Malthir looks at Casimir as he drops to the ground Vaysh can you help Casimir, Fenna, I could use your help!
He steps up to try and end the combat with Kressle.
atk damage
Malthir's aim is true, and although Kressle tries to put a low hanging branch between his sword and her, Malthir's lunge is guided by Iomedae and stabs through the links of her chain shirt. Growling in response to the blow, Kressle staggers but remains standing.
Round 6 Initiative
Other Bandits- 15
Fenna- 15
Vaysh-11
Kressle-10
Western Watchtower Boy-9
Edric-4
Casimir-3
Malthir-2
Durations-
Edric PfE- 4 rounds remaining
Malthir PfE- 5 rounds remaining
Casimir SoF- 5 rounds remaining
Shield Wall from Tactician Ability- 2 rounds remaining
Seeing that Kressle has felled one of the three mighty warriors and wounded another, the two bandit's supporting the battle with arrow fire let out a ragged cheer. The one standing by the river sees Fenna beginning to emerge from the tree cover and immediately lines up a shot aimed to end the life of the Bleaching, but the shot goes sailing into the woods.
Fenna rushes forwards through the undergrowth, branches tearing at her painfully as she pushes her way through them in a desperate struggle to reach her allies' side before it is too late.
Vaysh moves quickly closer to the melee then makes a quick utterance directed at the warrior woman in front of her.
As muddled mind fills with haze.
She then continues on to the east.
Kressle resists the spell, and seeing the anguish in the party as she struck Casimir down, she quickly shifts to the right away from Malthir and next to Casimir. Raising her hand in the air, the two bandits who were nocking fresh arrows to their bows stop, and wait for further orders.
Holding one of her handaxes to the throat of Casimir while grimacing from the pain Malthir's sword wound caused her, she says in a rasping, husky voice-
Stop. You win this time. But nobody move, or this man dies...
Looking at Malthir and Edric, she looks into their eyes and says
Know that if you even think of attacking me once more, his throat shall be slit before you can finish the strike. I shall spare him in exchange for your Oath that I and my remaining living bandits may leave this camp safely, and you will not follow. The camp is yours, and the spoils within it are your spoils of war. Give me your oath, and this man will live to see the dawn.
Fenna lowers he crossbow, holding it in one hand as she raises the other to her side in a pacifying gesture. After quick glances to her conscious companions for confirmation, she locks eyes with Kressle, "Very well, you have my word that in exchange for his safety, I will not stop you or your followers from leaving, nor will I follow your departure."
After a brief silence, where the gnome's expression softens further, she speaks up again. "Tell me, dear," she asks mildly, "would this Stag Lord of yours be willing to bargain for your life? What would he be willing to sacrifice to protect you from his enemies?"
I want a promise from all of you that I will come to no harm before I withdraw... Kressle says, still holding the handaxe to Casimir's throat.
The bandit leader seems to falter at Fennas words, doubt creeping into her face.
I... I have failed him. He would sacrifice nothing to protect me; he has greater concerns than I... And if I was weak enough to need someone bargaining for my life then I would not be worthy of his protection she says defiantly.
Vaysh looks at Kressle, her eyes smolder with inner fire. Her voice comes out of her throat with a steely tone to it. The sorceress pulls herself to her full height, and while it is not tall compared to her companions she commands the audience around her, If you hurt him, I will rain Heaven’s vengeance down upon you while you waste your time attacking a man that is no threat to you currently. Your stroke may send him to Pharasma’s judgment, but I promise you that you shall follow. I know that he will fair far better than you on the scales of fate. Now, if you take your blade from his throat, I will ensure that none of my company will strike at you, and if you leave the Stolen Lands none of us shall pursue. The decision is yours, but make no mistake, your death will be painful if you do any harm to him. Vaysh stares at the woman using twin axes and waits for her to try something other than withdrawing.
Vaysh looks at Kressle, her eyes smolder with inner fire. Her voice comes out of her throat with a steely tone to it. The sorceress pulls herself to her full height, and while it is not tall compared to her companions she commands the audience around her, If you hurt him, I will rain Heaven’s vengeance down upon you while you waste your time attacking a man that is no threat to you currently. Your stroke may send him to Pharasma’s judgment, but I promise you that you shall follow. I know that he will fair far better than you on the scales of fate. Now, if you take your blade from his throat, I will ensure that none of my company will strike at you, and if you leave the Stolen Lands none of us shall pursue. The decision is yours, but make no mistake, your death will be painful if you do any harm to him. Vaysh stares at the woman using twin axes and waits for her to try something other than withdrawing.
