The ranger backs up allowing the bandit to march out of the building and toward the open gate. He pulls his bow back even further emphasizing that he is ready to fire and hopefully occupy the man's full attention.
Grimath steps back away from the door and watches the scene unfold, knowing he's neither dexterous nor sneaky enough to affect a rescue of Oleg in this situation.
If the bandit ends up surrendering we'll be likely to get a good bit of information from him in exchange for his life. Such information will be quite valuable to us in our journey into the Greenbelt.
Athenasius stops dead in his tracks once he overhears the bandit's demands. Realizing the gravity of what just transpired, he wipes the sweat from his brow and analyzes the situation.
It seems our options are limited. We cannot afford to let the bandit escape with Oleg in tow. There is a strong possibility that he is in league with the Stag Lord, and letting the bandit overlord acquire such a bargaining chip would be very detrimental to our goals here in the Green Belt. Only way to save Oleg is to get the bandit before he can slit Oleg's throat; and the only way to do that is to surprise him...
Scanning the environment for anything that may offer the group some advantage, his gaze comes to rest on the owl perched atop the battlement. Peer... that's it!
Athenasius smiles as he whispers a reply to Olo: "Agreed Olo. Unfortunately I did not prepare that spell for today so you will have to do it. Wait for my signal and we will hit him at the same time."
He then turns his thoughts to Peer and instructs the owl to quietly make her way to the roof of the stables and hide.
Finally he messages Damrak, Den, and Olo: Here is the plan: Peer and I will charge and attempt to disarm the bandit as soon as he comes out of that door. At the same time Olo will try to grease his weapon. Damrak and Den, take him down afterwards. Don't worry, he won't know what hit him.
Satisfied that everyone is on the same page, Athenasius moves into position and draws his quarterstaff.
Athenasius instructs Peer to charge and attempt to disarm the bandit.
"NOW!" Athenasius shouts as he charges and tries to disarm the bandit:
As the attacks unfolds Den's readied shot is unleashed. (rolled above)
With Den and Damrak backing off, Paulo leads Oleg out of the house. Unfortunately, for him, it was the worst and last decision he would ever make. The last thing he expected was an owl to dive on him and snatch his short sword out of his hand! Oleg quickly dives to the floor, while Olo moves from under the table to stab the bandit in his lower spine, while at the same time, Den's arrow flies true, striking the bandit in the chest! Two short screams and Paulo's corpse crumbles to the ground.
Svetlana ("Lana" for short) runs into Oleg's arms and they hug on the ground. Pic of Oleg Pic of Lana
Oleg looks up appreciatively at the party and he stands up with his wife. "Thank the gods for ye. If you hadn't come, I don't even want to think what they would have done to me Lana. Not to look a gift horse in the mouth but what are you all doing here? We don't get many visitors here, other than bandits who extort us! Damn Restov! I sent messages for them to send soldiers and nothing! Look at what that bastard did to ya?" Oleg sweetly caresses Lana's red cheek where she was slapped.
Lana pats her husband's hand. "Calm down, honey, it's fine. These good people are here to help us, right?"
Not the talker in the group Den produces a rope and proceeds to carefully disarm and secure the living bandit. His body language and eye contact with the man almost begs the bandit to resist or complain. The ropes are tight, but not cruel. After which he moves wordlessly to the two dead men, removing arms, armor and other valuables, and stacking them in a neat pile before dragging the corpses out of the post. He does not ask for help, but accepts it if someone joins in.
"I'm Anibeth; Restov sent us with a charter to explore these lands and do what we can to end the threat of banditry and other plagues upon more civilized behavior. Your outpost is the key landmark defining the scope of our exploration. It sounds like we'll be in the area for a while, and you're our best known point of resupply."
Gesturing towards the corpses:
"Any ideas where these brutes came from? If there's more out there, that sounds like the type of thing we're supposed to deal with!
Damrak happily leaves Den to the task of securing the captive - and even more happily leaves him to the corpses.
Once Rufus is nice and secure, Damrak murmurs "Will you excuse us for a while?" Dragging the bandit off to the stables, he spends some time using a reasonable amount of force (and the threat of amounts of force) to persuade Rufus to tell him everything Damrak wants to know.
Damrak is happy for anyone who wants to assist to do so, but understands that some of the more Good-aligned types are a bit reticent when it comes to ... persuading ... people to give you information.
