** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
By her words and actions, I believe that she honestly seeks redemption. And I would consider it a waste to have her maimed or slain, when she could be of value to the people of the Greenbelt.
Jhod nods as Casimir finishes his oratory, and although Casimir's words seemed to lack the weight of Malthir's fire or Fenna's serene insights, the crowd listen intently, sensing that the Bard's words perhapy carry the most weight with Jhod, given Kressle's actions towards him.
For a time, Jhod asks further questions of Kressle- asking if she would be willing to fight against her old master the Stag Lord, if she has given any useful information willingly to the Guardians of the Greenbelt. Once Jhod is satisfied with her answers, he falls silent for some time, as a hushed and tense anticipation fills the trading post...
I have come to my decision, provided the Guardians of the Greenbelt are willing to share some responsibility in this woman's fate. I believe that Kressle is both able and willing to redeem herself, and become a force for good in this land- under the careful tutelage of a mentor. Will one of you shoulder this burden, Guardians?
Kressle's face bursts into emotion, her impassive features breaking out into emotion as she begins to weep with joy and relief.
You may not wish to celebrate yet Kressle, for tempered with mercy we must also have punish you for your crimes. Jhod says sternly to the woman.
Firstly, although you say you bear Kressle no ill will Casimir, are you sure you do not wish to see her punished for her acts towards you? If you are sure, I lay no charge for her crimes towards you.
Secondly, I order all of Kressle's possessions to immediately become the property of Oleg Leveton, effective immediately. I charge Oleg to replace this woman's master-crafted handaxes and master-crafted chain shirt with items of standard quality and a longbow and twenty arrows so that she may ply her trade as a hunter or contribute to the success of the Guardians, as the Guardians wish. Kressle's property is funded by banditry, and I entrust Oleg to ensure that her ill-gotten gains are returned to the original owners or sold on for the benefit of this community.
In addition to this, I sentence Kressle to twenty lashes of the whip, to be carried out immediately and publicly. Oleg, as one the most injured parties in this trial you will deliver this punishment, under the supervision of Kesten Garess.
My Third Decree- I forbid Kressle to ever again enter the trading post of Oleg and his wife, unless specifically invited inside by Oleg or Svetlana. Never again shall you upset these two fine citizens of the Greenbelt and bring terror to their home.
Finally, I charge Kressle with the task of recovering the wedding ring belonging to Svetlana. Failure to procure this ring by the end of Arodus will mean that Kressle must give 50% of all her earnings to Svetlana until the value of the ring has been re-paid. The theft of a symbol of holy matrimony is among the most serious of crimes against a community.
Jhod fixes Kressle a steely glare, and the middle-aged man seems to grow in stature as he rises to his feet, towering over the ex-bandit menacingly as he finishes the trial.
Know that should you try and escape your punishment Kressle, that I shall personally hunt you down and put an arrow in your spine. A clergyman of Erastil is nothing if not a skilled hunter, and you shall be mere prey to me.
Jhod seems to calm down somewhat, and regains his composure.
That said, should you abide by the terms of this trial in all ways, you shall be welcomed with open arms as a member of the community, although whether you will be welcome in Oleg's post is entirely up to Svetlana and the man himself.
Jhod utters one final proclamation before returning to his seat, in the manner of a ritual.
In the name of Old Deadeye, I do so pronounce my judgement upon Kressle, former bandit of the Stag Lord. Let Erastil guide this wayward soul back to the light.
A little worse for wear from last night's festivities Edric adds little to the trial. Seeing that the masterful words of his companions left very little to elaborate on, he remains quiet during the testimonies. At Jhod's sentencing of Kressel he nods in approval, though the manner in which the priests ended the trial does cause him to wince. When a mentor for the ex-bandit is called for among the Guardians, Edric finds himself stepping forward; the Knight catches himself though and looks to his companions before speaking up.
Casimir listens silently to the cleric as he passes judgment. Once he is done talking, Casimir addresses him and the crowd.
I am certain. Kressle faced me as a warrior on the field of battle. For that and everything else that transpired between us, I demand no punishment. As to the crimes against others than me, and the price for those crimes, I find your sentence just and wise. If Kressle accepts this, I will gladly go into battle with her by my side.
