Thomas dismounts and digs a bite of jerky out of his saddlebags while he waits for the scouts to return.
You fetch the group. I'll watch. Plan is for one of us to walk forward and talk. The rest will cover. Den says quietly.
Dmitri nods in approval and makes his way back to the group.
"Well, we're not alone...that's for sure. Looks like we've a settlement being established in this neck of the woods. Dendarial and I can't tell if they're friend or foe, but one thing is for certain, we WILL have to deal with them at somepoint."
Dmitri begins making several marks in the grass to show the party what he has learned. "At the center is a ramshackle tower that poses a main threat if anyone wanted to ambush them." He then made several smaller tick marks to show illustrate the settlement's citizens. "A sprawling colony, I can only discern that the watchtower has a longbowman, and there's a heavily armored person but other than that, they seem harmless...unless they're magic users, devil worshipers, or something."
He took a step back and admired his work. Maybe he should learn the arts one day, after saving humanity from the natural world.
"Dandarial feels that one of us should try to sweet talk them and find whether they're friend or foe. I personally think it's risky since they might be cannibals for all we know. However, the group would remain in cover and help as needed." His eyes met Karina's and he gave a wry smile. "In any case group, what's your thoughts?"
Tyanos looks things over and listens to what is said. Truly the man seemed misinformed or had been in Brevoy to long. While he was not a native of the river kingdoms he lived long enough with in her domain to know, secrets are for cities and settlements. Building a settlement or carving out a little piece of land for yourself was common, that was the very root of every river kingdom their ever was. Only those that endured are remembered, hardly new or suspicious. Taking a breath he speaks.
"I think I am the one best suited to speak with them. No offense intended, but in my humble opinion, a well traveled merchant is more suited then anyone else at dealing with riverfolk. I would point out as well, I need no weapons in my hand to fight should it come to that."
He spreads his hands, the same that sent magical darts into the blue fey just the other day with good effect.
"We should hope they are locals, being bound to the river freedoms makes meetings so much easier. If not then we will get their measure, I prefer nonviolence and another trading partner is always welcome."
I agree, a group here, where we can rest and recover in safety, seems to be a good call. We watch and cover from here, while Tyranos goes forward to talk.
With that, Thomas strings his longbow, and ties off his horse to a tree.
Don't you want me to come with you, Tyanos? There's no need for you to take all the risks, and I can either protect you or help you convince these folks. I'm not too heavily armored to be perceived as a threat, hopefully.
"If you wish, I certainly won't refuse. As long as you let me do the talking."
Thomas moves carefully up to the near the edge of the woods, and waits there to see the results of the parlay attempt.
Keeping under cover as much as possible.
As you wish, Tyanos. I won't interfere, unless you feel it necessary or you are endangered. I'm ready to go now, if you wish.
"We should approach on foot and in the open. No need to tempt them with horses and supplies. Being opportunistic and a bandit are not the same thing out here. Throw in that river freedom about having what you hold and it's a bit legal to be a bully. Let's get to it then."
He was already going over the many ways to deal with how these people presented themselves.
The ranger pulls back to achieve full cover from the camp and trusts his hearing to know when to move forward again.
While the rest of the group remained hidden, Tyanos and Hadin left their horses behind and started out towards the camp. While not exactly unarmed, their weapons dangled at their sides--an expression of neutrality in these hostile lands.
It took a moment longer than one might expect for the guardsman in the tower to shout a warning. Raising his bow and nocking an arrow, he trained his sights on the foremost of the pair. "Hold!" Then, directed to the group below. "Boss, we've got guests!"
The man you'd presumed to be the leader steps forward, nods to his guardsman, and lays a hand on the hilt of his blade. He stops a number of paces away from you, clearly sizing you up. The rest of his men assemble in a rough semi-circle behind him. They look a mix of ruffians and youths. Even the women in their company appear rough around the edges (though, no more than Kressle was). A few who look less conflict inclined gather near the back, keeping the wall at their backs.
