"Take Dasha or leave her... that be a plan we need to be thinking on more after talking with her in the morning... hard to be guessing what to do with someone a'fore ye talk to them; and I ain't nay slaver, neither. I'd just assume we let her toss in some thoughts on what we want to do with her... she got's a say in it anyhow, no matter how bad them folk want her. While I be at it, it seems that they found her alright... could use magics to do that, I'd guess... ye all know more about that sort of thing then I do... but could they find her with magic, no matter where we sent her? Taking her with us o'er the grass into unexplored turf; they may look fer her there and we all get jumped together. And if they don't be doing that, that means they find her where she is; this seems like the surest and most defensible place I can think of... Though there may be others; still and all, still and all... let's wait to chat with her before any hard decisions on what to do with her, or what we ask o' her, eh?"he adds sagely.
"What do ye all think o' the plan of being deputies?"he asks the others, who watch you all from their drinks.
"Brett, I do not know the intricacies of the law, but if we have claimed this land as our own, it would make reasonable sense that we could "deputize" folk in the protection of it ... I have spoken to some of the people here this evening and I have to say there is some mighty fine skill available to call upon."
I understand your reticence to remove Dasha from the community Hermia. Mostly I think it is because she actually poses a danger to them by her very presence her that I think we should bring her. Obviously I have no intention of forcing her to come with us but I think she will be amenable when we explain the need.
Alaric then looks at Brett and says I don't see why we couldn't set up deputies to look after things. For the time being I think it prudent that as many people as possible stay here at Oleg's in terms of those not attached to the charter if for no other reason than it will be better for all to Winter here and there is safety in numbers for them. Especially if Dasha is not here to entice the cultists to attack. Here is what we should do, Brett go see if there are any men, or able women, that would like to hold some more authority to protect these lands and the people therein from among those here. Hermia, see what sort of plans you and the Pharasman's can come up with for the protection from the cultists. Information on Urgathoan priests tactics, defenses, things like that. I will go talk to Dasha and see how she feels about coming with us. Ry I would like you to talk to the woman who can read the signs and portents and see if she can give us any advice. Ka'etil if you would be so kind, would you assist Brett with seeing about able men and women for forming a group to protect these people?
Ariarh nods at her assigned task. She was eager to talk with Patty since hearing of the woman from Lily earlier in the evening.
"Alaric, Hank's wife who can read the signs is presently asleep in her wagon. If it is imperative we speak with her this minute, I shall politely waken her. However, Mistress Lily whom we dined with earlier, had told me that Mistress Patty had experienced a long, tiring day and went to bed early. I would rather not wake her, if we can speak to her in the morning. But, I await your word on it."
Hermia smiles warmly at Alaric. "Certainly, Alaric. Although, I believe our negotiations may require some deal of finesse," she answers. "I had intended that we should establish long term relations with their order to foster positive relations with our goodly neighbors. Do I have your permission to pursue that goal as well?"
"Actually, lad... we be quite good at protecting ourselfs,"Hank says, taking a sip of mead from his mug, looking at Alaric.
"We didn't get through southern Galt, to skirt Ustalav and push all the way to the doorstep of South Brevoy... what with dealing with our own lot of trials and such... to be unable to handle a few problems. As for the plan on being deputies? Not for nothing, but what's in it for us? I be happy to lend a hand to you... but I looked over your map... and the only thing that jumped out on us be the little bitty of plains and grasslands near Oleg's... short south of his home turf. I was thinking on going south, maybe, but all I see is fields for miles. Nothing really too fancy or worthwhile... But if you don't want to have us, that's fair; we can do things our own way, and you can go your way. Your lad Brett's been hinting of great rewards and so forth if we came and set up with you. Is he wrong to suggest that? Because we're almost convinced he had something there... but maybe we were wrong, eh?"Hank says watching Alaric with a strange gleam in his eyes as he lifts his mug and drinks again.
