Mwenye |
"Bandits," Mwenye states, giving their prisoners a dark look. "Or at the very least, men desperate enough to attack well-armed travelers on the road. After defeating them soundly, their fellows fled, leaving them bleeding on the ground. We bound up their wounds that they might live to receive justice."
He takes out the documents they had received from the mayor and displays them to the guards. "We ourselves are on the way to Rappan Athuk. Why bandits thought themselves capable of challenging those who will brave such a dark place, I know not."
Ryoken the Wanderer |
Ryoken spends the days traveling, ignoring the pleads of the prisoners. They had broken the law and all their sniveling and lying merely showed that they lacked even the decency or grace to accept that they had been caught. A swift death would be too lenient for them.
As Mwenye explained their business to the guard, Ryoken stands behind their prisoners, wary for any last minute attempts by them to run off. While he had little doubt the guards of this place had archers that could quickly cut escapees down, he'd prefer to knock them down before they even got that far. Let them spend their days in a dark, dank prison.
Diamondust |
"Why the blast do you have a desire to die so quickly?" He says as he inspects the document with the Mayor's mark. "Your story seems authentic. How far back on the road was this? Did you catch their leader? Since they fled it would be nice to get some information on the location of their hideouts. We don't have enough men to search the entire countryside. I don't recognise these men's faces but they have the desperate outlaw look." He walks up to the four men and speaks down to them. "You men will be held here until the next patrol return and we send you to proper justice. Gods rest your souls." This properly intimidates the men and they are led inside.
"Leave us any evidence and possessions of these men that you took and the clerk inside will see you properly rewarded for their capture. Perhaps you would like to track down the rest of their gang for us? The reward is quadrupled if you bring us their leader." He leads you inside and directs you to the clerk who is busy taking down the details of their latest prisoners. After he has completed that and the men are led away to a dirty, old, seldom used cell he is free to deal with you. "Hi, I'm Gerin. The reward for Brigands captured alive is 50 gold pieces. What evidence are you using as proof that you were the ones that captured them? Oh I know it wasn't anyone else... Just a stuffy procedure so I can write everything down here properly and keep my job. Just put it all down on the bench over there." He points to an empty bench next to his desk.
Feel free to roleplay with the sheriff or the clerk. What possessions of the brigands that you took off them do you give to the clerk as proof? Everything? Just their weapons so you can sell the rest? How miserly are you feeling today? Current Loot added to Campaign Tab.
Derick "Dart" Velen |
If its worth anything, I'll say that perhaps look into reforming these folk. If what they said was true... well, I doubt it but if it is, a promise of warm food and shelter may be enough to get them working.
He gives a wink to the guard. At the offer of tracking down the leader. Dart becomes slightly intruiged.
Hmmm. We are heading to Rapan, however perhaps it may be worthwhile to do that. Helpnig clear up problems like this is something I'm rather known for haha. Tell me, if one of these here bandits were to show us were their hideouts were at, do you think they would qualify for a lighter punishment? Promise of that might make one more agreeable in helping us. He gives what he presumes to be the guard in charge a subtle wink.
Dart will later suggest they leave behind everything save the bucklers as evidence.
Dunno about you guys, but I figure we can leave most of the crap here, 50g each is about as much as we'd get for all this, likely more. But saving the bucklers might prove worthwhile.
Mwenye |
Mwenye shrugs slightly. "I see no reason to keep any of it. It would be good to eliminate this band of robbers. Are any of you skilled in tracking? The survivors fled in a most panicked manner. I would rather suspect they left a trail, though it would be cold by now."
Derick "Dart" Velen |
Dart looks towards Mwenye. He rubs his chin as he thinks. Well, out of the lot I'd say a the buckler might be the most useful to keep, as for tracking, I've never been taught the finer points, but I've made my way through wilderness on many of my more... outlying explorations. Hunted my fair share of game as well. I suppose I might could, though I'd wager it'd be easier to bring one of them along to show us. He jerks his thumb towards the bandits before giving a small smile.
Ryoken the Wanderer |
Ryoken shrugs. "I have no use for any of those things. I could help a little with tracking, and I agree it would be good to stop them from attacking anybody else. But I am not sure about bringing one of them along. It seems like more trouble than worth. They would no doubt kill us all in our sleep if given a chance."
Diamondust |
You lay the bandit's possessions on the bench and the clerk notes down each of the items. After he is done he congratulates you on helping keep the land a little bit safer and hands you 4 bags of 50 gold pieces each. One for each of the captured brigands. "We hope you return soon with their leader. Unfortunately we cannot allow one of these a chance to escape and must keep them all here until the patrol returns to take them back to Mistthorne in chains to face the law. No doubt the mayor will be pleased. It has been some weeks since we last captured any."
