On the walk to the trading post, Casimir addresses Fenna and Vaysh.
You both displayed potent spells today. I am curious what else you can do with your magic.
Fenna nods acknowledgement to Malthir and Casimir at their comments about her, "The healing is not mine, exactly... I merely borrow it from a greater power, but I agree that is a valuable gift. I have no doubt that you will prove yourself worthy of The Herald's blessings, Master Al'Dagon, you have a similar bearing to many of her holy knights whom I met whilst in Westcrown, and your mere presence here speaks well of your convictions. I have found such strength of faith to be rare in recent years."
"A name for our band?" the gnome tilts her head, as though trying to recall some detail that eludes her, "an excellent idea, we will find little support from the locals if they do not recognise our efforts. Perhaps some symbol to display our involvement in an area would also be of some use."
"Beyond healing, Master Bodevski," Fenna replies, "I am able to place a blessing of protection, to ward off evil creatures and their influences, and my prayers are sometimes answered by a celestial ally for a brief time... I must apologise, the holy blessings at my disposal have greatly diminished over the years."
Mister Al’Dagon, Vaysh starts quietly to Malthir before the group sets off down the road, I wished to know if I could walk with Casimir. I am worried for the injuries he suffered at my hand and the beast's maw. I know the disorientation he felt when he first awoke, I too have been put under by this magic. At times, it has some minor lingering effects, I have felt as if I were in a waking dream for some time.
Malthir turns to Vaysh with a stern look on his face, That is Holy Knight to you young lady!, he then laughs to make sure she knows that he is kidding. Vaysh, we are companions now, no more titles. It is just Malthir. And don't forget yourself, you are one of the blessed of the inheiritor, you don't need to ask my permission to help one of our group. You haved proved your place in our group by using your magic to help rid us of that beast. So a mistake was made, can any of us say we have never made one? I want you to think on it no more, unless of course you didn't learn from it the first time? Again he smiles to eliviate any tension.
"A name for our band?" the gnome tilts her head, as though trying to recall some detail that eludes her, "an excellent idea, we will find little support from the locals if they do not recognise our efforts. Perhaps some symbol to display our involvement in an area would also be of some use."
True Fenna, the reason why I picked a few local names is it will help any locals to relate to us as well. Something like the Brevoy 5 would just alienate us from them.
Are there any references to a potential name or symbol in the prophecies which seemed to relate to the area?
After combat Sir. Edric dismounts and moves over to check on Casimir. As Vaysh holds him and Fenna heals his wounds. He asks the gnome in a worried tone,”Will he be alright?”
After Fenna assures Edric of the man’s recovery he breathes a little easier. ”Good his is a brave warrior and if this is but a sample of what these lands have in store for us we will needs his skills. ” Noticing how protective of the man Vaysh is, Edric smiles at the women.”I shall leave him then to his recovery, he appears to be I good hands.”
As the rest of the group sees to the beast and questions the hunter, Edric tends to Talia and cleans his weapon. While seemingly distracted he actually is listening intently to the man called Jerek.
Before heading out again Edric rummages through his packs finally pulling out his waterskin, a clean rag, a small steel mirror and a block of soap wrapped in white cloth. ”I hope no one thinks it too vain of me but as emissaries of justice I feel it would benefit us to ‘put out best foot forward’, to use the comment phrase. If Vaysh is correct on our close vicinity to the trading post I suggest we make preparations for our arrival. ” Edric uses the rag and water form him waterskin to wipe off the filth of battle and travel from his clothing and armor. The knight then cuts a small hunk of soap from the block and quickly washes his face and hair. He offers to cut off a piece of soap to who ever would like one and share what is left of his water.
As they head off again to Oleg’s smiles at the kind words form both Malthir and Casimir.
