Kicking the door open, Odd'n peers in to see if he can pick out any of the bandits hiding in the shadows.
You don't see bandits per se, but you notice that two of the dunes in the sandy area of the camp are a bit...well...shoed.
Odd'n tsks, rather loudly, to get Garrets & Bronans attention as he points to the two regions of.. irregularity..
"Uhm, ehm.. where are they.. and what.. why.. what is.. that?"
Odd'n cautiously takes a few steps towards one of the regions of irregularity in the sand.
"Now!" Beshoi's thick accent rings out in the night as he and another bandit jump up from under sand-covered blankets! The two Odd'n pointed out only had time to uncover themselves, not to stand.
Odd'n reacts instinctively as the men leap out from under the 'sands', his fists lashing out at the nearest man before leaning in to nip at his nose.
Odd'n goes straight for Beshoi as the thug pops up in front of him, and catches him with his strong hand, but his opponent proves too nimble for his off hand. Odd'n's teeth only hit wood as he bites into Beshoi's armor.
The rogue to Odd'n's right finally stands, swings his sling and looses a bullet at Garret.
I quickly fire an arrow back at the bandit that fired on me.
(+1 if within 30ft, I am unsure of the increments of the squares)
(+1 if within 30ft)
Garret's arrow whizzes through the air in a brilliant arc, landing safely in a pile of sand.
Bronan brandishes his shield, steps through the open gate to Beshoi and goes for his gut to distract him for Odd'n.
At Bronan's behest, little Caltrop runs to the bandit C , where he proceeds to bite him hard, right in the privates.
Tanwen casts Command (Approach) on Beshoi. The brute walks straight in her direction passing Odd'n, Bronan, and Caltrop to go toward her. She, Bronan, and Caltrop each attack him as he does so.
Angry for being manipulated and taking damage, Beshoi swings his glaive in a wide, powerful arc at Tanwen and Bronan, which glances off their armor.
Bandit A stands to his feet and expertly slings a bullet directly into Garret's forehead.
Bandit C retaliates at Caltrop's attack with a full-round dual dagger attack, but the nimble little dog is too quick.
Odd'n, momentarily stunned by the pain of his teeth biting into Beshois wood armor, gains his senses enough to throw a punch at the side of the mans head as he walks past toward Tanwen.
The man, seemingly enchanted by Tanwen, continued past Odd'n with only the smallest recognition of his strike. Well, if that fool wants to wade into my friends.. let him..
Turning towards the flunkies that have been flinging stones up at Garret, Odd'n takes a step towards them () and attacks the one nearest the rock ledge-- his teeth bared and voice hissing at them. "You follow THAT man! You take from US! YOU PREY ON THE WEAK?! NOT TODAY!!!!"
Odd'ns fists fly, lashing out at the man. When he isn't screaming he is biting at exposed flesh not covered by armor. "NOT WEAK. NO. NO MORE. NO MORE TAKING FROM THE INNOCENT!"
As the stone smashes into my forehead I reel back grasping my forehead with my free hand as blood begins pouring out. I quickly fire off another shot at the offending bandit before I back peddle to the edge of the cliff and lower myself down to the next lowest level so that I am hidden.
(+1 if 30ft)
(+1 if 30ft)
Odd'n cracks Beshoi on the jaw as he walks by, causing him to stagger to keep his balance as he makes his way to where he would attack Tanny and Brony.
He then tears corrupt flesh from sinful bone, leaving the bandit with the sling bleeding on the ground.
Bandit B, wielding a pair of daggers, does his best to cut into Odd'n.
He connects with his strong hand, giving Odd'n a nice cut to show off later.
Bronan takes a swipe at Beshoi while he's still reeling from his failed cleave and sticks him, which is just enough to put him down.
Caltrop bites the bandit in front of him again.
Taking good damage yet again, and seeing his comrades fall around him, Bandit C yells "I yield, stop, just stop!"