As for a mentor for her from among the Guardians - this task I am certain that we will take upon us. But allow us a moment to talk among ourselves and find the one of us best suited for the role.
Casimir turns and walks off the stage. As he passes close to Kressle, he pauses for a moment and catches her tear stained gaze.
Remember my words about Oleg. Let him extract some of his lost pride from the skin on your back - I think you will find it will ease your way back into the good graces of these people considerably. And from the way you took the blow from the Forest Lord, I know that the pain to your pride will hurt you more than the pain to your body. There is no shame in this. Stand proud, and you shall be welcome in the company of the Guardians as a true sister-of-arms, he says softly to her.
Once he has spoken, he joins his fellows and watches Oleg and the crowd intently, waiting for their reaction to the sentence.
I fair sentence I think. I am glad we can put this behind us he says to no one in particular. He walks over to Edric, Edric, I will be back by nightfall.
A little worse for wear from last night's festivities Edric adds little to the trial. Seeing that the masterful words of his companions left very little to elaborate on, he remains quiet during the testimonies. At Jhod's sentencing of Kressel he nods in approval, though the manner in which the priests ended the trial does cause him to wince. When a mentor for the ex-bandit is called for among the Guardians, Edric finds himself stepping forward; the Knight catches himself though and looks to his companions before speaking up.
Jhod smiles encouragingly.
Edric, you would like to shoulder this responsibility in the name of the Guardians?
The crowd applaud Jhod politely as he delivers his sentence, with many of the men staying to watch Oleg deliver Kressle's 20 lashes- drawing a grim satisfaction from 'seeing justice done'. Overall, the Guardians get the impression that the majority of the community accept the judgements as fair.
The centre of attention with the remnants of the crowd, Oleg appears to be exorcising his demons somewhat in the lashing- he whips Kressle brutally and is asked to moderate the lashes several times by Kesten Garess. Kressle takes the lashing stoically for the first five or six lashes, but begins to wince and cry out in pain by the time Oleg has delivered a dozen. By the time the 20 have been delivered, she is weeping in pain, but still stood upright. Oleg throws the whip to the ground violently, and storms inside the main building of the trading post, unwilling to meet anyone's gaze as he goes inside.
Cupping Kressle's face in his hands, Jhod says to her gently.
The worst is over child. We'll let these wounds heal naturally, so the pain reminds you of your punishment and the justice shown to you today. Once they have fully healed, come see me again and I will remove the scars.
Casting a hateful glare at Jhod, Karina helps her sister leave the trading post and sets her up to rest in a tent just outside the walls. The Guardians notice that Malthir appears to have headed out for a sojourn, leaving them to their own devices for the rest of the day.
Noleski is delighted to see you, and spending time in the simple and cheerful boy's company is just the break you need from the complexities of Oleg's Trading Post. You return in the evening, refreshed in body and mind.
She casts one last glance towards Malthir before deciding where to go.
Vaysh steps into the magically enforced circle, allowing the magic of it to wash over her. She feels the compulsion take control over her, wrapping firmly in her mind. Her vocal cords pull taut, allowing only truthful sounds to escape her lips. She looks to those surrounding her, those wronged by the bandits of the land, those who fight for the land, the Leveton’s, and finally to Kressle. Vaysh breathes in deep and closes her eyes for a moment as she makes one last assessment of the prisoner.
These are the final moments. This is why I am here, though I feel some hesitancy in me still. Mayhaps it is my poor ability to read people. I trust her, but must wonder if I am easily fooled and confused. Last night showed me no skill in such. If I am to be mislead in this, forgive me Iomedae; I only do as I believe you would wish.
Vaysh opens her eyes and takes one last survey; her eyes meet those in the crowd, piercing those who shift uncomfortably with the time that she has already taken. Kressle is a bandit, and is guilty of much. Before I ever met her I was attacked by those under her command. It was the first time that the Guardians stepped within the bounds of this post. We were uncertain what was ahead of us, and some of our number had heard threatening conversation hidden by the palisade, so several of our number walked in with weapons drawn.