”I would be honored to teach the art of horse riding to anyone keen on learning. In fact I think acquiring suitable mounts for the entire party would be a wise investment. Vaysh do you recall if Oleg has mounts for sale at his trading post? While I appreciate the suggestion Casmir I shall remain on foot until such time that we all are mounted, though fear not it takes but a moment for me to take to the saddle. Besides I fear Talia is already burdened with an abundance of weight, I would be remiss to add to her load for an extended period of time.
As to your suggestion Malthir, I think a company name is a splendid idea. For my part I found the imagery of the three swords, stuck in the ground in the front of the fire against the grey moonlit night very powerful, in fact I think I shall remember that scene for the remainder of my day. Perhaps we could find a name that relates to that; The Company of the Three Blades or The Oath Sworn Company?”
It is an excellent idea, Sir Orlavsky, but mayhaps there is more dirt on the trail ahead. You may wish to hold until we see the palisade wall, that is when I hoped to make myself presentable to Mister and Missus Leveton. When we arrive, I will share my water if you will share your soap. He is mindful, and has proper manners. My Lady teaches similar values and requirements of her faithful, Vaysh thinks to herself as she watches Sir Orlavsky.
Fenna has once again called my Lady, the Herald. I find it very strange, perhaps she is very old. I know not much of her kind, mayhaps she lives a long life, just like the legends speak of Elves being eternal. Vaysh looks on at Fenna with admiration in her eyes, Your healing is truly wondrous, Miss Thistleswade. I wish that the Inheri…pardon, the Lady of Valor gifted me with something so useful.
Are you sure that it is alright to call you by your given name, Mister Al’Dagon? You told me that you were not a priest, but you still seem to be my superior in religious matters. Silly girl! I am so lost and unused to all of this, things here are so different. I am not used to needing to learn the ways of other people, guests only stay with us for a short time and are on their way. I hope that I have not offended any of them with my formality. Silly girl, indeed!
It is because you are my religious guide, in fact you are the only man that I have known who has gone through such a school to show dedication to Our Lady, that I wished to ask your permission. I am sorry if I was wrong, but I wished to defer to your greater wisdom in such matters. Vaysh says, her bright green eyes filled with admiration for what Malthir has gone through for Iomedae.
Does my bearing this mark upon my face make me more special than another, Mister Al’Dagon? I have grown up taught that it means I must endeavor to be better, to live up to such a mark.
I recognize my mistake. I shall strive to not remake it in the future. Thank you for your forgiveness, Vaysh still seems tense and confused from the joke that Malthir played upon her. She leaves with her head down as she speaks with her braying mule, It is so confusing out here Caras, mayhaps if I were you and you were me things would be better, you at least always seem to know what to say. With that said, she stops and wraps her arms around the donkey’s neck, smelling home in his fur once again. Caras puts his head over Vaysh’s shoulder, clearly used to the affection that she has for him.
And it is not a name I care for over much myself, though I I believe we all seem to agree on that.
If she is able to call forth such creatures, certainly I have misjudged this feeling that I have of her, mayhaps it is simply awe that wells up inside of me at her divine connection.
Her gaze returns to Casimir and her mind to his query, then Vaysh provides her own response. I believe that you have seen the most spectacular manifestation that I am capable of Mister Bodevski, she smiles to herself, Perhaps if he allows Fenna to address him properly, I shall also be allowed to as well. Beyond my ability to call upon heavenly slumber I fear that I have little capability with Iomedae’s blessings. I can both find and read magical signs, though my interpretations may not always be correct. It can be difficult to decipher such things, she dips her head slightly and continues, Or at least I have found it to be so. Neither of those abilities has been of much use to me in the past, and so I am not as practiced with them as mayhaps I should be, but my instructor told me that I needed to learn to develop them more, they would be important to me in my life.
My other capabilities I have a bit more practice with, they have proved, Vaysh pauses, searching for the right word, Useful. I am able to repair objects through force of will. The worse the damage to the item, the less I am able to do for it though. I know not if I would be successful with your scarf, she frowns. Vaysh continues, a bit more emphatically, Though I would be willing to try!
