Mordecai blinks in suprise as one of the bandits is abruptly ended, his blood on Tam's dagger, but the rage he felt at the man's word of rape had filled him with a justifiable anger. He walks over and grips is brother's shoulder briefly then turns and stands between Stanis and Tam, eyes level and tone nonthreatening.
"Aye, what Tam did was not in accord with the laws of Brevoy and Restov. I apologize on his behalf." His dark green eyes narrow slightly however. "Although I would appreciate it if you did not try and threaten my brother for acting out of a rage of such a life. It will not happen again, I promise you."
He nods at James wordlessly, then eyes Happs and growls. "As for you...I'd keep my mouth shut from now on."
Mordecai kneels down next to Matis and Devlin and gives them a small smile each, then helps them to sign Stanis' agreement as best as they can.
"You will understand us not untying you at the moment however. These are dangerous times, and taking someone only at their word can get any unseasoned man killed. Prove by your actions you truly repent and you will be given the chance at a new life."
He stands back up then and crosses over to Stanis, gripping the man's thin shoulder. "You will put this behind you...agreed? Tam, the same to you."
Stanislaw frowns as he slowly shakes his head "He's dead. Just like that. Abadar protect me, what have I signed on to?" he shudders, and slinks away to lean against the wall of the stables, hugging his arms across his chest, shock written clearly across his quivering form. "Master! Snap out of it!" the thrush protests sharply, fluttering his wings to buffet Stanis in his face, akin to a slap to calm down a hysterical person.
Stanis blinks, and looks dumbfounded at the warrior in front of him, seeming to finally make sense of his words "I've never seen a man killed in such a manner before. I find hangings hard to watch..." he rubs his face vigorously and takes a deep breath, clarity returning to his red puffy eyes "I was not prepared to see that. In the least." he admits with a heavy sigh.
Mordecai gives the man a small smile and then grimaces, remebering the first time he watched life ebb away from a previously alive person. Although in that event it had been one of his comrades, torn apart by a raging owl-headed bear creature before Eidan's sword and arrows silenced its squawking roars.
"I wish I could tell you it gets easier, Ser Stanis, but it does not. In fact, it is the hardship of death not coming naturally to people like you that makes you such a good person. Death comes to us all, but no one should revel in it less they be as foul and corrupted as an orc. I promise you, though, this sort of...death will not happen again on my account."
He squeezes the wizards shoulder yet again and gives the man an encouraging smile, then adopts his gruff, military manner. "Now hop to your position Stanis. James, Ladislaus, help me get the repentant ones into the store house. Stanis, you go ask the good lady of the house for some basic food and drink for these men. James, once you're done with those men, help me clean up the courtyard for our hosts. I will go try and gather up the bandits' horses to serve as our new mounts."
As Tam walks away from the group his mind seems to clear a bit and upon hearing Stannis' words he looks at his hands and grows sickened. He hurriedly flees to a darkened corner of the compound and bends down in the half melted snow and begins retching heavily. He shakes his head in between heaves and tries to control his own body but what he had done had been murder. What came over me? I have never done something so..vile...I am no better now then him. I can't ever do something like that.
He remembers Stannis' parting words about the law and grows angry.Stupid wizard, if the law was something to worry about bandits like these wouldn't exist. He looks down at his clothes and hands and retches heavily again.
Stanis gives a somewhat grim nod of acknowledgment on his advice, and pauses as he passes Mordecai "Get that Happs bastard to talk. Shake him up if you need to. Before he dies, rob him of the victory of bringing any of his secrets with him to the grave."
Stanis proceeds to cast the Enlarge spell he never got off in the fight, making Mordecai twice as tall, eight times as heavy and proportionally more scary (+4 to intimidate). "That should help put things in perspective for him." Stanis smirks "One minute."
Information from the Matis and Devlin
Matis in particular is extremely motivated to provide whatever information that you guys need, but he knows very little. He's been a part of this particular raiding party for three months, and he knows no other "superior" than the woman Kressle. She shows up on occasion to issue orders to Happs, and sometimes the pair are... intimate, but for the most these two bandits are the lumbering, mentally slow type that are basically just pushed around. As Devlin said earlier, they don't have much by way of skills to earn a proper living, a fact which needs to be considered in your long term plans for them.
