Alton:
You continuing your circuit (which will take several minutes).
Out of interest, Jarred is sitting at 4 and Yruch is stable at –8.
“My name is Arn Rethcos,” the man replies. “Our orders came from Atrek, our commander … although I suppose his orders came from the Church. As for this ‘Lady Gosia,’ I do not know whom you speak of. Further ambushes? None of which I am aware … although …” he sighs and looks at his wounded companion, who shrugs then winces in pain.
“Well, Atrek told us that should you somehow get past us, or defeat us, then any in a position to do so should make all haste back to Barg, and report that development back to the Church there.”
"Arn... where does your loyalty lie? With Arton? With Atrek? With an honourable cause? With the highest bidder? Where?"
The fellow stands up straight and stares straight ahead, not looking at you. “I’m not sure what you’re asking me sir,” he says. You have the distinct impression that he’s worried that he’s said too much.
Keildrithe, the fellow stands up straight and stares straight ahead, not looking at you. “I’m not sure what you’re asking me sir,” he says. You have the distinct impression that he’s worried that he’s said too much.
Alton: ** spoiler omitted **
I look around, trying to see if the man who left the bootprint is still around. I pick up the arrow and say "Come out and you won't be harmed. Come on out wherever you are."
If no one comes out then I finish my perimiter and return to the cottage to report on what I found.
Keildrithe, the fellow stands up straight and stares straight ahead, not looking at you. “I’m not sure what you’re asking me sir,” he says. You have the distinct impression that he’s worried that he’s said too much.
"Arn, you have witnessed my companions' combat prowess, and you are presently witnessing the fairness and compassion that we are showing towards those who tried to murder us but moments ago. I am asking whether you might be inclined to right the wrongs you have perpetrated against us, and to right the wrongs that are taking place in Barg right now... or whether you merely fight for the side that offers the biggest purse..."
Kajetan, rounding the corner of the cottage and catching part of the conversation, quickly speaks up, “I may have more to add. This man here seems to be telling the truth from what I already know. I just did a scan of the area and found nothing. My hope is that everyone is here and accounted for. My biggest fear is that someone escaped and is making it back to Barg. Hopefully, if we missed anyone, your companion finds them. What I have to tell you next, all of you should hear, but I will retell the story when your friend returns because what I have to tell you is important. I apologize, I no not all of your names, but please gather round.”
Once Kajetan has his new companions’ attention, he begins his tale, “Now, I fear we our in our own personal dark times. I was there when you saved Gosia from the flames. At the time, I did not act and for that, I am ashamed. Once things became clear to me though, I knew I had to do something. Since you left, I have been watching Atrek and his men. Of course you know that the Church has a plan to convert all to Arton. Gosia and her following of the Old Ways was an obstacle. They wanted her to burn whether she was innocent of the murders or not. But then you stepped in with your proposal.” Kajetan pauses for a moment, clears his throat, glances over at the captives, then looks back at his companions.
“They plan on killing her one way or another. If you arrive in Barg with no evidence, you will both burn. If you arrive with evidence, then it gets even worse. They will burn you both anyway. They fear a riot from this action, but they are willing to use the Baron’s men to kill every last Karand if a riot ensues. This is why you were ambushed. These men were to stop you from making it back to Barg on the off chance that you have evidence to prove Gosia’s innocence. Of course, this failed. But there were two groups stationed about depending on which route you took. What is the other route? There may still be an ambush there. Now, my biggest fear is that somebody got away and is now alerting the Church. If this happens, they plan to arrange Gosia to ‘escape’ and then kill her, using the escape as an admission of guilt. The Church’s goals are to make sure you never make it back to Barg and have Gosia put to death.” Kajetan looks at his companions after his tale to see there responses then adds one last thing, “We are in an Age of Darkness my friends.”
Kajetan looks at his companions after his tale to see there responses then adds one last thing, “We are in an Age of Darkness my friends.”
As Kajetan finishes his story, Laithe nods in a resigned fashion. "I had feared that the church never intended to honour its promises, and my fears have been confirmed. It seems that we are no longer welcome in Barg - yet I for one will not leave unless we have seen Gosia gain her freedom."
Addressing the group at large, Laithe continues "I can see only two possible options. We could sneak into Barg and try and break Gosia free. Yet I am fairly certain soldiers have escaped us tonight so Vorn will be well aware of our presence by now. And even if not, in our present condition our chances are not great. Given a couple of hours of meditation I may be able to ask of Ehlonna for some more healing magic, which will help our chances a little."
