We can't seem to walk and talk at the same time, how much autonomy were we expecting? Valeska is genuinely curious.
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"It's a sticky point, yes. As I said there is no particular hope that any prisoners will be spared if we march them to Restov. And it may be that the Swordlords might not care to do a job that they sent us out to do."
"But if they plead for their lives, what then? How are we to determine if their repentance is genuine? Surely we cannot trust their word alone."
Numalar looks back at Valeska. "And good Valeska, you still haven't told us what you hope to find out here on the plains."
You don't know what you don't know... Logic dictates we familiarize ourselves with our environs. Is there a stream, a bridge, a cave, that's just the point.
We don't know. Let's find out, and if we wish to belabor the point regarding bandits, surrender, repentance and salvation then we can... as we walk. I'm just changing the venue.
"Fair enough, Valeska. Lead the way."
I'm good with known threats, but into undiscovered territory... Someone with keener senses with do better at point.
Let's check south.
"South it is then" As the party walks along, she does advise the party, esp. Numalar, "As for whether or not they repent in earnest, I do have a spell that will help us determine that. It is called "touch of truthtelling' and if affected, they cannot lie. Of course there's always a small chance, one or two might avoid its effect, but I'm sure we can deal with that one way or another... and there are always non-magical ways of telling of someone is lying or not. THose who are skilled in reading others can do so."
While walking along, she and Luna, who ranges a bit while they walk, both keep a sharp eye out for anything of interest.
"Agreed Fronar.... and that is probably our first and finest goal.. anything else is secondary, in my opinion."
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As the party starts to wander off to the south, Numalar goes back and fetches Gertrude the Mule.
"No sense in me slowing you people down, as I would I you had to wait for me on foot. With your enormous legs I sometimes wonder how you big people can walk at all never mind so fast!"
"As for whether or not they repent in earnest, I do have a spell that will help us determine that. It is called "touch of truthtelling' and if affected, they cannot lie."
"A spell that compels the truth, eh? By the Nine Princes, that might do the trick. If they were to swear an oath while under the spell we would know the oath is genuine. Would the spell prevent them from changing their mind later?"
As the party moves along Numalar tries to keep an eye out for anything interesting, though he doesn't expect to see anything in the snow. There might be tracks, but Numalar has no ranks in survival. If he finds some he will point them out to the others.
"Well, the spell isn't foolproof, but if it works, they cannot lie under its influence.. It means they will be in earnest at the time they are interviewed... Anyone can change their mind later, but they cannot be of a mind to plan that at the time and get away with lying about it."
"That would be a nice touch... I like that idea.. you are quite the clevre fellow, Numalar!"
"Now thar we've sorted a few facts we need to get back and plan yhe ambush with Oleg and Svetlana to vet our ideas. Plus we haven't won yet and we haven't worked as a team yet or worked out our efficacy in combat. Lets win and then make further plans from there."
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"We can go back shortly; Valeska still hasn't found what she is looking for."
Numalar looks around at the rest of the party.
"But Zokon is right. We need to get back to planning this engagement. If the bandits do not surrender then we will have to fight so we should be in as good a position as possible. So to restate my question: How do each of you imagine you will contribute to the battle, should we have to fight? Perhaps those who would prefer to fight in melee could hide somewhere, like the stable, and emerge when someone gives the signal. Someone also needs to close the gate behind them."
We shouldn't go so far that we can't make it back by nightfall and get a good night's rest by sun up.
Oleg continues hammering away at his repairs while Svetlana continues her daily chores while the party discusses plans for tomorrow and moves out to explore. Deciding to head south of Oleg’s the group moves at a casual pace as they plan and explore. The first thing that the group checks on is that the two gates swing inside the fort and they are able to be shut by one person on each gate. They are locked by sliding a large plank across the supports in the gate itself.
Just outside the fort, the first thing the party encounters is the Leveton’s milk cow staked to an area where it lazily munches away at the tall grass of the plain. The land around the fort alternates between flat plain and tall grasses that can reach heights of up to 3 feet in places, although most of the plain and the grass is covered in snow at the moment. Every so often there will be small copses of trees with less than a dozen trees to the area. A few hundred yards southeast of the fort there is a small pond. The further away from the fort as the group moves south, the more careful everyone becomes. It’s one thing to plan an ambush inside of a fort where you have the element of surprise but no one seems keen on walking up on your enemy out on the open plain.