This includes:
Where are they camped?
When are they expected to return?
How many others are they camped with? What are their names? When will they likely move to a new location? What will happen when they don't return?
How do they keep watch at night (numbers, arrangement etc)? What are their passwords?
Are they part of a larger organisation? How many? How often do they meet? Where do they meet? When are they next due to meet?
He will pass these answers on to Athenasius, via the message spell, to be recorded down for future use. If anyone has any other questions, Athenasius can use the same spell to pass them on to Damrak for answers.
"Lady Anibeth is correct. We have been charged with the Swordlord's Charter and will be mapping and hopefully annexing the Greenbelt and surrounding regions. I am Athenasius Darrow, scholar of Law and seeker of all things arcane. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Athenasius removes his hat and bows graciously to Oleg and Svetlana: "As the lady have pointed out, we would like to make use of this fort as a staging area for our forays into the wilderness. However, I'm sure you both are tired from the day's ordeals, so let us discuss the details of the arrangement later - after dinner perhaps." Recieving Damrak's message, he excuses himself from the gathering and proceeds to bring the Yaks and wagon into the compound and rebars the gate. Calling Peer to his side and digging his record tome out of the luggage, he makes his way to the stables while whispering an reply:
"Let us alternate our approach Damrak. You can act as the stern lawman and I shall be the understanding magistrate."
Athenasius also pumps the bandit for information about the surrounding area and about the Stag Lord, Auchs, and Akiros.
It matters not if he talks. Dendarial says in way of aiding another in Intimidate. Our charter is clear. Sword or rope. Either way he dies.
It matters not if he talks. Dendarial says in way of aiding another in Intimidate. Our charter is clear. Sword or rope. Either way he dies.
At Dendarial's comments, Athenasius turns to the bandit with a gravely concerned look. "He is right you know. The Swordlord's Justice is swift and merciless. However, we are the instruments of said Justice, and we may stay Her hand if you repent and cooperate."
We may; and that is all I can promise you... friend. My companions have just as much the right to demand your life as they have to spare it. My voice is but one of the many.
Once things have settled down, Grimath joins the others in introducing himself to Oleg and Svetlana.
"Me name's Grimath, and as with the others I'm here t'help explore the region and clear it of bandits and other threats. We'll no doubt be what passes for soldiers in these parts for a while, and we'll do what we can to help keep ye safe If ye'll help by allowin' us to use yer post as a base to operate from."
When Damrak and Athenasius begin working the bandit for info, Grimath quickly catches on to the routine. He listens up until Athen's offer of clemency, at which point he chimes in "Aye, if ye'll cooperate with us I'll make sure that ye are given a proper trial and that yer help is taken into account. Ye have my word as a Hammerswrath that ye'll not be executed if ye repent yer crimes and aid us."
Did you not read the charter Grimath? Sword or rope. There is to be no quarter for bandits. Dendarial says sternly in front of the prisoner as he turns away from the man to face the dwarf he gives him a quick wink.
Damrak looks annoyed at the talk of his companions. "He faces the rope, and that is the end of the matter - he's an unrepentant would-be rapist who's committed Abadar only knows how many crimes. The only question is how much he suffers before execution, which is entirely in his own hands."
Damrak turns his attention back to Rufus: "Will you tell me what I want to know, or will I have to break more fingers? I'm waiting..."
Olo wipes his dagger clean on the bottom of his boot as the adrenaline pumping through his veins settles down.
So this is what it's like on the side of the law...
He can't help but feel a slight pang of empathy for the poor bastard in the stables. He knows he was probably following the orders of an even fouler man... this Stag Lord most likely... and also knows a life of crime is often a last resort for many folks. He can't bring himself to take part in the interrogation at this point. He waits outside the stables, leaning against the wall while he catches his breath, fingering the brim of his hat. He listens keenly to the discussion inside...
After which he moves wordlessly to the two dead men, removing arms, armor and other valuables, and stacking them in a neat pile before dragging the corpses out of the post. He does not ask for help, but accepts it if someone joins in.
Den finds the following on the bandits:
10 gp on each (total 30 gp)2 days' worth of trail rations on each (total 6)
3 sets of leather armor
3 short swords
3 longbows with 60 arrows
Gesturing towards the corpses:
"Any ideas where these brutes came from? If there's more out there, that sounds like the type of thing we're supposed to deal with!