Those that had been sent here under her leadership attacked us without warning or attempt at parlay. Upon seeing us, weapons were drawn that could have easily ended the Guardians lives. I myself was heavily scarred in the battle, as was Sir Edric Orlavsky who lived only with a little bit of luck and the quick action of our host, Mister Leveton.
Vaysh stops, and looks to the accused, It is when I spoke with Happs that your name first reached my ears. I know not the orders that were provided to these men by you, but I know the actions that they took in your name, Kressle. Vaysh winces upon finishing the first part of her testimony, feeling that its utterance is a betrayal to those who she travels with, but its omittance is a betrayal to her divine patron.
Over a day later, my companions and I came to the camp where we had been told Kressle and the bandit troupe she led resided. We had been warned of the reception that we would receive, and upon our arrival there were greeted with Kressle leading the rough men that served under her. She commanded her company to kill us though we called out intention to speak with Kressle. In the end, a stalemate was reached that has been discussed prior to this. I have no further insight on what happened in either exchange of Casimir’s life, though if asked before I traveled with Kressle I would have been far more willing to let loose my tongue.
Vaysh finishes her recount of early experiences regarding Kressle and looks to the other woman with apologetic eyes. She once again breathes in regularly, and then continues feeling the rigid constriction that is upon her vocal cords. Since those times, Kressle has traveled with the Guardians for a short while though. She has acted honorably and I have trusted her enough to ask my companions to allow her to carry her weapons while in the wild country. She has spoken her story to all those around today, and her change of life goals due to her sister’s presence on this world, rather than having already passed through the Lady of Graves’ judgment.
I have been raised strongly in the faith of the Inheritor. She has taught me that it is not wise to waste what we have. I hope that Kressle, being repentant for her prior actions, can find forgiveness here today. Vaysh moves her gaze to the Leveton’s, Though I hope she can forgive those that do not have it in their hearts to offer such.
Mayhaps much of what I have said can be considered damning for the accused, but I hope that judgment will see the future that Kressle can make here and how her life can help to heal wounds far more than her death can. Vaysh bows her head, closes her eyes for a moment, then looks out once again, Thank you for listening. She looks once more to Kressle with her apologetic eyes and bows her head to the other woman, a tear streaking across her face.
As Vaysh leaves the cleric’s magic, she feels her vocal cords and her mind relax, no longer under the compulsion to say what she would have stated anyway. Should we need such to conduct justice? I worry where things in the Stolen Lands may go if this is the case.
Vaysh watches Malthir leave the trading post. He misunderstands me. This is not the time for selfish action and riding after him, I need to stay here and deal with what is going on now. Mayhaps later I can find him again. Mayhaps nothing that is broken cannot be mended.
Brought back to the current situation, Vaysh speaks up while Edric stumbles, I will take responsibility for her. Vaysh then hears Casimir speak up, Though, mayhaps some of my companions wish to speak on this first. Vaysh moves off to group council, but notes the absence of Malthir once again.
When it comes time for the lashing, Vaysh stands in front of Kressle to offer what comfort she can to the other woman during this time, holding her hand while promising it will be over soon. With every blow landed, Vaysh watches the pain wrack the other woman’s face and winces in sympathy. When it is done, she helps Karina with her sister and goes out of the post with them.
It is a strange world that we are in. Your blessings were shown this day, I thank you for them.
As they pack up their gear to leave the next morning, Guardians, I wanted to discuss a little strategy regarding fighting large creatures. I would like to suggest that anytime we encounter one of these type of creatures that we hold back and allow Fenna to summon one of her celestial friends to bait its attacks while we hold off and then attack after the celestial moves in and attacks. This bear might be another example of this tactic working. Although with the bear I hope to draw it out and use arrows to seriously injure it without exposing oursleves too much, a celestial can slow it down so we can fire off another round of arrows. Fenna are you in agreement with this tactic, your celestial is the key, we have already seen how these great beasts can shred us before we can even get to them, this will cancel out their great reach advantage? We can then move in, form the shield wall after Edric has charged if possible.
