"Well, perhaps not like a chicken..." Eseldra mutters to the boy. She grabs him by the arm. "Up on your feet now," she says, and takes the boy over towards the wagon, motioning to Tyr to accompany them. Once separated from the other bandit, she begins asking the boy about various things, such as his mama, the Stag-Lord, and where their hide-out is.
While he doesn't know much about the Stag Lord, other than he's the "King o' the Bandits," or where there main hideout is, he talks about his mother at great length. His brother was born, according to his father, "before he was done cookin'," and as such has always been sickly. His father left when his brother was about two and he was about six, and for the next ten years the young bandit had to help support his family. His mother works odd jobs, pulling in coin from here and there, and the young bandit left one day about six months ago with a note to his mother promising he'd return with treasure beyond their wildest dreams. Now, according to him, he's in too deep to leave, even though he just wants to go home.
Eseldra gives Karthas a subtle shake of her head, motioning to the boy.
"But you" quickly snapping his gaze toward the seemingly unfrightened bandit, "I'm not entirely sure you're good enough for the noose. Depending on value of your information."
Intimidate 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23"Tell us all you know, and you may yet live."
"Oi, all right then!" the bandits says, raising his hands palms up in a gesture of surrender. "The Stag Lord's a monster of a man. 'E wear 'im an 'elm made of a stag's skull wi' the antlers still attached. I've 'eard tales that 'e can kill a man wi' only a glance and that 'e can shoot arrows clean through an oak tree. I've only seen 'im once or twice meself, but that's enough. I en't never been to his fort, tho'. I jus' know it's somewhere far ta th' south."
He drops his hands and lowers his head.
"Like I said, if ye are gonna do for me...jus' make it quick like. But that's all I know. I en't loyal to the drunk bastard anymore, and I'll face what I gots ta face."
A bunch of stuff about the wagons and goods in it...
Out of all the canvas bundled in the wagon, only about 3 square yards are salvageable, and Tyr finds a half dozen or so good flat stones that might be of use for cooking or heating as a bedroll warmer, but none suitable for building.
The large canvas tarp is threadbare and would barely stop a light breeze, let alone keep any water out of the wagon bed.
The wagon is in decent condition, however, and the horses look a bit underfed but not unhealthy.
As the one who captured them, I invoke the right to keep them alive until we reach Oleg's...
Harther considers the gnome's words. "You are right," the ranger agrees. "You are the one who captured them, so ultimately their fate is up to you. I will abide by your decision."
Harther listens to Eseldra and Karthas interrogate the two bandits as he rubs down the lathered horses, silently considering all that the prisoners have to say. Once he finishes the rub down, he unhitches the horses from the wagon and leads them over to the grassy side of the road to let them eat, keeping hold of their reins and continuing to speak softly and soothingly to them.
When everyone is finished with their activities, Harther hitches the horses back to the wagon. “I’ll drive,” he offers.
The next four days of travel pass without further events. After the second day, many of the trappings of civilization that are taken for granted have completely vanished with the road becoming not much more than a beaten path winding around hills and through increasingly larger groves of trees.
Finally, after what seems like ages, on the 29th of Calistril, Oleg's Trading Post comes into view.
As the party follows the quickly vanishing road Rani is ever on the lookout for edible berries and game animals.
The next four days of travel pass without further events. After the second day, many of the trappings of civilization that are taken for granted have completely vanished with the road becoming not much more than a beaten path winding around hills and through increasingly larger groves of trees.
Finally, after what seems like ages, on the 29th of Calistril, Oleg's Trading Post comes into view.
Ah, the trading post is ahead; excellent. Now, Eseldra, what do we have to trade or give them? Lets make a good impression all...
"We have rocks, patchy canvas and mediocre weapons. I am certain they will bow at our feet in awe," she responds dryly.
Harther forages for food in an attempt to supplement the party's supplies.
Ah, the trading post is ahead; excellent. Now, Eseldra, what do we have to trade or give them?
"Don't forget we have this wagon," Harther suggests. "I doubt that we'll want to try to drive it throughout the wilds as we explore. We might want to keep these horses, though."
"We have rocks, patchy canvas and mediocre weapons. I am certain they will bow at our feet in awe," she responds dryly.