Lastly, I find that I have the power over the minds of men and beasts. What happened to you, she gives a guilty glance to her trail partner, Is perhaps the most dramatic of them, but there is more. I can stop a person cold for a few moments, they simply lose track of where they are and what is going on around them for a short time. I also, Vaysh starts and stops, considering her words carefully. I am also able to convince a man to work for me for a short time. She looks guilty at the last statement and worried at what those around her may say.
Casimir smiles at Fenna. Master Bodevski is my father, Fenna. It took all of my coaxing to get Vaysh to call me Casimir, and now you have gone and lured her back into her old ways again.
Casimir, no thoughts on a company name? Sir Edric, what about a compromise, how about Swords of the GreenBelt or Swords of Kameland or Even Swords of Narl?! Three blades leaves our illustrious ladies out who have already saved our bacon in this endeavour!
At Vaysh's compliment, the gnome offers a brief smile, "By lulling the creature to sleep, you prevented many more wounds, perhaps even some that I would have been unable to treat."
Sitting back up, she speaks in a clearer voice, still looking across to the girl, "But yes, I am capable of calling the aid of celestial creatures through the veil... for short periods. But you should not underestimate your own talents, you are clearly a very gifted girl. And you have me curious, how is it that have you known the celestials?."
"Very well, child," Fenna says mildly to Casimir, and sending Vaysh a brief glance, "I shall refrain from addressing you as such."
You don't this Jerek fellow is trustworthy. There's something just downright dishonest about him, and you get the impression he is choosing what he says to you very carefully.
As you approach the entrance to Oleg's, you can hear voices from inside the trading post. You walk towards the entrance.
There are two seperate voices.
One of the voices is low and a little menacing, and one is somewhat gruff in nature.
You catch a little of the conversation, the low and menacing voice speaking-
Oleg... Good to see you have the goods I requested... How's that fine bit of tart you call a wife doing eh?
You also hear Oleg's, somewhat quieter and subdued response.
Happ's, the goods are here. Just take them and leave us be, please.... There is a hint of pleading at the end of the statement.
You catch the menacing voice's response to this, and his threats-
I'm afraid your wares aren't enough for us anymore, you fat bastard. Where's Svetlana? Hand her over or we'll burn your pathetic trading post to the ground... Co-operate and I promise we'll return her to you... Mostly unharmed of course. You don't want Kressle to come take your hand as well as your wedding ring do you...
Your keen ears hear the snickers and chuckles of four distinct voices at Happ's last statement; four voices that don't belong to Oleg's or Happs.
You also hear a quiet, womanly gasp of fear coming from somewhere higher up in the trading post; perhaps from a balcony or windowsill.
Your currently walking up a slope towards the main entrance, about 15 feet from it.
Perception:
Perception
Mathir turns to the group and raises his hand in a stopping motion. He wispers as quietly as he can Oleg appears to be in trouble, these don't sound like simple travellers to me. he tries to slide his blade out of the scabbard as quietly as possible.
move silently
I think your right Malthir, it seems like trouble is never to far away here.
Edric pulls himself up into his saddle and readies his lance.
Malthir and I will enter first followed by Casimir and then Vaysh and Fenna. Jerek, this is not your fight so you are free to do as you wish, but be forewarned if you in anyway cross us I shall personally see to it that you are brought before Pharasma to be judged.
Fenna is too busy ensuring she and her companions are diverged of the grime and sweat of the trail through the use of her innate prestidigitation to pay much attention to the conversation within the trading post. But at the warning of Malthir and Edric she reaches to retrieve her crossbow, though takes a couple of seconds to find it. "That seems wise, Sir Edric."
Casimir draws his sword and prepares to follow sir Edric.
Another fight, then. Lets have it.
Sir Edric and Malthir enter the trading post together, Casimir following behind and the spellcasters at the back. After a moment's hesitation Jerek nods to Sir Edric and draws a short sword, staying close to Vaysh. The group charge into the trading post, and the men inside mutter curses and go for their weapons.
