"Might you share some of that alcoholic delicacy with a fellow admirer of fine spirits master Keegan? asked Granor while listening carefully what the bandit leader has to say.
"Hmm...i see. So we should try to track down their employer. Too bad we let other bandits escape. Now news will spread that...wait, i have an idea. What if we..."
He trails off and steps away from the bandit calling his friends to join him and then continues quietly.
"What if we were to spread the news that an another bandit party raided the caravan and killed these bandits, and took anything that seemed valuable to them, and also kidnapped the lady? Maybe we could smoke them out like that...set a trap for them."
Yahirma will focus monetarily on Semenya's spellcasting before responding to Vahnwynne.
Spellcraft on Hypnotism
"If this was their entire force, then a smaller force of our own should be able to find and capture them. We could allow a few of our number to stay here and see the caravan gets moving again - perhaps those most burdened by armor or the least skilled on mounts. Alternatively, Semenya's mind magic and Derek may be of most use here in interrogating the captive.
"Near my homeland there is a bird - the cassowary - that cannot fly. Even so, it can run down a man, rend him with flashing foot talons, and warble a trilling cry that warns others that they near its territory. I can think of no more apt an analogy to our bawdy, blood-swigging battle-bard. I think few would confuse such a flightless bird for easy prey."
Yahirma mounts up, looking insistently among those standing about to see who would join her.
"It would be hard to convince the Council that this raid was a success if we let others survive to tell the story. By keeping Lady Drovenge under cover while entering Westcrown, it might be possible to twist the news and rumors to our advantage."
Yahirma turns to Granor.
"Precisely, and time is of the essence in making sure they do not run with both the wealth and knowledge of our faces. This is a whispering campaign we could win if, oh, somebody were willing to play the leading role in laying false trails...?" She looks suggestively at Derek.
Hopefully I made the right type of metaphor. These new types of performance and their vocabulary are not exactly easy to grasp.
"We can follow them easily enough in this wet terrain", Maddok says shaking his own muck covered boots. "Yahirma seems eager to lead the chase. I would go with her".
"Then we should not tarry a moment longer! I agree that i am not the best choice for treks through swamps, what with my stature and short legs. Plus all my spells but the most trivial ones are spent for now. So i volunteer to escort the caravan back to town. What do you say my lady? Would you agree to act as bait for these insidious people who obviously want to harm you in some way. However, we can offer you safety, as much as there can be safety in this forsaken country. And if we catch them, you will sleep sounly, not fearing the sounds of the night."
Firwel looks overwhelmed at Semenya's barrage of questions, but tries to answer them. "It was a man; I'm not sure how he intended to find out if the raid had been carried out, but I assumed he would keep a lookout to see if the caravan reached Westcrown as scheduled. He assured me he would find me wherever I went, so we didn't arrange a specific meeting place."
He pauses, then continues. "If any of my men escaped, they would surely go back to the camp. Where they would go from there is anybody's guess. If it were me I'd probably try to get as far away from here as I could. They would have coin enough to start anew somewhere else."
"Some of the recent additions were provided by the same man who told me of the caravan. The others I had worked with before. You would be surprised how many there are who would turn to thievery for a quick and large purse of gold. After all, everything we found of value in the caravan would be for us; My contact was only interested in some papers and the young Lady Drovenge. He was adamant that she wouldn't come to any harm, though."
"Oh, what papers might those be? Where were they to be found? And did he hint at what his intentions were for the Lady Drovenge?"
"So that we can see your men safely to camp, where is it from here, how far, and in what direction?"
Vahnwynne listens to Yahirma's tale of the cassowary intently. "Your homeland sounds very interesting. I should like to visit it some time." She turns to study Derek for a while. "I believe you are right. That young man would be difficult to confuse for easy pickings. You have convinced me. I shall go with you to confront these thieves."
She looks on with concern as Yahirma mounts her horse. "I'm not sure it's a good idea to ride horses into this wetland. They might easily step into a mudhole that they couldn't get out of, and could break a leg. Or break ours if they threw us off."
Lady Drovenge listens to Granor outlining his plan, looking part nervous and part excited as it becomes clear. "Your group intrigues me. I will agree to your plan. But, my grandfather expects me to return tonight, and if I don't show up as planned he will be worried and might set plans in motion to find me."