"The second option might be a parley. We have here Vorn's commander Atrek and a handful of his men. Though I hate to hand one of Vorn's evil weapons back to him, I would be more than willing to bargain Atrek's life for that of Gosia. If we pursue this option, I have no doubt we will face Vorn & Atrek again, but it will free Gosia and buy us some time to regroup and heal. My only fear with this option is that Vorn may be so stubborn and zealous that he will sacrafice his commander rather than hand over Gosia".
Laithe sighs, "We will also need to find a way to return this baby to its home." Looking around the group he asks "What say you? Is there some other option I may have missed?"
The man that Keildrithe is questioning looks uncomfortable. After a few moments he seems about to answer, but before he can do so, Kajetan speaks up and says his piece.
Arn clears his throat to speak in a quiet voice. “There were two groups of us – some of us were stationed not far from here on the main path, but we got word that you’d come this way and hastened over … there were ten of us in all here tonight I think, including the commander. You have four of us, and another two bodies lie here – that is six…”
Kajetan:
I return in time to hear the tail end of Kaejatan's speech. I toss Keildrithe the arrow I found and say "I found this and a bootprint a little way into the woods. It looks like someone got away."
After Laithe speaks his piece I say "We might be able to hold out here for a while; with a little work it could be quite defensible. A few of us could sneak into Barg and try to free Gosia and the return here, although that isn't a permanant solution." After a moment's consideration I say "I think that we should fortify the cottage as much as possible and then attempt a parlay with Vorn." and then more quitely so the soldier can't hear me "Laithe, how long would it take for the effects of one of those red mushrooms to be noticed?" I ask, carefully pulling one from my bag "We could poison him with it and then give him back to Vorn; that would incapacitate him at least for a little while. Do you think that you could make a paste of some kind like the goblins did so we could coat our weapons with it? Keildrithe, do you think that you can convince our prisoner to help us? If he has the soul of a mercenary than perhaps we could buy his services, although we'd have to be wary of treachery. Either Jarred, who I believe is somewhat accomplished in the art of stealth, or myself could go and scout out the village. Perhaps you (gesturing at Kaejatan) could do the scouting, since they probably don't know you're with us yet. Perhaps the three of us could scout out Barg and try to rescue Gosia while Keildrithe and Laithe tend to the injured and our prisoners and try to fortify the cottage."
As Alton begins speaking, Jarred returns from within the hut and leads Arn – now bound – within. He returns shortly to hear Alton’s suggestions, then clears his throat.
“Firstly, I have not introduced myself,” he addresses Kajetan. “I am Jarred Hale, and I thank you for your help. As my friends here seem to have accepted you as an ally – and you have given us every reason to believe it – I will do likewise and speak freely before you.
“Many of the suggestions I have heard so far have merit – but they are perhaps all for naught if some of our enemies have escaped and are even now on their way to this Inquisitor. Should that come to pass, can we be sure that Gosia will survive this night? I feel that we should be after them … but perhaps their start is already too great, and as Laithe said – and I feel it – we are all sorely wounded … can anyone think of a solution on this?
“As for what to do when – I pray to Ehlonna it is when – we rescue Gosia, well I am quite sure that I can lead her – and you all if you wish it, and we have enough of a start – to a safe place amongst the clans.”
I nod "I know, we've little time; if two or three of us go and try to rescue Gosia then we could perhaps flee back here in time to make a stand or flee."
A slight smile spreads scross my face as I have an idea "What if we managed to get some of this mushroom to Vorn? Crippling their leadership might cause enough chaos for us to make an escape."
“Many of the suggestions I have heard so far have merit – but they are perhaps all for naught if some of our enemies have escaped and are even now on their way to this Inquisitor. Should that come to pass, can we be sure that Gosia will survive this night? I feel that we should be after them … but perhaps their start is already too great, and as Laithe said – and I feel it – we are all sorely wounded … can anyone think of a solution on this?
Laithe stands wearily at Jarred's words and hands the baby over to him. "You are right, we should have set off after them immediately. We still have a slim chance of catching them - if I change into wolf form in pursuit I can cover ground much more quickly than a human."
He turns to Alton "I will need your help though. I will run in wolf form as hard as I can, across country to save time, with you on my back. If we reach the soldiers before they reach the city wall, I will let you off my back where you can drink the potion of change we took from Gosia's cottaage and take on Atrek's form, or perhaps that of Arn. Either way, we may be able to convince them that the party is weak and if they return they will easily be able to overcome us. Meanwhile I will stay nearby in case the plan goes awry. Those who remain in the clearing can set up an ambush of their own. I will follow behind at a safe distance and add my weight to the fray when we spring the trap, demanding their surrender. It is perhaps desperate, but it might just work. What do you think?"