"Well, then. Not often we entertain guests, heh. The name's Happs Bydon, and this here's the workings of Happston. You're welcome to, eh-" He glances over his shoulder at the ramshackle 'settlement,' then shrugs. "-nevermind. So, who the hell are ya?" He cracks his knuckles ever so subtly--but not so subtly that you would not notice. The man grins wide. The contrast between his welcoming words and rather aggressive demeanor is unsettling.
Tyanos eyes the big man for a moment. Takes a step forward and bows, coming up with the slightly closer distance makes his towering height ever more pronounced. Even if his form was slimmer, he was the tower while the man was a stout fortress. His eyes a different color then they were a moment ago by their nature. He smiles wide just before speaking.
"I am Tyanos Strostia. Merchant, traveler, and most recently mapper of these lands."
Lifting an arm he draws attention to Hadin.
"This is Hadin Cassoren, a friend and comrade."
Lowering his arm, never breaking eye contact. He continues.
"We came upon your good Happston quite by chance. If you would be so kind, I would impose on you. How did you come to be here and why? It seems an odd choice, yet I do not claim to know much of such things mind you."
He watches them closely as he speaks and when they reply.
A few of the men behind Happs looks like they easily could have fallen out of a camp of bandits. The others looks less like warriors and more like travelers. A few of them look Varisian. Happs, however, looks every bit the warrior. You notice a glint of silver from on his neck, but can't quite make out what he's wearing under his leathers. Somewhere from the back of the camp you catch the scent of grilled meat accompanied by some quiet chatter.
Happs steps forward and offers a hand to the imposing Ulfen merchant. "A trader, eh? Always good to know one or two of them folks, I've said." You catch a subdued laugh from one of the men behind Happs. He shoots the man a glare and silences him instantly. "We sorta happened upon the place by chance ourselves, as it were. Needed a place to stay, and the Narlmarches ain't always too kind... so I decided we set up camp near one'a the groves just outside'a 'er. Been here near enough a month 'er two, now."
Tyanos takes the man's hand and shakes it firmly. Keeping his other free and a spell ready should the man try anything. He had his suspicions now that he got a good look at them. He would now have to work another kind of magic, should his normal kind not be needed. Which he hoped it would not, but if his theory was right he may just have to resort to it. All this did not show on his warm face, flawlessly white teeth, and pointed canines that peeked out from his full smile.
"In that case I have news you may not have heard, no doubt busy here. You seem to have picked a good time to settle down my friends."
He lets go of Happs hand. Not that he had let go of his magic should the man make an unwise move.
"The bandit problem of these parts seems to be getting taken care of. To the best of my knowledge two groups and a camp of them were cleared out recently. So you folks should be safer from that, made trade better too. But I won't bore you with the details of bandit stuff, sure you only care about them getting put under by some other guys and that's all. I would be more then glad to know what you have to trade, could see if their a deal to be had. I'm a good sort to deal with."
Leaning slightly to the side to catch a good view of those behind the man, while still keeping him in his field of vision, he gave the others a big wink when he finished speaking. He had laid out the bait, he would see if Happs took it. If Happs did then his theory would be right, if not well his doubt would be less. But he would be lying to himself if he said they would disappear.
Happs tilts his head with curiosity at Tyanos' gesture, but shrugs it off. He steps a little closer and throws a friendly arm around Tyanos as he speaks--though you notice one hand still rests upon his weapon. As he turns, Tyanos gets a good look at the pendant the man wears--the silver image of a stag's skull. "That so?" You catch a hint of a smirk on Happs' face, but it fades quickly. "Damn shame. Wouldn't have minded taking them down a peg or two myself. We've got a capable fighter or three among us here, I'd reckon." A weak imitation of a cheer goes up among Happs' men at that. It's not clear if they're doing it because they really believe it or because they believe it's what Happs would want them to do.
"As fer trade, well, I'm sorry to say we ain't got much of nothing right now. Seems somebody-" Happs whirls around and glares at yet another of the men in the semicircle, this one with a large bandage wrapped across his face. "-fell asleep during their watch. And a good portion of our things up and walked away in the night, including our fine ladies' things. And the rest of our things are mostly accounted fer in putting together this fine place." None of the ladies in Happs' company looked particularly 'fine,' nor did the campsite look remotely fine. There were still voices--feminine voices--coming from elsewhere in the camp, though none of them had made an appearance yet. "But if it weren't fer that," Happs continues, "We've got a pair of mighty fine tailors among us, among a few other talented folks. I'm sure they'd all love a proper chance to ply their wares."