Anibeth sees a small gash on Oleg's forehead with dried blood and the swelling on Lana's cheek (). As Oleg and Lana lead you into their home and seat you at a table, Oleg says, "Oh you don't know about 'em? Those are Happs' men. He's a local bandit leader. He and his men have been extorting money and supplies from our Trading Post for the past 2 months. He's supposed to be coming tomorrow to collect for the upcoming month. Paulo and his boys today said they came early, to help themselves to something "more than supplies". So glad they're dead now! But will you stay and help us against Happs and this other men? I hope so given your charter and the fact that youw ant to use our Post as a base of operations. Happs is usually accompanied by 6-7 armed goons. We are already in your debt and would appreciate any assistance you could provide." Meanwhile, Lana goes about starting to cook lunch.
Athenasius also pumps the bandit for information about the surrounding area and about the Stag Lord, Auchs, and Akiros.
Damrak's intimidation, Den's comments, and Athenasius' "good cop" routine have Rufus sweating and pleading for his life, as he sits bound in the stables. "Please! No sword, no rope! I'll tells ya all ya wants to know. I work for Happs, cockiest guy I ever known. He thinks he's the best and cruelest and will let you know all about it. Happs and all of us reports to Kressle, meanest bit*h you'd ever want to meet in a dim alley. You don't mess with her or she cleaves your head off with one of her 2 handaxes! Anyways, we got a camp by the northern bank of the Thorn river. I think she reports to the Stag Lord directly. Before you ask, I have no idea as to where he lives. I've never met him, guess not important enough to make his acquaintance. Anways, I never heard of Auchs and Akiros. We just reports to Happs and Kressle." Athenasius senses no attempt at deception on Rufus' part. He is genuinely scared for his life. The bandit looks pleadingly to see if that is enough to spare his life.
After which he moves wordlessly to the two dead men, removing arms, armor and other valuables, and stacking them in a neat pile before dragging the corpses out of the post. He does not ask for help, but accepts it if someone joins in.Den finds the following on the bandits:
10 gp on each (total 30 gp)
2 days' worth of trail rations on each (total 6)
3 sets of leather armor
3 short swords
3 longbows with 60 arrows
The ranger gathers his findings and will bring them inside and place them all on a table. We have our first spoil to share out. He announces to the team. How shall we do so?
"Of course we'll help!" not bothering to look around at the others, Anibeth just assume they are all in on this. "I see you've both been marked by them, let me see if Shelyn's grace will help us heal that." She grasps her holy symbol and closes her eyes in silent prayer.
She looks up to see the swelling subsiding and gash closing without a scar. "There, now that's better."
Anibehth pauses to think and speaks again saying "When do the raiders typically arrive? What's their usual routine?
Hmm, we'll need to find out if the bandit Damrak is questioning was planning to return to Happs' band... Happs might know something is up...
Den reassures Oleg. Of course we will stay. We are here to tame these lands and to kill bandits. If 7 or 8 of them are coming here, well this is the best place to find them I'd say. Combining the total information Dendarial adds We should ambush Happs here and then go for Kressle before she knows Happs is not going to report in. Oleg, what resources might you have here that we can use to enable this ambush? Are those siege engine in the towers operation?
To Rufus he explains Our orders are to execute all bandits. Sword or rope is the only option. So, if you are a bandit you must die. But if you happen to suddenly be a hired laborer working here at the trading post for room and board for the season with the goal of reforming yourself then we would not have to plan any executions, assuming you could convince us and Oleg to trust you... He looks to Oleg to see of the man supports his idea. But you should know that I am a trained ranger and tracker and have never lost a foe. The animals of these woods help me when I am after a man. So if you run it will mean your death. To emphasize the point Acio comes and lands on his shoulder as he speaks and stares at Rufus in an unblinking gaze.
Anibehth pauses to think and speaks again saying "When do the raiders typically arrive? What's their usual routine?
Oleg and Lana light up to see their wounds healed. Lana runs up and hugs Anibeth. "Bless you, child! Thank you for healing us." Oleg nods in appreciation and he continues, "Well, let's see, when the bandits first visited—they threatened to burn down the trading post and abduct Svetlana for their own amusements back at their camp if we didn’t agree to hand over all of the furs and trade goods we’d accumulated over the past month from hunters and trappers. Since then, the bandits have returned twice more, each time within an hour of sunrise on the 28th day of very month."