After several hours of ranging south the group turns back north to make it back to the fort before nightfall. There is little to be seen today out on the plain outside of the normal flora and fauna of the area. The group makes their way back into the fort about an hour before sunset. Oleg has apparently finished his repairs for the day. The cow is secured in the stable and the other animals have been seen to as well. The pleasing aroma of a hearty stew can be smelled as the group enters the fort. After tending to Gertrude and closing up the gate, the party enters into the common room of Oleg’s.
Stepping through the double doors of the main building they find themselves in a hallway ten feet across the runs the length of the thirty foot building. At the far end of the hall is a large fireplace where Svetlana does her cooking. To the immediate right is an open door that opens into what appears to be an office. To the left is another doorway leading into a dining area. There is a table with a number of chairs around it. Twenty feet down on the right is a set of double doors that are closed and opposite them is a single door that is also shut. Svetlana looks up from bending over a large pot at the end of the hallway where she was stirring the stew.
“Come in and make yourself at home,” she says with a smile. “There is ale and wine in the dining room if you’d like. There is also some warm bread there as well. You are all just in time, the stew will be ready in a few minutes.”
"Sounds yummy, thank you Svetlana... let's eat! Celyne, Luna slinking by her side, walks over to a seat close enough to the fire to feel its warmth and settles herself down, Luna sitting beside her... She helps herself to a handful of bread and a glass of wine.
It's lovely country, I see why you choose to stay. And thank you for the trouble, fresh food will be wonderful.
"Thankyou"
Zokon moves to help with laying out the food and then once all are served sits down and tucks in.
"Yes thank you very much. If you want I can help with the dishes after the meal." says Bella. She does silently offer a prayer before tucking in, and then eats heartily.
My lady Sarenrae, please grant these good people around our table your blessing. Please grant us strength in our trials to come, so we may protect our new friends and each other. Forever shall I spread your goodness. Bless.
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"Mmmm, yes... Missus Leveton, that smells wonderful. Just the thing we need after travelling that cold and empty road. Just give me a moment."
Numalar steps out, and a few moments later returns with a large clay jug and an iron pot. He pulls out the stopper from the jug and gives it a sniff.
"Ahh, that's it. Madam I see you have wine and ale, which is wonderful, but should anyone care for something stronger here is some dwarven whisky. It's not the finest but it does put fire in your belly."
Numalar puts the jug on the table. He then puts the pot face down on one of the chairs and climbs up; the pot lets him sit high enough to reach the table.
"Missus Leveton, let's put aside talk of your troubles and talk about something pleasant over dinner. Surely there are honest folk around here too; what can you tell us about your customers? What do they tell you about the land around here? And what about you and Oleg? Where are you from? What was your inspiration for moving out here? And do you have any family?"
Svetlana beams as everyone talks about the meal and offers their thanks for it. It is clear to everyone that she really enjoys cooking and making good food for her guests.
"Oh you are all too kind. I'm afraid you've just been on the road too long. I can do much better than this. This is just a rabbit stew." She smiles at everyone though and makes sure to serve everyone before sitting herself.
The stew is indeed delicious. A hearty rabbit stew with fresh vegetables and just the right amount of spices. It fills the belly and offers warmth at the same time. The ale is good but the wine only passable. But it's difficult to get good wine where they are. Any who attempt to try Numalar's dwarven spirits are further warmed by the stout drink.
"That's the really frustrating thing about all this," Svetlana begins in answer to Numalar, "there are some really good folk trying to make a living out here and the bandits are just driving so many off. But there are still some who have stayed."
Svetlana begins talking about some of their 'neighbors' in between bites. "To the east a bit there is Lady Iriana and her homestead. She is a druid who has all manner of interesting creatures about. She also has two others living there, a young apprentice named Davyd and a halfling named Knot. Now, you want to taste some delicious cooking, you have to eat with Knot. He can do wonders in the kitchen. They are good folk who trade a lot of vegetables with us."
"To the southeast a bit is Bokken. Now he's a very interesting man. I think he might have been out here all alone for too long. He's eccentric, is that the word? Yes, eccentric, to put it nicely." Oleg grunts in agreement of Svetlana's assessment of the strange man. "He brews all kinds of potions and stuff. He trades with us as well, he's usually looking for weird or rare things for his potions."