Tyanos moves out of the man's embrace, he was lucky he had not got a spell to the face for that, looking at him hard for a moment. Still holding a spell for the man should he take things in the wrong way.
"Could you be more specific about what was stolen? As well as when? Did you see the thief or any sign of them? I tell you nothing hurts trade like sneak thieves."
He wondered about that, it could be connected to the mites. Then again it could be bandits, there seems to be no shortage of those as well.
Hadin stays quiet and vigilant while Tyanos speaks, looking for any potential sign of trouble
Happs looks almost insulted as Tyanos slips out of his embrance, but the man simply turns to Hadin and does the same. "We lost a good portion of our food stores, it turns out."
"Aye," adds one of the others, this one with a woodsman's axe on his belt, "And all of me carvings!" Happs sighs disapprovingly and the man quickly clams back up.
"Aye, those too," Happs finishes. "Stolen just last night, ain't that right?" The man with the bandaged face nods emphatically. "Guess you shouldn't sleep on yer watch nomore, right?" He nods again. It does not take a skilled observer to see the man is worried.
"But enough of that," Happs continues, leaving Hadin's shoulder and heading for his ramshackle settlement. "It'd be rude to treat you as two outsiders for any longer. Come and have a seat, I think we all needed a break anyways." He glances up at the bowman in the tower. "And put that thing down, already. These two ain't no harm." Abruptly he stops and turns back to Tyanos and Hadin.
"Because if they were, that'd be a damned shame." His voice is quieter, barely audible, and carries a dangerous tone. As quickly as it came, it fades. Replaced by a smile and a whistling tune as he and his fellows head back towards whatever it was they were doing when you walked up. He gestures to a few roughly shaped logs functioning as benches around a campfire pit, inviting you over.
Tyanos smile is back, his teeth in full view. Something he normally did not do as they tended to give him a disturbingly sinister look with his strange eyes and hood up. But the man was a bit of a bully, if he had not shown himself to be more just yet. Tyanos was not one to be bullied.
"Well then before we get to sitting and clucking like some hens over this and that. How about a small trade of words. You give me yours and I give you mine. You will get no harm from me if I get no harm from you and yours. Fair enough? I would add as any good merchant, it falls to me that proposing the deal means I have to supply a gift upon it's closing."
It was good that they let their guard down. But he was not going deeper into their camp and leaving his comrades out of it. More so it seemed fate had given them a good bargaining chip.
At the mention of carving, Hadin smiles too, but his smile is more genuine and less threatning than Tyanos
I enjoy working wood too, when I got the time. And in these wilds, there's plenty of material.
Hadin looks at the campement, trying to count how many people are here.
Thomas starts to fret slightly, but doesn't break cover over the length of time it seems to be taking.
The longer we stay in cover the harder it will be to explain when we come out. They should call to us to come out soon. Dendarial things to himself.
The man who spoke of his carvings smiles, but quickly returns to a more stoic look. He nods slightly, as though hoping it would go unnoticed. As the group starts to disperse, he sidles over near to Hadin and speaks quietly. "Aye, but Happs says they ain't worth nothing to a proper trader and it's a waste of time for a man'a my talents to play with wood. He don't care for it none too much, y'see."
Elsewhere, Tyanos has captured Happs' full attention. He raises an eyebrow at the mention of gifts. He looks equally interested in Tyanos' gleaming teeth, offering the Ulfen man a full glimpse of his own in exchange. While clearly not as otherworldly, it has the intended effect of being mildly unsettling. "A gift, eh? Well, if that's the way you'd like it, we can arrange a proper oath between two men of the rivers." He turns away suddenly and shouts to someone out of sight. "Oi, Illana!"