The men are mostly dressed in leather armour, and wielding short swords and longbows. Their leader is dressed in a long, flowing green cloak and is wearing studded leather; as he turns to see you entering the trading post you can see he is wearing a distinctive silver amulet. He waves his fist at you and utters-
Looks like we've got some would-be heroes lads... Take them all- we'll string their corses up in the name of the Stag Lord and piss on them!
OLEG'S ENCOUNTER MAP ROUND ONE
Casimir-
Fenna-
Vaysh-
Sir Edric-
Malthir-
Bandits-
Happs-
Jerek-
Oleg-
Jerek-22
Casimir-19
Vaysh- 19
Malthir-17
Bandits-16
Sir Edric-16
Happs-14
Fenna-12
Oleg-2
Initiative-
Jerek-22
Casimir-19
Vaysh- 19
Malthir-17
Sir Edric-16
Fenna-12
Jerek seems to be hesitating, and delaying his action. Casimir, your up.
Round 1 Actions
Casimir moves to stand behind the front of the cart that is parked in the yard.
As he moves past Vaysh and Fenna, he says softly:
I'm going to see if I can shake the resolve of their leader a bit. It should weaken his ability to withstand your sleeping magic, Vaysh. Knock him out, and as many of his men as you can.
As he gets in position behind the cart, Casimir calls out in a menacing voice:
That's a nice shiny trinket you got 'round your neck there, Greencloak. I wager that's going to look real nice tied to my scabbard. Of course, I'll have to rinse off all the blood that's going to get on it while I slice it from your throat.
Intimidate (demoralize):
Entering the trading post Edric calls back:
"That is a brave boast coming from a fifthly rat such as yourself. Throw down your weapons at once or suffer punishment that is long over due.[b]
[b]
If they refuse to surrender Edric grows grim and whispers to himself;
[b]"So be it."[b] before galloping into combat.
If the way is still clear he charges at the man directly in front of him.
If not he, makes a double move to get to the leader and issues a challenge.
When your initiative count comes up, the bandits will have acted. I'll update with their actions and let you re-post due to the changed circumstances if the bandits and your allies actions have changed things drastically. If it's still possible for you to make a charge, i'll use the rolls you already made to resolve it (definitely a hit).
Round 1 action: "So what do we have here, bandit scum who wish to die? Surrender now or know Iomedae's justice by the Sword!"
Charge 20 feet directly forward and attack the closest bandit. Want to make sure I am not blocking the charge of Sir Edric.
Crit confirm!
Perception
Please good fellows, lay down your arms and let us not fight this day, but speak in peace lest my allies lay you low, Vaysh says as she nods to Casimir’s command. Once again she begins to let the Celestial words slip forth from her lips, this time she seems not to rush the lullaby, but instead takes her time, allowing the musical notes to slowly drop off her tongue and hit their mark; unlike before, Vaysh seems very concerned about staying focused on the world around her so as not to have her magic go awry. Her struggle against the trance state of spellcasting is obvious as it is difficult for the young woman.
Casimir has called for my magics, I must not let him down this time. If these men threaten Mister Leveton, and speak so rudely of Missus Leveton, I must act to aid them, though this response is great. Both Mister Al’Dagon and Sir Orlavsky has said that there is more going on here than I have heard. I will trust in them on this matter. These strangers do seem intent on attack, though we did not walk within the walls in a peaceful manner.
Down and decline, drooping dreamer, darkness draws near,
Day is done, dusk is here, my dreamer do not fear.
Casimir moves into position and threatens the leader, sounding far more menacing than Happs ever could. The green-cloaked leader goes pale and staggers backwards in fear, before steadying himself somewhat.
Vaysh begins casting her Sleep spell and shifts position.
Before the bandits get a chance to attack, Malthir surges forward and decapitates a bandit in a dazzling display of swordsmanship worthy of a Paladin of Iomedae.