[spoiler=Kressel's mentor]
[b]It seems that there is more than one of our number that would like to take Kressel under their wing. I for one did not think that I would desire such a job but found myself compelled to reach out to the women. Perhaps we should take on the task as a group? Each providing Kressel instruction and counseling in our own particular disciplines?[b]
The first of Casimir’s advisements, Mister Al’Dagon, has gone away upon the pronouncement of the judgment; I must believe that he does not wish to take this upon himself, lest he would have stayed longer.
As I have said afore Mister Kavken, I am willing to take this on myself. I have come here in our mission in hopes of finding those who will repent from the ways this land have taught them. I have been admonished for this belief, and yet in Kressle, my hope has been given life. I have traveled with this company willing to carry this burden before we knew this burden would exist. I am ready, and my back is strong due to my faith and the life of honest labor that I have lived.
In response to Edric and Vaysh, Jhod shakes his head sadly.
I apologise Guardians, I had no wish to sow dissent among you with my words or actions. I believe that between the two of you, Kressle will have a fine pair of mentors. Why not both of you divide the duty between you?
Not sure if that changed Malthir’s action.
Malthir your ceremony is well attended, particularily by Kesten's men who seem to have taken a shine to you.
Vaysh takes one last look for Malthir and sees that he is gone. She closes her eyes one last time and turns away from the onlookers. She heads to the bunkhouse, but hears Casimir’s voice speaking with Kressle inside. She stops at the door, looking at the two guards that stand watch, and gives a quick smile to them before turning away.
She seeks some solitude in the trading post, and after a time seeking it, the buzz of conversation from below continues to drone on in her ears, she heads to the post’s gate to slip out into the night. She does not stray out of sight from the post, but leaves it far enough behind that she no longer hears the voices of the gathering and it is hard to discern on the horizon. When she reaches her far point, she makes her utterance in the beautiful tongue of the angels.
Guide me in the dark, wherever I may roam.
Vaysh looks to her luminous guides, but feels no comfort from their presence. She walks and uses them to illuminate her path.
Do not ignore those gathered around the fire, or they may wonder if they drove you away!? No, it was not them that sent me into the night!
I feel as a stranger amongst my friends, I must wonder why this is. Malthir has time and again spoken with jokes to me, that I do not understand. My repeated attempts at some levity with him have been utter failures! Casimir seems far more interested in Kressle than he does me, and Malthir is so often with Karina. He has even removed himself from the bunkhouse for fear that he would do something untoward with her without such distance.
I am not his keeper nor his chastity belt. If he wishes happiness with that dark haired… Vaysh stops, seeing that her lights pulse deep red instead of the normal color they give. She goes to a breathing ritual that was learned long ago to control her magics, and as she allows the meditation to take over her body and mind she releases the anger that has welled up within her.
I must be careful. The gifts that I have respond to the emotions that I have, I cannot afford such negative thoughts concerning the men or Karina, who has done me no wrong other than to seek her own happiness.
I will find no rest this night, nor any solace back at the post.
She spends the night out of the post, praying and brooding, returning after the sun is up to the post for the trial.
If Vaysh insists on being Kressel's sole mentor Edric agree's to it, though he does seem hurt.
I hope that my words before have not angered Vaysh she is a sigularly passionate woman and I would hate to think I have offended her. She will prove a very strong mentor for Kressel.
After the trial Edric purchases or borrows a quil, ink and some parchment from Oleg and retires to a quiet place to draft a letter home. When Approched by Casimir and asked about the letter he recieved the Knight averts his eyes and mumblesIt is but a family matter that I must respond to. As Casimir turns to leave Edric stops him,Friend what do you know of the Swordlords and politics of the Houses of Brevoy?
Before the group head out the morning after the trial, Fenna speaks to the assembled Guardians, "While I understand that finding the unicorn for its hair should be our priority, I am unsure if leaving Kressle to guard over the temple would be appropriate... she was, after all, charged with recovering Oleg and Svetlanna's wedding ring, which is likely to be found to the south with the mites that stole it in turn."