A moment passes before a beautiful half-elven woman strides out from the rear of the settlement. She approaches with an inquisitive look, but not so much as a smidgen of fear. The other men seem to relax a bit as she approaches, though not so visibly that Happs might notice. Happs glances sideways at Tyanos and quietly explains. "My better half, they say." Again a quiet snicker goes up among his men. He shoots them a deathly stare and silences it.
"Welcome, welcome," the half-elven woman says as she offers the pair of travelers her hand in turn. "It isn't often we receive guests!"
"Aye, I'll let them introduce themselves--but first, I'd like you to serve as our oath's witness, Illana." The woman nods quietly, a soft smile gracing her features. Happs turns to Tyanos and continues, invoking a stronger and more commanding voice than before. "Let it be known that here, on this day of Pharast, that Happs Bydon and Tyanos... Strostia have invoked an oath of peace and mutual cooperation. May the gods see any who betray this trust to a quick demise."
He offers Tyanos both of his hands in as formal a handshake as you suppose he could muster. His gestures say friendship, but you can see the gleam of 'gift' in his eye.
Little surprises he supposed, but better now then later he supposed. Not that his trust was that easy, things still felt strange to him. Doubt need not be forgiven as far as he was concerned. After shaking his hand, still on guard he gives a nod.
"Well with that out of the way."
His hand returned he gives a wink and walks towards Hadin and away from Happs and Illana. Giving them a wait right there motion. Making sure he is out of ear shot he whispers to Hadin.
"Keep your guard up, we don't know enough about these people. I'm a cautious sort."
He then waves towards were his other comrades are with one hand. Letting them know to come out. His back to the settlers he uses his other hand and a whispered word to cast a minor spell of magical detection. He wanted to check something when he turned back around to see their reaction at his party's arrival. He scanned them both for magic and reactions. Certainly some of the settlers had proven themselves easy give aways.
Seeing the wave, Thomas gets up, waves back, and then walks back to get his horse and lead it out.
Waiting with his back turned from Happs, a few feet from the group of "merchants" he wasn't still trusting, Hadin quietly prays to Erastil for guidance and truth as the rest of his comrades come from their hiding place, hoping these newcomers will focus Happs attention
You notice a few faint magic auras on Happs, both emanating from a pair of flasks at his hip. It appears that his half-elven companion has a faint aura on her as well.
After a few moments of observation, you do not notice any auras of evil on Illana or any of the other men. There is, however, a flicker of the faintest evil on Happs himself--perhaps not true evil, but evil thoughts bubbling to the surface.
There are a few raised eyebrows and the man in the watchtower looks unsure if he should ready an arrow or not, but Happs simply shakes his head. "Figured as much," he mumbles, mostly to himself. "I trust you speak for all of your companions, Tyanos? I would hate for one of them to start trouble here..."
Illana steps up beside Happs and laughs. "Oh, don't be that way. They look like nice enough folks." The man's expression softens a bit, but he still looks a little off-put by the surprise.
"Alright, alright. We'll call it even after we see this gift of yours. I'm sincerely hoping the gift isn't a knife in my gut."
"Happs! How rude."
"Meh."
Hadin gives a bright smile. There is a deep honesty in his words, a sort of passionate kindness as the servant of Erastil speaks
This wilderness is rude, and there is plenty of dangers around. Keeping always on guard, having to fight for his life, struggling to survive doesn't show the better in everyone, miss Illana. Decisions, harsh decisions must be made quickly. It's human nature to fail sometimes. To pretend to do the right thing everytime is to fool yourself. You just have to do your best, hoping it will be enough, to try to make not too much mistakes and to amend yourself when you can. Sometimes the path of redemption is walked alone, sometimes a pure heart guides and helps you, gives you strength when needed. And be sure I took no offense of your comment, Happs. Considers this as a symbolic gesture of good will.
Hadin carefully and slowly unsheats his dagger, and gives it, handle first, to Happs.
There will be no "knife to the gut". You have my word on it. I hope you will understand I'll keep my other weapons with me. Neither of us is sure he can trust the other so far, to say the truth. And I have another reason to keep my weapons. We might be your guests tonight, but I want to be able to help you defend yourself, and those you trust and care for, to fight side by side with you if needed... You want to take care of your small community, I understand, respect and admire that, as an humble servant of Erastil.