"The camp is about an hour's walk westward. It's next to a large dead tree that looks like a devil's fork; you can't miss it. The papers were supposed to be in a package for the mayor. I don't know what they contain. He said nothing of his intentions, other than she must not be harmed. I imagine he wanted to extract some gold from the Drovenge family for her."
The big Shoanti looks Vahnwynne over appraisingly his gaze lingering only a moment too long on her leather-clad curves.
"As soft as these rogues are I doubt they can maintain the pace they fled at for long in this terrain. We should have little trouble catching up with them," the smith says. "The spirits are pleased with our victory here. I will ask for their aid once we begin the hunt".
Granor strokes the braid of his beard thoughtfully while listening partly to the words the bandit speaks.
"Well, my lady, i do not know how smart would it be to inform your uncle that you are all right, but, if that would make you feel better at not going to him, we could se that a message you penned for him gets secretly delivered to his study. We have some people good at...ahhh...subterfuge in our little group."
He gives Lady Drovenge a fatherly smile and turns to his companions.
"So, who will go after the rascals and who will accompany the lady to the gardener safe-house? I volunteer myself to be one of those who accompanies the lady, as i would be of little use in battle as all of my spells are spent. If anyone of you is still hurt, i can heal you all some more if Torag wishes so. You will just have to gather around me.
If they agree to healing, granor will channel energy twice more, so that he makes sure that they are all well.
Channel 1
Channel 2
Yahirma looks to her horse, shrugs, and hands off its reins to one of the caravan travelers.
"If we wish to maintain the impression that the ambush worked, you might wish to approach Westcrown from a different direction. On the other hand, a successful ambush could be signaled by despondent teamsters, a lack of Lady Drovenge, and concealed bodies of those we captured. I at least suggest not going directly to the meeting spot, just in case there are watchers following your moves. We shall catch up to you soon thereafter."
To Lady Drovenge in particular she says "Perhaps sending a missive to your grandfather would soothe his nerves. He might even be willing to play along. I'll leave those details to the others, as I'm certain Derek would have a better time of it than I."
Yahirma will heft her pack and make ready to head into the wetlands.
Semenya will finish her interrogation.
"I've still some capability to add to a fight. That spell can also keep a small group fascinated, but it gets harder once fighting has begun. It might give a smaller party the advantage of surprise, and I can be stealthy when needed."
To Maddok, she says,
"If you can get them into a tight group, I can burn a number of them...severely."
Appario listens to the words of the wizard bandit leader for a bit longer.
"Aye, I've heard enough. Granor, I'll stick with you and the caravan to make sure it gets safely to Westcrown. In addition, I'll make sure these bandits find a proper way to repent."
Appario begins to double check the wraps used to tie up the bandits.
"If you all are not back by sun up, I shall come looking for you."
Turning to Master Ockerton, Appario will address him.
"Master Ockerton, I hope you don't mind some additional cargo on the route to Westcrown. I'll need to turn these men in but I don't think they will slow us down too much."
Appario will try to get Davik alone to ask him a question.
"Master Ockerton, would you mind if I had a look at the mayor's books? There might be something within that would aid us in figuring out why you were attacked."
Vahnwynne notes the big Shoanti's lingering gaze, herself looking appreciatively at his muscular frame. "This should turn out to be a most pleasing afternoon. Let us make haste and catch those archers."
Lady Drovenge smiles back at Granor. "Oh, I'm sure it will be alright. I don't always come back when he expects me, if you know what I mean." She winks at him, trying to catch Derek in her gaze as well. "I trust master Keegan will know how to play this out."
Davik Ockerton readily agrees to bring the trussed-up bandits along for the ride, but balks at the idea of letting Appario read the mayor's papers. "My reputation as an honest merchant is on the line, you see." He wrings his hands. "But if you really think it is necessary.."
He wrings his hands. "But if you really think it is necessary."
"Say no more and forget I asked. If you were asked to keep it secret or guarded or if you think it has valuable information in it, I'll not press the issue. Reputations are important."
Appario smiles and makes ready to enjoin the caravan with the prisoners.
He will ride near the back so he can watch over them.
Vahnwynne notes the big Shoanti's lingering gaze, herself looking appreciatively at his muscular frame. "This should turn out to be a most pleasing afternoon. Let us make haste and catch those archers."