In response to this fearsome display and with the leader looking worried, the men seem confused and lack co-ordination. One moves to gain some cover behind the benches and fires an arrow from his longbow at Malthir, another retreats into the stables, leaving the door partially open to fire at the Paladin, and a third slinks into the alleyway near Oleg to shoot at him.
crit confirmation roll
Two arrows strike home, one catching Malthir in a gap between his armour near the collarbone, and the other hits him under the arm as he recovers from his mighty swing.
Seemingly enraged at seeing his comrade falter from two wounds, Sir Edric spurs Talia and charges his steed across the batlefield, plunging his lance into one of the shooters; his puny cover behind the bench no match for the accuracy of Edric's blow. The lance plunges into the man with great force, and he slumps to the ground, bleeding from a nasty looking chest wound.
Just after Edric charges, Jerek seizes his chance. With a cry, the 'hunter' cries Die in the name of the Stag Lord, Brevoy scum! and follows Vaysh, attempting to stab the young girl. Vaysh sees the blow coming due to her intense concentration, but is unable to dodge the blow. The short sword cuts deeply into Vaysh's abdomen, but the girl remains standing, albeit in great pain.
Happs seems to waver for a moment, and then says in a grim voice-
You won't win... Me and my boys are gunna make pincushions out of you... the man says unconvincingly, shifting away from the deadly reach of Sir Edric's lance, nocking an arrow and sending it flying at the Cavalier.
The arrow flies true despite Happ's shaken condition, slamming into Sir Edric's neck. The Knight slowly slumps over Talia, limp and possibly dead but still mounted...
Happs seems to regain some of his bravado at this development, and proclaims-
I have slaim your leader; surrender now and I may yet show you mercy!
Oleg sees the carnage unfolding around him, and hesitates for a moment before shouting across the trading post-
Don't die for me! Flee while you can travellers! Upon seeing Happs' deadly arrow however, the older man decides to help in any way he can.
Oleg moves over to Sir Edric and attempts to stem the huge flow of blood from the arrow in the Knight's neck.
He's still alive! Oleg shouts, ripping off his shirt and using it to bandage Edric's neck.
As soon as I get Fenna's action ill post a full initiative and round summary- as its past the first round of combat i'll allow you to see your adversaries initiative counts this time.
Fenna utters a curse in gnomish at Jerek's betrayal, and her already pale face somehow seems to loose even more colour when she sees the grievous wound inflicted upon the cavalier. Beginning to edge around the hunter's now bloodied blade to get to the side of her injured comrades, she at first points her crossbow at Jerek's flank, but his melee with Vaysh prevents her from finding a clear shot and she instead turns the weapon towards the swaggering leader of the bandits, , .
Fenna's aim is partially blocked by the cart, but the crossbow bolt sinks home into Happ's right arm, causing him to react with a surprised cry of pain.
Round 2
Initiative
Casimir-19
Vaysh- 19
Malthir-17
Bandits-16
Sir Edric-16
Jerek-15
Happs-14
Fenna-12
Oleg-2
Cursing at Jerek's betrayal, Casimir sees the deep wound Vaysh has suffered and rushes the treacherous swine; charging in and swinging his Aldori Duelling Sword in a swift strike almost too fast for the eye to follow.
The swift lunge was too fast for Jerek to parry, and cuts deeply through Jerek's leather armour- leaving a brutal wound. Jerek looks badly wounded, but turns to give Casimir his full attention; seeking an opening to revenge himself on the Aldori swordsman.
Vaysh winces at the deep blow that the trecherous Jerak has laid upon her.
Concentation
My AC vs. Happs is a 23, vs. the other bowmen it is a 20. Should be a 24 if they fire at me while I am battling with Happs, unless the have precise shot...crosses his fingers...ad hopes for no 20's or we are done for, or at least I am :)
Vaysh winces at the deep blow that the treacherous Jerak has laid upon her. She stutters, the words in Celestial fail to form on her lips as she looks at the deep gash that has been ripped into her belly. Vaysh’s hands come away from the painful wound covered with her crimson blood. She looks back at the man who has just stabbed her, Jerak….wh….why!?