I nod "Let's go then." and get on wolf-Laithe's back, wishing I had a saddle. Before we take off I say "Try to get the cottage fortified by our return. Cover windows, reinforce doors, and such. We might be bringing company with us when we return."
Laithe stands wearily at Jarred's words and hands the baby over to him. "You are right, we should have set off after them immediately. We still have a slim chance of catching them - if I change into wolf form in pursuit I can cover ground much more quickly than a human."He turns to Alton "I will need your help though. I will run in wolf form as hard as I can, across country to save time, with you on my back. If we reach the soldiers before they reach the city wall, I will let you off my back where you can drink the potion of change we took from Gosia's cottaage and take on Atrek's form, or perhaps that of Arn. Either way, we may be able to convince them that the party is weak and if they return they will easily be able to overcome us. Meanwhile I will stay nearby in case the plan goes awry. Those who remain in the clearing can set up an ambush of their own. I will follow behind at a safe distance and add my weight to the fray when we spring the trap, demanding their surrender. It is perhaps desperate, but it might just work. What do you think?"
Keildrithe allows Jarred to take the prisoners away, and then, after hearing the thoughts of his companions, shares his own.
"Kajetan, it is an honour to meet you, and as Jarred mentioned, you have already proven your valour. My name is Keildrithe Oldsun, of Barg. I think Laithe and Alton's initial plan has merit -- at least so far as catching up to the escaped soldiers is concerned. But I like not the idea of the rest of us staying here and waiting for Vorn and his men to attack the cottage. A few flaming arrows, and we'll be sitting ducks waiting to be burned alive inside... beyond the sight of the villagers, who will never know what happened.
"No, once the initial scouting has been done, I think we need to bring the fight to Barg. When the time is right, some of us can bring Atrek and some of our other prisoners as hostages into the town square, while the others cover us from concealed spaces... there we hopefully can bargain for Gosia's life. Despite the danger this plan presents to the lives of the villagers, it is essential that the Karands see the truth, that their consciousness be shaken and their spirits stirred, and ideally, that we lead them to rebellion! Vorn's treachery must be exposed publicly... let us shed light upon this growing darkness, upon the darkened minds of the people. What say you, my friends?
"Alton, Laithe, be swift... but be cautious with your next steps, once you have dispatched the fleeing soldiers, especially if you do end up going into town with Kajetan... if you have not returned by midnight, then I will presume that the worst has happened..."
As Laithe and Alton ride off into the night, Jarred turns to Keildrithe. “Your words are brave hedilye … but is the truth worth the life of the Karand’s living in Barg. We are a brave race, and race of warriors it is true … but our people in this region were defeated by the Thuringians and the Artonites a generation ago. Those Karand’s living in Barg are not warriors, and they have few weapons. They may fight if inspired Keildrithe … but the Baron and his soldiers would cut through them like a scythe through wheat I fear.”
The older man sighs. “Perhaps I am wrong … but if we win here, what then? Will the Karands of Barg be able to hold out against the avenging army that is sent their way?”
As Laithe and Alton ride off into the night, Jarred turns to Keildrithe. “Your words are brave hedilye … but is the truth worth the life of the Karand’s living in Barg. We are a brave race, and race of warriors it is true … but our people in this region were defeated by the Thuringians and the Artonites a generation ago. Those Karand’s living in Barg are not warriors, and they have few weapons. They may fight if inspired Keildrithe … but the Baron and his soldiers would cut through them like a scythe through wheat I fear.”
The older man sighs. “Perhaps I am wrong … but if we win here, what then? Will the Karands of Barg be able to hold out against the avenging army that is sent their way?”
Keildrithe sheathes his sword, raises his arms in frustration as he hears the grizzled ranger's words, then drops them again heavily. "You speak true, Jarred. I do not have your years and your wisdom, and anger burns in my heart... hence, I sometimes say or do things that wiser men would not. I feel that the Karands living under Artonite rule are already as good as dead... can they truly be said to live, when they live as blind and ignorant sheep in the shadow of their oppressors? Still, I know what you are saying, even though you speak not the exact words... what gives me the right to pass judgement on them, to lead them to slaughter if only to satisfy my own self-righteousness? And what good can come of that?"
