1d20+7
1d8+3
The bandit staggers from the attack by Alistair, but continues standing. He raises his arms and calls out Enough, I surrender.
'Ah, Zaxarii, Kiana you can both question him now. I just hope he will be willing to answer your questions truthfully. Are you okay Zaxarii, you look a bit beat up, what about everybody else, are you all in good health? I seem to have come out of my first encounter unscathed, thank the Ancestors!'
Bandavaar looks pissed, puts his weapon away, 5 foot steps forward to where he was and says the following before proceeding to punch the bandit leader in the face.
"You idiot! Men don't run away when things don't go their way. Real men fight to the very end! You coward. You come here and mindlessly attack us, then have the cheek to try and run off like the coward you are. You're a disgrace and if it weren't for my companions wanting to question you, I'd have tried to kill you myself. You don't deserve mercy. You deserve to be killed and laughed at. What a piece of trash..."
Bandavaar walks off to find Elanna before he gets even more infuriated and does something about it, against the parties wishes.
'Run away?! He didn't run away, no he didn't! He was surrounded by 3 of us and still didn't run; no he didn't. But when Zaxarii came to assist you, backed away from him; yes you did! Does that make you a coward and not a real man; does it?'
Heal Check : 'Any way you don't look too injured, you got hit, once maybe twice? Zaxarii got hit more and even got hit with my fire; yes he did!'
I turn to Zaxarii 'Which Im very sorry about; yes I am!'
Turning to the rest of the group after Bandavaar has punched the bandit 'Friendly fellow, isn't he?'
'...Well that wound looks very bad to me.' I seem to say this quietly to myself as there is a lot of shouting going on.
At all the angry conversation, I walk behind Zaxarii to hide from the confrontation, clearly scared.
Elanna reappears behind the campfire only 5 ft from where she was.
Sorry for the disappearing act, but I brought no weapons to speak of, and the potion of invisibilty was the best protection I had from their arrows. I would like this man questioned, and we will bring him and his surviving companions back to Silverhall for trial. Does anyone have any rope.
Zax, with the battle over, you begin to notice the familiar odor of horses. It appears to be coming from the east.
Whilst heading towards the campfire, Bandavaar takes in the moronic comment from the Gnome and responds with "In the arena, if you took a hit, you moved to a safer spot in hope to dodge further attacks, whilst keeping a sharp eye for the next advantageous space before making your next offensive action. That's tactics. Not that it's of any concern to you, but I moved back for personal reasons, calculating what I should do next to drop the guy, but you guys wanted him alive.....
I suggest you educate yourself more.
I'm friendly, but if you honestly expect me to like this guy after attacking me, you need to get your head checked out.
Surrendering is the same as running away. I meant it figuratively. If he were a real man, he would have kept fighting to the very end, out of honour and respect for his downed comrades. I have nothing more to say to you."
It seems I'm also travelling with idiots. When this word twisting gnome is in trouble next, Zaxarii had better look out for her as I feel no need to protect her. These bandits were our enemies, yet I'm the one in the wrong for fighting them. Funny. If it weren't for me putting myself in danger by closing in on the leader, these people would still be under fire. Some in fact may not have even seen the end of this battle. Hahaha, whatever.
Noticing Elanna re-appear, Bandavaar tells her; "It's safe now Elanna. Your cousin has kept the leader alive for questioning."
With that, the tall and dark haired man takes a seat on the ground and lets out a huge sigh of relief before grasping his side, seemingly in pain. "EURGH!? It's a scratch compared to what you've received in the arena. Ignore it.", Bandavaar mutters to himself with gritted teeth.
Alistair flicks the blood from his sword as he sheathes it, "Bandavaar, you unduly berate him." Alistair continues with a wicked smile, "He is obviously overmatched by our skill with the blade and should go back to pulling a plow or some such." Alistair spits at the bandit's feet.