He nods to Illana, courteously.
After rousting together three horses, Thomas comes out of the woods, headed for Hadin.
Tyanos eyes widen slightly at Happ. Looking offended at his words.
"I don't pretend to speak for anyone that does not allow me to. But I will say I would never knife someone in the gut."
He would prefer they never got that close and if they did, a knife would not be what they got from him. He walks over to his horses and takes one of their recently acquired bags. Bring it over to Happs.
"We ran into these foul little blue creatures that one of my comrades inform me are known as mites. They tried to rob us just the other day in the dark while we slept. Long story sort, you know how I feel about sneak thieves, we found more then our own belongings. Wouldn't happen to be what you lost? Even if not, you could use the food and we have plenty ourselves already."
Dendarial stands fully and exits his cover as the rest of the party comes forth. His bow is on his back and no weapon is in his hands. He holds them at his sides palms forward and open. It pleases me there there does not have to be violence between people who meet in the woods. he says as he approaches.
Happs looks a little confused by Hadin's gesture but offers a somewhat respectful, if curt, nod as he passes the weapon to Illana for safekeeping. It is immediately apparent that the majority of his focus is on the large sack that Tyanos is retrieving. Illana steps closer to Hadin and grips one of his hands in hers. "The gesture is very much appreciated... Hadin, was it? May all our travels be safe beneath Desna's stars." She gives Dendarial and Thomas each a deep nod of greeting as they approach, perhaps because of their shared blood. She takes their hands in turn, introducing herself as she does so.
"Yeah, yeah," Happs grumbles, half listening. He'd already started to dig through the proffered sack, pulling out samples from within and grimacing at them. After a good minute, he sets the sack down and turns on Tyanos. "Aye, these are our things... and you took them back from little blue critters, you say?" On one hand it's obvious he wants to say something, but on the other there's something else... is it gratitude? It's quite hard to tell. "I suppose... you're welcome here in Happston. You've proved enough for me, ya ain't a harm to my people. And that's all that matters out here, I figure." He seems entirely unaware of the irony in referring to his quarter-wall, rickety tower, and series of shacks as though it were a full settlement.
Honoured to meet you Illana, may that all meetings be as peaceful as this
Thomas then listens to some of the other conversations that are going on.
Dmitri gritted his teeth as Dendarial removed himself from cover.
Fools...all of them
It was hard for Dmitri to appear peaceful because he was carrying an oversized blade, javelins, and a hand axe. It seemed like he was ready to take on any army of mythic proportions.
Following Dendarial's example, he walked with his palms opened and made no threatening gestures.
"Dmitri's the name and I'm another member of this group. Nice to meetçha." he said quickly.
Tyanos nods at Happs with a smile.
"If your excuse me for a moment, you should pass that out in the mean time."
With Happs preoccupied. He walks over to each of his comrades in turn, when they are not interacting with one of the villagers and out of ear shot of others. He whispers.
"Happs was the name that those bandits at Kressle's camp mentioned. Also he wears a silver version of the badge we took off the bandits. Keep your guard up, I'm going to find out his connection, now that the rest of these folk know we aren't bandits."
Thomas stiffens slightly at Tyranos's statement, but feigns relaxation, shortly afterwards.
he eventually makes his way back over to tyranos, and whispers.
So do you think we are in danger?
Tyanos quietly replies.
"I think certain questions need to be answered before we really trust them. It does no harm to be cautious."
quietly thomas responds I agree, caution is the order of the day. But do not leave us hanging.
He then makes his way over to the others one at a time.
Ware, things are not all they seem
Hadin simply nods at Thomas warning
Once Happs has finished with the bag he calls him over. A little away from his people.
"You know something has been bothering me a bit."
He drops his voice slightly, enough not to be heard by others but not quiet a whisper. He had a spell ready in case Happs did something foolish regardless of his word given earlier.
"Why is someone who was with Kressle and her group of bandits leading a settlement? Seems odd for someone tied to them and their boss? Or is this staggy's order?"
