"It’s hard keeping track of who’s working for the boss, so we use a master phrase as a sort of password to get in to the fort on the northeast shore of the Tuskwater. Unless it’s been changed recently, the current phrase is, ‘By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?’ And no, I have no idea who ‘St. Gilmorg’ is.”
"The Stag Lord keeps a strange old man locked up in the basement. I suspect the old guy might actually be running the show, using the Stag Lord as a puppet, you know. I got a look into the old guy’s eyes once, and it terrified me. He ain't someone I'd want to cross.”
Rosetta listens to Kas' overview of their interrogation of the bandits and when he finishes she says "Maybe after we go and investigate the mites lair we should head to the stag lord's fort? It might be worth it to scout it out and maybe try and take the stag lord out. Because once he realizes that Kressels group doesn't check in he will probably send another here to Oleg's to stir up trouble. "
"Shouldn't we then make the Stag Lord the priority then? Catch him off guard while he remains unaware that anything has happened."
"Well now, I was just about to say that I may be able to bring some power to bear upon the bandit woman Kressle...though truth to tell it is not something that I relish. And as I told Beorn, it may not work." Kas looks at Hama with a raised eyebrow and a serious look, adding, "Not entirely unlike how friendly the hapless bandit fellow, Nick, was last night when entreating with him. Odd, Hama, that Nick seems greatly hurt and scorned by your bluffed notions of friendship last night, is it not?"
Whatever his subtle - or not-so-subtle - mention of possible forms of coercion that they may have similarities on, Kas clears his throat and shrugs his shoulders. "I'm not keen on it, but I can try if you all think it's worth doing. And it may fail - I tried this trick on the one called Keely yesterday morning when Happs and they showed up here, but it failed to grab hold of his will."
Hama snorts dismissively. "Of course he's feeling hurt! Wouldn't you be if an old drinking buddy suddenly turned around and handed you over to the hangman? I was sent here against my will to manage the bandit problem, in no small part due to my knowledge of, and contacts within, the area. If that's what it takes for me to be free again, that's just what I intend to do."
"True and well Hama, true and well. I just know from yesterday that you're no simple cart driver who flirted with banditry." Kas shrugs and raises a hand to show acceptance. "Maybe at some quiet campfire you'd be willing to tell your tale as to how you ended up in all this, but I know that only comes with time...and trust. Yet isn't it possible, Hama, that at least a couple of these lads have tales that could be as varied as yours? It must be painful for you to see them as anything but all monsters, but deep down you must know it's possible."
Having already had a private conversation on the subject with Hama Beorn does not comment further on Kas' attempt to get her taking. Instead he responds to Kas about the possible redemption of the third bandit. Of course you have my support with the third bandit. he says almost hurt. leg, I do wish you would consider taking at least one on as help around here. You have the room and there is plenty of work to be done. And if he is here I can check on him more often and offer what guidance to the lad as I may.
Thinking about what to do next Beorn adds I am for dealing with the mites next, and not that until the rain lets off, and perhaps the guards arrive. This bandit lord lives in some fortified place. I am not sure we have the intel or numbers or equipment yet to take on such a task. Better for them to send out a force to find out what happened to their bandits and we deal with them in smaller number I think. Once the guards are here I would feel good about exploring father out from the trading post and getting to know the lay of the land. Perhaps there are other bandit camps that need taking out. I do not fear this bandit lord but nor shall I foolishly charge into his strong place unprepared.
"It does seem we have a mite problem closer by," says Kas in agreement with Beorn, "and if there's a chance on recovering what was taken by these creatures, I'd like to give it a go." He looks to Beorn to show firm agreement on his concerns about the Stag Lord. "It all was a bit taxing last night, but Tim said some things about this Stag Lord that should give us pause...not to mention he's inside of a fort at that. So Rosetta, I'd be willing to see about scouting that fort at some point soon, but anything more I think would be hasty."
Kas looks to Saniana and asks, "San, last night you seemed to have some ill towards mites. What do you say about our next jaunt after these rains settle down?"