Pleased at the vampire-huntresses reaction, Maddok allows himself a near-smile.
Once the hunting party has gotten some distance from the caravan Maddok closes his big right hand into a fist and presses it to his chest near his heart. With his other, he makes a motion not unlike that of the rhythmic pumping of wings in flight. He shouts something in his native tongue.
As his thundering chant comes to a close a majestic eagle comes tearing out of the sky above. It's unmistakably more than a normal one of its kind with gleaming silver/blue plumage and noble gleam to its avian eyes. It screams a piercing raptor's call as it circles once overhead to which the large smith sharply nods.
Derek chuckles at Granor.
"Why of course master Goldbeard, but I must confess, nobody has ever used the term "delicacy" to describe braheg before."
Derek hands Granor the bottle.
"The only drink I’ve ever encountered that was harder to get used to was Kumiss, fermented horse milk, sometimes liberally mixed with ah...horse urine."
Derek grins at Yahrima. "If you think me impressive you should have meet my grandfather in his heyday, I fight with a rapier, he mastered the Aldori sword school, I sing, he knew a tune that could shatter a tree branch as thick as my waist at 50 paces. If I live to be a hundred years old, I will still be but an eagle, he will be a roc."
Derek rubs his hands a little and smiles.
"A whispering campaign? Sounds right up my alley, not just my rapier can sting. Me and master Goldbeard will see the caravan home safe, and spread the word that woe and doom betide them."
Derek walks over to lady Drovenge and holds out an arm. "My lady, shall we be off? Allow me to escort you back to your carriage. You will be comfortable there until we reach Westcrown and we have to hide you."
Vahnwynne casts a speak with animals spell and conveys Maddok's wishes to the Eagle, who spreads its majestic wings and takes off at full speed.
About one minute after it took off, you hear the Eagle giving out a cry, and can see it dive down towards something on the ground in the distance. Maddok estimates that the Eagle is four or five minutes' walk away, almost due west.
Lady Drovenge allows Derek to take her arm. "Thank you. This will be exciting!"
The caravan moves off with no further incidents on the way until it gets to within an hour of Westcrown, when you see a Hellknight patrol approaching from the direction of the city.
"Thank the gods, a Hellkinght patrol"
Granor makes a stupid face and turns to his companions.
"Never, for the life of me has i thoght that i will say that honestly. But let's turn these ruffians over to the proper authorities and be on our way. What do you think?"
"Should we risk that? Word might spread that THIS caravan turned over bandit prisoners, it might be hard to sell the story that lady Drovenge was kidnapped if we do that."
Derek considers for a moment.
"Unless we spin the yarn properly, we might tell them how we lost a wagon as we fought of the bandits....No, the Hellknights are good at wringing truth from people. They would learn of our plan now that the bandits know of them too, and might put a crimp in it; the council might even have spies in their ranks. Let's keep the bandits secure for now. Hide them out of sight. Luckily the bandits are unlikely to WANT to be turned over to them and will not raise a fuzz."
Semenya will move on with Maddok and Yahirma and Vahnwynne, following where they lead and keeping eyes out front as she can.
"By the way, master Two-fingers, I have a question if you don't mind. More of a request really, begging a favour as it were."
Derek considers for a moment, tapping a finger against his chin as he thinks.
"We try to keep people safe, as we did with this caravan, but there are only so many of us, and more than a few currently lack skills enough to help. But we have a lot of raw potential. You mentioned you were trained at a monastery, so you are one of the monastic monks who turn their bodies into lethal weapons?"
"In our group there is a woman called Mathalen, she has a strong disciplined mind, and a body well honed from hard work, I believe the might be good raw material for the monastic ways as well. Would you consider taking her on as an apprentice? Just one or two hours a day? If she can be show the path, I think she can progress far along it on her own."
"If nothing else, you might tell us if her potential lies somewhere else or not. And do feel free to say no, I shall certainly not hold it against you."
Maddoks chases after as Yahirma and Vahnwynne follow the muddy tracks.
Appario will approach and try to hail the Hellknights.
"Greetings, Sir Knights."
Appario will be empty handed (his shield once again on his back) and will have his holy symbol in view, but not prominently.
"Our caravan was attacked on the road by bandits. We managed to fight them off and even capture a few of them. By the laws of Westcrown what should be done with them?"