Before the group head out the morning after the trial, Fenna speaks to the assembled Guardians, "While I understand that finding the unicorn for its hair should be our priority, I am unsure if leaving Kressle to guard over the temple would be appropriate... she was, after all, charged with recovering Oleg and Svetlanna's wedding ring, which is likely to be found to the south with the mites that stole it in turn."
We could just leave her there for a couple of days while we search for the Unicorn and collect her on the way back to Oleg's? From there we could try to find these mites or the Kobalds that seem to be causing some trouble south of Oleg's? We can determine our final course of action after we clear out the temple if need be.
Vaysh finishes adjusting the cloak that she wears, and begins to mindlessly rub her fingers along it as she continues, I do not seek to add one too many voices to this task. If you are prepared, I will step aside for you.
The spirits are particularily... active, on the morning that you set off from Oleg's. Irritated, you stuff your possessions back into your backpack for the 6th time after they've fallen out as the straps 'undid themselves', only to notice another page of your old prophecies seems to be the centre of these troubles; when you pick it up the hauntings go still, for now. It is a rhyming prophecy, scribed on a small sheet of parchment- you barely remember writing it even now...
The Eagle Knight in peril lies,
Should he heed the call of false allies,
For if alone steed and human ride forth,
A deadly trap awaits, to the north,
Great trickery hath the eldest wrought,
Venturing into the nest uncaught,
Sneaking through black bird's halls,
Stealing the symbol of his claws,
Using a symbol to call a son home,
All is fair, in the game of thrones...
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
[b]True, Vaysh, I did not name myself as a candidate to be Kressle's mentor. I have noticed that she has talked to both you and Malthir about your faith, and thought it to be a natural choice that either of you could continue this education in the role of a formal mentor.
As for Sir Edric, he obviously seems to desire the task, and I think that Kressle could learn much from his code of chivalry and his dedication to honor and duty, which he has proven to us on many occasion.
Since Malthir has departed, I agree that the choice should fall on either Vaysh or Edric. I consider both equally suited, and I am sure that Jhod shares this view.
I know enough to know that the words of your family - "High Above" - have until now been most applicable to your involvement in politics. Neutrality is a strong point for House Orlavski. I must admit, this made me a little surprised to see you among us at first. I assumed that your family are dealing with the Swordlords in some kind of subtle alliance against House Surtova.
I understand if you should wish to keep the message from your family private - your dedication to the honor of your house is without question. But since I have some insight in the game of politics, if you should want my council, it is yours - in full confidence, of course.
Mentor Talk...
Either Edric or Vaysh would make a wise choice to mentor her. Why not share the duty? Does she not have much to learn? Can she not learn much from both of you? I believe she will also learn much from her association with the guardians and through our actions.
Before the group head out the morning after the trial, Fenna speaks to the assembled Guardians, "While I understand that finding the unicorn for its hair should be our priority, I am unsure if leaving Kressle to guard over the temple would be appropriate... she was, after all, charged with recovering Oleg and Svetlanna's wedding ring, which is likely to be found to the south with the mites that stole it in turn."
You are right, Fenna. But since Jhod insisted that Kressle's wounds should heal naturally, i thought it wise that she could get a few days rest before we head down after the mites. And by the looks of both Karina and Oleg, I'd say everyone would sleep more restful with a few miles between the Trade Post and her.
I suggest we use the opportunity to map out the forest from here south to the temple. It should cover a substantial part of the exploration we still need to finish.
Consulting your maps with Jhod, you realise the temple is very close to the bandit camp- its the next hex along to the left in fact. This leaves you with two potential routes, but the only crossing your sure exists is going via the Thorn River Camp...
In the evening after the trial, Casimir spends some time talking to the different people around the Trade Post, again to get a feel for the general mood and the reactions to the punishment of Kressle.
The talks reminds him of several of the rumors the group heard on previous occasions. Later in the evening, he stops by the tent of Kressle and Karina to see how they are doing and share what he has learned from his talks.
He ask if Kressle knows anything about the trap-happy bandit called Breeg Orlivanch, and the deserter Falgrim Sneeg. He also asks if Kressle have seen any moon radishes, since that might help ease the foul mood Oleg seems to be in, even after getting his revenge.