"I'm always up for a chance to exterminate such vermin," she says with the same glee she has been displaying toward the thunderstorm.
"Mites are not very dangerous by themselves. But they have ways of getting normally mindless vermin, even swarms of vermin to ally with them. We should be ready to fight spiders, centipedes, even cave fishers. They have little magical ability, but they can hex an enemy with feelings of dread that can hamper its ability to fight. They themselves have a weakness however: they hate bright light. We should try to attack them when it is sunny out and perhaps force them from their lair with smoke or other noxious gases."
She then skips off to see if Oleg has any vermin repellent and smoke pellets in his stocks. She'd be interested in pepper smoke pellets if he has them.
As you guys wait out the rest of the storm, the guards from Restov arrive, on schedule the next day, they are drenched and road weary but pushed through the storm to get here as quickly as possible.
Rosetta first spots them from her vantage point in the tower, calling out to open the gate.
Oleg comes out in an animal hide poncho to greet the guards as do I am sure the rest of you guys.
Its 3 fighter looking types, their cloaks and shields bear the emblem of Restov on them signifying them as guards, a human male, a human female and a dwarf male. Oleg steps forward, "Aye, we've been expectin' ya, come in to the fort, quickly now, we can take shelter inside my house, be a bit cramped for all us but it'll do,"
Ushering them inside, its a bit cramped but you guys make do, squeezing to find room while the rain continues to pound the roof.
Introductions are in order, the dwarf steps forward, "Aye, Ai'm Sergeant Battlebrew, Dom Battlebrew, with me is Fred Williams and Olivia Digby," The two humans bow before Oleg, "This lot and I've be assigned to help defend your Trading Post," Looking around at everyone gathered, "And who might these folks be?"
After hearing Saniana mention vermin, Hama takes the pale of boiled water off the fire and begins adding various alchemical ingredients to it.
"With a little luck and some time, the vermin may not be a problem."
After a while, Hama groans in frustration. Just as she is about to toss the pale's worthless contents into the rain, new visitors arrive.
Introductions are in order, the dwarf steps forward, "Aye, Ai'm Sergeant Battlebrew, Dom Battlebrew, with me is Fred Williams and Olivia Digby," The two humans bow before Oleg, "This lot and I've be assigned to help defend your Trading Post," Looking around at everyone gathered, "And who might these folks be?"
"Happy to hear it gentlemen. My name is Hama. Would you kindly present your papers? You can never be too careful. Bandits sure can be a sneaky lot, you know. Wouldn't want anyone trying to break the prisoners out of Oleg's stable or anything."
"Also, would you and your men like some spiced tea? I've just brewed some." asks Hama, holding up the pale's acrid smelling contents.
In the time remaining before the guards arrive Beorn wants to separate the three identified repenting bandits from the others. He will explain the offer for their redemption: One years of service to work off their debts and and during this time they will be treated well, fell and provide a roof over their heads. They must swear to accept the deal or they can choose to return to the city with their brethren. After swearing Beorn will bunk with these men and lead their efforts in fixing up Oleg's place.
Beorn tries not to make a face at the smell when the vermin repellent goes bad and complements the effort. Good try Hama. I am sure such concoctions are complex and tricky.
he greets the newcomers almost as old friends, helping them out of wet traveling cloaks and offering them seats buy the fire. I am Beorn Haraldson and I am quite glad for your arrival. We were forced to dispatch a large camp of bandits when some of them came here extorting goods from Oleg and Svetlana. And I've been a little reluctant to leave the trading post until you arrived. While I do not expect retaliation from the bandits, its possible and I'd not leave my friends without protection if I had a choice. He goes on to give details of the two fights and the bandit captives, making special note of the three repentant ones. As you know, the charter from the sword lords is clear. Only unrepentant bandits are to get the sword or rope...
"Indeed, indeed yessir!" Kasimyr laughs heartily with a baritone voice and seems all warmth and good cheer as he comes to assist Beorn with helping the guards feel welcome. "Master Haraldson knows his official edicts quite well I'd say, doesn't he now? It's good that you're here now, to bolster this small peace we've managed to carve out, and ferret out the good brew from the spoiled batch, eh?"