The man raises an eyebrow, but looks otherwise unfazed by Tyanos' words. "Why wouldn't I be? Kressle was a madwoman, and there ain't a soul who met her who wouldn't agree. 'Sides, we stopped seeing eye to eye a while ago."
Dendarial who has not been far from Happs since he came into the camp asks pointedly And do you still wear the silver stag?
Thomas moves far enough from the settlers, and lets the horses graze.
While he remains relatively close to the group that is forming around Happs.
Tyanos didn't miss a beat.
"So your a independent bandit. Carving out a little place for yourself, with some people to do all the work. Like giving orders rather then taking them I suppose."
Their was no provocation in his words more then a tone of stating a fact. If Happs let it pass then it was no different then his own words. If not then he would have to make his position clear, least a reputation be given. The man was going to explain himself or he would twist his words tightly about his neck. His mercy and understanding was reserved for those spurned by fate and life, not hard cases with stubbornness oozing from every pore. The elf bandit played that game and it got him a tidy place in the ground. Saerin had not been holding people at the time ether.
Happs' expression visibly shifts when the word bandit is spoken. "Call me what you want, Tyanos, but that doesn't change what I've done for my people. We're building this place together. I've not made any of them do anything I wouldn't do myself." The man shifts on his feet and steps a little closer to Tyanos, his voice now quiet enough for only the two of them to hear. "I'm not sure I care for where this line of questions is going, friend."
The moment passes with rising tension before Happs grins wide and laughs, turning and taking a few steps away. "And yes, I wear the silver stag. It's a reminder as much as it is shiny."
Hadin is quiet, and non confrontational
May I speak too,Tyanos, before this go too far? It seems to me you are trying to turn your back on your former outlaw's life, Happs, am I right? You had a change of heart, more or less recently, and I think you really want to change your life too.
Hadin's eyes go from Happs to the priest of Desna.
As a bandit, you have done unjust and cruel things, things that might still haunt you today. I suppose you keep the stag pendant as a reminder of who you were, so you don't do the same mistakes again?
The young holy warrior turns to his companions
None of Happs folks is tainted by evil. They aren't better or worse than anyone else. Happs might have been in league with the bandits we seek. If he wants to redeem himself, I would be happy to help him if he needs or wants my help. Erastil isn't a bloodthirsty god, and I'm not a killer. Old Deadeye would be happier to see Happs becoming a respected member of his own community. "Eradicating banditry" doesn't mean killing everyone we suspect to be a bandit. Or we would be no better than said bandits.
Tyanos gave Hadin a deadly look. By Desna, the fool just let slip something dangerous. What was wrong with him. He turned back to Happs, his face casual.
"Better me then some righteous folk I ran into recently. A bit of the sword first ask questions later kind, you know what I mean. So I just like to know who I am dealing with, as you did not so long ago."
He claps the man on the shoulder.
"Anyways you know about a near by trading post?"
He still didn't trust Happs, even if Hadin said he wasn't evil. Well nether was killing to survive, yet most would say such was wicked when men were being killed rather then beast. Things were never that simple in his mind, the morals of a filled stomach and soft bed were never those of the cold and hungry.
I'd like to buy that silver stag from you Mr. Happs. Its become a sign that the wearer is in league with the bandits around these parts. And I am sworn to hunt bandits. I figure buying it is the best way to get rid of it. And as long as you wear it, well, call me a suspicious elf, but I am gonna think that you are not fully reformed. I'll offer a fair price, in coin or trade goods. What do you say?
Dmitri watched the scene before him develop. He couldn't believe that his comrades conversed with the leader of Happston so easily as if they were old friends especially with a past sewed with banditry. However, a man makes their way, and if it meant on the path of redemption, so be it. Dmitri did his best to appear unaffected but he kept a silent vigil on Happs.
As he watched his fellows ask questions, Dmitri joined in as well.
"So you know, Happs, there are dangers in the woods. It would be beneficial if we were to share information. A lair of mites lies nearby, no doubt the very same that stole from you. Perhaps you know of other monsters in the area?"