For a long moment, Keildrithe's gaze wanders and seem to become fixed on something distant, beyond the boundaries of the world, perhaps... Then, slowly, quietly, he adds: "What course of action would you advise, Jarred? Kajetan? Help me, for I cannot see..."
Arn clears his throat to speak in a quiet voice. “There were two groups of us – some of us were stationed not far from here on the main path, but we got word that you’d come this way and hastened over … there were ten of us in all here tonight I think, including the commander. You have four of us, and another two bodies lie here – that is six…”
Kajetan listens to the mercenary then turns to his companions, "Although I am not proud of taking life, out of necessity two more are dead from my hand. Therefore, that leaves two unaccounted for."
Later in the discussion
"What course of action would you advise, Jarred? Kajetan? Help me, for I cannot see..."
Kajetan looks at his companions, "I am young in the world and lack the experience that this requires. But looking at this logically, I believe that this situation is too big for us. Because of this, we must think small. Our goal should be to rescue Gosia and flee. She must be saved. I do not believe that a parlay will work. If Vorn is willing to eliminate every last Karand in Barg, the death of a few mercenaries will not be important to him. We must rescue her by more secretive ways. Hopefully your friends return and have caught up with the two that have escaped before they reach Barg and warn Vorn. I heard mention of a potion to change oneself. Hopefully they do not use it to trick the two escapees. It will be of more use if we use it to change ourselves, sneak into the jail, and free Gosia. We could walk out of Barg without a sword drawn or arrow knocked. In the mean time, let us plan for the defense of this cottage just in case it is necessary. Also, if the two escapees are captured, I am still unknown to Vorn. This could be important in the future. Let us prepare the cottage and hope for the best. When the wolf-man and Halfling return, we will update our plan depending on their results. At least this is what I think."
Kajetan looks at his companions, "I am young in the world and lack the experience that this requires. But looking at this logically, I believe that this situation is too big for us. Because of this, we must think small. Our goal should be to rescue Gosia and flee. She must be saved. I do not believe that a parlay will work. If Vorn is willing to eliminate every last Karand in Barg, the death of a few mercenaries will not be important to him. We must rescue her by more secretive ways. Hopefully your friends return and have caught up with the two that have escaped before they reach Barg and warn Vorn. I heard mention of a potion to change oneself. Hopefully they do not use it to trick the two escapees. It will be of more use if we use it to change ourselves, sneak into the jail, and free Gosia. We could walk out of Barg without a sword drawn or arrow knocked. In the mean time, let us plan for the defense of this cottage just in case it is necessary. Also, if the two escapees are captured, I am still unknown to Vorn. This could be important in the future. Let us prepare the cottage and hope for the best. When the wolf-man and Halfling return, we will update our plan depending on their results. At least this is what I think."
"Your counsel is sound, Kajetan, far more sound than mine..."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Alton and Laithe:
The wolf and the halfling race through the fields, leaping another few low stone walls and startling the odd sleepy cow. After a few minutes the dark bulk of Barg and the escarpment and castle beyond come into view, a few torches, lanterns and lit windows glowing here and there.
As the town nears, several outbuildings, farm houses and sheds block the view – and way – to the gates, so Laithe-wolf turns south, meeting up with the path to the forest – and there at last the pair spot two dark clad figures hurrying down the path towards the closed town gates.
“Aye lad, you’re angry,” says Jarred. “I can understand that. I’m angry at what’s been done to our people too at times – or what we’ve let happen to us. That anger is good! Use it to change things – just don’t expect too much to change too fast, or for others to feel the same passion you do.
“Now, what do we do about our prisoners, and your young Artonite friend?”
"I just pray and hope, for Gosia's sake as well as ours, that your companions are successful. Then again, if they are, another trial awaits. Let us check on the babe and see to some defenses. Maybe we should also rid some of these men of their armor and clothing just incase we have to disguise ourselves as mercenaries."
“Now, what do we do about our prisoners, and your young Artonite friend?”
"I have had luck seeing to the injured man you call Yruch. I will try to make him more comfortable. My hope is that we can get him up and about. He may not be ready to fight, but he may be able to stand guard over the captives until we and Gosia have made it to safety. At that point, we can let them go. I fear we do not have the time for this without magical means though."
"I wonder if these men have anything?" Kajetan says quietly as he tends to Yruch. "Jarred, have these men been searched. Maybe one has a potion."
"I wonder if these men have anything?" Kajetan says quietly as he tends to Yruch. "Jarred, have these men been searched. Maybe one has a potion."