Kas doffs his red hat and bows to them all, adding, "I'm called Kas - Kas Crimson! A traveler and storyteller...oh and a chosen worshiper of The Eternal Rose as well I might add. Do you all happen to know the small Shrine of Five Feathers in Restov? Just off of Dolov's Square near the old amphitheater? I tended the grounds just last winter you see, before bein' called to serve the good folk out west here after the thaw."
"There's no good brew among that lot." mutters Hama in the background.
She looks down at the would-be tea in her hands. "But I suppose there's a chance something could be salvaged of it."
Putting a hand out towards Dom Rosetta smiles and says, "Ah, what a pleasure to meet you, I am Rosetta Westfall." SHe takes his hand and shakes it. "We are so glad you are here, as my compaions have been telling you we put a stop to those pesky bandits to help bring some peace here to Oleg and Svetlana's trading post."
Dom Battlebrew looks around, "A large group of bandits, aye that's what we were dispatched to help defend against, ya folks can't be so bad if took care of 'em fer us already,"
Nodding to Hama and pulling out an iron badge stamped with the symbol of Restov, "Aye and here's my symbol of station as a Sergeant,"
Enjoying the warmth of the fire, he wrings out his long muddy red beard, "Did you guys capture any of the bandits or shorten' 'em all by a head or two?"
Hearing Kas, Fred Williams steps up, "Oh yeah, I recognize ya from the square, I started off patrolin' that area, now I was promoted to field duty!"
Saniana enters after missing the group's entrance. Hearing others introducing themselves, she waits politely and then skips forward and bows and says, "Saniana Quickly, of the Sevenarches Quicklys. I've served as a wilderness guide and now I help tame this wild land."
"We've captured those we could and one of the leaders is indeed shorter by a head. We're trying to convince some to forsake their banditry and become settlers instead. But there are others still at large.... and mites! We're going mite hunting later." She winks at the dwarf, for mites hate dwarves and gnomes with equal vehemence.
Hama throws her arm up in a fist pump, shouting, "Aye! I'm looking forward to cleaning up this wood!"
She then looks at the Sergeant, curtsies in a more formal greeting, and daintily asks, "Any chance you fine, proper fellows would be willing to lend a lady a hand after dropping off the cargo in Restov?"
The dwarf emits deep rumbling belly laugh at the excitement Saniana displays, "Aye, we'll those unrepentant we can lead back ta Restov, Fred 'n 'Liv can take 'em back ta Restov, about 4 day trek up tha South Rostland Road. While there, can collect the 600 gold bounty for these bandits and bring it back and award ya guys with it,"
Fred pipes up, "Aye m'lady, I could help ya, sure!" Fred removes his bucket helmet, revealing a tangle of mottled sandy blonde hair. "What d'ya need?"
Olivia just shakes her head at his over eagerness, she like wise removes her helmet, revealing chestnut brown hair that's been braided and wrapped into a bun, keeping her hair out of her face should a combat ensue.
Kas smiles and says to guardsman Fred Williams, "Well now, when ya get back there and have a coin or two to rub together for a good show, go see Master Arvosi and Lady Senna performin' at 'Dame Dainty's Dance Hall'...that's right down the way from 'The Fighting Coin Tavern' off of the Layabout Row. Tell 'em Kas Crimson sent ya and they'll make sure you're treated like a lord now, eh?"
Not wanting to further interrupt Hama's attractive inquiry to Fred, Kas instead steps over to the other guardswoman, Olivia, and sees what he might find as a reaction from the hardened young woman. "And how may Kas Crimson be of service to a maiden fair that yet knows her steel and her duty?"
At the mention of dance halls and taverns, Saniana brightens and offers, "My parents were traveling performers. I remember them playing on stages in Restov when I was knee high to a halfling. They told jokes, did comedy sketches, and sang and danced. They wanted me to become a performer when I came of age, even included me in acts as I got older, but my heart was never in it. I was always sneaking out to explore the forests and look for fey and such. They complained that if I was ever cut, I would bleed green blood."