Garret's arrow flies over the fallen body of the bandit who hurled the rock at him.
Tanwen hustles up to the remaining bandit and thrusts her spear at the open air next to him...threateningly...yeah...
Beshoi and Bandit A both stop bleeding.
Odd'n steps to the remaining bandit as his comrade cowers. "You've seen your friends fall at our hands.. do you dare to continue this?! This Beshoi-- this man you fear-- lays there helpless.. useless.. do you fall with him?"
Reaching out, Odd'n attemps to grab the mans wrist and wrestle him down.
Hearing odd'n talking and adding that to what I saw around the blood in my eyes I figure we are relatively safe and stop for a moment to put direct pressure on the wound and blink the blood out of my eyes. I peak around the ledge to see if I can see anyone else hiding.
Bandit B throws his hands up at Odd'n's remarks, and doesn't fight being grappled to the ground.
Garret can clearly see that there's no one else hiding, which is odd, because he distinctly remembers there being more bandits before.
Tanwen sees to everyone's wounds, especially Garret's enormous headwound. She stops after four channels, as she knew they still had a long day ahead of them.
As the moon causes the blood and sweat of the battlefield to glimmer, and the sand flicks the victors in the eyes, a calmness settles over the bandits' camp. Umaveti and Minah come walking cautiously forward from the back of the camp, "Is everything alright? I didn't hear any more fighting." The familiar hiss of the librarian's soft voice, and the brightly flaming young man bring attention back to your initial goal.
Garret wraps his arm around Tanwen's shoulder, and Odd'n plays with Caltrop a bit, while Bronan and Umaveti discuss politics, which is difficult, because Bronan's eyes keep wandering back to Michaiela's comely form. As they pass through the bandits' camp to the other side, they hear a strange sound, like a scream mixed with the boom of an explosion. Umaveti whips around as he realizes he's let go of Minah's hand.
Black and yellow, wings and a stinger, and a screaming Minah. They follow the image up to a nearby hill, where the strange feminine creature carrying the young ifrit turns back at them, smiles a wicked smile, and salutes them just before disappearing over the crest of the hill.
Odd'n wastes no time in scouring the camp for rope, ripping it down from their tents if need be, to tie up Beshoi and his crew. They have some explaining to do..
Dragging the lot of them over against the rock face so they could sit against it, Odd'n begins questioning the two that were smart enough to surrender about all that has happened. "Where are the rest of you? Only four?! This.. thug.." Odd'n emphasises the word with a kick to Beshois limp leg, ".. why would you decide to follow such a brute? Surely this.. uplight man.. can't come down on your lot out here. And where did THAT take the fire-boy? ANSWER NOW OR I'LL HAVE TO LET MY WICKED FRIEND WORK YOUR JAWS LOOSE!!!" Odd'n ends the sentence screaming, froth flying from between sharpened teeth, pointing towards Garret.
"The boss sent the rest of us up to Krisol, to tell the Upright what's happenin'," the bandit admits freely, but he gets a scared and puzzled look as he continues, "But I never seen a thing like that," referring to the bee-like creature, "in me life, swear to Nivi."
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Without drawing his eyes away from the bandit who spoke, Odd'n shouts- "GARRRREETTTT, this scum insist the others have gone on back to Krisol.. and they know not what that thing was that grabbed the fire-boy.. are you up for drawing more out of them? Maybe bringing this Beshoi back too and seeing to it that he never bothers another honest soul will loosen their tongues a bit more.."
Odd'ns glare grows more stern has he finishes talking; his fists flexing at his sides as his eyes shift, unblinking, from the bandits to the slumped form of Beshoi..
I quickly scout the entire camp, seeing if there is anything useful or valuable in any of the tents, scanning everything with detect magic activated.
Seeing the strange creature fly off with our charge I rack my brain as to what it could be.
I watch Odd'n rampage around a bit before he shouts my name I wander over to his interrogation still lost in thought. "what is it you want me to do?"