Alton and Laithe:
Alton and Laithe: ** spoiler omitted **
Laithe ducks into the shadows about 60ft from the men, and tries to find a way to get around in front of them.
Laithe:
“Now, what do we do about our prisoners, and your young Artonite friend?”
"I like Kajetan's idea that we keep the clothes, armour and weapons of the soldiers as a potential disguise. We should tie them up and gag them, and place them in the hidden compartment beneath the main floor. That way, they will be out of the way should another battle break out, and unable to escape without us noticing. They'll be easier to guard from above..."
A wicked glint enters Jarred’s eyes at the mention of putting Artonites into a hole in the floor.
---
Kajetan, you review the cottage with an appraising eye. The walls are made of rather sturdy looking logs (except for some stacked stone work around the kitchen area), while the roof is of timber shingles rather than thatch. It is certainly sturdier than a thatched or wattle and daub cottage, although still somewhat susceptible to fire, or a determined assault with axes.
Weak points include the narrow back door – which at least can be bolted shut from the inside – and the front door, which has been knocked off it’s hinges and is currently propped up partly within the doorway.
There are three windows, only one of which is at ground floor level (the others are up at loft level). None of the windows contain glazing, but all are covered by reasonably sturdy looking timber shutters, that can be bolted shut from within.
Kajetan walks around the cottage making notes on points of weakness. "This door is useless, but maybe if we prop it sideways against the inside walls across the doorway and brace the edges with some furniture, we would have a half-wall that would provide cover and help prevent them from charging us. This would give us access to shoot with our ranged weapons also. We can bolt the other door and window shutters when needed." Kajetan pauses and raises his finger to his lips, "Hmmmm," he thinks, but shakes his head, "no that would not work." Kajetan then goes about securing the rest of the inside of the cottage.
Eventually he makes it outside, "I wonder if this forest has some hardy vines to make into trip wires. I read a book once about how the forest can provide you with many things. Jarred, maybe you could lend me your expertise. You seem like you know the forest quite well. Also, does anybody have a shovel or something similar. Maybe we can dig some holes to provide an unsteady ground. If we're charged, maybe we could break some ankles. I'll be back." Kajetan then walks into the forest to hopefully find some rope-like vines.
Alton and Laithe:
Laithe lopes forward after the two men, staying as silent as he can whilst still moving at any sort of speed, aiming to close within sixty feet of the men. Of course, while he is moving forward they also continue their jog towards the walls, albeit at a slower pace than the wolf.
At the point where Laithe is about seventy feet behind the men – and they about fifty feet from the wall – one of them calls out, hailing the gate’s night watchman, entreating him to open the gates.
“Beware wandering these woods at night on your own traveller,” says Jarred. Groaning slightly as he stands straight from leaning against the wall of the cottage, he whistles for Wil the fox (who had been hiding in the cottage during the fight) and walks with Kajetan towards the clearing’s edge, pointing out some likely locations to find some vines.
I sit upright and pull out my bow "Should I try to take them out from here or can you get us through the gate?", nocking an arrow.
Alton (and Laithe):
Alton and Laithe:
The men turn as the wolf charges at them, barely having time to bring their weapons to bear before he is upon them. Laithe-wolf’s teeth dig deeply into one of the soldier’s legs – he gives a scream of pain which echoes in the night, but does not fall.
Alton’s turn.
Alton’s skill check result:
9-
10 to 14
15 to 19
20+
Keildrithe ensures that the trapdoor to the hole in which the prisoners have been lowered is properly secured, and places whatever he can (a piece of heavy furniture or some debris) over the door for good measure. He then inspects the uniforms that have been stripped off the soldiers, and tries on that which seems closest to his own size (ideally Atrek's). Once he has accomplished this task, he takes a quick look at Yruch to make sure that he is alright, then joins Kajetan and Jarred on the edge of the clearing. There he gathers sticks and branches to fashion into stakes with his dagger...
"To further deter our opponents from charging the doors, and to place in shallow pits around the clearing," explains the bard with a grim smile.
"Hmmm... we must be mindful how we place our traps," states Keildrithe to Kajetan and Jarred, "lest Alton and Laithe should fall victim to them."
After a while spent collecting the materials necessary for the defense of the cottage, the bard turns to the party's new ally: "So, Kajetan... given that -- if Arton has his way -- this night may be our first and last night in each other's company [this last statement with a smirk]... would you care to share your story with us? Who are your people? You are not a native of Barg, are you?"