Kressle waits until the two remaining bandit's have woken their comrades and any bandits who could still be saved. In all, six bandits including Kressle are well enough to leave. Kressle holds her axe to Casimir's throat throughout the whole exchange, and as promised the bandits leave their ill-gotten gains by the campsite.
Kressle nods at the party as she slowly lifts her axe away from Casimir's throat.
Perhaps we shall meet again. It is rare that skilled warriors frequent the Greenbelt; and it was a pleasure to cross blades with you. But make no mistake. Should we meet again there will be no parlay. Only death.
Kressle and her remaining bandits flee south, running at full pelt.
The time is currently about 1AM; and there's a tempting, warm fire and campsite already set up...
Six Longbows
Six Short Swords
Six sets of Leather Armour
63GP
421 sp
130 gp,
A pair of silver earrings worth 200 gp
A wooden music box worth 110 gp
Three crates of furs and hides worth 55 gp per crate
A polished wooden case of potent greenish herbal liquor. There are
still eight bottles with liquor left in them, each worth 25 gp. A small label has been put onto the case, with the word's "RESERVED FOR STAG LORD" scrawled menacingly, with a crude drawing of a hangmans noose next to the writing.
However, you find no sign of the wedding ring Oleg mentioned to Malthir. Perhaps Kressle had it on her person.
Vaysh continues to stare at Kressle, fire burning within her at the situation, You do not want to run into us again Kressle. You have received the only amnesty that you ever shall from us. Leave these lands, that is my only advise to you. Vaysh watches them retreat, never moving, eyes never leaving the leader of the runaways.
As soon as the lot of them are out of sight, Vaysh runs to Casimir and begins to search through his belongings for the potion that he carries. Removed from the intense situation, her body quickly turns against her and tears begin to roll down her face and she starts to shake uncontrollably.
Casimir, be alright. I will make her pay if you are not.
Vaysh’s voice cracks through the emotion and adrenaline that course through her body, Miss Thistleswade, are you able to heal him? I can use our curative on him if not.
Curse me, my magic was not strong enough to make her falter. Three times I willed to bring her low, and three times she thwarted me. Mayhaps, it is time I worked on magic a bit more dangerous. Heart has told me that not all can be brought low by slumber. By Iomedae’s blade, I swear, next time I will be better prepared for this brigand Kressle.
As Edric readies Talia and himself for another attack against Kressle he sees the women's hard eyes narrow like predatory creature, spotting her prey's one weakness. It takes Edric but a split second to realize that she is hungrily eyeing his fallen comrade. Even in the haze of battle he quickly realizes her gambit and spurs Talia to intercept the women. But the knight is to slow for the slippery harpy and just as Edric raises his lance to strike Kressle drops to the ground with her axe blade at the duelist's throat. Seeing his friend in peril he freezes mid strike every muscle in his body clenched so tight that he is trembling from head to toe. Kressle and Edric lock eyes and for a moment, time its self seems to stand still. After what seems like an eternity to Edric the bandit breaks the silence and issues her demands. Even though Fenna and Vaysh are the ones negotiating with the Kressle her eyes never leave Edric's.
Agreed is all the night is able to force through his gritted teeth. Slowly he lowers his lance and watches and the rest of the bandits prepare to leave camp. Just before Kressle leaves he dismounts and approaches the women.
You and your men have until noon of this day to flee from here, after that your lives are forfeit. Make not mistake Kressle the next time we meet will be the last time you draw breath.
Leave that as well, you have failed your lord and as such do not deserve to wear his symbol. Fear not for I shall return it to your Stag Lord, right after I bury my lance in his chest.
Leave that as well, you have failed your lord and as such do not deserve to wear his symbol. Fear not for I shall return it to your Stag Lord, right after I bury my lance in his chest.
Kressle moves up to Edric and Talia without fear, and slowly pulls off her Stag Lord amulet, smirking at Edric as she does so. She drapes the silver amulet over the end of Edric's lance, and leans to whisper to the Cavalier We'll see each other again real soon handsome....With that said she brushes her hand across Edric's knee and winks at him, and then departs.
"We all need help sometimes," the gnome says to Kressle as she leaves, "I am sorry that you don't have anyone you can turn to."