"Let's see, then there's the Tanner Family south of here. Good folk, they have three sons and two daughters. They trade vegetables and sheep stuff with us from time to time.
There's a walled village southeast as well. What do they call it, Oleg?"
"Orindel," answers Oleg around a mouthful of stew.
"Yes, Orindel," echoes Svetlana. "They are a... well... strange group. Not unkind. I don't know... maybe too kind. Can't really say, just that I get a funny feeling from them sometimes. We've heard about a dwarven settlement somewhere south but we've never met any of them."
"There are a number of trappers that come through here," picks up Oleg. "Broghan, Dallad,and Richard. Not the most trustworthy trio but they know now that I won't be cheated. Vekkel Benzen, a one-legged trapper who comes through here so often. He's a good man, been trapping this area for decades. There are others as well that pop in from time to time."
Oleg turns back to his food while Svetlana continues to talk with the company. She and Oleg met about two years ago in Restov. Svetalana's family was from there while Oleg is from a small town in the Duchy of Lebeda. He's never been much for the big cities so when he heard about the change to come out and start up this trading post he jumped at it. They quickly fell in love and were wed. A few months later they were packing up and moving to start the trading post. They've been very happy here with the exception of the now-monthly visits from the bandits.
After the meal Svetlana clears the table and is appreciative of any help with the task. Oleg then lights a pipe and enjoys that along with his ale. It is clear that as the evening passes his mood grows darker as he considers what will be coming with the new moon tonight. He wants to be hopeful that the group at his table can help but being hopeful doesn't really come naturally to him.
"You are all welcome to the bunkhouse," Oleg says from the quiet, "It isn't much but it will surely be better than sleeping out in the open. The woman have the second story and the men the lower. Feel free to start a fire if you need it."
With that, the gruff proprietor of the post excuses himself and goes to check on his wife. Once all the evening chores have been done he sets the bar over the gates and the couple retires to their bedroom.
I can help with the basic morning chores, if that's alright. Reminds me of my childhood, growing up on the vineyard.
Always something to do. . That settled, she bids everyone a good night and arranged her sleeping space on the second floor.
Zokon sees to his horse, making sure it's settled and then
"Goodnight all"
Zokon retires to a bed on the first floor for the night.
Celyne helps with the dishes and cleanup, making sure that Luna gets some of the stew too, and then heads upstairs in the bunkhouse to get some sleep... Luna laying down beside her to keep her warm andprotect her.
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"I do recommend that someone man the walls at night and stand watch. We can take turns. The bandits may have always come in the day in the past, but you never know what the future will bring. Also, it will be a good habit to get into."
Nuimalar borrows Oleg's ladder, and takes out his roll of twine. He ties one end to one of the pointy bits of the wall just north of the gate. He runs the twine over top of the bunkhouse (unless there are windows in the east wall - I don't see any on the map) and in through the door, and ties the other end to his iron pot. He gets some other pots and pans and carefully stacks them on top of the first, so that a tug on the string by someone on the wall will cause the pots to crash and clatter all over the floor, making a lot of noise. This will be the "alarm" system usable by whoever is on watch.
"I can see in the dark a short ways, so perhaps I should take the watch just before dawn. I do need eight hours of consecutive rest to recharge my magic, but if people prefer I could take an early watch instead."
After settling who will take a watch when, Numalar makes one last circuit of the grounds of the fort, making a point of poking into spots that he hasn't seen yet or doesn't know what they are (like A4 and A5). Then he will make sure there is a fire going in the fireplace (there have been many cold nights on the road to the trading post) and goes to bed.
After establishing a watch order, everyone settles in to their nightly routine in order to rest. Numalar sets up an alarm system and shows everyone how to operate it. As the gnome looks around the fort-turned-trading post he finds that it is moderately secure. There doesn’t appear to be any place that someone of standard size could just slip through the walls or anywhere else. He also finds that the building directly across from the gate is a storage building. Oleg has a number of items in here, mainly farm implements, repaired traps and other gear, along with a storage of furs and others items that he has traded for. Behind the storage building and the stable are the middens. Three 3-feet deep composting pits and middens are dug here. The night outside does turn cold as the sun goes down but everyone is thankful for the opportunity to sleep indoors and to have a fire. The new moon rises high in the sky during the evening. During their watch everyone marvels at the beauty of the area under the light of the moon. The calm of the night presents a stark contrast to the violence that may be necessary in the coming day.
