anyone of the remaining folks would be helpful in telling us what we might need to know to get to pass inside like that?"
Dorn pauses in his cleaning of the temple grounds upon hearing Euron’s question. ”Somethin’ like that might work. Shoot, there’s groups deliverin’ their tribute to the Stag Lord’s fort ev’ry couple o’ days or so. If you looked like bandits an’ had some goods t’ deliver, the guards likely wouldn’t look you over too much. An’ th’ Stag Lord wouldn’t even think t’ question you if you were deliverin’ liquor,” the reformed bandit offers.
The companions and the shrine’s residents see to the burial of the dead bandits. With liberal uses of his Prestidigitation cantrip, Edrukk manages to remove the numerous signs of the night’s bloody battle from the temple’s walls, floors, and step. Once their tasks are complete, everyone returns to their bedrolls to get what rest they may in the remainder of the night.
Fireday, Gozran 13
The morning dawns crisp and clear. Rani and Jhod thank everyone profusely again for their help in defending the temple and prepare a hearty breakfast for the companions. ”So, what are your plans now?” Rani asks.
”My name’s Garik, ma’am,” the bandit introduces himself shakily. ”Do y’all really mean what you say? ‘Bout lettin’ us turn over a new leaf an’ get away from banditin’?” He whispers hopefully.
Suny giggles, grins and hugs Garik, "O' course, silly! I wouldn't be sayin' it if'n I din't mean it!" She snuggles against him, reaching up and ruffling his hair playfully.
"Here, I like th' idea of sneakin' ourselfs in. I be happy t'play possum an' have me-self presented as a trophy." She adds to the group discussion. Happy to clasp her bare wrists together in imitation of having them bound, even as she laughs exclaiming,
"I c'n see Euron, Edrukk an' Karthas comin' across as right scruffy scally-wags o' th' first order!" (^_^)
Suny's hounds settle themselves down around their mistress.
"Sounds like we need to find us some alcohol, and pronto, then. Wouldn't be the first time I've been cast in that role, though I can't say that I've ever been put in a position of having such a lovely "prisoner" before. And yes, Garik, I for one mean it entirely. I intend to build a home here, and would much rather have good neighbors than not. I'm quite sure that Rani here can find plenty to keep your hands busy." Edrukk eyes twinkle a bit as he banters over breakfast.
"Garik, as the others have told you, we are true to our word. As long as you forsake banditry, and choose to lead a life that causes no harm to anyone else, you will." The Kellid's tone grows more grim prior to saying, "Make no mistake though, this second chance is your final chance. Should you return to your previous ways, there will be no mercy. Do I make my self clear, Garik?"
"The plan to sneak into the Stag Lord's fort is a good one. Suny, if you are willing to play the part of a prisoner, that would certainly lend some believablity to our plot."
Suny grins happily,
"D'ye rilly think I be makin' a naffy decoy?" She asks excitedly, giving a little 'squee' of happiness and hugging Garik fiercely in her exuberance. (^_^)
"I suspect Oleg could help us with the alcohol, and that militia man should be warned about the threat to both Oleg's and the temple, so we can kill two birds with one stone."
Suny gives Garik a reassuring hug when Edrukk mentions killing.
Suny drags Garik back to her sleeping furs/blanket -after seeing that both her doggies are fully healed, hale and healthy- and snuggles the pair of them between said doggies and under said blankets.
As they settle in for the remainder of the night.
"Where would we find a shipment of alcohol? Not just any alcohol, but something so nice that its quality distracts the Staglord from paying us as much attention as he normally would?"
At Yelena’s question Karthas and Euron share a knowing look, both thinking the same thought - “Ol’ Nell Hardesty!”
"I suspect Oleg could help us with the alcohol, and that militia man should be warned about the threat to both Oleg's and the temple, so we can kill two birds with one stone."
After the group finishes breakfast the companions take to their mounts and say their good-byes. Garik offers to stay behind and help with the restoration of the temple, and waves fondly to Suny as she rides off. Rani promises that they are always welcome at the Temple of the Elk, and reminds them to make their way back to the Temple if they need her or Jhod's assistance.
C3c: ;
The group wends its way without incident along the winding game trails through the forest, and makes camp at the now-familiar former bandit camp at the Thorn River ford. The evening passes thankfully uneventfully.
The companions break camp and follow the familiar trail to Oleg’s Trading Post. The wooden walls fo the trading post come into view just as the sun touches the western horizon. One of Kesten Garess’ men (you’re pretty sure it’s Willem) hails the group as they approach, surprise evident in his expression. ”Back so soon? We figured we wouldn’t see you for at least another week or so!”
Passing through the gates, the intrepid explorers see Svetlana and Vianne serving dinner to Oleg, Berenkor, Kesten Garess, and Ol’ Nell Hardesty and her twin granddaughters Vala and Vanna; they all exclaim in surprise at the group’s return. ”Well, that was fast!” Oleg exclaims with a grin. ”Svetlana! Looks like we’ve got a few more to feed!” Svetlana gives the group a warm welcoming smile and motions for Vianne to help her bring more food out from the kitchen. In no time at all the companions find themselves enjoying another of Svetlana Leveton’s fine meals.
”Oleg is right - you have returned quickly. Is everything alright at the temple?” Kesten Garess enquires with concern.
Euron squints and waves a dirty hand dismissing Kesten's concern.