The morning will be fine Ry. I do not want to cause the woman any undue stress and I am sure all our problems will not have vanished by morning, mores the pity. Alaric says with a laugh. As for a long term relationship Hermia I think that would be an excellent idea.
Hermia smiles warmly at Alaric. "Certainly, Alaric. Although, I believe our negotiations may require some deal of finesse," she answers. "I had intended that we should establish long term relations with their order to foster positive relations with our goodly neighbors. Do I have your permission to pursue that goal as well?"
Brett shakes his head, looking at Hermia.
"Lass, I be asking yer thoughts on a question now twice, and ye give me no answer; though ye be talking to Alaric plenty enough. And fer a lass that be passed out in the field... ought ye to be dancing? Anyhow, if ye don't want to answer me, then that be yer choice... but it be bloody rude. If ye don't want to be telling me how to deal with Dasha, as ye may got some information on it, then it be fine. If ye got a beef with me fer some reason, that be fine, too. I be steering clear of ye, if ye prefer, then... I just thought I'd ask is all... but ye can at least answer me nicely, one way or the other, instead of handing me the silent treatment,"he says, watching her as he takes another puff of his pipe.
"I will see Mistress Patty after my morning meditations. Is there anything else you would like me to attend to tonight?"
Hermia smiles warmly at Alaric. "Certainly, Alaric. Although, I believe our negotiations may require some deal of finesse," she answers. "I had intended that we should establish long term relations with their order to foster positive relations with our goodly neighbors. Do I have your permission to pursue that goal as well?"Brett shakes his head, looking at Hermia.
"Lass, I be asking yer thoughts on a question now twice, and ye give me no answer; though ye be talking to Alaric plenty enough. And fer a lass that be passed out in the field... ought ye to be dancing? Anyhow, if ye don't want to answer me, then that be yer choice... but it be bloody rude. If ye don't want to be telling me how to deal with Dasha, as ye may got some information on it, then it be fine. If ye got a beef with me fer some reason, that be fine, too. I be steering clear of ye, if ye prefer, then... I just thought I'd ask is all... but ye can at least answer me nicely, one way or the other, instead of handing me the silent treatment,"he says, watching her as he takes another puff of his pipe.
"I asked Brother Aliento to assist in interviewing her, as he and Sir Darshan are far more familiar with the entities in question," Hermia answers carefully. "There was some mention of... a ritual that may take place very soon, for which she is needed. As it has already been some weeks since their first two outriders have failed to return with their prize, I cannot help but reason that there is likely at least one, if not more already dispatched to take their place.
"For myself," she continues, "I have no desire to remove her from this community. If she has found some tenuous peace here, it is not our place to remove her. And with so many persons in residence of late, I am grateful that she is present to assist with healing... in Bokken's absence."
Hermia pauses and looks to the group. "I am aware of our pressing need to secure this area, and I believe that eliminating the bandit should be our first priority, but how much reliable information do we have about their whereabouts? We know of two camps of varying size, but have not a word about their chief. Kressle's justice suggested that bandits are at their heart miserly creatures with no discipline. If we were to remove their chief, it is likely that they will scatter. Whether or not this effect is advantageous, I leave for you to decide, but I believe that a precise strike at the heart of the operation will do more damage to morale and as a message of our intent to claim these lands than hunting each of them to a man. After all, these are lawless lands."
Hermia answers Alaric's suggestion. "It appears to me Mister Ironhorse is more than equipped to assist you in that endeavor. If we mean to make these people as our own, perhaps we might ask them to assist us in this cause?"
I may have misread that, though... remember, he's not being harsh with you, just trying to get a read of things. The gleam was "strange" not "evil and malicious..." :)
Anyway, I look forward to seeing some great posts from you again soon, sleep well!
Hermia smiles warmly at Alaric. "Certainly, Alaric. Although, I believe our negotiations may require some deal of finesse," she answers. "I had intended that we should establish long term relations with their order to foster positive relations with our goodly neighbors. Do I have your permission to pursue that goal as well?"Brett shakes his head, looking at Hermia.