Knowledge (local) for what Appario expects should be done with them according to local law/custom.
The Hellknight riding at the head of the column raises a gauntleted fist, and the patrol stops. He raises the visor of his helm and addresses Appario. "Greetings, traveller." The man looks Appario over with intense eyes, also glancing at the other caravan members before continuing. "Hand them over to us, and we will take care of them. Where did the incident occur, and was anything taken?"
Appario notices one of the Hellknights at the back of the column looking at him as if trying to place his face. His helm is dented at one side.
"We were attacked about an hour after we left Westpool. We managed to keep our belongings and our health, but we did suffer some wounds from which we will recover."
Appario will lead the Knight to the bandits, trying to be as quick and respectful of their time as he can be.
"Thank you for your time, Sir."
"Good, good." The patrol leader looks briefly at the three tied-up bandits in the back of the wagon, then snaps his fingers and rides away. The other Hellknights come over, making sure the bandits have no weapons with them, then shackling the bandits and securing them on their horses. They then fall in with their leader and set up a faster pace back towards Westcrown, likely headed for Citadel Rivad.
The Hellknight who took an interest to Appario keeps looking behind him until they're out of sight.
The Hellknight who took an interest to Appario keeps looking behind him until they're out of sight.
Appario lets out a deep breath as they leave.
That was interesting. Not sure what I would have said would he have accused me of anything. I shall ponder upon it as I ride back to Westcrown.
When the hunting party spots the devil-fork tree described Maddok will invoke the spirits for protection and close on the site.
"...or we can just hand them over regardless."
Derek shrugs and smiles.
"Should have known you wouldn't go for that idea Appario, but that's ok, you may be right. Besides, I favour Cayden Caelian, so I take things as they come."
After pondering a bit Derek nods.
"Might even work in our favour, if a caravan was attacked with no apparent loses only for words on the street to say that "something" valuable was taken, but nobody wants to let that be known, it would certainly interest the council"
Derek casts a glance towards Appario and frown.
"Don't tell me that was your idea all along? You've got a dangerously shrewd mind there my friend; I shall have to watch you."
Appario receives a slap on the back as Derek chuckles.
"We'll make a scoundrel out of you yet."
Appario receives the slap from Derek with a smile.
Sometimes I don't know what the man is saying. Should I have lied? Does not seem like it was necessary. Maybe the man is still acting, I'll have to learn to tell better.
"I hope the bandits have a chance to repent and rebuild their lives. I know that with my gardening responsibilities I'll not have time to see to their rehabilitation."
Appario will then ride over to Master Ockerton and see if he wants to discuss how he plans on selling his wares and if he is interested in a long term 'protection' contract with the Church of Abadar.
Erik Two-Finger responds to Derek. "Yes, I have been trained to defend myself without weapons. A man that relies on his weapon may find himself at a loss when that weapon is taken from him. I will be happy to repay you for your intervention with the bandits by teaching your Mathalen. If she is as disciplined and hard-working as you say, it should be possible to teach her the true Path."
Master Ockerton responds favorably to Appario's suggestion. "Yes, this trip has opened my eyes. I must invest in more defenses and protection for my caravan, or I will have no customers. The church of Abadar sounds like a good choice."
Derek smiles to himself.
Three down, Bard, Sorceror and Monk. Now to find a wizard...
"Salt of the earth you are master Two-Fingers, my thanks, and the thanks of Mathalen is sure to come once I tell her the good news."
Derek shakes Two-Fingers hand and claps him on the back.
"Say, isn't it going a little against the grain for The maid's nightmares ? My recollection is that there is usually three hellhounds rather than one owlbear."
Derek turns to the dwarven spirit merchant.
"This calls for a celebration, how much would you charge me for an additional bottle of Braheg, that Tian wine and a bottle of Oldlaw whiskey?"
Derek then leans towards Master Ockerton.
"Remember, a good deal means BOTH parties walks away happy, don't let Apparios people gut you too much now, most of those clerics spend ALL day thinking about figures and gold."
Derek gives Appario a sweet smile and winks.
While walking with her fellow hunters, Yahirma will discuss possible plans.