My lady, the weapons may be mediocre to adventurer's like us, but even owning a sword is a sign of wealth in many places in Golarion. I humbly suggest we offer the weapons as a token gift to Oleg and his kin- they are worth little to us but the gesture will more than pay for itself over the months we are likely to be exploring the Greenbelt.
"I agree with making a gift of the weapons. It is a nice gesture, and we could certainly use allies here."
Once he realizes he isn't in immediate danger of being run through, Gilbert warms a bit and is quick to point out landmarks and such during the ride. His favorite is a rock outcropping that looks scandalously like a reclining woman. He elbows Berenkor in the side and actually smiles mischieveously when he points it out.
Mik isn't impolite, but he only speaks when spoken to. He seems resigned to his fate, whatever that may be.
It is early evening when the weary band first notices a plume of smoke rising over a low rise dead ahead. Mere minutes later, their destination comes into view.
Oleg's Trading Post was once a border fort, and its rough and ready nature is apparent in its fifteen foot wooden palisade wall and the towers on each of its four corners that stand another five feet above that. Sad looking catapults stand on the towers, their warped wood signifying that those operating them are in greater danger than any target they set their sights upon.
In the side of the fort facing the road, a set of thirty foot wide double doors currently stand open. The yard consists of a large thatched roof wooden building, obviously the main house and trading post, a smaller building with much the same construction opposite the common area from the main house, a large fire pit and two tables between the two similar buildings, a moderately sized stable with a roof, and a storehouse between the stable and the main house.
Great 3D view of Oleg's! Thank you, Chinchbug...this is AMAZING.
A large man with unkempt fiery red hair and huge muttonchops is currently on the roof of the smaller building, repairing some of the weathered thatching. An attractive woman, easily fifteen years the man's junior is rubbing down an old nag in front of the stables. She looks up and sees the band pulling into the front gate.
“Desna's mercy, Oleg!” she cries. “Restov has sent aid! By all the gods, my husband, we are saved!”
“Ah, calm down woman,” he rumbles in a deep voice. He turns his gaze to the party after clambering down off the newly repaired roof. “Is it true? Have you been sent to help me and me wife?”
Eseldra agrees whole-heartedly with the gifting of the weapons, but suggests that they arrange with Oleg to board the wagon at his trading post, in case they need it in the future to return to Restov with large piles of treasure ("or fallen comrades" she adds casually, though in a very low voice).
Eseldra will lay claim to one of the tamer horses, however, as she currently does not own a horse (wizards get sucky starting gold).
Hail Oleg; it certainly isn't false- perhaps with more information about your troubles here we will be able to offer aid.
Regardless, allow me to introduce myself, Berenkor Estalia Trandoran at your service, and these are my noble companions Harther, Eseldra, Tyr, Karthas and Rani.
But shouting up to a roof is no way to have a civilised conversation; please come down while we present to you some small tokens of our good intentions to you and your wife.
diplomacy
Tyr frowns for a moment at the woman's praise of 'aid', though he schools his feature into plain somberness as the group and their wagon rumble into the yard of the place.
His eyes cast around and note that everything seems to be made of wood, from walls to buildings....
He nods and smiles as Berenkor introduces himself and the rest.
Leaning down to whisper to the gnome, "What do we want to do with our 'guests'?"
Hail Oleg; it certainly isn't false- perhaps with more information about your troubles here we will be able to offer aid.
Regardless, allow me to introduce myself, Berenkor Estalia Trandoran at your service, and these are my noble companions Harther, Eseldra, Tyr, Karthas and Rani.
But shouting up to a roof is no way to have a civilised conversation; please come down while we present to you some small tokens of our good intentions to you and your wife.
"Aye, well met then," says Oleg, extending his boulder of a hand to completely engulf Berenkor's "Bandit's have been something terrible as of late." He spits. "Protection? Can you believe it? The last three bloody months I've had to turn over my goods to these...these...right bloody bastards!"
"Now Oleg, calm yourself!" the younger woman chides. "We don't want to scare off these kind folks, what with them offering to help!" Oleg glances at the woman, his gaze softening. He extends his hand to her, then puts his beefy arm around her shoulder.
"I've forgotten my manners, good strangers," Oleg says, smiling gently at the small woman. "This is my wife Svetlana. She keeps this place running, since an ox like me couldn't do it myself." His face sobers.