"Lass, I be asking yer thoughts on a question now twice, and ye give me no answer; though ye be talking to Alaric plenty enough. And fer a lass that be passed out in the field... ought ye to be dancing? Anyhow, if ye don't want to answer me, then that be yer choice... but it be bloody rude. If ye don't want to be telling me how to deal with Dasha, as ye may got some information on it, then it be fine. If ye got a beef with me fer some reason, that be fine, too. I be steering clear of ye, if ye prefer, then... I just thought I'd ask is all... but ye can at least answer me nicely, one way or the other, instead of handing me the silent treatment,"he says, watching her as he takes another puff of his pipe.
..."I asked Brother Aliento to assist in interviewing her, as he and Sir Darshan are far more familiar with the entities in question," Hermia answers carefully. "There was some mention of... a ritual that may take place very soon, for which she is needed. As it has already been some weeks since their first two outriders have failed to return with their prize, I cannot help but reason that there is likely at least one, if not more already dispatched to take their place.
"For myself," she continues, "I have no desire to remove her from this community. If she has found some tenuous peace here, it is not our place to remove her. And with so many persons in residence of late, I am grateful that she is present to assist with healing... in
This happens a lot, it's a bit of tricky... we'll pretend Brett's comment didn't happen, that was my bad. I posted a question, then I saw a post by Ariarh, then two by Alaric, and then (as Alaric was mentioning what to do with Dasha), and you responded on what to do with Dasha... I thought you were just responding to him and blowing Brett to the wayside...
No harm, no foul. Sorry for any confusion, and let's move on :)
I cast Sleep on Alaric... oh no! I failed! He is now awake and posting...
Ariarh turns to Brett.
"I cannot speak with Mistress Patty until the morning. Do you need any help at present? I would rather not sit around idle if I can be of some assistance."
"Well, Alaric, I'll certainly lend Brett a hand picking with speaking to able individuals, as knowing upon whom one can rely is a valuable asset. it would also let me get further acquainted with this operation here."
He'll follow Brett if the halfling takes up this talk, but the gentlemen at the table seems to think it unnecessary.
The dwarf wearing a heavy hood over his features moves forward.
"Och! This be far too much gabbin' fer one dwarf to be stomiking! I be heading to me tent and sleep fer a spell... nay bloody pun intended... Ye lot be staying here?"
"Khald, why don't you take the children back to the camp, as we can talk more free with these folk without them, eh?"Hank asks, looking over your folk.
Hermia considers Mister Ironhorse's words. It was true that grass afforded very little in terms of protection, or assets. And, unless she was mistaken, lumber had to be hauled from quite a distance away to construct the tower that had been erected beside Oleg's keep. Furthermore, there was little access to running and clean water this far north...
"Mister Ironhorse, am I to believe by your negotiations with Master Brett and your mention of rewards that you and yours intend to settle in this area permanently?" she inquires. "If this is the case, I do agree with you that the land here is not suitable, being so far from a source of water. Pray tell, what manner of holdings would you prefer?"
Brett leans back against the bench, ready to answer any and all questions and Hank looks like he is ready to speak, as well.
Suddenly....
A loud sound startles you. It is a large clanging and banging from the tower above. The noise alerted the outriders, and suddenly the men outside are rushing from their bunker to grab gear and mount horses.
Torches are kindled around the area, and there is a general clamor from the camp near your fortificaitons.
Brett rushes up the ladder to one of the walls and jerks out his spyglass and scans the northern horizon with it.
"I see a group of people moving this way, maybe half a mile out... three or four horses are there, and some footmen... could be bandits, or who knows what?"
As he is doing that the outriders that are out and about are now congregating on the bascamp and are advancing out to meet these folk en masse. You have a chance to do something quick, but it will be tight...
The outriders, as usual, are armed with long swords, bows, spears, and large shields and scale mail. They move forward quickly - anyone with a ready horse can follow, if they prefer.
In short order you see the next company of outriders making ready to find out what this new threat may be... will they be enough to handle 4 mounted men, and several footmen besides? Only time will tell...