Lana picks up, while she stirs a pot, "We've learned to have our “taxes” ready and hand them over quickly—Happs and his men usually seem eager to return to their camp somewhere in the Greenbelt, which makes me think their camp is not too far away."
Combining the total information Dendarial adds We should ambush Happs here and then go for Kressle before she knows Happs is not going to report in. Oleg, what resources might you have here that we can use to enable this ambush? Are those siege engine in the towers operation?
Oleg smiles. "I think that'd be a pretty fine idea, you putting the bandits who come to sword and rope as well! Unfortunately, those engines up there ain't see much use in years. I reckon it would take weeks to fix, if someone even knew how to do so."
"I'd say kill the murderin' rapist and be done with it. There ain't no forgiveness for trying to take another man's woman, while his friends hold him hostage in the house. I wants him dead, deader than a doornail!"[/b]
Anibeth returns Lana's hug. "Its the least I can to help. You two have been living a hard life here. We need to create security so that your dream can flourish. Shelyn is please by your love to each other. I will defend you and yours."
Turning to the others, "Seven to eight bandits like these scum . . . we should be able to handle that, if we can surprise them. However I worry that if the three kill dealt with don't return they may be prepared for us. I think we need to plan on how we can mask the fact that those bandits have been here and figure out how to incapacitate a larger group, quickly."
Anibeth is in agreement with Oleg on Rufus's fate. The charter outlines the punishment expected for banditry and the attempted rape only makes it worst. She might have been willing to argue for leniency had it only be crimes against property. And feels the sentence should be carried out quickly and as painlessly as possible.
On hearing Anibeth's outburst, Damrak rapidly reappraises the priestess of Shelyn. Perhaps not the hopeless idealist I took her for... Good.
Aloud, he says only: "Shall we do this, then?" If the group (including Oleg and Lana) agrees, he will pronounce Abadar's judgement on Rufus and hang him from one of the rafters in the stable, pulling on the man's legs to break his neck and minimise the suffering. Those of a squeamish disposition therefore need not watch.
Once done, Damrak considers the larger group due tomorrow. "This Happs and his men - I agree we should wait for them here and then move on the larger group. Let's keep our usual watch, though - I'll take the dusk. We don't know what else is out there. " Damrak shivers, not just from the cold - the adrenaline is wearing off and he's still stranded miles from his beloved city. That reminds him...
Digging into his pack, he triumphantly produces his coffee pot and some beans and looks hopefully at their hosts: "Svetlana, if there is any warm milk available, you will have made a friend for life."
Combining the total information Dendarial adds We should ambush Happs here and then go for Kressle before she knows Happs is not going to report in. Oleg, what resources might you have here that we can use to enable this ambush? Are those siege engine in the towers operation?
Oleg smiles. "I think that'd be a pretty fine idea, you putting the bandits who come to sword and rope as well! Unfortunately, those engines up there ain't see much use in years. I reckon it would take weeks to fix, if someone even knew how to do so."
"I'd say kill the murderin' rapist and be done with it. There ain't no forgiveness for trying to take another man's woman, while his friends hold him hostage in the house. I wants him dead, deader than a doornail!"
"Mind if I go upstairs and take a look at 'em, Master Oleg? Perhaps I can figure how to fix 'em, or at least what we'll need to do the job."
Olo climbs the ladder on the southern wall and heads toward the siege engine in the south west corner. He fingers the brim of his hat, pondering for a moment. He knows he is no expert in this area... he feels a little extra luck is in order. He twitches his ear and feels the subtlest tickle in the back of his mind. Like a pair of dice rattling in a cup. The familiar sensation that he has tipped the odds, ever so slightly, in his favor.
Olo then takes out his journal and does his best at a quick sketch of the equipment, notating any problems he discerns. He intends to show these notes to someone experienced in repair, incase they come across such a person in their travels.
When he's done he looks over the trading post wall, taking in the surrounding terrain and how they will defend it when the bandits will return.
The ranger looks apologetically at the bandit. Well, you did try to rape his wife. I cannot blame the man for not wanting to have you around the house. Seems like there will be no room for rapists in the new order we are bringing. I fear the only kindness we can show you for now is to let you pick; sword or rope?
Later, to the group he says Let us take stock of this place and note what resources we have to fight with. Then we should plan our best ambush for the men we expect in the morning. I think our plan needs to include getting them in the walls so that none run. Oleg, do they usually come on horseback?