Arms crossed, Olivia responds to Kas's question, "I am not sure there is much you can do for me, Master Kas, I am here to uphold the law and mete out justice in this untamed wilderness,"
Dom Battlebrew will proceed to gather up the bandits, locking them in fetters and chaining them together to make it easy for Fred and Olivia to lead them back to Restov.
The next morning they head out, leaving behind the three bandits you guys have deemed as "Possible for redemption" the rest heading to Restov for a life of hard labor.
As Fred and Olivia head out, Hama elects to travel with them further reinforcing their number on their trip back to Restov with the captured bandits.
The four of you that remain discuss among yourselves, Oleg and Dom Battlebrew and elect to begin exploring the hexes nearest to Oleg's Trading Post.
Heading out on horseback, making the exploration much faster.
However nary even a deer is found on these wild plains, must to your guys misfortune.
As you head back to Oleg's for the night a meteor shower can be seen overheard and well its truly spectacular, as the shower rages on a larger than usual light flashes through the sky and the sound of a huge crack of thunder. This ball of fire and light streaks through sky.
Saniana dismounts from he reindeer and lays on her back, the better to enjoy the shooting stars, talking excitedly about each bright streak or group of them. When the large one creates its fabulous display, Sanaiana shrieks with joy and hugs Dax before remounting Glyph. "Let's go see if we can find a meteorite! I've heard they can be very valuable, sometimes containing skymetal! Don't worry, I never get lost in the forest."
Watching the meteor shower, reminds Rosetta of when she was a child and would lay and watch the stars with her brothers.
As The meteor falls to the ground Rosetta agrees with Saniana about going to find it.
"I've heard about sky metal! How exciting! Anyone else want to come? Rosetta looks towards the rest of the group
That looked pretty close. I'll certainly come along. I wan to explore in that direction anyway.
Kas peers up at the same cosmic occurrence that the rest of them all notice, musing to himself for a moment but nodding in agreement. "Well say now, that does look to be something to check out!" He smiles and nods to the others. "I suppose the mites aren't going anywhere for the time being, and I had a fine Desnan friend of mine that would never forgive me if I passed up a chance such as this! Let's go see what we can see..."
With the moon not high in the sky yet, (about 8 pm) you guys head out for the spot you guys thought the shooting star landed, heading out into the dark forest, with torches lit its hard running and you guys are moving slowly but after a couple hours you find a stream that seems to make travel easier and heads in the direction you were going.
Its a cold night but nothing you can't deal with by pulling out your blankets and wrapping them around you as you ride.
Around what must be close to 4 am, you guys arrive at a large 150 foot pond much of the area around it has been scorched and the pond is only about a quarter filled compared to what it must have been before this shooting star plunged into it, steam is still billowing from the area from all the superheated water.
Saniana remains mounted on her reindeer, so she can be higher off the ground, the better to observe the rock. "That's a meteorite or I'm a mite's grandmother!"
She utters an arcane word and gestures toward the rock and four lights appear near the rock, each casting the light of one torch. She mentally moves the dancing lights into a 10 foot by 10 foot square around the rock, the better for us to observe it.
Saniana rides her reindeer as close as she can (but stays at least 10 feet from it).
As Saniana approaches the meteorite, her Reindeer in about ankle deep water, its hooves sludging in the mud, a stirring happens, two giant frogs, well what surely used to be giant frogs, now more skeleton and burnt flesh begin to emerge from the sludge.
You know that zombies are susceptible to slashing weapons but take very little damage from piercing or bludgeoning weapons
Initiative Round 1 - Zombie frogs are composing themselves
Rosetta
Beorn
Kas
Zombie Frogs
Saniana
Seeing The giant frogs, that don't look entirely normal Rosetta draws her bow, nocks an arrow and shoots towards the closet frog.
"I've never seen any kind of frog that looks like that...sometimes must have happened when the meteor hit!"
"San! Look out!" Kas shouts with urgency in his voice even as he shuffles up to the pond, judging the distance and deciding he has to enter the water in order to help her. With a light touch to his songbird symbol, the older devotee to The Eternal Rose draws forth power of life and healing, but turns it into something that would seek to eradicate death and decay from the world.