Turning his back to the tied up bandits, Odd'n addresses Garrets question; "Get these scum talking! Apparently the lot of them left.. I don't know if we can trust them at that-- nevermind if they had anything to do with that.. that thing!" Stepping back to kick Beshois passed out form, Odd'n continues- "Besides.. leaving this scum behind might cause problems to sprout in our wake. I can't let this brute prey on the innocent anymore, not knowing we had a chance to end it..."
"He's telling the truth!" The other bandit shouts, now afraid for his own life, "I know what that was, and I know for a fact that no self-respecting man of the road would ally himself with it."
Garret's search proves quite fruitful. He finds a chest with the initials "D.B." inscribed on the metal inlay. It's been broken open, but no yet emptied. Inside, he finds a fine suit of clothing and a set of robes. Beneath the clothes, he finds a potion, a scroll, some jewelry and gems, and a great deal of coins, though they're mostly coppers.
Nearby to the chest there's also a barrel, on top of which there sits a water clock. Inside the barrel, Garret finds a pair of longbows, a dwarven waraxe, a set of caltrops, a greatclub, a set of regular and hand crossbow bolts, and a quiver of arrows.
Unfortunately all Garret can tell about these creatures is that they're not magical in nature, and they're from this plane.
I pull out my shiny new knife and kneel down next to my new friend. "Very well, if you tell me what that creature was and prove yourself useful. I will give you the choice of working for me or dying since my pointy toothed friend over here seems so set on ridding the land of your group. Your friends' life is forfeit due to his attack on my person. But don't worry I will make it painless. As for your boss, my friend seems really keen on getting rid of him..."
I pull out my shiny new knife and kneel down next to my new friend. "Very well, if you tell me what that creature was and prove yourself useful. I will give you the choice of working for me or dying since my pointy toothed friend over here seems so set on ridding the land of your group. Your friends life is forfeit due to his attack on my person. But don't worry I will make it painless. As for your boss, my friend seems really keen on getting rid of him... and I wouldn't want to dissapoint."
The man's eyes get wide, and he swallows loudly. His voice quivers as he says, "I would love to go to work for you, sir. That creature looked like a thriae, but I can't be certain as I only know of them by reputation, having never laid eyes on one myself."
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"Thriae, interesting." I roll the name around in my brain seeing if it kicks up any information about them. "Who who would have then in their employ and do you know anything else about them?" I ask as I casually move over toward the still unconscious Beshoi and Coup de Gras him.
Odd'n, surprisingly a little put off by witnessing the passed out Beshoi killed so non-chalantly, tries his best to suppress any feelings of guilt. It.. it is for the best. This man.. he would pray on the weak.. yes.. he had to go. Milani would understand.. she must understand.. however-- these others..
"We have offered clemency to those that surrendered consciously-- let it be offered to the other. Their boss is gone," Odd'n says with a gesture to Beshoi's still bleeding corpse. "Need you take revenge on the one who merely bloodied your forehead? Yes, their actions have been inexcusable and unjust but I wouldn't feel right offering mercy to just one while the others lives are forfeit for following the orders of this Beshoi or the Uplight Man.. Uptight Man.. whatever that spectre is called."
The bandit answers Garrett, "I've only heard tales, the bee-people native to the jungles and mountains on the north side of the island. I've never heard of any of them working for anyone but their queen."
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My face contorts in rage for a split second before smoothing out, then I turn to face Odd'n. "Very well Odd'n, I will offer him the same choice I did him." I say pointing to the man who agreed to 'work' for me. I turn to the other bandit. "Well, what do you say? Will you work for me or do you forfeit your life?"
"Sure, sure! Whatever you say!" The slinger says, remaining in position, not sure how to proceed. "Um...what are your names?"
Umaveti approaches, now comfortable showing himself since the bad men have been reduced to quivering boys. "My name is Umaveti, Librarian of Krisol, and your new employer here is Garret Powers, master of archery and the arcane; the big one," he points instinctively with his tail, "is aptly named Odd'n, surname Lhrar, a beast among men with the heart of an angel."