He also references the signed documents given you by the mayor, "If at any time you wish to sell or trade any valuables that you find from Rappan Athuk or elsewhere, please come see us at any of our outposts."
The Sheriff wishes you luck, hoping you return soon and unharmed from battle with more brigands in tow. You then head back towards the place of their ambush. That night you stop to rest, 1/3rd of the way there. You should find the spot and pick up any tracks late tomorrow.
Day 6
Weather: Fine
Thankfully the weather is fine today and you make good time finding the location of the ambush just before the sun goes down.
Roll or aid for Survival(highest will be the main roll)
Derick "Dart" Velen |
Dart keeps to the treeline while on the road, and when not near that, he walks with his hands held behind his head as if laying down.
Ahhh, great weather today. Can only bode well for us eh?
survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19
Erianna |
Even though they cannot accompany us, perhaps one of the bandits can point out on a map the general area of where their main camp may be? If he knows it?
Erianna has no need for any of the loot they have recovered, but she does perk up at the chance to put an end to at least some of the banditry in the region.
Dart keeps to the treeline while on the road, and when not near that, he walks with his hands held behind his head as if laying down.
Ahhh, great weather today. Can only bode well for us eh?
Survival (aid): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
"I feel we may be getting distracted from our main course of action" - she replies to Dart - "But we cannot simply ignore the actions of this band, on that we agree. Even more so because they may both be related" - the woman ponders - "And if we are to give chase, at least we do it with the Sun in our faces" - she smiles.
Mwenye |
"Indeed," Mwenye agrees. While he has little skill with tracking himself, he did his best to assist Dart with his keen sight and sense of smell.
Survival Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Ryoken the Wanderer |
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
"Does it really matter if we are fighting bandits here or the monsters of the Rappan Athuk? The place will still be there later, I think. This is merely a chance to learn how we each fight, so that we are more prepared for the future. These are things best learned when the stakes are not so high."
Though he had expected Dart to take the lead with tracking, it seemed luck favored him more that day. He is probably too busy trying to impress Erianna. He shook his head at the thought. He did not understand the other man's antics.
Diamondust |
Survival DC 15(firm ground)+3(3 days ago)-1(number of brigands) = 17
Your roll 23 = 21+2+2-2(Mwenye got in the way)
You are able to find the tracks before the remaining sunlight disappears and they head in the exact direction towards the place on the map where the brigands revealed there hideout was located, hoping to receive a lighter sentence. Just on the edge of the forest, or rather where a small part of the trees seemed to be separate from the main forest, roughly half a day's journey.
That night you sleep safely in the comfort of Ryoken's pocket dimension and find the trail again easily in the morning and the weather once more fine. You move carefully following the trail the fleeing brigands left without trying to cover their tracks.
day 7
Weather: Fine
That afternoon you enter the trees and find the bandit camp mostly abandoned. Tents have been pulled down and removed. Not much remains as evidence that they stopped here. Perhaps the ones you captured were stalling for time by not telling you their base location until they knew their band would have had time to relocate. There must be another trail.
Though they hid their trail this time, their numbers make it difficult to completely mask their passage and your careful search of the area have picked up another trail. You should be able to follow it at least until it gets dark again. Or you could possibly catch them at night and surprise them in their tents?
Mwenye |
Mwenye frowns. "Perhaps it is better if I keep watch while you search for tracks, yes?"
Ryoken the Wanderer |
Ryoken nods. "As you wish. Perhaps then you can keep your head up and alert in case of ambush as we study the ground?"
Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 Oops, looks like I'm now the one hindering the group. :/
Derick "Dart" Velen |
survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
another nice day, Ah! Erianna, I found this while I scouted the woods while we traveled. I think it suits you. He hands her a brightly coloured flower of red, orange, and yellow.
Oy! look! the buggers tried to cover their tracks, though not exceptionally well it would seem. I've seen caravans do better than this! Easily spotted. Dart boasts
Ryoken the Wanderer |
Good to know I can't hinder with tracking then. :-)
"Let us give following then. Once we get closer, perhaps we will get a better idea of their numbers and how we might best confront them."
Erianna |
another nice day, Ah! Erianna, I found this while I scouted the woods while we traveled. I think it suits you. He hands her a brightly coloured flower of red, orange, and yellow.
"Thank you Dart" - Erianna bows slightly, taking the flower and putting it on her hair - "Please make sure you are not distracted from the task at hand" - she adds, with a serious tone, moving to follow after the rogue as he again finds the tracks.
"Good job my friend" - the woman points out with a smile.
Diamondust |
As you follow the tracks into the night the moon is out to help you keep the trail. The various sounds of the forest accompany you.