Once the bandits are out of sight, Fenna hurries over to Vaysh's side, kneeling over their fallen comrade. Holding both hands over his body she looks straight up to the heavens with an intense look on her face, "Please," she intones in Azlanti, "lend your guiding hand to mend this man's wounds."
As the healing energies from Fenna's spell wash over Casimir, his eyes pop wide open and he inhales sharply as his wounds heal shut. When the spell is over, there is not a scratch left on the duelist.
Looking about him, he quickly realizes that all his companions are alive, and that Kressle and a number of the bandits are missing.
As the others tell him what happened, his face takes on a pained look.
She was...too fast. I've never fought anyone with such skill. I am sorry that I was the cause of her escape. I owe you all my life yet again.
What a woman! Beautiful and deadly. No wonder Happs and the other bandits all feared her so. Next time I face her, I must make certain to be well prepared.
Casimir surveys the camp with a quick glance.
Well, we might as well rest here. The place is as defensible as any location in this part of the woods, and I doubt the bandits will come back. And if they do, they will face our fury once more.
Fully healed of his wounds, Casimir also volunteers for a turn at the watch. He will take position in one of the watchtowers, his bow in hand.
Perception:
Casimir, you spot a young woman in the same kind of gear as the other bandits burst through the undergrowth on the east side of the camp, near the fire and sleeping forms of your comrades. She looks as though she is about to announce herself, but seems to take in the scene before her and hesitates. She looks cold, and is visibly shivering. Although the camp is clearly not how she expected it, and although the occupants are not who she expected, she gazes longingly at the campfire before beginning to turn and tiptoe away. She hasn't spotted you Casimir.
The woman is young; only about 17. She's tall with long, flowing ebony hair that goes down to her waist and moves with an easy grace, clearly confident in her ability to remain unseen and unheard. Although she is a candle to the fire of Vaysh's beauty she is a very attractive woman; and the black, tight-fitting leather armour she wears only accentuates her fine figure and bosom. A dagger is visible in a sheath on her waist, and a small crossbow is strapped loosely to her back.
Can you add a 'Prophecies' spoiler tag to your character sheet, as there are going to be more coming. Heres the first one Fenna's been 'drawn to' since beginning this adventure, reposted for your reference.
The Fey-Child of the Stars shall lose herself,
Once the Eye is shattered, so too shall the Star-Child shatter,
The Seekers of Awe shalt restore the Fey-Child,
With the aid of the progeny of the Red Dragon,
Then the Fey-Child shall travel into that which was Stolen,
To grant peace to a haunted reflection of his creator.
From his post in the watchtower closest to the campfire, Casimir watches as the woman emerges from the fire. He immediately nooks an arrow and draws the bow, taking careful aim at the intruder.
As she turns to slip away, Casimir calls out in a loud and firm voice, hoping it is enough to rouse his weary companions.
HOLD! Stand fast and do not move. If you try to flee or draw a weapon, I will pierce you through!
The woman jumps at the sound of Casimir's voice, and slowly turns around to face him. Tears are running down her eyes as she speaks-
Do not shoot me, please! I merely sought the warmth of a fire on this cold evening my Lord, and to seek out my sister. I mean you and your companions no harm...
She begins to sob gently into a black scarf she wears around her neck.
Still aming at the girl, Casimir scans the woods to make sure she is alone.
On your feet, friends. We have a visitor.
Panicking as the rest of the party awaken, the pretty woman staggers back.
No, please I did mean to disturb your rest; i'll just leave my necklace here and take my leave, alright? Theres no need to rob me, just take it and i'll be on my way... Just tell me, I beg of you... I heard there was a woman named Kressle who frequents this camp from time to time; is she here?
As she speaks, she throws a pretty golden necklace down onto the ground in front of her.
After Cleaning up the camp and tending to Talia's wounds, Edric also volunteers to take a shift at watch.
At being awakened but Casimir's call to arms Edric jumps from his bedroll and draws his sword. Go no further! State your name and business here or be cut down were you stand.
At the women’s fright Edric’s resolve softens and lowers his sword slightly but at the mention of Kressel he once readies his blade.
The bandit know as Kressel has fled this place and her men have either died at our blades or fled with her. What do you want with his women, and answer honestly, a lie will only quicken your fait."