"They sent out Smithson to lead them... He'll be the one giving orders, taking names, and hopefully making sure nothing bad happens,"Brett adds hopefully.
The man name Smithson moves forward; his men moving in a wide fan around the new riders. At this distacne you cannot hear what is happening, but you can see there is no sign of battle... yet... but what could be happening?
Let's find out...
Hermia looks to her companions, "I will travel with the outriders," she says, then promptly picks up her skirts, and runs to the stables to prepare her horse and follows them.
Hermia looks to her companions, "I will travel with the outriders," she says, then promptly picks up her skirts, and runs to the stables to prepare her horse and follows them.
You can ride bareback, if you'd like... otherwise it will take you a few minutes to mount your horse. The group is now moving at 5x movment speed, by the way... you may be better to go with the second wing...
Sure, bareback seems like good practice - I mean, yeah, can't waste time, they say. :P
Ka'etil's face suddenly turns serious for the first time instantly to the table, where his weapons were rested, re-attaches them, prepared for combat, and moves toward the stables.
"While moving out in force could send unwanted hostile signals, fortune favors the prepared. May as well prepare to mount up. At the very least, we can be hospital and meet out guests." Ka'etil briefly smiles to the company, and then unties his horse.
The riders move in a wide fan, and their chief looks you all over with somewhat surprised looks. Seeing your gear and garb, he checks his men and has them hold their weapons back; though still ready if it is a trick.
"I am Malik Smithson, out of Brevoy, recently attached to the garrison on one... squire Oleg’s property; under orders of Commander William Tinker – recently dispatched here under orders of House Kaid,”he says curtly.
"You are no warriors, nor bandits as I see it... and it is a far journey from any safe place... "he adds to himself.
"I am charged with assisting my commander in protecting this place from hostile threats. You do not strike me as evil folk, yet I am still forced to bring your people to my commander for questioning, as your presence is suspicious."
Seeing your looks and gear, he raises his hand to check a protest, and looks at you directly.
"This is likely formality... You alone will most likely speak to my commander, at the least food and medicine can be offered to your companions while he interviews you. If he is disinclined to keep you here, then at the least you are free to be guided safely to the borders of this little land after a hot meal. But though I cannot speak for my commander, I have a sense that he will not be inclined to do such a thing, unless it is warranted."
This "Smithson" fellow strikes you as educated, genteel, and courteous. He seems to be making reasonable requests on strangers in dangerous terrain. Furthermore, he is willing to make concesions for your group. You sense arguing with him would be pointless at this time, as he is under orders, but you are free to do what you will at this time.
A tall man rides in front of the band, clad in well-worn riding leathers. He carries a steel shield marked by dust, mud and rust, and despite the bads under his eyes and the red veins in his eyes, he manages to come off austere and protective of the people behind them.
Behind his shield and horse, a few tired-looking people walk or ride tired-looking horses covered in lather and dust. There are five of them; six if you count the seven-year old boy huddled in front of his mother up on a mule.
The leading rider stands in his stirrups, using the higher position to better spot the guardsmen.
[i]Armed men, many of them. There shouldn't be such companies, down here in these Stolen Lands. By the gods, if they attack us, it's all over and it was all for naught. Well, that won't do. I'll have to fight or elude them if need be, even if it's to buy some time for their escape.[i]
He turns in his saddle, signaling an older man that appears to be carrying a short hunting bow. The hunter holds the horses' reins, and hushes orders to the women. They all huddle together; man, women, child and horse both.
"One can easily see you're not bandits seeking to prey on my people, sir Smithson, but as you yourself has brilliantly said, this is a far journey from any safe place. I can offer you my word on my honor that we mean no harm to you or any of your company, and if only you would the same I'd lay down my arms and accompany you to your commander."
His voice is ragged by the cold, but still carries itself effortlessly through the whiping winds. His shield is raised, and his hand holds the reins of his horse, which could be a strong white stallion under all the dirt.