Vaysh’s beautiful face is soon marred by pain as shock gives way to the reality of the situation that she is in; pain wracks her body. Vaysh’s conscious thought gives way to instinctive reactions that she has developed during her magic lessons back on her family’s farm.
The young woman stumbles away from her assailant nearly falling to the ground but catches herself. As she rises back up her hands become a flurry of rapid motion as she enacts a quick incantation in Celestial.
As muddled mind fills with haze.
Her incantation finishes she stumbles once again and looks to her allies. Vaysh reaches out with bloody hands towards the closest ally and says, Cas…imir, as her resolve begins to fail her.
"Talia, please help us!" she pleads to Sir Edric's powerful steed, and points to the leader of the bandits, "That man would harm you, as he has your knight!"
As Casimir slowly circles Jerek, waiting for the bandit's counterattack and a chance to strike again, he speaks in a calm, icy voice that holds more menace than any shouted curse ever could have.
You are a fool, Jerek. This is how you repay us for saving your worthless hide from the Blood Cougar? With a betrayer's blade in the side of an unarmed girl?
If you had stood with us today, you could have earned redemption, regardless of what foul deeds you may have committed in your past. Instead, you have earned a coward's death.
I swear by your blood upon my blade that I will take your life this day. No matter what else happens here, you are a dead man.
When he hears Vaysh call our to him, he answers without taking his eyes off Jerek.
Courage, Vaysh. Sir Edric lives, and so do the rest of us. See how Malthir stands strong, shielded by his faith in Iomedae. You are strong, Vaysh - and your faith and magic makes you mighty! Trust in your power! We will win this!
Vaysh casts her daze spell upon her assailant, and the weak-willed Jerek succumbs to her magic.
Malthir begins to glow with a shining white light, and the surprised Happs barely manages to sway aside from the Paladin's swordwork.
Fearful of firing into a melee and inspired by the success of Happs, the two remaining bandits draw short swords and rush Malthir.
One of the bandits swords comes close to harming the Paladin, but he deflects the short sword with his own weapon.
Without instruction, Talia resorts to her combat training and charges at the man who shot her master, with Oleg having had the foresight to have removed the wounded cavalier from the saddle.
The mount's teeth sink into Happ's shoulder, and he yelps in pain at the horse's vengeance.
A... Paladin? Happs mutters; seemingly unsure of how to respond to this powerful-looking foe. Just after his men rush in, he quick steps back towards the stable and fires an arrow at Talia.
Talia rears up in pain from the arrow that pierced her hide.
Seeing that Malthir is unharmed and Talia had already begun to extract vengeance from the leader, Fenna moves towards the cart and tries to heal the badly wounded Vaysh.
CLW
C'mon lad, your not out of this yet...
Oleg rummages around frantically through his pockets, eventually pulling out a small blue vial.
I had been saving this for an emergency, but this certainly qualifies... he mutters, forcing the potion down Edric's throat.
Healing
With a gasp and a frantic fit of coughing, Edric returns to consciousness. Oleg pulls him to his feet.
Round 3
Initiative
Casimir-19
Vaysh- 19
Malthir-17
Bandits-16
Sir Edric-16
Jerek-15
Happs-14
Fenna-12
Oleg-2
Round 3 actions
Casimir smiles a cold smile as Jerek's eyes glaze over. He finds an opening and stabs out with his blade, trying to strike up and under the bandit's short sword
Attack roll:
Damage:
Even though Jerek manages to deflect the stroke, Casimir continues to smile grimly, as he exchanges blows with the villain.
Vaysh...Fenna...help the others. This one is mine!
Round 3 Action
Malthir, seeing Edric slowry rising to his feat gets inspired 5' steps horizontally and attacks Happs without fighting defensively and pwr attacking! Happs, you have been judged by Iomedae as guilty, perpare to meet Pharasma!
The crushing blow comes down and...
Perception: