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Erian takes a bit of time to lay his rope (and any other ropes the party might contribute) around the perimeter of their camp, covering the rope with leaves and other natural cover. "If we're looking to lure them out, perhaps a little preparation is in order. I can animate these ropes when anyone gets close, using them to entangle the mites or their pet vermin."
Erian wakes up stiffly for his watch. One of the bites from the centipede had closed entirely, but the other still caused him some amount of pain. As his watch passes without incident, the half-elf finds himself refreshed and ready for the road despite his lingering wound. With the others awake, he offers his thoughts on what to do for the day. "We should be close to the place where these mites lair. Having seen their villainy first-hand and their tendency to ambush travelers in the night, I have no reservation in continuing our quest to stop them."
While the others discuss their findings, Erian inspects the wounds he's incurred. Luckily it looks like none of the centipede's poison was injected, but the two nasty bites he took are sure to leave a mark. Calling over to his friends, he asks, "So, was anyone affected by the cenptipede poison? If so, don't forget I've got this vial of antitoxin. Oh, and if anyone is good with a bite, I seem to have taken a hit or two from my many-legged foe..."
On hearing the call to arms, Erian quickly rises from his bed to assess the situation. Quietly thanking his father for the lightness of his armor, his elven eyes spy what the humans in the group would not--a sizable force moving toward them under cover of darkness. He calls out to the others, "I'll shed a bit of light on the trouble-makers. Be mindful that others could be lurking in the darkness." The half-elf moves his hands in an intricate pattern as he recounts a short verse of the coming of the Dawnflower to Golarion. Four torch-like objects soon appear directly in front of the advancing foes. With more light providing his companions a better view of the aggressors, Erian then readies his bow for a shot.
Erian had ridden along quietly for most of the journey, engrossed in calculations and drawings as he sketched out a rough map of the area through which they traveled. Once at camp, he set about with the others in establishing their location (conjuring up an invisible servant in the process to help out), checking for any trouble, and spying out a good defensible place to rest. On the call for watch, Erian volunteers for the last shift, knowing his elven eyes will work. Before heading to bed, he takes the various drawings from the day and lays them out around him, then pulls out a dark wooden case from his pack. From this case he takes a roll of vellum, an odd-looking device with many joints and pointy ends, and a set of inks. He then sets to work on a more detailed map of the region, using his various drawings as reference points. As night falls, he looks to the sky several times as he continues to work until a series of yawns signals time for sleep. Erian takes to his bedroll after carefully packing away his tools, laying a rope by his side before resting his head for the night.
Erian looks through what Oleg has to offer. "Let's see...I'll give you 12 silver weight for those arrows." Looking to the group, he offers, "We can split them between any archers as appropriate. Anyone up for that antitoxin? I can contribute a full ten measure of gold. Or Oleg, perhaps you can extend us a bit more credit? How about any rope or other building supplies we might offer to the kobolds?"
Erian nods once, then starts tightening the straps on his strange leaf-covered armor while talking. "So, 15 miles. That's a three to six hour ride depending on the terrain. No need for supplies that close to the post, so we can travel light. I'd suggest we take some building supplies as an offering of peace--some good rope, perhaps some pitons or spikes. Things the kobolds might find useful. And of course, if anyone happens to have some draconic paraphernalia to offer up I'm sure that would help. Once we arrive, who intends to take the lead in any negotiations?" Looking to Oleg, he adds, "I'll take another quiver of arrows if you've got one? The twenty I have should be sufficient, but it never hurts to be prepared. Hmm, and speaking of being prepared, you wouldn't happen to have any antitoxin?"
Erian nods at Polson's suggestion, "Yes, the kobolds look like an interesting option, and may actually provide us some insight into the bandits if the two groups ever cross paths. Who knows, we might even gain an ally against them for any coming battle." Looking over at Gaelen and Caelin still engaged in their banter, Erian adds, "What about you two...up for some kobold diplomacy?"
Erian replies to Ilya, "A good idea as well--coercion may be a more reliable means of locating their camp than tracking, although I doubt these folks will be looking to cover their tracks too carefully. And we would still run the risk of the bandits having watchers for the group that don't come to the post itself. They may flee at the first sign of trouble. It's hard to say, really, as I'm not sure how organized these bandits are. Judging from their regular visits, though, it seems like they have at least some strategy to their villainy. It doesn't sound like the ax-maiden will be here in any case, but rather sends her second to do the dirty work." On hearing that the bandits won't likely be around for a few weeks, he adds, "With that much time, we could do some scouting as well to get a good lay of the land, possible approaches and such. Perhaps talking to a few more locals, or even those kobolds, might provide additional insight.
"That's one option, but we'd have to be sure to hit them in their camp before that last bandit warned of an attack. I'm a cautious fellow by nature, so would prefer surveying their camp and assessing an overall approach rather than rushing in. They may have some traps of their own set up, for instance. Or they may have a man watching the approach and return from the trading post, so that any trouble here gets reported before we have a chance to track them down. If it simply costs us some trade goods, that we can then recover, it seems to me there is little sense in tipping our hand too early."
Erian shrugs his shoulders, "That sounds like a solid strategy, but we have to consider future repercussions. If we capture or kill all of the bandits, it sounds like there are more out there that will come looking. We could, of course, then set another trap but they are then more likely to come in force and ready for trouble. Or worse yet just burn the place down...Now, we could set a trap and then let one or more get away, giving us a quarry to track. However, that also introduces the element of an armed and informed group facing us in the future. We need to get back to this ax-maiden Oleg mentioned to get at the root of this problem. We may be better off finding out where they camp and assaulting them unawares there. I'd guess they are not expecting an assault on their camp. Hmm, we could even perhaps include a good amount of liquor in the next tax. I've never known bandits to be too controlled in their consumption, and that could give us an even greater advantage. We've even got some wolf pelts to add to the pile, so as to not deplete Oleg unnecessarily."
I see. Well having a map maker will be very important for us to map out this place, especially if we are to tame these lands and take them for our own. he looks around the room and notices that Oleg's ring is missing and there is a clear look on his face that he wants to ask the group something. Missing a ring, Oleg? You seem interested when we mentioned hunting down the bandits. Have they wronged you? Erian shakes his head and chuckles at the bantering between Gaelen and Caelin. Having noticed the same behavior with Oleg and Svetlana, Erian adds his voice to encouraging them for more information, "Indeed, if there has been trouble with these bandits here, I would be more than happy to assist. Ruffians have no place in either civilization or the wild."
Erian's brow wrinkles and his lips draw into a tight line. "Well, that won't do at all! When are they due to come around again, and how many are present? I'm certain that we can give them a fair surprise the next time around. Of course, that will likely set any friends of theirs off as well--we might be best off with some subterfuge and tracking rather than simply trouncing the louts..."
Erian watches Caelin and Gaelen assessing the wolf pelts, then offers his own advice, "With the trading post so close, we could likely take these inside and spend a bit more time on the skinning rather than field-dressing them here. I've skinned my share of animals in the past, so can lend a hand as well. They were starving, it seems, so the pelts may not be as healthy as we'd like. Anything we can do to maximize their use should counter some of that degradation." Looking toward their destination, he adds, "And milling about here might set those folks keeping watch on edge that we're up to something."
"Wolves attacking so large a group? That's rather odd behavior, unless they're starving. Or otherwise compelled I suppose..." Erian muses to himself as he prepares for trouble. Initiative, Position, Etc.:
Erian would be in the middle of the group on his horse, ahead of the wagon.
Initiative
I may be incommunicado tomorrow for a bit--if my absence impacts the battle and things need to roll forward, Erian holds his position. On round 1 he uses his Standard Action to Inspire Courage (+1 Morale bonus on saves vs. charm and fear effects, +1 Competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls) and his Move Action to ready his bow. On round 2, he attacks with his bow, targeting any wolf that has already taken damage. Composite Longbow (110', [P], 20/x3)
Caelin sings a long the way the hymm of his clan to kill some time, "Erian wanna join in the singing since I'm not very bright and my singing is as good as that or worse With a chuckle, Erian notes, "Well, I'm really more of an orator than a singer, but I'll give it a go." He listens to Caelin's song for a bit, then picks up singing here and there. True to his word, the performance isn't exactly rousing--perhaps a little above average (and a fair sight better than Caeilin once he gets the rhythm) but nothing to write home about. On nearing Oleg's, Erian again takes out his chalk and parchment and starts making notes, muttering to himself about a nearby rise, the distance from their last camp, and other such things. "Seventy-two miles east to west, sixty miles south, centered here..." Perception:
(+2 vs. Humans)
Hearing Ilya's request for 'The Lusty Halfling Maid', Erian grins. "Heh, I'm not familiar with that one--you'll have to tell me how it goes so I can add it to my repertoire! Now, what I was thinking is more along the lines of a bit of history, a bit of mystery, and a bit of romance. Did you know that in ages past, when ancient forests covered this land, that the elves of Kyonin would hunt here? My ancestors called this place Telvurin--"The Shifting Lands" to those that speak the tongue of the Taldans. Well, one noble son came to the forest looking for sport, and lost his heart instead... Erian proceeds to tell the story of Melius, who fell in love with the voice of Lin'du, a fey that took the form of a nightingale. Melius spent his years chasing the nightingale's song, rejecting his place in the courts of the elves to instead frolic in the shady glades of Telvurin. "...and that, my friends, is the true power of the elven Brightness. Once it is found, nothing else in the world can compare." Upon completing his tale and graciously accepting the accolades (and coin) of the patrons, Erian turns his attention to the small selection of items the community has to offer. "That healer's wand could prove a handy tool. Anyone want to combine purses to cover it?"