"I agree Den, we need to trap them in here. We must take all of them or risk exposing ourselves to thier commanders. We can use these terraces to our advantage and surprise attack them at range from above."
After the interrogation is done, Grimath heads out to join the others with Oleg and Lana again.
"Ye can count on us t'hold the bandits off Oleg, don't ye worry. We'll be ready for'em when they come." the dwarf says reassuringly.
He then turns to the group to discuss plans for tomorrow. "A trap is just what's needed. If we can get'em near the entrance, we can ambush'em as they're enterin' the compound. Might even be able t'get the Yaks to stampede out the door if we spook'em well enough. Would be hell t'get them back again afterwards, but would likely break the bandits ranks. We could also put the bear traps t'good use with a bit of preparation, we did bring some didn't we? Any of ye good with settin' snares and the like?"
Athenasius lets out a sigh as he finishes noting the bandit's confession. "So be it. Given the extraordinary circumstance, I shall yield to the decision of the majority. Let the Swordlords' Justice be served, and may you find redemption in the after life." Nodding to Damrak, he packs up his Record and joins the others in Oleg's home: "I agree with Dendarial's idea. An ambush inside the walls would not only give us the initiative but also prevent their escape and deny our enemy intelligence regarding our activities."
Nodding at Grimath: "I have 4 sets of bear traps in our cargo."
So, once they are inside someone needs to close the gates… dendarial concludes, continuing the chain of thought.
"Mind if I go upstairs and take a look at 'em, Master Oleg? Perhaps I can figure how to fix 'em, or at least what we'll need to do the job."
Olo determines that with time the catapults could be fixed, perhaps weeks, if he had the proper skills (). He would need a steady supply of timber and metal parts and artisan's tools and time.
From his vantage point, Olo can see a mile in each direction. He notes the Greenbelt forest way in the distance to the south. To the east and west and north are plains.
"I'll yield to those of you with more ambush expertise, please assign me a position where I can support with healing and other divine aid. I am skilled with the glaive, but was more trained to use it in defense behind the lines than charging directly into battle"
The ranger looks apologetically at the bandit. Well, you did try to rape his wife. I cannot blame the man for not wanting to have you around the house. Seems like there will be no room for rapists in the new order we are bringing. I fear the only kindness we can show you for now is to let you pick; sword or rope?
Rufus begs for his life and that he will repent, but Athenasius or anyone with ranks in Sense Motive can tell he is so desperate to live that he will say anything. In the end, with the party's judgment already decided, Rufus selects the sword but not before cursing and spitting at all of you and cursing you and your family's names, ancestors, and descendants. Oleg watches the execution, while Lana decides to stay in the main house. When Den cuts the bandit's throat, no tears are shed.
You are then treated a lunch of stew with bread and water.
Spending time there and preparing for the ambush, you familiarize yourselves with the grounds.
Key:
A1. Market Yard
A2. Guesthouse
A3. Stable - Oleg's horse Claptrap in there
A4. Storage Pen - goods like furs are stored here. Here is where the bandits come to to take their monthly tax. Oleg has laid out this month's payment already.
A5. Middens - 3 feet deep
A6. Main house - double doors leading out to market yard can be barred not locked.
A7. Dining room
A8. Office
A9. Stockroom
A10. Storeroom - contains 2 barrels of drinking water, half full barrel of lantern oil, dozen candles, week's worth of firewood, hooded lantern, 70' of rope, and 2 weeks' worth of food (dried cheese, hard bread, and dried venison)
A11. Bedroom
Couple of things:
1. What do you do with three corpses? Will attract carrion and disease if left alone.
2. Oleg volunteers to have himself as bait if that helps your ambush plans but he does not want his wife involved in any danger whatsoever.
The ranger completes his assigned task like most any other, feeling no regret for something that must be done. He eats with the same appetite he always has and does not speak further of the killings he had to do.
During the meal, as part of the total conversation. Dendarial manages to asks Oleg Since this is a trading post and you are a merchant, would you be able to purchase from us the items we took from the bandits that we do not need? And what items might you have for sale yourself?
After a meal he offers The bodies should be moved to the woodline out of sight of the road and buried. Who will help? And with his question he stands to attend to the task.
Oleg smiles, "Sure, I'm always open for business. I'd be happy to take some goods off of you. As for items for sale, I'd have to check my inventory. I haven't had to in awhile due to these bandits. I'll check after you hopefully deal with them tomorrow and let you know."