Turning to Zaxarii he says with a bow, "Good sir, could you give blessing to Gorum for his favor in our victory?"
Bandavaar looks to Alistair and says "The guy's an idiot. He and his men attack us without warning, without mercy and then expect us to pay him the kindness of mercy? The irony will kill me with laughter if my wounds don't." Bandavaar smirks, still clearly in pain.
Focusing once more on Alistair, Bandavaar continues; "What's your name friend? I don't believe we've spoken before now.
I'm a nice guy until crossed, but seeing as the Gnome has it in for me, I'm going to elaborate my actions a little....
My main mission is to protect Elanna, but with her out of harms way, I needed to help ensure the parties survival. My main concern in the fight was to take aggression away from the weaker party members, so when you placed yourself in danger, you made it possible for me to end the obstructing bandits life, which in turn cleared a way for me to get to the leader.
This was dangerous on my part and I knew that my life would be in danger, but I needed to be at the front line to prevent any further ranged damage from being dealt. You looked like you had your fight covered, so I figured you didn't need any more help.
Oh and by the off chance, do you know of any medics around here? I took a pretty rough hit and am probably in need of medical assistance. Guess I better be more careful next time, haha. OUCH!?"
Laughing hurts
"I too believe in confronting the threat head on. I come from Restov and have spent several years training with this sword. Although, I admit I am more of an individual fighter and practioner of the duel, but it matters not as Gorum smiles down on all battle."
Zaxarii stands, eyes glowing red with the power of Gorum upon him, the glow slowly fades as the battle-rage fades, he becomes aware of all that transpired around him.
What is Bandavaar doing, I offered the family's judgement of mercy for a surrender, he is a gladiator, thrilling to the calls of the arena, but this touches my honor.
Zaxarii says, very calmly to Bandavaar,"I understand battle rage, Bandavaar, but while an assassin has no honor, I offered mercy in the name of the family, so you touch my honor. Do not abuse a prisoner in my charge again, no matter how much he deserves it."
To Gustav and Alistair, "Gustav and Alistair please flank the prisoner." To the prisoner, "Assassin, you will not be further harmed, while you cooperate, but you must disarm, and remove your armor, and any items you carry." Turning back to Gustav and Alistair, "See if you can find a way to secure him, fine warriors."
To Alistair in response to prayers, "In one moment, Alistair, The Iron Lord will understand I have a couple of matter to take care of first."
To Elanna he says in a respectful, formal manner, "Yes, milady, but I beg your pardon for a moment to organize matters."
To Harbador, talking in a now somewhat strained voice, " Harbador, could you check on those horses to the east; I believe they once belonged to these ... miscreants, thank you?"
Zaxarii moves to check the other bandits, to any that appear to still live he casts Stabilize. No, he did not do that first, he's not a good guy and just does not care that much. He strips them of arms and armor.
Perception:
Assuming nothing else comes up right now, he announces, "I'm in training as a battle healer, as well as Bloodletter but my studies have a way to go. Please gather around the fire."
With, and only if, the Bandits are secured, he gathers all around the fire. First he gives praise to Gorum, Zaxarri clashes his sword against his metal armor laying on the ground, sending its clamour around the area along with his booming voice.
Channel Positive Energy:
Status change: Use 2 of 5 channels leaving 3 channels.
Channel Positive Energy:
Status change: Use 3 of 5 channels leaving 2 channels.
Hope that does enough, and yes the bandits are included. The same events take place as I posted earlier as to how it looks.
With this done and the horses, bandits, and people secure. He talks to the others with the bandits out of easy hearing.
"I propose we just briefly question the leader about what the enemy knows about our position, I'd like to try to complete rest here in order for the casters, including me, to recover their power. However that may not be possible if we must move." Zaxarii frowns. "If we do stay here then two warriors must stand watch, though wounded, over us and the prisoner for longer than I would want, as I cannot now take a watch and still recover enough to open the way to Gorum's blessings, I have little of his favor left. What is your wish Milady Elanna, and is there any council anyone wishes to provide?"
He's not ignoring the small ones but not having much to say to them, he keeps it to smiles for Kerri, small waves and gestures for both.
I don't think anyone is wounded except maybe the bandit leader now, Zax's not, he doesn't even have 12 hit points.
Gustav breathes a sigh of relief as the healing energy from Zax washes over him. "My thanks, friend. That arrow struck hard, and I feared for my lfie. Who would think the rear ranks to be so threatened by a frontal assault! Hah!"
I slowly walk towards Kiana 'I am impressed by your power, even if it is scary. But it is a problem if it hurts our friends too, don't you agree? I know I would hate to be hit with that, I don't like the idea of Roasted Hin OR Roasted Kerri!'
I head over to Gustav and while I am walking towards him, I start to return to my normal size. By the time I am at him, I have reverted back to my original size. 'How were you still able to stand after being shot with an arrow? You must have a really strong life force! Me, if I am hit, I usually fall unconscious straight away. I still can't believe you carried on with the combat as if nothing had happened! I would be honoured if I could call someone as strong as yourself friend?'
I return to Zaxarii 'You said you would protect me, well I would also like to protect you if it is at all possible. I know I am not strong, but I will still do everything I can to help you; my very first friend. Never before have I seen someone get shot with an arrow and blasted by fire and still keep on fighting! You have earned mine and the Ancestors respect. Something which has never happened before, usually they don't like anyone!'
Finally I shyly address the group 'This is my first ever confrontation; which was as scary as the Ancestors wrath, but I overcame that fear because of the courage I felt coming off all of you big folk. You helped me conquer my fear then, so I shall try my hardest to assist you in any ways that you feel I am most suited. As long as Zaxarii is okay with the request and the Ancestors don't think you are asking the impossible.'
Gustav shrugs. "The secret is in discipline, I suppose. Get enough of it, one can just keep going. You are full of your own tricks, small - then smaller! - one. You may call me friend, if you like."
Still in conversation with Alistair, Bandavaar replies "I know very little of Restov, having lived in Katapesh for my entire life and only hearing the name mentioned occasionally by other Gladiators, but I'd like to know more of your homeland if you have time to explain sometime?
I too am an individualist. I've grown to solely rely on myself as being an Ex-Gladiator, in the arena you can't really ever truly trust anyone. A lot of plotting and backstabbing occurs and when it comes down to fighting, you have to go by your own instincts where one false move can equal death.
I know nothing of Gorum, but you seem similar to me in ways so if you'd allow me to, I'd like to get to know you better. I feel as though I could do with a friend out here.", he says with a laugh.
Bandavaar looks to Zaxarii slightly agitated;
"You and another party member said you wanted to question this bandit. You mentioned nothing of your family name by what I heard and I didn't exactly agree with keeping him alive.
If someone is out to kill you, it's kill or be killed. That's how it was for me in the arena. Every fight is a fight to the death when weapons are involved. I did what I did because the last remaining survivor needed to know there were consequences for his violent actions. You're lucky I didn't kill him against your wish, so be thankful for that.
There are a lot of people here with all kinds of different views and backgrounds. This guy isn't under just your charge. Keeping him alive becomes all of our responsibilities and risks putting Elanna in a dangerous position if he were to somehow free himself. This prevents me from doing my job properly, so don't tell me what I can and can't do. We're not just thinking individually any more. We're thinking as a group."
Bandavaar turns his head away from Zaxarii and rubs the back of his neck, saying;
"If my views offend you, then that's up to you."
Bandavaar continues to rest for a while, not moving from the spot he's so comfortable in, when suddenly a group discussion is called by Zaxarii.
The Ex-Gladiator co-operates but feels a little less inclined to do what Zaxarii asks, with the exception of any information that may help to protect Elanna better.
After hearing what seems to be a prayer, Bandavaar, looking at Zaxarii once more, shrugs and says; "So you have the gift of healing? Thanks for the recovery boost, though I still need a little sleep tonight and that first watch has tired me out."
Bandavaar continues...
"Even still, you wanted to question the leader and hold him captive, so while you're doing that I suggest some of us get some sleep. I know I plan to."
Bandavaar gets up and sighs, where he proceeds to walk away with only one thing on his mind - Sleep. As he's walking away, he briefly mutters "If you really need my assistance then wake me, but I could do without the hassle of babysitting a prisoner tonight."
As he walks past Alistair, he simply smiles and says "Goodnight", then does his best to find a sheltered area to lay out his bedroll, get undressed and go to bed.
Catching his breath after the battle, Harbador limps across the field to retrieve his bow and then walks towards the group's captive. Spitting blood, his face is a mask of pain and anger. He speaks lowly and carefully.
I agree with Bandavaar, we should slay this cur. Interrogate him if you will, but we risk too much taking him with us. Not only could he slip free from his bonds and attack us, but he'll slow us down while and our pace is already encumbered. We are fleeing assassins after all...
Horses? Aye, these will do well to quicken our pace.
How many horses are there? Harbador will try to gather their reins and bring them to the larger group.
Gustav steps up with his war hammer and sickle and looks at Alistair. "Has you a length of rope? I had one when I first left Molthune, but lost it in the river kingdoms, unfortunately. And being so often ship, who would need more rope than that offered by a ship?"
Zaxarii looks by turns stunned, upset, and angry. His glare transfixes the group. "I do not now, or ever, wish to gain the reputation of a warrior that abuses or slaughters surrendered prisoners. There is enough of that thinking about Orc blooded Gorumites; I do not wish to live the stereotype. If you believe I risk this group, perhaps I do, but when I offered the assassin terms to surrender I did so for a number of reasons. One was because every armored warrior was badly wounded, if he had fought to the death, one or more of us would, most like, be dead. So your welfare was in my mind. More than that though, I do want to bring the prisoner in for justice, so that he may be questioned by professionals, by which I mean the court wizards who could compel his cooperation without harm. And I want that because I want his master so that turmoil does not rend this land, people who employ dishonourable means should not succeed. You may not care for noble titles or privileges but we are the law of this land by centuries old traditions, attacks like these will bring harm to the thousands we protect. If Brevoy is plunged into chaos, vital aid to Mendev would falter, many lands could suffer for that. If you think I wasn't thinking of all that and more when I offered a limited mercy to an undeserving assassin, then you do not understand the duty and responsibilities I was raised to uphold and sacrifice for."
Zaxarri gaze locks on Elanna, "The choice for tonight is simple, we flee now, in the dark, for Silverhall, facing any challenge that finds us exhausted and with few spells and little divine favor. I can only heal a couple of more times then I'm done without rest and worship as the gods have decreed. Or we rest, the casters standing no watch to recover their power, and we ride in the morning, with the risk we may again be assaulted in the night. For these reasons, and for decisions about the fate of the assassin, I called you together for council, for your lives depend on our actions. But by law and custom of Brevoy, the realm you are in, the decision lies with Lady Elanna Lebeda, like it or not. Milady, what is your wish in these matters?" Zaxarii bows to his cousin.
'I don't think we should hurt him any more and especially not kill him. We have no idea why this man tried to assassinate the Lady Elanna, maybe he was forced to? I have never been good at understanding tall folk laws, but in my village we did not kill anyone that surrenders. But, I will gladly do as the Lady Elanna requests, I just hope if she decides death that I am not the one to do it.'
Seeing Zaxarii bow to Elanna, I will get on my knee's and do a traditional Halfling bow of honour and respect. I remain in this bowing position until Zaxarii stops his bow.
Harbador returns from with the horses(or just returns if there were no horses), as Zaxarii speaks the half-elf lightly touches the healed arrow wound. Once the cleric finishes he replies
"Court wizards? I may be new to Brevoy but that seems like a bit of a stretch; the watch will probably just beat a confession out of him then hang him. What Bandavaar suggest could be even more merciful then the touch of your land's noble houses if they are anything like the highborn of Galt. Eye for an eye in my mind, but I've spoken that already and I'll wait fort the rest of the band's vote to determine this man's fate."
Looking down at the tiny humanoid Harbador shakes his head and his eyes grow cold.
"Their laws are those of most lands: cold and cruel. Your inexperience may be a boon though, you are right in that we no nothing of this man's mission. We should question him first and foremost."
Whilst listening to Zaxarii's view, Bandavaar shrugs for all to see and thinks to himself He's just not getting it. I understand he wants to do what he feels is right, but if I had finished this leader off, there would be no survivors left to say what happened. Therefore Zax's name would be fine. No harm would come of it. People would just think the bandits attacked in cold blood - Which they did! - and lost the fight. I'm just trying to be logical here. I won't attack a prisoner, but before Zax turned up to save the day, the leader wasn't a prisoner. He was a capable killer, taking chunks out of me. To defeat such an opponent would have been glorious.
When Bandavaar's bed is prepared and he's removed his armour, he lays down, hand on sword, listening to Harbador's comments.
Maybe this guy knows where I'm coming from. Still, the choice has been made. I'm not having anything to do with the captured bandit or Zax's plans for him. That weight is on his shoulders. Time for my beauty sleep.
A few minutes pass and Bandavaar, trying not to fall too deep into slumber due to feeling less comfortable with those around him (in case of another attack, or worse, a member of his party attempting to kill him), begins to snore.
In response to Kerri's statement 'Scary, fire isn't scary; no it isn't. Fire is beautiful; yes it is. But my chemicals are dangerous; yes they are! Im looking for a way to make it even more beautiful; yes I am!'
At the group meeting 'I don't want the Lebedar name tarnished; no I don't. Keeping the prisoner alive could mean we get some important information about what lays ahead; yes we can. Also it could keep the Lebedar families name and reputation in tact if he is not hurt any more.'
I go to the prisoner, take out a couple of vials of different coloured liquids, mix them together and start to throw the concoction into the air and catching it again. I do this the whole time Im speaking with the man. As I speak I have a serious tone in my voice 'I have some questions for you and I would very much like you to answer them quickly and honestly, okay? I take it you saw what my little mixtures can do? Yes, good! Firstly, who hired you to kill the members of the Lebedar family. Secondly Why do they want the Lebedar disposed of? Thirdly, why did you take the job? Finally, how were you going to contact your employers, if the job went smoothly? Oh...and how many more of your men are there ahead of us and where are they?'
After hearing the others Zaxarii lowers his head and looks terribly young and tired. "Harbador for a rebel that hates the capricious power of the nobles you have little concept of how much that is. The city guard and the wizards at the court at Silverhall work for Elanna's mother. And she will use every resource (and they are vast) to protect her children, just as any mother would."
Kianna starts questioning the prisoners. "It seems that Kianna has decided to get into questioning the prisoner. This still leaves us the question, stay and all get some rest,stay and the spell-casters rest and the warriors stand guard leaving them with little rest, or flee now in the dark. and that last question Kianna asked is the one I really would like to know, right now."
You find five horses and bring them back. Among the saddle bags, you find 50 ft of rope to tie up the prisoners. There are also 5 days worth of rations for each prisoner. Among them, you find 150gp. Each bandit has a rapier, a buckler, all but the leader has a sap,studded leather, and a composite long bow (str +1)with 20 arrows. The leader has a composite long bow (str +2) and chain mail. You also find a note with following:
I have set up a storm to wreck their ship. I want you to wait along the northern shore of the lake in case the ship survives. If they are alive, I want them killed. Bring proof to our usual meeting spot. I will pay you 1,000 gold for the head of Elanna, and 500 for the half-breed.
There is no signature to give a way the identity of the writer.
Elanna reads the note, and addresses the group. "We will bring the bandits back to Silverhall for trial. I feel it is too dangerous for us to continue during the night, so we rest, and leave in the morning. Since they were expecting us to not survive the storm, I don't see them sending more than one party. The only question is who hired these thugs. My courts questioners may be able to figure it out, if not maybe the court wizard can. We shall see."
Elanna supervised the tying of the prisoners, and assumes a place by the fire. "I will stay awake the rest of the night, as I am not much use in a fight anyway, but I can certainly wake those that need to be wakened. I will let you decide the rest of the watch between you."
I rise from my bow 'I would like to help out in the watches, but the Ancestors are telling me to rest. Their assistance during this day has expended most of my energy and they are convinced the only way I can call upon their powers tomorrow, is if I get a long nights sleep. I am terribly sorry, I do not want to seem lazy, but sleeping now could mean I am able to have the energy to help you out more tomorrow. Which would mean I would be less of a burden then. I apologise once again.'
Zaxarri says "Gustav, Alistair you have been absolutely stalwart and cooperative, I feel I must impose again. Can each of you join Elanna for half the rest of the night so that the our smaller friends and I can recover our less mundane abilities? I see Bandavaar already is enjoying his beauty rest and I, though Harbador has acted with courage and honor, given his open populist views, cannot let him be the sole watchman over a high noble lady. I know you will be tired in the morning but I expect to be in or at least near Silverhall, by late tomorrow, then you can rest. If all are agreed then let's see what Kianna has found out that may change plans."
Gustav nods after testing the weight and pull on one of the bows. "Always wanted one of these... No problem. Happy to help watch over the camp and the lady. If there aren't objections, I'll take first watch." He completes his evening preparations by slinging a quiver of arrows over his shoulder, retrieving his thrown javelins, and taking up position about fifteen feet from the fire.
Rookie move, anyway, to keep standing so close to the fire. Made me a damn easy target.
I head over to the bandit, looking scared at the man who just try to kill everyone. As I speak it is easy to tell I am scared. 'Just so that I know, so I do not go to the meeting place; where you were to meet your friend with the proof of our demise, by mistake and stay well away from it, could you tell me where it is?'
The bandit leader is surprisingly fooled by Kerri's question. "We meet outside the city gates of New Stetven. There is a small shack about 1/2 a mile to the west of the city. It's been abandoned for years.
Still sounding scared 'Thank-you for that information, I know to stay away from there now.'
I head over to Zaxarii and the Lady Elanna quickly where I bow 'I have managed to get a piece of information out the bandit, he believed me that I wished to know where the meeting place was, so that I can stay away from it. The meeting place is outside the city gates of New Stetven. There is a small shack about 1/2 a mile to the west of the city and apparantly it has been abandoned for years. I know you both want to head on up to Silverhall quickly, but I think we should head to this meeting place and capture the person who would pay these men for your heads. But I will do whatever you both decide to do, My Lady, Zaxarii.'
Hearing Zax's words Harbador lets out a chuckle Fine by me, stay up and stare at the trees; though remember it was my 'populist' eyes that saw these bandits. I care little for your titles and claims, yet you are both people and I'll do my best to ensure nothing befalls either of you. He then liberates one of the dead bandits of a bow and quiver of arrows and heads to a place near the fire to sleep.
Gustav keeps watch for the first few hours.
Once the others have settled down, Gustav turns to Elanna, "So, Lady... What sort of holdings have you and your family near Silverhall?"
The bandit leader scowls at the gnome questioning him. "The name he gave me is Ket, but I doubt that is truly his name. As for his reasons, I don't know them and don't care to. I'm in it strictly for the money. I have no other men, but who knows, he may have hired others."
Elanna turns toward Gustav in response to his question with a slight smirk. "You are obviously not from Brevoy. My family holds all the land you see around you, south and west to the borders of Brevoy, and we control the trade on the lake. Silverhall is actually the name of our family's keep, and the town has grown around it."
"Ah, yes, well..." Gustav coughs to clear his throat. "...That is to say, no. I am not local. The fields of Molthune are my first home, and I am bound for Mendev, and have little knowledge or, to be honest, care for the geography in between. No disrespect intended, Lady."
Alistair watches the byplaw with some amusement. At Zax's request for watches, he nods his acceptance. To Harbador and Gustav he says, "Wake me when you are ready to switch off."
He listens a bit to the questioning of the bandit and, secure in the knowledge that there are no other parties, he beds down.
Gustav once again proves his reliability, unless that's what he wants so he is better placed...Ahh! Damn all politics, next I'll refuse to sleep next to my shadow for fear it will strangle me!
Zaxarii listens attentively to Kerri, smiling at her, he says, "That's great what you found out, Kerri, and your idea, though risky, is that of true, bold, warrior. However, since we are neither bird nor fish, travelling over 40 miles of the chill waters of Lake Reykal to get to New Stevten, is too large a challenge even for someone as large as I." Quick bark of laughter. "But that applies to the bandits as well, their honor-less master cannot be expecting them before the day after tomorrow at the earliest. The fastest way to New Stevten would be to reach Silverhall and the Lebeda fleet there, and much safer for Elanna. How are you in any case, this I guess was your first battle, feeling the fire that comes with victory?"
Zararii frowns and turns to Elanna. "That note puzzles me, it make things murkier, the storm implies significant resources, yet the amount offered is paltry, the hireling less in quality than seems consistent. Even more odd is the award for me, quite a few family would need to be slaughtered for me to be important enough to kill. Also ticking off mother and the temple, not the best move for a political player. Strange."
Zararii turns to Harbador, "You are right, for any slight to your personal as versus your political honor, I apologize, but if you were in my place, what would you do?" Zaxarii shrugs but gives no sign of letting Harbador share the night watch.
Zaxarii packs off to his bedroll, settling in he overhears Gustav's and Elanna's exchange. "Thank you cousin your simple eloquence makes clear what I so clumsily was saying. This matter is much greater than us." Zaxarii starts to relax then drops off into the quick deep sleep of a warrior on campaign.
'That...is a very good point! The Ancestors have not been able to grant me the power of walking on water, so would take a long time. That battle was scary, very scary. But not as scary as the Ancestors wrath. I am glad I was able to help out, if only a little bit. But most of all I am happy I have found another use for the power the Ancestors have given me that reduces my height. It would seem that being smaller, means I am overlooked more. Also the new power came in handy, I was very surprised that I was able to hit the foe though. But yes, the fire is burning inside of me very strong. Well I am going to sleep now, have a good night and sleep well my friend.' I head over to my tent, slowly climb inside, close the tent door, loosen my furs and slowly drift off into a peaceful, quiet sleep.
Elanna Zaxarii has a point, it makes more sense to continue on to Silverhall. I can have someone check this cabin, or you can return there once we have reached Silverhall. It does seem odd that they would spend so many resources to crash the ship, and then so little to send the bandits. They may have been so sure the storm would do its work, that they didn't feel the need to send a stronger force of arms. On the other hand, it was just sheer chance that so many capable warriors happened to be on that boat. Had it just been you and I Zaxarii, we surely would not have survived.
After hearing the bandits answers, I catch my vial for the final time and place inside my pocket, with a big grin on my face. I look at the bandit in the face 'Now, that wasn't too hard, was it?'
I walk over to the fire, next to where my gear is and I lay down on the floor, pull my cloak over my body to keep me warm and start to fall asleep. 'Good night everybody, see you all tomorrow; yes I will!' After about 10 minutes, I am fast asleep.
The remainder of the night passes with nothing more than a few wolves howling in the distance. You wake to a brisk cool morning air.
Elanna gathers her things and moves to the nearest horse. She places her gear among the saddle bags. I will take this horse. I will let the rest of you decide who else will ride.
After a surprisingly decent nights rest, Bandavaar puts on his armour, sheaths his sword and marches over to Elanna after packing up his Bedroll.
"Good morning Elanna! How did you sleep last night?"
Bandavaar peers towards the horse Elanna is preparing, where he then looks over at the other horses.
"Elanna, I've always done my travelling on foot, so would you allow me to walk beside you as you ride this creature? You will have the advantage over sight, but I'll be more than prepared for battle beside you. If we come across long grass, you may need to be my eyes, but I feel I can protect you better on foot regardless."
The warrior paces back and fourth before looking to Elanna once more.
"Besides, I have no experience riding such a creature and knowing my luck I'll fall off as soon as I get on the thing."
Bandavaar chuckles.
Riding a horse....sure, it can be done, but really? Me? Would I ever ride a horse? It means faster travel but I wouldn't want someone tugging on my neck telling me which way to go, so I don't want to put the poor animal through it. Ah, images of my current acquaintances all being propelled forwards from their horses simultaneously. Sure it's highly dangerous, but attach a few targets to posts or trees and the horses can have their own firing range, using the momentum of their own bodies to fling their riders. You go horses, show them you're a free spirit too!
Bandavaar's chuckles grow louder and more wild, seemingly spiralling out of control until he falls to his knees. At which point he apologises to Elanna (realising he got carried away with his mental images and childish sense of humour), stands back up and brushes himself off, smirking whilst awaiting a response from the woman.
"Yes all too likely, miser or over clever - or even hired for stupidity, their real pay to be gravedirt. We must reach Silverhall and take council with your master of I- uh Insight." Zaxarii stops himself from saying Intrigue i.e. Spy-master.
Zaxarii gets up quickly but raises an eyebrow when Elanna goes at once for the horses. Speaking respectfully but firmly he say, "Elanna I must perform my service to Gorum this morning, for his good will and blessings. I know our need for speed is great but without the gods, no one succeeds, but I will be done within the hour. Anyone that wishes may join me, of course." Zaxarii puts on his medium armor and then his vestments over it. Unless commanded otherwise he will proceed with a very clamorous service but will include invocations of any god or ancestors anyone may want.
Prepare Wilderness Spells.
After the service he will put the vestments away, see to everyone's welfare, allow anyone who wants to take a horse, if there is one still available at the end he will gingerly take it.
Beautiful, just beautiful. The village is blossoming and there are Hinlings running around giggling and having fun, this is truly beautiful. 'Wake up!'
I open my eyes, feeling refreshed after a lovely dream, although I would have liked to wake up a little more peacefully. But the Ancestors have always been abrupt in the mornings. I stand up and as I stand my furs start to fall off, so I grab them quickly and tightened them around my body again. Once checking they won't fall down again and that I look presentable, I step out side the tent in to the crisp, cold air. The Ancestors are liking today, it is a lovely morning and not too hot.
Upon seeing people getting up and preparing to leave, I quickly take down my tent, roll it up and place it back on my backpack. I then head over to Elanna, the bodyguard and Zaxarii 'Good new sun to you all and how are you all feeling after sun down? I am full of energy on this new sun and the Ancestors have a good feeling about travelling on this new sun. Zaxarii, I will join you for your services.' I follow Zaxarii to the spot where he begins his services. This is loud. I stay there until he has finished, spending the whole time thanking the Ancestors for their help during the sun down.
After the services I head back to Elanna, where I look up at the horses in awe 'They are so big, we ride dogs and wolves in my village. Nothing of this size! I would like to give it a go riding such a large creature, but I will only ride one if nobody else wants to ride one and there is one free.'