James Sense Motive
Stanis Sense Motive
Tam Sense Motive
Mordecai Sense Motive
Ladislaus Sense Motive
So far as Oleg is concerned about this development -
Well, as you might expect, he is none too pleased about his place being used to host the guys that robbed him and have stressed him out all these months. But, that said, he's none too eager as he once was to see blood spilled for the offense. Seems that standing witness to someone actually losing their life has changed his perspective some. He's an older man who came here to escape the machinations of politics in Restov, he's just trying to do what he thought was best for his young wife and his family.
Oleg's Reward
Since you have dealt with his bandit problem, Oleg offers you 50 gp worth of items from his stock, and three potions.
Leather Armor, Heavy wooden shield, two hand axes, five javelins, a longbow, two dozen arrows, a scythe, two spears, two potions of cure light wounds, a potion of shield of faith +2, two vials of antitoxin, six torches, two weeks of trail rations, a number of animal furs worth a total of 120gp
Also, he is willing to buy armors and weapons and any other items that you find superfluous at full price. This includes what you guys have earned when you defeated the bandits, although he understands if you wish to keep some items.
In addition, Mighty Warriors
Oleg, seeing that you are a capable unit, informs you of several problems that he has been made aware of as his post is a hub for information.
Kobolds in the Hills
Task: Sootscale Kobolds dwell in a cave somewhere in the Kamelands. Normally not a problem, they've been riled up by something lately. Find their lair and ensure that the Kobolds aren't going to continue to be a threat.
Completion: Either slay the kobolds or forge an alliance of peace with them.
Reward: The swordlords send a reward of 800gp once the kobold activity is under control.
Tatzlwyrm
Task: The way everyone talks about tatzlwyrms, one might think that they're swarming throughout the Stolen Lands. This isn't the case; they're actually quite rare. A tatzlwyrm head would be a great conversation piece at Oleg's. He has promised a reward for anyone who can deliver one.
Completion: Slay a tatzlwyrm and deliver its head.
Reward: Oleg will pay 600 gp for a relatively undamaged tatzlwyrm head.
Tuskgutter
Task: Every Greenbelt hunter has a story about tuskgutter, each wilder than the last. Whoever manages to kill the ill-tempered beast will get a nice reward from old, retired Vekkel Benzen, who lost his leg to the monster pig a year ago.
Completion: Deliver Tuskgutter's head to Oleg's
Reward: Vekkel has promised his masterwork Longbow and six +1 animal bane arrows to whoever can kill Tuskgutter. He also promises to share thehead cheese he plans to make out of this trophy.
And even more stuff:
Having defeated the bandits and making his home safe for him and his wife, Oleg offers for you to stay for free in his guest house, and once more, that your meals will be free as well. You can consider that Oleg's will be a base of operations, and now also a center of "trade" whilst you explore, an advantage to you all. Also, as mentioned above, his outpost is a hub for people and information and you shouldn't isolate yourselves too much.
From Redshirts
3 leather armors, 3 short swords, 56 arrows, 30 gp, 6 days trails rations
From Happs
2 alchemist fire, leather armor, dagger, composite longbow (+2 strength) with 20 arrows, 2 days trail rations, silver Stag amulet worth 20gp, 35gp
And finally, The Charter!
Recall that you have been sent down here to explore? I just did. Here is a spoiler-free map of the Stolen Lands.
Suddenly toweing over anyone else here, Mordecai glances down at Stanis surprised and then eyes Happs with a scowl. He nods down at Stanis then stomps over to loom over the still bound man.
Reaching down, he grips the man's cloak in his suddenly barrel-sized fists and lifts him up to look him square in the eyes, growling out, "Ok, Happs, if that's even your name. Time to talk. Tell me everything you know of your bandit companions and your leader. Where they are, how we get there, what weapons they use. Everything!" he ends this last word with a small shake of his hands, making Happs sway.
First Intimidate:
GM Aria's Story Time - Happs's Edition
Happs is not interested in playing, or entertaining you in the slightest, but when you turn into a giant and intimidate him, he will talk. His name is Happs Bydon, and he has always been a sleazy piece of filth. Formerly of Restov, he fled the law when it came down upon him, a former guardsman who used his position of relative authority to terrorize the citizens to earn more money for himself. Leaving behind a wife and two children, Happs came to the Stolen Lands and found himself particularly well suited to continue to do as such, attracting the attention of the woman, Kressle. He's quite satisfied with his position beneath her, in and out of bed. His current base of operations is a camp in the Thorn Ford area to the south west. He is an officer in the Stag Lord's army, as is evident by the amulet that he wears, but he's not met the man himself.