"No time to talk, we're here for some booze, and then we're off to catch ourselves a wild Stag that's been real bad..."
He gives a knowing nod to Niko as if to indicate he's making good on some long forgotten promise.
The druid waits for someone with finer social skills to approach Ol' Nell and inquire about what she might be brewing lately that will do the trick.
I can understand people not picking up on the fact that she left her clothes lying out on the grass, so am happy enough to have had some one drop them over her head when she and the rest were getting ready to head back to Oleg's. ;)
Also, I hope my interactions with Garik didn't cause yourself or others too much possible distress at the 'PG rating' of the adventure. :)
Glad you're back and posting and that your troubles are clearing away. (^_^)
Come the morning, Suny is up bright eyed and bouncing around the camp helping folks kit up and move out on the journey back to Olegs. Before leaving the temple she does give Garik an enthusiastic hug...then does the same for Rani. Giving the Half Elven priestess the surest promise that she will return.
Suny spends the day(s) at Olegs wandering around, helping where she can and getting ready to be part of the 'bait' with which to trap said Stag. (^_~)
Arriving back at Oleg's, Karthas leaves discussion with Kesten to the druid as he makes his way quickly to Ol' Nell.
"Nell, could I have a bit of your time?" the Kellid asks, uncharacteristically polite, half because he knows he must as something of the aged woman and half because of the occasional glares he still receives from Nell because of all of the time he spends with Vianne.
"Nell, I'm sure you remember your captor's comments about the Stag Lord's fondness for drink. I would like to have a few cases of your 'medicine' so that we may sneak into his fort and put and end to him. Is this something you could help me with.?"
Euron squints and waves a dirty hand dismissing Kesten's concern.
"No time to talk, we're here for some booze, and then we're off to catch ourselves a wild Stag that's been real bad..."
”Feeling the need to fortify yourselves before you go hunting?” Berenkor asks, the gnome’s innocent tone belied by his mischievous grin.
"What he means to say is that we need some liquor to get ourselves past the security at the Stag Lord's fort. An ambush sent by him to the temple of Erastil was unsuccessful, so we want to reach him before the bad news sets him on guard."
”An ambush at the temple, you say?” Kesten asks, concern evident in his voice as the others gathered at the tables exclaim in surprise at the news. ”How fare the folks at the temple? Were any hurt? Do they need reinforcements to help defend the temple?”
”Going after the Stag Lord? Well it’s about time! Tell me, what do you need? If I’ve got it, it’s yours!” Oleg exclaims.
Karthas leaves discussion with Kesten to the druid as he makes his way quickly to Ol' Nell.
"Nell, could I have a bit of your time?" the Kellid asks, uncharacteristically polite.
”Aye...” the old woman replies warily, fixing Karthas with a gimlet eye.
"Nell, I'm sure you remember your captor's comments about the Stag Lord's fondness for drink. I would like to have a few cases of your 'medicine' so that we may sneak into his fort and put an end to him. Is this something you could help me with?"
”That’s all ye need? Well o’ course!” Ol’ Nell exclaims, evidently thinking that Karthas was going to ask for something - or someone - else. ”First batch I’ve made since young Hiram helped me get th’ still back t’gether’s finally ready. Good stuff too, if I do say so meself! I reckon I can spare ye four jugs.” She pauses, and then adds in a lower tone, ”Just be careful an’ don’t jar ‘em too much or drop ‘em when yer travelin’ with ‘em, ye ken?”
Edrukk will fill Kesten in on the details of the battle at the temple, taking the opportunity to put the story to put the story in epic form and get Berenkor's thoughts on needed refinements. The part involving the red headed bard is particularly well crafted, and Edrukk is quite pleased with the outcome of it.
Suny continues to skip and bounce around Oleg's trading post being her bright and cherry usual self.
”That’s all ye need? Well o’ course!” Ol’ Nell exclaims, evidently thinking that Karthas was going to ask for something - or someone - else. ”First batch I’ve made since young Hiram helped me get th’ still back t’gether’s finally ready. Good stuff too, if I do say so meself! I reckon I can spare ye four jugs.” She pauses, and then adds in a lower tone, ”Just be careful an’ don’t jar ‘em too much or drop ‘em when yer travelin’ with ‘em, ye ken?”
The Kellid raises an eyebrow at the final comment, "An extra potent batch I take it?" he asks, slowly and carefully moving the jugs.
While traveling back and forth between the wagon and Ol' Nell, Suny catches the barbarian's eye. "Um, Suny? While I'm sure the guards and the former bandits around here appreciate your....openess, you had probably better cover up a bit, alright?"
Once he has all of the jugs loaded on the wagon, Karthas makes one final comment to Ol' Nell having noted her earlier relief that he was only ask for some of her "medicine". "Have no worries, Nell, we'll have the conversation you thought we were going to have should I make it back from dealing with this Stag Lord." he says, adding a wink.
Suny nods at Karthas' suggestion...and puts on a hat.
(^_^)
Suny pauses, "Whut d'ye mean? T'is th' only body I got?' She blinks in surprise at the question. (^_^)
I is gon'a be bait! (^_^)
Euron ties up and secures Tunica in Oleg's old barn, ensuring she has food and water and instructions are left to feed the majestic creature while he is away.
Can't bring the elk... just in case some of the Stag-man's men saw Tunica, it might raise suspicion.
As Euron departs the stables, he gives Niko a long look.
What to do about you...?