"We have fallen on hard times, though," he continues. "Three months ago, on the first day of Kuthona, a dozen or so of these fiends show up. A woman led them; nasty sort. Carried two hatchets. Seems like her second in command was a wiry son of Lamashtu armed with a longbow and wearing a heavy cloak. They demanded we turn over all our stock or we might suffer some 'accident.' I protested, and the devil of a woman gave me this!" He rolls up his sleeve, indicating a nasty scar on his forearm. "Luckily, after she left I had a potion that staunched the bleeding, but left me with something to remember her by. They even took Svetlana's wedding ring."
He sighs deeply. Svetlana, looks up at him, and after he nods to her she picks up the story where he left off.
"The first day of every month they return and take whatever meager stock we've managed to get from trading with the trappers and hunters that wander a ways into the Greenbelt. Not many travelers come this way. It seems that each month, they are getting more comfortable with this racket they are running, and fewer and fewer bandits have been coming. They don't expect us to put up a fight, and though we wish we could we're no match for these...these..." she whispers, as if not wanting to say the word too loud, "bastards! We've sent word to Restov, but help has been slow to arrive."
She looks at the group with tears in her eyes. "We'll give anything we can if you'll help! The day after tomorrow if the first day of the month, and we're expecting them to arrive shortly after sunrise. You can stay here in the guest house, free of charge, and I'll feed you until then if you'll only help us chase them off."
"Please?"
"I don't pretend to speak for any except myself... I'll stay and help as I can."
"We have been charged with exploring the region bordering your trading post and with bringing justice to bandits...how can we refuse?" Rani looks to her companions for support then looks around at the post.
Hmmm...I wonder which is the best spot for archery?
"Of course we will help you, Master Oleg, Mistress Svetlana," Harther says as he steps down from the wagon, nodding respectfully to both of them. "The Swordlords of Restov have tasked us to strive against banditry here in the Greenbelt. We will do all we can to stop these bandits and put an end to their villainy. You have my word on it."
Harther turns to his companions. "Since these bandits are so fond of ambushes," he says with a glance toward Gilbert and Mik, "perhaps we should follow their example and set an ambush for them. Any thoughts?"
Karthas slowly looks around the outpost, "Hmmm....perhap you and Rani can lie in wait atop the towers flanking the entrance, since the two of you seem more than capable with a bow. I'll watch from just inside the stable doors to make our numbers appear less than we are." A smile crosses the barbarian's face, "Once the bandits are inside the post, Oleg and Svetlana should take cover and we'll put an end to this bandit threat."
"And what of our two friends?" Harther asks, pointing to Gilbert and Mik. "I find that they've actually grown on me these past few days. I'd hate to see them come to harm."
"But I'd also hate to give them a chance to turn on us," the ranger thinks to himself.
"We could pass whatever judgement we are going to on them, or we could leave them bound and silence them until we are done with these other bandits.....I would just as soon leave any judgement until we've captured more of the bandits tomorrow and take care of the whole mess at once."
"Give them weapons and armor and let them prove they are repentant. If they turn on us they know the consequences."
Tyr listens to the couples words, then every one elses comments.
"I am quite happy to act as 'decoy' as well, if need be." He smiles a little "Can't have Oleg and Svetlana taking all the risks.
"As for our two?" Tyr looks to where ever they are currently residing.
"We keep them out of sight and out of temptation?" He suggests. "Oleg, do you have some where these Bandits don't look into when they come calling?"
"Unless they want a chance to turn the tables on the other bandits, that is?" Now Tyr hints about the pair changing their ways and helping the party.
"Since Berenkor is the one who captured them, the decision is ultimately up to him. What say you, Berenkor?"
"While that idea has merit, we do not know how many of these bandits will show tomorrow. To potentially add two more to their numbers....I'm not so sure I like that idea. Besides, the young one would likely just get himself killed anyway."
Tyr listens to the couples words, then every one elses comments.
"I am quite happy to act as 'decoy' as well, if need be." He smiles a little "Can't have Oleg and Svetlana taking all the risks.
"As for our two?" Tyr looks to where ever they are currently residing.
"We keep them out of sight and out of temptation?" He suggests. "Oleg, do you have some where these Bandits don't look into when they come calling?"
"Unless they want a chance to turn the tables on the other bandits, that is?" Now Tyr hints about the pair changing their ways and helping the party.