She... She is my sister Sir... We were seperated many moons ago after we were ambushed by bandits as we were heading into Brevoy from the west. Our father was slain... and I assumed Kressle was dead too. After many months, I finally received word that not only had she survived, but she had fallen in with a group of bandits.
The pretty maiden bites her lip anxiously.
I was hoping to convince her to come live with me in Brevoy. I have a good life there, I have honest employment as a serving girl at a fine establishment... So your a rival gang of bandits? You crossed swords with her? I am so relieved my sister is alive and well...
Now that you've had a chance to see her face for a little while, the family resemblance to Kressle is obvious. But while Kressle seems to have hardened herself and shows little emotion, this woman is completely different, seemingly wearing every emotion she feels openly on her face.
May... May I enjoy the warmth of the fire for the evening... Please?... she says nervously.
Will catch up a bit tomorrow. I would have requested that Kressle give us her word that she and her men would leave the Greenbelt and never return though.
Kressle does her best to kill us, and not four hours later, her long lost sister just happens to wander into camp on some fools mission trying to turn her from a life of crime. Either the gods truly have a strange sense of humor, or someone are trying to play a trick on us. We will soon find out which, though.
Edric, take her weapons and make sure she is alone. I'm comming down.
Once on the ground, Casimir joins the others as they secure their prisoner and lead her to sit next to the fire.
We are not bandits. The Sworldords of Restov have charged us with a mission to explore these lands and end the bandit menace. We took this camp from the bandits this very nigth, killing many of them and routing the rest. Kressle was their leader, and she had her axe at my throat before she fled.
And here we have you, dressed and armed like a bandit, and claiming to be Kressle's sister. You entered this camp like you have been here before, and tried to flee when you saw us.
You may be telling the truth, but we have ways of finding that out for sure. In the mean time, you are our prisoner. If you behave yourself, you will not be harmed in any way, and you will have the warmth of the fire and food if you want it. But the last stranger we met in these lands repayed us for saving his life by stabbing one of us in the back. So you will excuse us if you find our hospitality a bit harsh.
After talking the crossbow and dagger Edric Awkwardly searches the young women.
After Casimir joins the rest of the party on the ground Edric goes about searching the bushes from were the girl came from, checking for any sign of more bandits.
Returning to the campsite he studies the girl in the firelight as Casimir relates to her who we are.
What my friend here has told you is true. I am Sir Edric Orlacsky of the noble Brevoy family Orlasky, Knight of Eagle's Watch and, along with my fellow explores, represent The Guardian’s of the Greenbelt. We are sworn to bring justice to these lawless lands and unfortunately your sister has proven herself to be a enemy to our cause. We will most definitely run into Kressel again soon but I warn you, do not harbor any delusions of redeeming her, she has been found to possess an evil heart and cruel nature and she will be judged and punished for her crimes.
Kressle does her best to kill us, and not four hours later, her long lost sister just happens to wander into camp on some fools mission trying to turn her from a life of crime. Either the gods truly have a strange sense of humor, or someone are trying to play a trick on us. We will soon find out which, though.
Edric, take her weapons and make sure she is alone. I'm comming down.
Once on the ground, Casimir joins the others as they secure their prisoner and lead her to sit next to the fire.
We are not bandits. The Sworldords of Restov have charged us with a mission to explore these lands and end the bandit menace. We took this camp from the bandits this very nigth, killing many of them and routing the rest. Kressle was their leader, and she had her axe at my throat before she fled.
And here we have you, dressed and armed like a bandit, and claiming to be Kressle's sister. You entered this camp like you have been here before, and tried to flee when you saw us.
You may be telling the truth, but we have ways of finding that out for sure. In the mean time, you are our prisoner. If you behave yourself, you will not be harmed in any way, and you will have the warmth of the fire and food if you want it. But the last stranger we met in these lands repayed us for saving his life by stabbing one of us in the back. So you will excuse us if you find our hospitality a bit harsh.
The woman looks truly miserable at this turn of events, and protests that the weapons and armour she wears were lent to her by the owner of the establishment she works at, an ex-adventurer named Tyranthul. Edric finds nothing while searching her or the undergrowth nearby.
Despite the cold reception she has received the woman seems happy enough once she has snuggled close to the fire, pulling out her bedroll under the watchful eyes of Edric. Warming herself, she sighs heavily and begins to speak to the group, her voice somewhat muffled by the heavy black scarf she wears for warmth.