"By the way, the bandits come mounted and arrive one hour before sunrise. They dismount and go into the Storage Pen and leave soon after back the way they came."
Den nods. [b]So you leave the gate open for them? [/ooc]
Den nods. So you leave the gate open for them?
Lana replies, "We leave it closed but unlocked. However, they make plenty of noise to let us know they are collecting their "tax". They like to see our faces of sadness as they take our furs and goods."
"Should be easy enough to surprise them if they stroll in so pompously." Olo replies, with a mouth full of stew dripping from his chin. He's clearly happy to be eating a home cooked meal, no matter how simple it may be. "We may want to get that door shut behind them though. Think I should hide and bar them in from the outside? Someone on the terraces can drop me a rope and I'll scurry on up. Could also summon a creature or two from the other side of the walls... Would have to be sure the whole lot of them comes inside though. Have you noticed if any keep watch outside, Master Oleg?"
Nodding, Den adds Ranged fighters and maybe some casters could be hidden up on the walls or towers. Maybe under a tarp for total concealment. Ladders up of course. Melee fighters in the shed to surprise them when they open it. But what do we do if some of them run?
Damrak very much enjoys his first meal in some time at a proper table, with chairs - and the prospect of coffee afterwards. He listens to Oleg as the others around him plan a suitable welcome for the scum to visit tomorrow, and concentrates on eating.
As Olo speaks, he (reluctantly) puts down his spoon and considers: "That is a good idea - if we put a rope up in one of the towers, you could climb down that, fasten the gate shut to stop them leaving and then climb back up again afterward. That way, we can just shoot them until they surrender. If we're in the towers, we'll have the advantage of height and cover. I like the idea of a reserve on the ground to protect Oleg and Lana and surprise any survivors in melee."
He considers further, trying to spot any possible flaws in the plan. "Anibeth, your polearm would be an ideal weapon to stop them trying to climb up to get us - you could fend them off safely while we shoot them; no need for you to charge into battle." He smiles at the priestess, uncertainly - he's not sure how much she saw of his nerves when she came to find Lana.
With a shake of his head, he dismisses those thoughts. "If we keep watch, we can see when they arrive and be ready for them."
He passes up on Den's offer to help bury the bodies, with a brief shudder that he hopes will be mistaken for the cold.
If they do not all come in we will not be shutting the gate on them. Also, we can expect them to be armed similar to the three found here; swords and bows. So they can shoot us from the ground as easily as we can from the walls. They will only really provide cover if the enemy is on the outside.
"Damrak, I think Den is right about the position on the walls. I think my place is on the ground. Perhaps in a place ready to defend and protect Oleg if he's going to be visible to the bandits?"
"We will want them all in the compound fer sure, and closin' the doors behind'em is a good plan t'keep them from fleein' Olo. If any get away we might have more bandits comin' our way 'fore we know it." he says, nodding in agreement with the halfling's suggestion.
"It'd make sense t'have a couple on the walks, but we'll need some on the ground, else they'll just run behind the buildings and take cover. Need t'control where they can go, or it'll be a mess." He pauses to think for a moment before continuing. "I'd say have those on the ground here by the fire pit. Can use the tables to block alleys 'tween the storage room, stable and main residence, and Oleg's wagon t'block the area from the outer wall t'the stables. The other wagon can keep'em from gettin' down around the back of the guest house too. That'll trap'em between us and those on the catwalk."
"Finally, I'd think it'd be safest if ye and Lana barricaded yerselves in the room of the main house. Not worth riskin' either of ya gettin' hurt." he says to Oleg, clearly concerned that the man might become a target of the bandits when the trap is sprung.
"We should place some bear traps where the bandits are likely to venture such as before the entrance to the storage pen. They will be expecting to collect their so called "tax" and hopefully walk right into the traps."
Addressing Grimath's idea: "A sound plan Master Hammerswrath. May I suggest that we leave an apparent route to safety open for our... guests? Perhaps we can leave the alleyway between the guest house and the wall clear and place the remaining two traps in it . Those who wishes to escape from our hail of arrows will be in for an unwelcome surprise."
Turning back to the group: "It will also give Olo an escape path after he closes the gate, which should give our guests further incentive to venture into the traps. Of course, Olo can avoid them easily enough since he will know where not to step."