"Speaking of angels," he continues, "this beautiful, yet dangerous young woman is Tanwen, Cleric of Pyralis."
The bandit who hit Garret introduces himself as Homeros, and the other one introduces himself as Alistair Vincze, as if the name should mean something, but seeing that it doesn't, he let's it go.
Umaveti pulls Garret & Odd'n aside, and speaks less formally, "I should mention that our other angel, Bronan, has taken his leave with the newcomer, the deaf chef. They've already headed back to Fwey to determine whether Nani or Gwyn know anything about these creatures or where they could've taken Minah..." It's hard to tell since he's a nagaji, but you think he'd be crying if he could.
Your attention is quickly diverted from the librarian as you see a mess of grey dreadlocks tumbling through the dark desert morning, it launches itself at, and tackles, Odd'n. "Oh good," the librarian says flatly, "the dog has elected to stay with us."
Caltrop's liberal kisses require little explanation, it's clear Bronan allowed the dog follow his new friend for the time being.
Scores (str 14, dex 18, con 15, int 2, wis 12, cha 6)
AC 22, Flat Footed 18, Touch 15
ACP -1
CMD 17 (+4 vs trip)
HP 26
Initiative +4
Saves (Fort +5, Refl +7, Will +2)
Speed 40’
Skills: Survival [1 rank +3 class +1 wis] +5 (+1 to track) Perception [2 ranks +3 class +1 wis] +6 Stealth (4 size +4 dex -1 ACP) +7
Feats ( Light Armor Proficiency, Weapon Focus: Bite)
Abilities
Small Size
Scent
Low Light Vision
Link
Evasion
Attack (BAB 2)
Bite +6 for 1d4+3
CMB +3
Tricks (Attack x2, Down, Stay, Heel, Track)
Gear (Studded Leather Barding)
"I suppose that explains why he left these," the librarian hands Odd'n four bags of Caltrop's food, "at the camp site."
You hear rustling as the former bandits hoist themselves up. Without all the adrenaline rushing through your eyes, you can now clearly see that Alistair is a strong Varisian man with long, dark hair, brown eyes, and a handsome face outlined in a full, but well-kept beard. Homeros, by contrast, is a slight, scrawny mouse of a man with a patchy blondish beard and curly almond hair. You'd say he was Chelish, but for the way he carries himself: in a perpetual slouch.
They're standing now with a look on their faces which say, I don't want to say anything, but I badly want to know what we're going to do now.
Odd'n almost loses his legs when Garret agrees to spare both men's lives. Trying to act it off as intentional, he falls to one knee and draws the feather between his palms; offering a payer to Milani but not before opening one eye to the two former bandits..
"You lot best thank Milani that Garret here ALLOWED himself to be persuaded to spare your lives, he is usually not one to listen to me. Besides.. if you are seeking to redeem yourselves you might serve Milani well.."
Falling into silence, Odd'n mouths the words to one of his usual awkward prayers. Thank you Milani.. for.. uhm.. seeing us too victory.. in overcoming these.. bad.. men.. and for seeing to it not all men need die today..
Standing back up, with no attention paid to the blood and dirt covering his person, Odd'n makes eye contact with Garret before continuing his address of the men. "I've been.. taken advantage of before. I won't have it again, so.. before Garret sets you to task I ask-- how.. why.. did you find yourselves following THAT man & his unseen master?"
Alistair and Homeros look sideways at one another, look back at Odd'n, and shrug, "No one chooses this life," Alistair starts, "we were all kids growing up in the scrap-heap outside of Krisol, grandchildren of travelling merchants," he gestures at himself, "escaped slaves," Homeros, "and whatever else, the only thing we could do to survive was join up with one of the gangs. I was with the eastern shanty's gang, and Homeros was a central, but once Upright's men from the west killed most of my gang, neither of us had a choice anymore. It was either join up or start digging. Most of us didn't have to think very hard though, his gang already made the most money. I was thinking about swapping soon anyway, and I wasn't alone."
"Now that we have that out of the way, Homeros, you will be overseen by Odd'n. I don't forgive you quite yet for the personal slight you have caused me, but you may yet prove yourself to me through loyal service. Alistar you will be overseen by me, we can talk about how long you will be working for me and when you should begin to expect compensation later, gather your equipment and report back here. Umaveti should we try to pursue the flying creature that took our charge or return to our benefactor and report what happened? If we are to pursue do you know a likely place for the creature to have taken the boy?"
After I send off my new indentured servants I quickly cast detect magic again and examine Beshoi pulling anything useful off his person as I talk to Umaveti. Afterwards I look about for a nice small tent out of all the tents still about and break it down to use for myself. I place all the gear that was found and my new tent on the horse before we decide where to set off to.
As Garret walks off, Odd'n turns to Homeros with a sigh. "Would you be surprised to hear my situation not even a few weeks past was perhaps worse than yours? I to was a slave.. of sorts. I.. I understand life forces things upon us; making us do things we otherwise would not; but if I can put my past behind me you surely can too. I won't have you act a servant for me. You are free to go.. if you so wish it. My faith in Milani gives me purpose.. if you are lost perhaps you can find guidance there as well."
Odd'n lugs his pack onto his person, adjusting the straps as he stands there in thought. "But know this-- if you chose to leave and I encounter you again in a situation such as this.. you will find yourself wishing Garret slit your throat this night.. I am not fond of blades and my teeth aren't quite as.. quick.."
Odd'n saunters on over to Umaveti to hear where the lizard-man drags them next.
As I am searching around for a tent for myself I realize that anyone else could just move into this area now that the wall has been built and use it for the same purpose as Beshoi. Not wanting to deal with a new group if we come this way again, and knowing how to motivate Odd'n I call out to him. "Start piling these extra tents and any gear we are not taking with us up against the wall, we can light it all on fire and burn down the barricade so that if anyone moves into this area they will at least have to work again prior to being able to rob travlers."
Homeros is moved by Odd'n's words, slavery was a sensitive issue with him, he probes further, "What kind of slave?" He looks the big man up and down, and asks in a hushed tone, "A gladiator?"
Alistair sighs at the request of his new employer, and after gathering his gear, begins packing up the already mobile camp to be burned. On Beshoi's person, Garrett finds nothing special considering his profession , except perhaps his hand crossbow and bolts, and of course his signature glaive. Also his corpse wears wooden armor. Nothing appears to be magical.
Umaveti answers Garrett in a more serious tone than usual, which is saying something, "I will not be caught dead in the jungles of the isle. I'll go back to Minoj and tell him what happened, you can feel free to join me. Minoj will likely not pay you for nothing, but if you assure him that you'll find his son, he will likely outfit you to do so. Of course, you could chase after the creature, though I fear the trail will be lost by now, especially if you don't know your way."
Tanwen speaks out, "I know my way! I grew up in this jungle, oo! We could go to the temple! The elders might know more about the thraie!"
"More than the archives at the Krisol library? Hmph," Umaveti scoffs. "I'll be heading north soon, choose your path quickly."
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"Something like that.." Odd'n says meekly, not at all eager to delve back into his past. "At least.. that is what he called me at first.. made it seem prestigious.. an honour to fight. It was anything but.."
Addressing Umaveti-"Ay, as much as I don't like this.. fire boy.. we can't abandon him to that thing! It.. it would not be right. Besides, the uplight man might be waiting for our lot back in the city-- if he is as powerful as this lot seem to think I'd prefer to arrive back in the city on good terms with the one in charge. Garret?"
Gesturing Homeros lean in closer, Odd'n mutters out of the side of his mouth; "Are you at all handy with a needle? I've been meaning to do something.. and.. well, my hands aren't right suited for it.."