Consulting your maps with Jhod, you realise the temple is very close to the bandit camp- its the next hex along to the left in fact. This leaves you with two potential routes, but the only crossing your sure exists is going via the Thorn River Camp...
The Almanac of the Greenbelt is updated. Today is the 20th of Erastus, which leaves Kressle 40 days to recover the lost wedding ring.
Edric gives Vaysh a quizzical look when she compares mentoring Kressel to training animals but as she concludes her analogy he grasps her point and nods in agreement.Wise words Vaysh perhaps having only one of us take Kressel under their wing would be the best solution. I believe that since you did indeed come here with the hope of redeeming this land and its 'lost souls' that you should undertake the task. You have my full confidence that you will shine in such a role and if you need it my help is always available.
As Fenna finishes readjusting the contents of her pack, she frowns for a few moments at a piece of paper, upon which Azlanti writing is scrawled in a flowing hand. Storing the parchment back into the leather wrapped bundle, she looks around her companions, her eyes eventually resting on Sir Edric concernedly as she recalls the introduction he gave so many nights ago.
In the evening after the trial, Casimir spends some time talking to the different people around the Trade Post, again to get a feel for the general mood and the reactions to the punishment of Kressle.
The talks reminds him of several of the rumors the group heard on previous occasions. Later in the evening, he stops by the tent of Kressle and Karina to see how they are doing and share what he has learned from his talks.
He ask if Kressle knows anything about the trap-happy bandit called Breeg Orlivanch, and the deserter Falgrim Sneeg. He also asks if Kressle have seen any moon radishes, since that might help ease the foul mood Oleg seems to be in, even after getting his revenge.
The mood is mostly contended- people feel that justice has been done. Even Oleg seems a little better disposed now that the trial is over...
Kressle tells you the radish patch is in the forest, in the hex directly south-west that you have passed through en-route to the Thorn River Camp several times. She has heard nothing of a man named Breeg Orlivanch, but Falgrim Sneeg is a particularily vicious bandit that lives in the Stag Lord's fort, a deserter from Brevoy.
Kressle tells you the radish patch is in the forest, in the hex directly south-west that you have passed through en-route to the Thorn River Camp several times. She has heard nothing of a man named Breeg Orlivanch, but Falgrim Sneeg is a particularily vicious bandit that lives in the Stag Lord's fort, a deserter from Brevoy.
Edric, Guardians... On behalf of the Swordlords of Restov I bestow this second charter on you... Kesten clears his throat, a little uncomfortable at public speaking it would seem...
To the other Guardians on the ride away from Oleg's, So what are your thoughts on this new charter? This is what Iomedae has destined me to do, I feel it in my bones. To free these people from tyranny, bring order and peace to the Greenbelt, and spread the inheritor's word throughout the area. But what about the rest of you, what does this mean to you, what do you want out of this? I understand if you don't want to answer...
Setting out with Karina and a recovering Kressle in tow, the Guardians of the Greenbelt talk amongst themselves about the promised charter to settle the Greenbelt, should they defeat the Stag Lord. Spirits are high, and the sun is basking down from a gloriously clear blue sky upon the Stolen Lands, with not a grey cloud in sight. As the Guardians leave the trading post, some of the small community that live just outside Oleg's in tents wish them safe travels, including Jhod Kavken and Kesten Garess.
Chatting to Kesten reveals that he and his men are going to do an active sweep of the surrounding hexes at Oleg's, to ensure there are no local threats the group might have missed. Kesten eyes Kressle somewhat coldly, but says nothing as you ride out.
Entering the forest to the south-west of Oleg's, the group begin to careflly map the area, noting clearings, landmark trees and natural path's, including the site where they were ambushed by Boggards. The forest is humid and very hot; the day's toils take a toll on the Guardians, expecially those in armour who are dripping in sweat after a few hours. Kressle is an exceptional help in the forest, and her sulking mood improves dramatically now she is back in her favourite terrain- she and Edric seem to have a natural grasp of this land, with the knight aiding her with a fair degree of competence. Casimir on the other hand, talks excitedly all day, and proves more of a hindrance than a help during the exploration and mapping.