"My thought is to sneak around them slightly, giving me the needed range to make it sound like there are more of us than there are. I am thinking illusory noise will force them to focus their attention where we are not. I can then approach from our weakest side and engage them in a false parley, perhaps allowing you the distraction to approach the camp's treeline. If I can talk them down, that saves us some trouble and might secure a bit more vigilante muscle. If things go sour like Rahadoumi wine, then each of you will be close enough to close with the archers. Thoughts?"
"These men are weak cowards - not worthy of your words", the big Shoanti declares. "But if you think you can convince them to yield I will wait".
"What do you think Vahnwynne?"
When there's a moment for a rest break, Semenya demonstrates the Ghost Sound cantrip, as well as casting Message between herself and the other three members of the hunting party.
"Assets at hand as it were."
"Cowards they may be, but the same could be said for -" Yahirma's words trail off as she gets the Message. "Ah, you speak the spider's whispers. That could be quite useful. I am open to adaptation in this plan, particularly with what you have to offer."
"I will follow your lead." Vahnwynne tells Maddok. Once the plan is agreed to have Semenya and Yahirma go in first, she says "I shall stay here with Maddok until we are needed."
Once you reach the devil-fork tree and can see the bandit's camp, you see the three archers walking about to get as much of their stuff with them as they can. Two of them sport injuries; the injuries on one looks to have come from a bird's talons.
It doesn't look like they've noticed you.
The camp is in a clearing, but there's several nearby locations where one could sneak up close while staying fairly hidden.
"You know how it is, my friend. Hellhounds are difficult to find, and it's even more difficult to find actors willing to fight them! The director's have to make do with what they can get."
Jorek says "I would normally charge more for the Tian bottle, but for you, I will settle for 30 gold pieces for all three."
Yahirma will cast Enhanced Diplomacy on Semenya (+2 to your next diplomacy or intimidate check in the next minute - doesn't stack with Guidance) and then sneak around to the "back."
Sneaking with a
She will then cast Ghost Sound to create the sounds of a handful of soldiers sneaking up somewhat poorly Ideally having gotten the attention of those in the clearing, she will enter from her side (approximately the west, as I understand things). "That gold will only last you so long. I imagine it be nice not to have to find a new line of work every time your overconfident employer gets killed. Hear us out," she says, motioning with her head to the implied armed forces behind her in the treeline. "I think you might find it's a preferable option."
Diplomacy to keep them at least momentarily calm for Semenya to work her magic - in whatever way she prefers to do so: now that she understands why the birds were so social this morning (Natural Divination); clearly they were predicting the need to speak civilly and strengthen the flock!
Derek nods sagely at Eriks comment.
"True enough, but in Cheliax, they do demand demons and devils when possible. It goes with the Asmodeus church sponsoring a lot of plays these days."
Derek hands Jorek 50 gp and smiles.
"A little extra, for friendship. I wouldn't want to fleece someone after all."
Derek smiles and indicates the gates to Westcrown.
"Now I must ask everyone to assume a suitably downcast look, like you had just recently escaped a bandit attack. It will make my work more believable."
"Master Jorek, might I also buy a bottle?"
Appario looks at the cargo of booze with a clear look of confuzzlement.
"Drinks and bottles are not my thing, but I know I can trust you to provide something nice at a good price. I seek a bottle that will age well and, in the future, serve as a nice gift or make a perfect celebratory drink after a great victory. Would you have something to suggest?"
Maddok crouches nearby waiting while Yahirma and Semenya attempt to work their magic. The big man watches diligently for any sign of hostility from the remaining bandits only tearing his gaze away from them occasionally to steal a glance at Vahnwynne.
If things go long enough to where his Shield falls. Maddok will invoke their aid again.
One of the archers starts swearing. "There's a large group of soldiers coming; let's get out of here!" The other two are also nervous, but for another reason. "Someone is playing tricks with our minds. There are no soldiers, but keep your eyes open for whoever is creating those sounds."
Maddok gets the impression that Vahnwynne would very much prefer to be treated as an equal, rather than as some weakling needing protection.
"Thank you very much, friend bard! Friend knight, I think I have just the thing for you!" The dwarf rummages in his wagon for a while, then emerges with a large, exquisite-looking bottle. "You are Taldan, yes? This is the best Taldan wine you'll find anywhere in Cheliax, and it only gets better with age. It will be yours for only 15 gold pieces."