I... My name is Karina. You seem to have already condemned Kressle as a monster, but I can only imagine the things she would have had to and the horrors she must have gone through do to survive, nay, end up leading these bandits. I am truly sorry she threatened your lives, but I beg you... She is a good person, underneath whatever she had to do to herself to survive. If... Perhaps if I can come with you I will be able to convince her to surrender... I work in a tavern, I can cook and clean for you...
In response to Casimir, Karina replies I tried to flee once I saw that Kressle was not among the sleeping bandits; I have little skill with this dagger, and I did not want to have to defend my honour from a brute...
In response to Edric, Karina replies Well met good Sir Edric... But from what you have told me you met Kressle in battle, attacking her camp and livelihood! Her banditry may seem evil, but shes just doing what she has to to survive- if I convinced her to surrender to you, would you guarantee her safety? I will not believe my sister has no Good left in her heart...
Yes, as long as she agrees to our terms. Malthis is not going to be happy with the terms she stated,
MD
By the way, I really like how you're using the haunted curse to highlight which of the prophecies are relevant. Something else you might want to bear in mind about them; I was thinking that the letter from Absalom was from Lady Arodeth, the leader of the Harbingers of Fate.
Fenna rouses slowly from her slumber, having not long finished her own watch, and looks at their visitor through sleepy eyes. Listening to the words of her companions, she sighs inwardly that such suspicion is necessary but watches the girl closely as she speaks and huddles close to the fire.
Casimir listens calmly to Karina's story, watching her closely for signs that she may be lying.
Fenna, can you see if she has any signs of magic on her?
Well, Karina. As I said, you have no cause to fear for your life or your honor. You can sleep without fear, but tomorrow you must submit to magic that will let us know if you are being truthful. If we are convinced, you are free to come with us back to Oleg's trade post. As for your sister, I'm afraid Sir Edric is right. I've know a fair share of killers, and Kressle is one of them. She is not only part of the bandit gang, but one of their leaders. Her men all fear her, and with good reason. She took delight in the bloodshed, that was plain to see. Even if you manage to find her, I find it hard to believe that she would lay down those axes for a life as a serving wench.
Edric listens the girl’s plea and looks as though he is about to speak but catches himself and falls silent. The knight seems troubled by the thought of Kressel being more than a monster and his loathing against the women falters. At Casimir's words Edric nods,
If you are who you claim to be we shall then discuss what is to happen to your sister.
By her Blade and Aegis he is alive! Thank you Iomedae, thank you.
Vaysh stands up, trying to give Casimir room as others begin to rush him with words. She withdraws from the immediate vicinity, and looks over the carnage that has been wrecked here.
So many bodies, and not all by sword and lance. This is a gruesome business we are about. She looks back over to her companions, They take to this bloodsport better than I, while their blades leap to their hands my heart sinks to see them assaulted so. If that woman remains in these lands, I will make her regret her rough treatment of Casimir…And she was far too brazen with Sir Orlavsky, a harlot, pillager, and murderess!
I wonder if they find her attractive…
Vaysh looks around, then heads back into the woods alone to get the nearby animals.
Vaysh watches as the men dictate the treatment of Karina, biting the inside of her cheek at their rough behavior. When the girl settles down at the fire, Vaysh comes over and places her blanket over the shoulders of the young woman. She smiles down at the downtrodden lass, her hair falling before the left side of her face, and asks, Can I get you anything? Rations are cold as we ate before we came here, but mayhaps I can help with something.
Vaysh’s face grimaces at the thoughts of the raven haired newcomer defending herself against a brute, You have no need to fear from the gentle fellows that I travel with.
Vaysh listens to the rest of what Karina has to say, but does not speak up on the matters.
Are we to believe that everyone in these lands is a roving brigand with our worst intentions in their heart? If this is how we go about conquering these lands, I worry for what we shall be left with when we are done.
Later, Vaysh turns to Casimir and asks, Casimir, mayhaps we can share words?
Vaysh’s speech slows down, and her hair falls protectively into place, she glances down at their shoes while biting her lip, That is what I believe, please do not think me too forward for sharing.
Malthir has been very quiet with the turn of events. When Karina appears his initial reaction is one a skepticism. He lets the others do the talking initially...