"Aye!" Gilbert exclaims, nodding frantically. "I want to do right, not jus' by you but by me ma', too!"
"Agreed," says Mik. "If it keeps me out of a noose, I'll fight for ye. I tol' ye, I en't loyal to them folk no mores."
"We have rocks, patchy canvas and mediocre weapons. I am certain they will bow at our feet in awe," she responds dryly.My lady, the weapons may be mediocre to adventurer's like us, but even owning a sword is a sign of wealth in many places in Golarion. I humbly suggest we offer the weapons as a token gift to Oleg and his kin- they are worth little to us but the gesture will more than pay for itself over the months we are likely to be exploring the Greenbelt.
Oleg's face creases with a smile. "It sounds like you all are going to give these brigands the what for! If there is anything Svetlana and I can do for you, all you must do is ask. We are no fighters, though, so when the arrows start flying and the swords are swung we'll make sure to stay out of the way."
He graciously accepts the wrapped weapons.
"Aye, I'll board your horses for free and we can stow the wagon in the open area in front of the stables for as long as you need. These weapons will pay for feed for your horses for quite some time, if that is agreeable to you."
Svetlana gently interrupts, saying, "Now I'll be making dinner soon, so make yourselves at home in the guest house. There are four sets of bunk beds, so you should have plenty of room. I'll have dinner ready in an hour or so." She smiles at the party again, fresh tears welling in her eyes.
"Desna, Gorum, and whatever gods you like bless you! This hell is almost over for Oleg and I...I can feel it!"
"Aye!" Gilbert exclaims, nodding frantically. "I want to do right, not jus' by you but by me ma', too!"
"Agreed," says Mik. "If it keeps me out of a noose, I'll fight for ye. I tol' ye, I en't loyal to them folk no mores."
Tyr nods at the pairs words as he looks at his companions.
"There is also the groups agreed comments about things evenly divided? That is everything, yes? We took these two along with the wagon and horses." Tyr waits for other people's comments silently.
"Tyr, I'm not so sure I like the idea of these two 'helping', but if that's what everyone else wants to do, so be it." Karthas turns to the two captive bandits scowling, "And you two....take me at my word, you betray our trust, and you'll pray to any gods that will listen for the swift fate of a noose."
Tyr nods at Kartha's words, though looking around the compound, his gaze notes the areas behind the stables. He frowns then walks over to the parties wagon and starts pulling the tarp and canvas off the bed.
"Well, they may not keep the rain off, but they will help keep modesty intact." Tyr mumbles and begins hauling the ratty material over towards the middens.
"Oleg? Do you have spare wood and hammers?" He asks casually. "Some screens for this area might not go astray."
During dinner, Harther carefully questions Oleg and Svetlana about the bandits due to arrive the day after tomorrow in an attempt to gather more information that will help in planning an ambush.
"How many bandits are there? How are they armed?"
"What do they do when they arrive? Are there any particular actions that they take?"
"What do you do when they arrive? Are there any particular actions that you take? Things they expect you to do?"
"Do they come into the trading post? Any particular areas that they go into? Any that they don't?"
Harther also asks Eseldra and Berenkor, "Do either of you know any mundane or magical ways in which to disguise two of our number to appear as Oleg and Svetlana? If two of us could act as decoys, those two could hide in plain sight, as it were, while keeping our hosts out of harm's way."
"I can manage an illusion of them," Eseldra says, "though it won't fool the bandits once they get up close."
Karthas slowly looks around the outpost, "Hmmm....perhap you and Rani can lie in wait atop the towers flanking the entrance, since the two of you seem more than capable with a bow..."
"Seems like a good idea to me." Rani checks out the towers, their cover and field of fire.
We have the makings of an excellent plan here all.
Eseldra, your illusion spell sounds like the perfect decoy; they won't be expecting trouble, so simply an illusion of Oleg looking resigned to his fate with some goods in hand would work well.
Tyr and Karthas are our strongest melee combatants, so I think they should stay out of sight in the stables with our two friends here gesturing towards the two former bandits , and listen out for my signal. The rest of us should rain down hell upon them from the protection of the towers. The centre of this trading post shall become a killing ground! I will use a minor spell to create the sound of a roaring beast- this will be the signal to attack.