"Anybody in the mood for a nice backstrap?" Erian calls out with a grin. "Like I said, plenty to eat out there...you just have to look a bit. This one was a true beauty, but it must have been in the rut, since he practically walked into my arrow." Dismounting from his horse (while looking about for a stable boy), the half-elf holds up the choice piece of meat. The bloody mess (obviously well harvested and prepared), contrasts somewhat with Erian's boyish look and expensive accoutrements. Erian look around the settlement to get a sense of the place, thinking back on anything he might have heard or read... Skill Checks:
Knowledge (geography)
Bardic Knowledge (+2 more regarding humans) Perception (+2 more vs. humans)
"I might be able to help locate some game, but my skills with a bow leave something to be desired." Constance begins looking around for signs of wildlife. Grinning broadly while pulling his longbow from its case on his saddle, Erian says confidently, "If we find one, this bow can drop a deer at twenty paces! If the rest of you want to head on and find a good site for camp, we can head out for a bit of hunting, then double back to find you." Hunting:
Foraging for food will get us one person fed for every 2 points over a DC 10. With Constance already rocking a 25, we should be good to go! And speaking of food...I'm off to cook supper for the little ones myself! Feel free to logically "auto-pilot" Erian as necessary.
Erian laughs heartily at Polson's comment and Xenos's exhortation. "No need for coin, friend! We'll have too much to worry with in the coming weeks, I'm sure, to be concerned about keeping a bill of services...Once we find a good site for camp, I'll head out to see what can be had. Anyone else up for a little hunting? Perhaps a bit of "field worship" to honor Old Deadeye?"
"Ah, do not worry for food. There is a bountiful table right out there!" Erian points toward the tree line. "If we're short on supplies, I'm sure after a few hours hunting we'll be eating a hearty meal of wild mushrooms, venison, and cattail root!" He seems very eager to demonstrate this as he looks between Constance, Xenos, and the others.
If you have the coin to spend, do what you wish with it. Just make sure you hold onto it, okay? Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry! <a tinge of green spreads to Erian's eyes and skin--then he remembers this is not a M&M game...>
Erian nods, in a rather courtly manner, to Constance. "Well met then, Constance Superne of Restov. It grieves me that banditry is so endemic among us "enlightened" races. In my travels as a youth I witnessed bandit attacks from the Crown all the way down to the Obari Ocean. It seems greed is in no short supply...As for my father, well, I suppose when you've lived for a few hundred years you pick things up here and there!"
If you have the coin to spend, do what you wish with it. Just make sure you hold onto it, okay? Oh, he will. I'd say nothing short of stealing/harming his bow or armor would actually get Erian riled up... I'm looking around for any other items he should have before heading out. I don't think there's much he'd need, though.
Erian nods his head in agreement, "Yes, my father always said that judging a whole race by the actions of an individual is a disservice to the race, and likewise judging an individual by the actions of a whole race is a disservice to the individual. I favor pen and voice to blade and bow when feasible. Of course, this doesn't apply if someone is trying to override my voice with their blade!" He has already taken his chalk back out and set to sketching, not missing a stroke even as he looks up to talk with Xenos.
Meh, they're all probably running around doing responsible stuff instead of posting random things to a forum... Hey, I wanted to check on something--it occurred to me as I posted that Erian's bow should probably be darkwood considering its supposed to be "the best of the best" from his father. I tweaked it as such and deducted the funds to reflect the change, but if that's a problem just let me know. It's a flavor thing more than anything else--I figure everything he has is as nice as possible.
The fellow riding beside Xenos pulls his intent gaze from the surroundings to focus on the man. Putting away a piece of chalk (which he'd been using to mark on a piece of parchment), he says in a friendly tone, "I'm looking to get some exercise after being cramped up in schools for the last six years! My father thought a "proper education" in Absalom would do me some good, though I must say I never quite took to the city as much as I did the open road...In any case, on seeing the fine folks of Restov needed a skilled cartographer, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get back in the saddle." The man obviously has elven blood judging from his tallish ears and fine features. He is dressed for the road, but his traveling cloak doesn't fully hide a suit of exquisite armor--for all appearances seemingly made of leaves. Coupled with an ornately carved longbow, the wealth the half-elf must possess is readily apparent to a merchant of any training. After a pause, he looks to the knight as if remembering something, then adds, "Oh, and I'm Erian El'ranelen, son of Sevren. Perhaps you've heard of him?" Dice:
Dice:
drop 3 = 13
drop 2 = 11
drop 4 = 17 drop 2 = 10 drop 1 = 10 drop 1 = 10 How about Traits? Heirloom Weapon and Rich Parents work out nicely for Erian's background. Thanks!