As the first rays of sun begin to creep over the eastern horizon, Oleg and Svetlana are up and about doing their daily chores. Although they anticipate what may be coming later in the day, they go about their daily activities as normal. Apparently, Oleg’s customary self is very gruff, while Svetlana is cheerful. After Svetlana milks the cow, Oleg takes it out of the stable and stakes it to another grassy area outside free of snow. His wife then tends to feed the chickens while getting the eggs for the day as well. By the time the others are all up and about Svetlana has prepared a delicious meal for the group to break their fast with. Eggs and sausage with biscuits, various cheeses, bread, and milk along with pancakes make for a hearty meal indeed.
After eating, Svetlana and Oleg go about their regular business while the group prepares for the coming of the bandits. Everyone is anxious as the time passes. Thoughts focus on the possibility of having to take the life of another while also facing the reality that they might lose their own. Would it be worth it to take a life to protect some furs, a bit of silver or gold, or other items in this trading post? Would it be worth it to give one’s life for it? Whatever one’s thoughts about it, the group was committed to the task at this point. For now, there was only the waiting.
About an hour before noon, Zokon reports the coming of riders from the southwest. Five men approach on horses with two pack horses also along. As they approach he can tell that they match the descriptions of the bandits that Oleg and Svetlana detailed the day before. As everyone moves into their places for the ambush, the bandits ride up to the eastern gate of the trading post. To the frustration of the group, the men all dismount outside of the fort.
“Bren, you stay here and handle the horses,” orders the lead man. Oleg had told them that this would likely be Happs Bydon. He had always made the trip in the past. Today was apparently no different. Happs and the other men walk into the fort leading the two pack horses behind them.
“Oleg! Come out! It’s time to make your tribute to the Stag Lord! Don’t make me come find you!”
The four men and two horses move into the main courtyard, unaware that today would be quite different from their previous trips to the fort.
When Bydon and his allies are in position, Bella steps around the corner of her hiding place, fully armored with her scimitar drawn.
"Happs Bydon! Your extortion of these good people has come to an end. Throw down your weapons and surrender or my companions will strike you down here and now! You are surrounded!"
Tell him, he will be judged fairly and by the law... lest he decide on a foolish course of action.
Valeska approaches to stand slightly behind Bella's shoulder. Her Aldori blade naked and resting uncharacteristically on her shoulder.
Zokon delays his action til after Happs
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Numalar emerges from the barn with his longspear gripped in both hands, a look of fierce determination on his face. He takes a stance ten feet from the bandit leader and levels his spear.
"If you do not drop your weapons now, By the Blade of Shindorlai, you will regret it."
Zokon delays his action til after Happs
Zokon stands from his place on the wall and shoots at the man outside
"The next one will hit, surrender."
The day had started with such promise. A bright and warm sun in the sky would make their journey to Oleg’s easier. Much easier than the snow they had to fight through last month. Happs expected to simply load up the horses with whatever Oleg had, spend some time making fun of the man and terrorizing his wife before setting out south once again. By tomorrow evening they would be back at camp and he’d be warming himself by the fire once more.
But now all that had changed. Either Oleg has hired some muscle or some passing do-gooders simply offering their help. Either way, they would have to die and Oleg would be made an example of. People needed to understand that this area was theirs now and they controlled it.
Happs remains calm, his hands staying down at the moment. In his left hand he holds his bow while his right is resting on his hip. The courtyard then becomes filled with others, all weapons at the ready. One of the men behind them up on the wall even shoots at Bren!
”What’s going on?”! shouts Bren as the gate is closed on him and then an arrow strikes the ground near him. The young man, little more than a boy really, ducks behind one of the horses as he wonders what is going on.
Happs ignores him for the moment as he tries to take in those speaking to him. First the warrior-priest of Sarenrae threatening him, followed by some female wanna-be Aldori swordlord, a gnome wielding a longspear, some ruffian who looks like he belongs with his gang as opposed to these folk, and the fool on the wall that shot at Bren.
”Perhaps we should just surrender,” says one of the bandits behind Happs. The man was obviously shaken by the unexpected threat.