As soon as I hear that the boys father would outfit us, my ears perk up. "Let us return with Umaveti and inform the boys father so that we may head into the jungle properly geared. As well as get rid of some of this unnecessary equipment." I motion to the gear we are taking from the bandit camp. "Also, you could study that bird you saw in the library."
Homeros takes in Odd'n's words and decides to let it go for now. In response to the needlework question, he shrugs, "No more than anyone else who can't afford a trip to the seamstress. Why, what did you need?"
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After making sure that the entire wall is ablaze, I beckon for Odd'n and my new charges to follow me and I begin following after Umaveti, back to our employer, leading Sky by her bridle.
Odd'n follows behind the group, Homeros at his side. "I've been wanting to establish a crest for Milani on my armor.. using this feather as the stem of her rose. It.. it might look silly.. but.. this feather is special.." Odd'n falls silent with a smile.
Umaveti leads the team back up the road to Krisol. Roughly four hours of nearly silent travel later, the five arrive at the shanty town outside the south gates.
As they do, they notice something concerning. A human woman with dark features and a female catfolk with black fur were accosting passersby.
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Alistair and Homeros look to Garret, wondering what he is going to do. Garret rolls his eyes, it is obvious to him that the women are distraught but he will not go out of his way to assist unless Odd'n pushes the issue.
Seeing the two new travelling companions look to Garret, Odd'n awkwardly shuffles amongst the group before his eyes fall upon the distraught cat woman. "She looks quite.. put off.. I will see to her concerns. You guys could proceed further if you want.. I'll just need to know where to meet you after.."
Odd'n waits long enough to hear Umaveti's directions before approaching the woman slowly, arms wide and palms open in a gesture from his pit-fighting days signifying willingness to cooperate. "Hey now, how might Milani aide you this day?"
The librarian answers Odd'n, "We'll likely be in the town hall, try not to be too long."
As the sun begins to rise over the upper town, it catches the water in the cat-woman's eyes as she gasps, "Oh thank the gods, someone who'll help," she clasps Odd'n's enormous hand in hers, careful to retract her claws as she does so. Odd'n can feel that her fur is soft, but firm, like the bristles of a short paint-brush. "My name is Hoya, and that over there," she points out the crying human, "is Merob. Our daughters were kidnapped! Last night these creatures, these...strange bee-women tore into our tents and made off with our young daughters. Will you please help us find them? We are but commoners, so we don't have much in the way of repayment, but we are hard workers and can do most any job, and we would do so gladly for anyone who can bring us back our daughters."
Odd'n nods along with the cat-woman's story. "Aye, perhaps Milani does have a hand in things after all, seeing to it that we would meet here. We too are looking for these.. bee people.. one of our own has been carried off into the hills early this morn'." Placing his hand on her shoulder Odd'n gently nudges her towards (presumably) her husband. "I.. I don't know what they are.. or what they want. Someone in our party mentioned a temple.. something about olders.. melders.. elders..? And thraie? We are to head out soon to see if we can return our own; we will keep an eye for your children as well-- let us pray Milani will see your children safe and returned to you."
Trying to calm the man, Odd'n clumsily pats his shoulders and back. "Have you any idea what they are.. and what they want..? Do be quick.. I must catch up with my companions."
The relief on Hoya's face is nearly tangible, and she thanks him profusely for his help. The male cat Odd'n patted, looks at him with a confused face. Understanding the confusion, Hoya places a hand on Odd'n's shoulder saying, "I'm sorry, but my mate left quite early in the morning to find work at the docks. I'm afraid he wouldn't be much help anyway, as he slept straight through the whole ordeal. No one else in my 'tribe' here believes me or Merob about the be women. Please, my daughter is black as night like me, but with silver eyes like her father. Merob's daughter is...adopted. She's thin and pale with dark hair, one blue and one brown eye."
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