Edric- (if his is the assist, add +3 not +2)
Fenna- (+8 at night, +4 at day, +6 on daily exploration checks)
Malthir-
Vaysh-
Casimir-
Karina-
Kressle-
Group perception rolls (Level 1)
Edric-
Fenna- (12 at night)
Malthir-
Vaysh-
Casimir-
Karina-
Kressle- (+7 in normal terrain)
The exploration takes quite some time in the forest compared to the plains, but you are nearing the end of your labours as night is descending when you come across a clearing you have not yet mapped. Fenna and Edric both spot the signs of a recent battle in the clearing, and moving to investigate the group can see wolf fur and bloodstains in the ground. The remains of a man torn to pieces lie in the centre of the clearing, mostly scattered in the long grass. Fenna spots the remains of his clothing- simple common clothing, a dyed brown shirt and a pair of black trousers. Both are covered in blood...
As Malthir brings up the charter, Casimir speaks up cheerfully. I for one am very excited about this development. It is excatly what I hoped would happen, as a natural development of our first Charter. To bring down the Stag Lord will challenge our wits and skills at arms and magic. And after that, creating a colony and nurturing it to grow and prosper is a entirely different matter, but with challenges of its own. The merchant's son in me has seen much potential in these lands, and I look forward to bringing it out. We have already found several locations where improvements can be made and possible settlements founded.
I must make it a point to study the history of this area once we establish the colony. Others have tried and failed at this task before, and we would do well to learn from their mistakes.
The young warrior-bard seems to be enjoying life to the fullest as he sits astride his black horse, chatting eagerly to his companions. He is in the middle of an explicit retelling of an anecdote involving one of his classmates from the dueling school and a barmaid when Fenna and Edric call attention to the gruesome site.
And the she slapped Gress square in the face and said "If you value your..." - Ho, what's this. Looks like Red-eyes and his pack have been at work here. Perhaps we had better see if we can make contact with Fang or one of the other wolves to hear the story of what happened here. Does those torn rags hold any clue about who the man was and what he did to anger the wolves?.
Casimir suggests examining the site carefully before moving on.
Taking the time to sweep across the area, you find the man's discarded backpack, clearly dropped in a hurry. The backpack contains travelling gear including rations, rope, flint and steel, a waterskin, manacles and chain, spare clothes, a purse containing thirty gold pieces, and a large muzzle. A dagger of masterwork quality is tucked into a side pouch, and in another large pouch you find the tools of this man's trade- several sheets of parchment and some paints and brushes.
Some of the parchments already have draft drawings upon them- all the pictures are of natural settings and landscapes, particularily forest. One picture catches your eye- a picture of a ferocious looking bear drinking from a pool of water outside a ruined temple. The temple itself bears a pair of engraved antlers above the entrance.
Casimir eyes the manacles and muzzle found in the man's pack.
If this fellow tried to capture himself a new pet from Red-eye's pack, I would say he brought his fate upon himself. We should still seek out the wolves to find out for sure.
He picks up the drawing of the bear.
This must be the temple and the bear that lives there. It fits the description given by Jhod.
It's a brown grizzly bear, a particularily strong and vicious looking one by the looks of it. As you recall, the brown grizzly bear is renowned for its mighty strength, vicious claws and massive teeth. In combat, they are likely to pick up their opponents while clawing them, manhandling them and tearing their foe apart. It's also very quick for its bulk- easily outrunning a man. The bear looks like this-
As I mentioned before about strategy, summon in a celestial or two to keep it busy and then hit it with the bane arrows to weaken it as much as we can before engaging, this foe may be as tough as tuskgutter! If we can keep it busy in some open ground then Edric may be able to end this quickly with a Lance charge!
Since a bear like this likes to give deadly hugs, it might be that I should use my grease spell on the armor of Edric or Malthir before they move up to the beast.
Hopefully, I can get a clear shot at the bear before it engages. If it is fighting a summoned creature, it will be more difficult to hit. I will have a bane arrow nocked and ready to fire as soon as we get near the temple.