In response to Edric, Karina replies Well met good Sir Edric... But from what you have told me you met Kressle in battle, attacking her camp and livelihood! Her banditry may seem evil, but shes just doing what she has to to survive- if I convinced her to surrender to you, would you guarantee her safety? I will not believe my sister has no Good left in her heart...
Malthir speaks to the young lady in a level, but mild toneDo you believe that banditry is a livelyhood? That taking the possesions and lives of others is is okay because your path was hard? You sister seems to lead a gang of criminals that rob and kill others and they appear to enjoy it. How did you know that your sister was here? we can guarantee her safety if she turns herself in and she would only be judged for her crimes, whatever they may be. I would be curious to hear when she has to say and her side of the story.
Away from the girl and to the group. I am not sure if I am okay with putting this girl under a magical compulsion. To take away someone's freedom of will, she not be taken lightly. I don't really like to do it to a bandit, but this girl has done nothing wrong that we know of. Are we to charm every person we meet because we don't know if we can trust them? I don't like where this is headin.
Vaysh listens to Malthir and nods, she responds with a bit of fire in her voice, I do not take such lightly. Her voice eases as she continues, I have my own objections to this plan, I think that it is inappropriate and will lead to bad times ahead.
Stepping out of earshot from the fire, Casimir listens quietly to the objections from Vaysh and Malthir.
Your compassion and integrity do you both honor, and perhaps I spoke to rashly. I have no right to ask Vaysh to use her magic if she does not feels it is the right thing to do. However, I can not forget the lessons that Jerek taught us. His eyes lock with Vaysh's and then goes to the place in her side where Jerek's blade cut her.
I do not propose that we subject everyone we meet to magic and capture. But this woman is traveling alone in a hostile wilderness, armed and dressed like a bandit. She sought out a bandit camp and then tried to flee when she saw us. She may be telling the truth, but she may also be a spy sent by the Stag Lord or Kressle. And it will take more than a touching story and a few tears for me to trust her. If you object to using the charm spell on her, I will not press the matter. But there is more to this girl than meets the eye, and until we know for certain that we can trust her, we must keep a close eye on her.
Casimir smiles a tired smile, as if to relieve the tension.
You were right to speak with me about this, and I take no offense. There is truth in what you say. If we are to win over these lands and the people who dwell here, we must be better than the bandits. But we cannot afford the luxury of thinking the best about everyone we meet. If we allow compassion and mercy to weaken our vigilance, we will not live long. I hope that between us all, we can find a balance that will steer us on the right path. Now, let us get back to sleep. Who is next for the watch?
None of you sense anything amiss about the girl, although her story does seem a little too coincidental.
Malthir speaks to the young lady in a level, but mild toneDo you believe that banditry is a livelyhood? That taking the possesions and lives of others is is okay because your path was hard? You sister seems to lead a gang of criminals that rob and kill others and they appear to enjoy it. How did you know that your sister was here? we can guarantee her safety if she turns herself in and she would only be judged for her crimes, whatever they may be. I would be curious to hear when she has to say and her side of the story.
The raven haired Karina falters a little, and she looks a little unsure of herself.
I... I was told she would be here at this camp by other travellers, who warned me of bandits in this area. Apparently my sister has quite a reputation among people in the northern Greenbelt... she says, shaking her head sadly.
Of course I do not believe banditry is an honest livelihood, but if she was captured by the bandits who attacked our wagon those many months ago... I can't imagine what shes had to go through to survive.
I'm sure, deep down... She is still a good person and rankles at the things she must do to thrive in these harsh lands... And if she could just be shown kindness and given a chance to redeem herself, i'm sure she would surprise you all... Kressle was such a soft-hearted sister, she was always the one who cared for our sick father... Karina finishes, sobbing into her scarf once more as grief apparently overwhelms her...
She smiles down at the downtrodden lass, her hair falling before the left side of her face, and asks, Can I get you anything? Rations are cold as we ate before we came here, but mayhaps I can help with something.Vaysh’s face grimaces at the thoughts of the raven haired newcomer defending herself against a brute, You have no need to fear from the gentle fellows that I travel with.
They... They are so suspicious of me, and so ready to condemn my sister as an evil abomination. She's not a devil or a demon, merely a troubled young woman who's been through so much loss! Morality is not as black and white as your companions seem to want to believe... Karina says defiantly, condifing in Vaysh. I am well thankyou, perhaps some water would be refreshing though. I am anxious to rest so I do not slow you down tomorrow...