The light of Kasimyr's channeling reaches out across the depleted pond to hit both frogs, though Kas thinks that alone may not be enough to disconnect them from the dark energies that sustain them here. Even so, he calls back to Beorn, saying "That greatsword of yours is the best we've got against these buggers, Beorn! They've gotta be cut apart if they approach us!"
__________________________________________
Rosetta fires off an arrow, nearly obliterating one of the Giant Frog zombies despite the lack of effectiveness her arrow would otherwise have!
Just as Kas channels the holy power of his deity to eradicate the foul undead!
However their newly undead strength buffets much of the holy energy!
Initiative Round 1 - Zombie frogs are composing themselves
Rosetta
Beorn
Kas
Zombie Frogs 1 14 damage | Frog 2 2 damage
Saniana
Saniana turns Glyph around and retreats to the edge of the pond, next to Kas. Dax clambers out of the pouch he rides in while Saniana dismounts. Then she casts shillelagh on her club.
Beorn looks to Kas acknowledging his breakdown of the situation, nodding to Rosetta and San, "Cover me Rose, I'm going in!"
Charging the nearest frog, the same one that Rosetta already damage, his boots splashing through the ankle deep water, drawing his massive greatsword as he runs.
"For Erastil!!!"
The smoking flesh and broken bones finally fit themselves into shape, revealing the final horrid form of these poor frogs that have been raised as Zombies. The water has a small shockwave run across it as they finish forming, no doubt due to the necromantic and celestial energies involved.
Initiative Round 2 - Zombie frogs are composed and going to attack people on their turn now.
Rosetta
Beorn
Kas
Zombie Frogs 1 14 damage | Frog 2 2 damage
Saniana
Watching the frogs continue to come to their bizarre and weird shape Rosetta nicks another arrow and aims for the frog she just hit. "watch out guys! They are looking bigger and worse!"
Kasimyr looks around to either side of him to see where Saniana and Rosetta are, making the decision that he has to hold where he is instead of wading out towards Beorn. Kas draws forth his glaive and shakes the linen wrappings loose, revealing a polished sharp steel blade lovingly cared for. Setting it forward in the water, he anticipates that the other zombie not occupied by Beorn may come for them, and prepares to try and skewer it before it can reach the lakeshore.
__________________________________________
Beorn, emboldened by his failed last attack renews his divine faith and strikes once more to destroy the foul zombie frog!
"Hang in there, guys, we've almost got this!"
Beorn, emboldened by the wroth of Erastil to eradicate these foul abominations cuts down the Zombie Frog he was battling.
The other, rotted, burnt tongue dangling through a massive hole in its bottom lip zombie charges eratically toward Kas and the rest of the group.
Kas was ready though.
It slams into Kas, wildly.
It lays into him with a brutal looking slam
Initiative Round 2 - Saniana is up | Need a readied attack from Kas
Rosetta
Beorn
Kas 7 Damage
Zombie Frog 2: 2 damage
Saniana
Kasimyr's aim seems true even as the twisted mockery of nature comes slamming into his body, nearly bowling him over and forcing him almost down to his knees in the mud and muck of the pond's edge.
With Dax snarling nearby, Saniana raises her puny seeming club and as the frog gets close enough, she swings at it.
She can't get a good angle on it however.
The frog has engaged Kas and gave him a pretty fierce blow but he turned its charge into a charge of death as he scored a pretty good hit back!
Initiative Round 3 - Rose, Beorn and Kas are up, Today is the last day of Beorn's Ski trip, I'll give him some time before botting him.
Rosetta
Beorn
Kas 7 Damage
Zombie Frog 2: 5 damage
Saniana
Rosetta, dismounting her horse she draws her Kukri and moves in close to the zombie frog to attack.
And the zombie frog's skin is seemingly too thick for her kukri to slash it.
If the terrain allows Beorn steps up and slices at the undead amphibian, power attacking. You shall not have my friends!
With a mighty blow, Beorn cuts down the second Zombie frog!