As the others investigate the bodies and discuss healing, Rauno carefully walks about the rest of the room, looking both for danger and things hidden from sight while also inspecting the arrows he'd shot. It is obvious from his gait that the archer is still feeling the sting of that raptor's claws. As his companions find items of interest, Rauno calls out, "I can stow stuff in my haversack if it looks valuable." He then resumes his inspection of the room.
Erian busies himself with the others--preparing the decoy fire near to the mill (preferably in between the mill and the grate approximately where the mill would be seen from outside, but not so close as to put it in danger), helping as best he can to prepare traps and delays to slow the goblin advance, then establishing "strong points" some distance away where archers might fire from safety and infantry can hide until the traps are sprung. For the later, he encourages everyone to make the positions look like the belong in the city so as to throw off any goblin suspicion. Finally he prepares himself, strapping two quivers of arrows to his back, testing the pull on his bow, and finally lashing his magical torch to his leg (it's ever-present, heatless fire blocked by a leather covering). He then takes up a position on the wall above the grate, hiding as best he can while keeping careful watch for movement beyond the fortifications.
Nodding several times as Janas talks, Erian says enthusiastically, "Great idea! Perhaps we could bring that up in front of the river gate just as the traps are sprung. That would further cut the goblins in half and get the lights going for us. Maybe we should line up some stationary light sources as well--torches covered by clay pots we could shatter to illuminate the area once needed. That'll really surprise them, since the goblins would likely be counting on darkness as a primary benefit to their attack."
At Dinpel's excited chatter, Erian gives him a wink, "I'll take that wager!" He then turns back to their escort, "As for traps, I'm thinking we can set something far enough in to allow some goblins through, trap them in a crossfire, and have them block the entrance so archers on the wall can take out those stuck on the other side. Bear traps, trip wires--whatever we can get in place in time that would slow or stop progress and we'll basically build a dam of goblins to hamper their own progress. We don't want it too close to the entrance, as that'd tip them off early. We'll pile up some scrap wood near the mill, light that to lure them in, then wait until they hit the traps before showing our presence. Maximize surprise, cut their ranks in half, and hopefully get a few volleys of arrows in them before they even fully realize we're on to their plan."
Erian speaks up enthusiastically, "A few quivers would likely be good--no point missing a shot because the arrow's not there, as my dad always said..." He pats his horse on the shoulder, adding, "And Sherwyn here's not exactly trained for battle. If he could be quartered somewhere safe along with my travel gear I'd appreciate it. Beyond that, I'd say getting down to the "secret entrance" and laying a few traps would be a good thing. We got any hunters in the lot that could provide such a service in the next few hours?"
Erian nods somewhat knowingly, "If we're fighting a large force of goblins, you can almost count on their larger kin being involved, and possibly in command. And let's not forget their affinity for wolves and their kin. I wouldn't be surprised to see a few giant-kin as well if this is truly an organized assault."
Shrugging his shoulders, Erian adds, "This town and I share a name--my father wouldn't think too highly of me abandoning it to goblins! We'll see to that gate, lieutenant. And with surprise on our side this time I'm betting the goblins flee in terror!" Erian's youth shows through somewhat in his bravado--the words of a young man that has never actually seen armies at war and the resulting devastation.
Erian looks between Ferris and Veirax. "Well, I'm not sure we've got the time to plan out some elaborate strategy. Goblins aren't the greatest timekeepers, so they could attack early...In any case, I'm thinking we've got two major things to accomplish before they arrive--scout out their forces to see what we're up against and secure the considerable area covered by Erian's Glen. I'm not much for the logistics of securing a bunch of non-combatants, but I'd be more than willing to do a bit of scouting. Even under duress I should be able to get you a serviceable map of their positions--if we know which direction they're coming from, we can better secure the community in that area." Erian pauses, snaps his fingers, then points to Ferris, "And we could try a little sneakiness of our own...the goblins planned on coming in from the back-side and trapping the town between two fronts. Suppose we make the attacking force think the plan is working by starting a fire near the mill using scrap wood. If we can draw whatever force they planned on executing their strike in between two readied forces, we could crush them between us."
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