If Fenna does use Detect Magic, nothing about Karina shows up as magical.
** spoiler omitted **
Fenna rouses slowly from her slumber, having not long finished her own watch, and looks at their visitor through sleepy eyes. Listening to the words of her companions, she sighs inwardly that such suspicion is necessary but watches the girl closely as she speaks and huddles close to the fire.
After resting and breakfast is complete, Casimir suggests that the group return to Oleg's as quickly as possible. He begins to load the various loot on to the horses.
The day begins as you start to make your way back to Oleg's, sticking to the same route you used to get to the bandit camp rather than passing through unknown territory. The day is mostly spend travelling through the forest, and then trotting along the more open terrain towards Oleg.
Once again, you hear wolves howling in earnest as you pass near the edge of the forest.
The pack is celebrating a fresh kill- a kill they call 'Twitches-When-Dead'. They are also mourning the loss of several of their pack members; 'Howls at the Moon', 'Toothacher', 'Stalks-Slowly', 'Fang', and 'Rhydian'.
Throughout the long day and the making and breaking up of camp to have lunch, you notice that Karina seems to be a seasoned traveller and a skilled rider. She says little in the journey unless pressed, and seems very sad.
The day is a dull, dreary grey, and the cold that came the previous night has not yet released its grip on the Greenbelt. You are all happy to see Oleg's Trading Post in the distance at about 7PM. The current date is the 4th of Erastus.
As you approach, you notice that there is a small camp of tents around a campfire just outside the trading post, and as you approach a young, stern looking man dressed in a fine looking set of chain mail challenges you, with a few guards stood behind him. All of them are wearing armour with the symbol of Restov emblazoned upon it-
Halt, riders. Announce yourselves. Who approaches the trading post at this late hour, so heavily armed?
Looking a little bashful for a moment when Casimir addresses her in Gnomish, the language she has mostly been using to vent her frustration, she nods at his suggestion and intones a short Azlanti prayer, I ask for the sight of His Eye, that I might uncover the secrets of the arcane.
Looking over at the new arrival, she looks back to the duellist, to reply to him again in the Gnomish tongue, I don’t see anything magical on her, either possessions or enchantments... She seems genuinely concerned for her sister’s wellbeing, perhaps we should help her.
Wandering over to the fire and sitting near Karina, but careful to give her room to prevent her from feeling boxed in by the small gnome and Vaysh, she listens to her story before speaking to her in an encouraging tone, As bitter and cold as your sister was during our battle, I did sense that she was not completely irredeemable, despite what our gentlemen friends believe. I think that you might be able to get through to her... but I certainly wouldn’t recommend you go to find her alone, she might not accept you immediately, as you say, she must have been through a lot, and at first she might be angry that you escaped such hardships. Not to mention what her bandit companions might do to you.
Listening once more to the howls of the wolves, Fenna tilts her head to peer through the malaise that descends upon her during the daylight hours. Hmm... perhaps we should ask some of the locals about these wolves... whether they are particularly hostile to travellers, she comments absently.
At the challenge by the Restov soldier, Fenna merely looks across to the three men expectantly, clearly waiting for one of them to announce the identity of the Guardians of the Greenbelt.
Well met, we are the Guardians of the Greenbelt of course, like Mathir thinks they should know the name commanded by the Swordlords of Brevoy to explore and rid the Greenbelt of banditry. My name is Malthir, we count Oleg as our friend. And who might you be, you appear to be representing Brevoy as well?
Malthir doesn't appear threatening, just dismounts and makes his way over to the young man after the introductions are made to shake his hand as well as the other guards, as long as the guards don't appear to be threatening any longer.
To Karina on the way back:
Karina, please do not think us too harsh. We come to a land hardened by strife and monsters. We come here hoping to make it a better place, one where people like these bandits find no home and people don't end up like you sister and can live in peace. We have already been attacked and betrayed by these bandits and there is an even larger problem looming in our future. This man they call the Stag Lord, their leader. He is obviously the greater threat. If he has brought most of the bandits in the area under his control, that will have to be broken in order for us to succeed in our task. That means we must find this Staglord and defeat him.
To the group:
I am looking forward to exploring the region once we get back to Olegs. Hopefully not everything will be a fight here. Should we start by mapping the area around Olegs and working our way out from there? Is anyone a scribe and good artist? Maybe along with some maps we could detail out the area with drawings and descriptions?