Around midnight you see the light of a campfire in the distance several hundred feet. You can see one of the men is at the edge of the camp keeping watch.
Mwenye |
"I am not particularly skilled in stealth..." Mwenye whispers to his companions.
Derick "Dart" Velen |
Ah, well that's something I am fairly good at. Though I admit am more used to moving quietly in towns and tombs rather than open woods. Shouldn't be too difficult, I'll scout it out, maybe take out a guard or two before they notice. Unless you lot have a different plan.
He spins a starknife around his finger as he offers his plan of approach.
Ryoken the Wanderer |
Ryoken nods. "Armor is not very quiet, I think."
As soon as Dart is gone, he then draws his swords just in case the man is discovered. Best not to harm his confidence by assuming failure.
Erianna |
"I am not an expert in stalking, but can move quietly enough" - Erianna comments - "If you are only going to obtain info and then returning back here, I will refrain from accompanying you. If you plan on engaging them, then I will follow in your wake" - she adds.
"As long as we are able to ascertain if they are the ones we seek, which seems to be the case"
Good to go ;)
Mwenye |
"This seems the best course of action to me," Mwenye states. "We shall watch and listen. I, at the least, can come quickly should you need aid."
Diamondust |
Dart sneaks up to the brigand camp unobserved...
Mwenye |
Mwenye stays low, tense and ready to pounce at the first sign of combat.
Derick "Dart" Velen |
sneakysneakyaway: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (17) + 14 = 31
Dart will just observe for a bit before returning to the others. Seemingly just appearing out of the shadows beside the group.
Well, pretty sure these are our guys, Got two sentries looking out for trouble, However its bigger than I suspected. Probably around two dozen bandits, if they are all there at this time. Though perhaps that includes the ones we have already taken care of. Though I prefer to error on the side of worse for us.
Mwenye |
Mwenye nods, frowning. "I would prefer not to kill them in their sleep. However, if the sentries were removed, perhaps you could move quietly enough to seize their weapons? Then they would have little choice but to surrender."
Ryoken the Wanderer |
"Even if they surrender, how are the four of us to herd six times that number back to that keep? While unarmed, they may pose little threat, but likely many could escape as our attention can only be so many places at once. Dart, did you see any signs of who their leader might be? It would be best to know where to concentrate our attention and perhaps further confuse them. Cut off the head, and the body falls."
Derick "Dart" Velen |
Dart nods.
Aye, theres a large tent near the middle of the camp. One you would expect from a military group. I suspect that would be were their leader stays. As for keeping them from running? Just need rope, tie their hands, then tie them all together, a chain gang.
Erianna |
"Agreed - let us make a move for their leader" - Erianna pipes in, after pondering the situation - "Killing men in their sleep is not an option for me either - I say we make a bee line as fast as possible toward the middle tent" - she adds.
"I like Mwenye's idea of retrieving at least some of their weapons. though... It is unlikely it would have much impact, as I am assuming most carry their weapons with them"
Dart nods.
Aye, theres a large tent near the middle of the camp. One you would expect from a military group. I suspect that would be were their leader stays. As for keeping them from running? Just need rope, tie their hands, then tie them all together, a chain gang.
"We will find a solution certainly Ryoken. Maybe not the best solution, but certainly the best we can come up with under the circumstances" - she winks at her surly companion.
Good to go as far as the plan is concerned - I say Dart finds us the best point of ingress (closer to the main tent perhaps), and we push from there, trying to go as unnoticed as possible until reaching the middle.
Diamondust |
You all take a wide circle around to the side of the camp where the largest tent is, keeping out of the light of the brigand camp's fire(assuming you extinguish any torches you have out). You can see the tent 30 ft. away with one of the sentries on the other side of it and the other sentry on the far side of the camp. Nothing has changed since Dart scouted it. A dozen other smaller tents are set up randomly around the clearing. The fire in the centre illuminates to the egde of the tents.
Will need stealth checks from everyone moving towards camp.
Mwenye |
Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
Mwenye winced as he stepped on a twig during their approach.
Diamondust |
Derick "Dart" Velen |
stealth: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18
attack: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31
damage: 1d4 + 14 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 14 + (2, 6) = 25
Dart throws a starknife to hit the back of the brigand. Hopefully timing it with a strike from Erianna.
stealthtopullbodybehindtent: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (2) + 14 = 16
Ryoken the Wanderer |
Waiting with Mwenye sounds good to me. If Dart and Erianna successfully remain hidden (AKA we don't need to rush in to back them up), Ryoken will cast Lead Blades on himself before attempting to stealth in. And then he'll stealth at 1/2 speed to avoid fast moving penalties.
Stealth: 1d20 ⇒ 12