Hermia, recognizing that there are women and children among this group, guides her horse foreword, past Sir Smithson.
"Speak not of arms when there are women and children to be sheltered," she says passionately. She looks to their leader, the knight with the shield. "Sir, may I know if any of your troop are in need of healing? When was the last you have eaten, or had fresh water?"
Sure, bareback seems like good practice - I mean, yeah, can't waste time, they say. :P
3.
I will need you to make a ride check, please.
Appropriate penalties from riding bareback and in the dark will be factored in, too.
Good luck!
"Aye, sir, be at ease, this is the standard treatment here. I met good Smithson here as I rode in earlier this evening."
he rides up closer to the tall man "So who might you be, m'lord," he asks with a chuckle.
Ride Check
Ka'etil falls on his arse, and cracks up, shouting to the men "Oye, what all is going on out there" as he gets up and sets out on foot, at a full run (120ft/round due to fast movement)
specifically the outriders have already reached the new group, and they were talking to the new rider there.
As Hermia and Ka'etil get on their horses to leave with the second outrider unit, Ariarh stays behind with the travellers at Oleg's. She believes it is best that she form a "protection unit" within the walls in case anything goes awry.
Hermia is intelligent enough to cast Light on an article of clothing, or her pendulum before she rides off into the night.
Hermia's ride check
Hermia, recognizing that there are women and children among this group, guides her horse foreword, past Sir Smithson.
"Speak not of arms when there are women and children to be sheltered," she says passionately. She looks to their leader, the knight with the shield. "Sir, may I know if any of your troop are in need of healing? When was the last you have eaten, or had fresh water?"
Actually, you were pretty far behind. The outriders were on the field scouting, as you may recall. Further, you will still need to make your ride check...
Actually, you were pretty far behind. The outriders were on the field scouting, as you may recall. Further, you will still need to make your ride check...
Hermia, recognizing that there are women and children among this group, guides her horse foreword, past Sir Smithson.
"Speak not of arms when there are women and children to be sheltered," she says passionately. She looks to their leader, the knight with the shield. "Sir, may I know if any of your troop are in need of healing? When was the last you have eaten, or had fresh water?"
Hermia is intelligent enough to cast Light on an article of clothing, or her pendulum before she rides off into the night.
Hermia's ride check 1d20+2
I do not understand why I am making a ride check out of combat, though.
Hermia is intelligent enough to cast Light on an article of clothing, or her pendulum before she rides off into the night.
Hermia's ride check 1d20+2
While not doubting Hermia's intellegence, if you don't cast the spell, you didn't cast the spell. In any case, you are far from the company of outriders who were scouting, even as you made your natural 20 roll.
That is fairly good luck, by the way.
In either case, you will eventually get there, but after the converstaion is finished though before others arrive.
Actually, you were pretty far behind. The outriders were on the field scouting, as you may recall. Further, you will still need to make your ride check...
Hermia, recognizing that there are women and children among this group, guides her horse foreword, past Sir Smithson.
"Speak not of arms when there are women and children to be sheltered," she says passionately. She looks to their leader, the knight with the shield. "Sir, may I know if any of your troop are in need of healing? When was the last you have eaten, or had fresh water?"
I do not understand why I am making a ride check out of combat, though.Hermia is intelligent enough to cast Light on an article of clothing, or her pendulum before she rides off into the night.
Hermia's ride check 1d20+2
Your natural twenty notwithstanding... You made the ride check because riding a horse bareback withou ranks in ride, in the dark, is a dangerous action. Hence the roll. But you rolled well, so it doesn't really matter at this time.
That is just asinine. I don't role play that my character uses the restroom, combs her hair or brushes her teeth, but I can assume that she's not dying of kidney failure.
I have a rank in ride.
The mounted man looks at the newcomers surrounding him, and nods in acknowledgement at Hermia's and Ka'etil's responses.
"My name is Bronwyn, son of Bronos and Gwyn and I mean no harm."
He turns to Smithson, looking intently at his eyes.
"So do we have your word, good sir?"
A tall man rides in front of the band, clad in well-worn riding leathers. He carries a steel shield marked by dust, mud and rust, and despite the bads under his eyes and the red veins in his eyes, he manages to come off austere and protective of the people behind them.
Behind his shield and horse, a few tired-looking people walk or ride tired-looking horses covered in lather and dust. There are five of them; six if you count the seven-year old boy huddled in front of his mother up on a mule.
The leading rider stands in his stirrups, using the higher position to better spot the guardsmen.
** spoiler omitted **
He turns in his saddle, signaling an older man that appears to be carrying a short hunting bow. The hunter holds the horses' reins, and hushes orders to the women. They all huddle together; man, women, child and horse both.
"One can easily see you're not bandits seeking to prey on my people, sir Smithson, but as you yourself has brilliantly said, this is a far journey from any safe place. I can offer you my word on my honor that we mean no harm to you or any of your company, and if only you would the same I'd lay down my arms and accompany you to your commander."
His voice is ragged by the cold, but still carries itself effortlessly through the whiping winds. His shield is raised, and his hand holds the reins of his horse, which could be a strong white stallion under all the dirt.
"Very good, you seem like a good man. Come, then, and we shall accompany you back to squire Oleg's,"Smithson says, turning to see Hermia riding up to them.
You know what. I am done. I know we just started to get a group atmosphere going here, but quite frankly, this is among the worst gaming experiences I have ever had.
I simply cannot deal with the frustration and the anger any more. Needing to roll a ride check out of combat? And because I didn't "say" I cast light to guide myself, because apparently my cleric is too stupid to know she needs to see at night has just taking the wind right the heck out of me.
Good bye guys. I wish I could say that it's been fun, but having my character completely borked, watching Smendor leave because of things just like this...
Have a good game, guys. Really. And Alaric, I'm sorry you lost Con points for Hermia, but I can't take this any more.
Bronwyn resumes his riding position, turning to face the huddled bunch of apparent refugees. He speaks to them in a low, calming voice, and as he finishes his sentence one of the mature women grab his arm, pleading for something in hushed tones.
"I will be back, Risa. There's not a thing in this world that could keep me from doing so. I promise thee."
After patting the woman's arm, he grabs the reins and moves his horse near Smithson.
"I humbly thank you, good sir, for the offer of shelter and feeding, and we'll gladly accept your hospitality." Finishing the sentence, he offers a gauntleted hand to the man.
Hmm.... Well then...
Smithson nods, and sees the appearence of the cleric, who has arrived on her horse, sans saddle. She is somewhat out of breath, and a bit disheveled.
"Greetings! I am Hermia... child of the Great Mother... can I be of any assistance?"she asks in a soft voice.
Smithson salutes the new man with a fist pressed to his breast, and awaits Browyn's response...
Bronwyn looks suspiciously to the man for a couple seconds, unsure of his manners.
"Please let me see that my people are set for the time being."
He looks down to the approaching woman, making a courteous bow all the while.
"Well met, miss Hermia. There sure are among us some people who could use your kind assistance. That little boy, who goes by the name of Darov, had the infortune of contracting a cold these last rainy days, and I would be personally indebted to you if he would be given a hot soup and a dry place in which to rest the night. It's been a long and hard journey for all of us."
Bronwyn looks suspiciously to the man for a couple seconds, unsure of his manners.
"Please let me see that my people are set for the time being."
He looks down to the approaching woman, making a courteous bow all the while.
"Well met, miss Hermia. There sure are among us some people who could use your kind assistance. That little boy, who goes by the name of Darov, had the infortune of contracting a cold these last rainy days, and I would be personally indebted to you if he would be given a hot soup and a dry place in which to rest the night. It's been a long and hard journey for all of us."
Smithson orders one of his men to ride forward and inform the commander of what is going on; suggesting that they prepare food and drink, and a ready fire . Suddenly, they see a new rider moving fast toward them. He is rugged and dark... a half-elf...