”Shut up, you fool!” shouts Happs. ”You know what Kressle would do to you if she finds out about it, not to mention what the Stag Lord would do.”
Happs alternates looking at Numalar, followed by Bella, and then Valeska. ”You think these fools will deal honorably with you after just shooting at an innocent man?!”
“Well, it looks like Oleg done hired him some muscle,” continues Happs. ”Never figured that man for growing a spine of his own or even having the courage to hire someone to protect him. Come on out, Oleg, let’s talk this through.”
Oleg then bursts out of the main building, a warhammer in hand. ”Your days of stealing and bullying us are over Happs. Surrender now or die.”
Happs laughs at the threat from Oleg. ”Be reasonable here Oleg, no one has to die here today. But if you don’t convince these fools to put down their weapons we’ll kill you all and burn this place down. We’ll leave that pretty little wife of your alive, though she’ll wish she were dead. Once we’ve had our fun with her we’ll sell her off to some Pitaxian flesh peddler. You want your last thoughts to be about all the pain she’ll suffer there?” asks Happs.
”Now you all put down your weapons and surrender to us, or you, Oleg, and everyone else we see on our way back to our camp dies. I’ll count to ten,” answers Happs.
Not sure of what is going on with the gate now closed, Bren pulls the horses closer to him and crouches down behind them to hide from the archer up on the battlement.
Visibly disappointed, Bella says "I had hopped for more reasonable bandits, but it seems that won't be the case. We gave you your chance without simply slaughtering you, but now your time is up."
She then yells "EVERYONE! ATTACK!!!"
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Numalar runs to one side; as he moves he appears to become more feral; his fingernails lengthen into talons.
When he gets to the corner of the wagon he shouts: "Qa' quv!"
He pops something into his mouth and then expels a roaring gout of flame from his mouth in a 15' cone.
"Ha! Take that!"
Numalar looks kind of sickly after having exhaled flame, but grips his longspear again with grim determination.
Zokon uses studied target on the fellow outside and shoots at him again
Celyne slips out from the stable, and orders Luna to charge the nearest bandit.
Celyne starts casting a spell (summon monster 1).
Valeska is pleased, but remains quiet. She moves to flank with Luna.
"You vile little demon!" shouts Happs as he tries to dodge the flaming breath of Numalar. The other bandits scream as they also try and avoid the attack. He quickly moves out of the way of the advancing Valeska. Although this new assailant is right before him, his fury is directed toward the gnome.
"You want flame, gnome?! I'll give you flame."
Happs takes a step away from Valeska and quickly pulls something from his waist. He then throws the ceramic vial at Numalar. Just before the vial strikes Numalar those looking at him see the gnome's appearance change as he seems to solidify and turn solid gold!
As the vial breaks and the chemicals inside it mix with the air a burst of flame surrounds Numalar. The wagon beside him also catches on fire in addition to the grass around him. Happs is rewarded with the large tiger, Luna, charging and biting him hard on his arm. He curses as the creature backs away and prepares to attack once more. Oleg curses as he sees the wagon catch fire and immediately drops his warhammer and runs west to the draw water from the well.
"Run Bren! Get the others," shouts Happs as Zokon once more fires at the young man and misses. Outside the stable the young Oracle, Celyne, concentrates on casting a spell to bring extra-planar help to the battle.
The bandits immediately spring into action, desperate to save their lives and punish the group for attacking them. The first bandit takes a step back to form a line with his partners and knocks and fires an arrow at Numalar.
The second bandit takes the opportunity to knock and fire at Valeska.
The third bandit yells at the horse behind him, encouraging the already frightened animal to flee where the flame came from and head toward Fronar. He then follows his companions and fires at Numalar.
The horse rushes past Fronar as he moves forward to drop the bar in place and lock the gate.
Bren doesn't need to be told twice by Happs to get out of there. He releases the reins on three of the horses and yells at them to take off. He then quickly mounts one of the other horses and urges it into a run. He holds on to the reins of the other horse so that he can swap between the two animals. As he makes it into the saddle, he immediately slides down on the opposite side of Zokon, holding on to the saddle horn as he rides.
Valeska took 1 point of damage.
No one else was injured.
Numalar is up in Round 2. The front of the wagon is also on fire now.
Celyne, be sure and let me know what animal you are summoning and where you want it to appear, etc.
For my next action Zokon fires twice at Bren with studied target