I am in favour of arming these two scoundrels to redeem themselves of their misdeeds; I nominate Karthas to remain with them during the battle to keep them honest- and deal with them should their allegiance turn. We can arm them them with the shortbow's we gave to Oleg; we'll have to temporarily requisition then from him. Perhaps we are being a little too trusting with them, but this is the simplest way to truly test them; and if they betray us I shall put them to sleep- and they will never wake up
Rani, were you able to prepare a Zone of Truth? If you did, we could ascertain if our two former bandits are truly ready to repent, anc whether or not they will aid us.
I suggest until the day after tomorrow we take the time to get to know this outpost intimately, and see what we can do about boosting it's defences; Tyr do you have any idea's?
I suggest until the day after tomorrow we take the time to get to know this outpost intimately, and see what we can do about boosting it's defenses; Tyr do you have any idea's?
Tyr blinks, his thoughts brought back to the dinner table surrounded by his companions.
"Hmm? oh, um, yes, lots of ideas...um, about the conflict? Why not just keep it simple and honest? I'm more than happy to stand in the open and take these others measure." He shrugs, "Save our magical forces for attack or healing, rather than lies and deception..." His voice trails off for a moment, "Still, I'll go along with every bodies plan, like we all agreed." He finishes.
While not carpentry, making some frames and nailing the ratty tarp and canvas up as simple walls and roof should come under the skill
Oleg gets a few scrap pieces of lumber and hands them over. It's a very simple matter of engineering to construct a basic screen. Tyr finishes it before Svetlana has dinner made!
How many bandits are there? How are they armed?"
"What do they do when they arrive? Are there any particular actions that they take?"
"What do you do when they arrive? Are there any particular actions that you take? Things they expect you to do?"
"Do they come into the trading post? Any particular areas that they go into? Any that they don't?"
During dinner in a cozy common room complete with two large tables and a hearth, Oleg answers Harther's questions as best he can.
"They started with a dozen or more, but each month have been returning fewer in number as they see Svetlana and my resolve give out. After we knew we could do nothing about it on our own, we've taken to leaving the stock out in the main yard so that they will just take it and be on their way."
"They are...unpleasant if they see Svetlana, threatening to take her away and do awful things to her. Usually, I will stand near my goods and take their abuse so they don't go after her, and she will hide here in the main house. I feel like such a coward, but she begs me not to stand up to them. I hate to admit it, but she's right."
"They usually only take the goods, then poke their head in the storage shed, the guest house, and the stable to make sure we are hiding nothing. Only the first time they came did they come into the main house."
"Does that answer your questions? I think I've told you everything I know."
"Sounds like there won't be very many bandits this time around, but they are likely to come again with greater numbers when the first group doesn't return."
Tyr does frown a little after Oleg gives his explanation. He nods to Oleg,
"Yes thank you, it does answer some."
"Hmmm, so this time there will be few, but next time there will be more to see what happened to their fellows?" Tyr's frown deepens as he broods and speaks aloud in thought.
"We need to think of something for after the fight, then. Maybe hiding their trail to here and disposing of any fallen some distance away from the Outpost?" Tyr muses aloud.
"Still, me standing next to Oleg, not wearing my armor, shouldn't be too out of place? I'll have my sword under the goods within easy reach. Rani and Harther just have to get the ones with x-bows or bows before they get me." Tyr smiles encouragingly.
"Um, Berenkor and Eseldra,? Do you have any healing magic?"
"We could try to capture one of the bandits and interrogate them to reveal the location of their stronghold," Harther muses. Then he is struck by an idea. "Gilbert? Mik? Do you know anything about these bandits that accost Oleg's trading post? Do you know where they are coming from?"
"We need to think of something for after the fight, then. Maybe hiding their trail to here and disposing of any fallen some distance away from the Outpost?"
"That's an interesting idea. Make it look like they were attacked by something else and never made it to Oleg's..."
"Still, me standing next to Oleg, not wearing my armor, shouldn't be too out of place? I'll have my sword under the goods within easy reach. Rani and Harther just have to get the ones with x-bows or bows before they get me."
"It may be better to have the illusion disguise you to appear to be Oleg, since they are used to seeing Oleg waiting for them alone," Harther suggests. "That way the bandits won't be suspicious at the presence of a stranger. And you could still wear your armor."