Mordecai ponders the information given to him and then he scowls darkly at Happs and places him back down on the earth, none too gently. He looms over the man, knuckles cracking as he pops his knuckles by clenching his fists.
"Then there is only one last thing to do Happs. Do you repent all of your evil ways and submit yourself to Brevoyan law? If you do not, you have one last choice to make. The sword? Or rope?"
Happs's answer is simple, and has the air of a quotation. "Say what you will, I live free."
Sense Motive:
Knowledge Local:
Sense Motive:
Knowledge Religion:
Stanis looks to the giant warrior, and speaks up so that both hear him "That would be one of the river freedoms. The handful of intentionally vague maxims that the riverfolk consider universal guidelines to their ways of life in the place of legitimate law, which most strive to live by, in order to have some manner of cohesion, as even the simplest savage tribe needs to find common ground so they do not tear themselves apart." he gives Happs a unimpressed smirk "That was the simplest one - an end-all justification to do whatever one might wish; from inexplicably giving a hundred gold to a beggar child... to raping his beheaded mother in front of his eyes. As simplistically elegant as a defiant children's rhyme, and as barbaric and unrefined as one might expect of these filthy savages." he spits. "There is actually one PRAISING banditry; 'You have what you hold'. Some come from a commendable place, like 'Slavery is an abomination', but is in practice used to justify attacking any legitimate imprisonment, even of criminals." he gestures towards Happs "Were we off the South Rostland, WE would be breaking that 'rule' by taking these men captive. And as if that was not bad enough, all these 'rules' are used efficiently by the hag goddess of spite and strife to inflame simpletons into spreading evil and chaos. Much like unjust laws in the hands of Asmodeans and similar scum."
"Hang him. I will offer to take his last words, and deliver them to his family if he wants." Stanis says, voice slightly off key as he steels himself to what is to come. What is his duty.
James shrugs at all the hubbub over the odd quote, then grimly looks around. "Beheading would be simpler, and easier to manage in our current standards, though uglier. I'd just as soon do it somewhere outside our gracious hosts courtyard. I feel it's been stained with enough blood." The half-elf looks around for thoughts on this. "Though I suppose stringing him up won't bother me in the slightest if you'd like to go through the trouble."
Oleg gives a stern nod of something almost akin to approval. "Aye, is about the right of it," he says. "Ain't no man so useless that he can't use a shovel," he continues and hooks a thumb to the storehouse. "If them two mean to be on the straight and narrow, let 'em dig for these ones," he frowns at the corpse of Boris, "and earn their bread today."
Mordecai shrugs down at the two of them and then eyes Happs coldly. He gives a nod at Oleg when he mentions the ex-bandits digging the graves. He glances at Stanis and Ladislaus. "You two mind keeping an eye on them while they dig?" He then glances down at James who seems the most at ease with the man's death.
"James, with me. We'll take him out the tree line and hang him there." with that he begins stomping towards the gate, slowly shrinking back to his original size but not seeming to care much. Although it does help that he does not have to duck beneath the gateway.
All
Towards the evening, with the blood in the market square done away with and the corpses of the dead bandits given proper burial, Svetlana steps out of the shelter of her house and begins cooking all of you a meal. First, however, she warms a measure of water and invites Matis and Devlin to wash with you, demonstrating her amazing abilities of an empathetic wife whose gentle heart seems to exceed her husband's ability to express himself. She pours each of you a generous measure of her stew, but before you eat takes a moment to offer a prayer to Pharasma to judge the souls of the departed, as well as to guide the fates of them who remain, and smiles softly at Matis and Devlin, and finally at Tam.
As stated previously, each of you now has rights to stay in the guesthouse and to eat for free. Devlin suggests that he and Matis might share the storeroom under watch if you persist in distrusting them, which Oleg does, but it brings to mind the question about what is to be done with them in the future.
The situation is now thus:
Each of you has a charter to explore and claim this area of the Stolen Lands known as the Greenbelt . You have in your possession now, thanks to Mordecai, 6 light horses capable of bearing you and any supplies you wish to bring with you forth into the wilderness. I need you as a group to decide on where you will be going next, and we can kick of the most exciting part of this adventure, the Random Encounters whilst exploring!
After dinner, before you retire to the guest house, Oleg pulls you aside.
"Boy, I don't know what it is you're suffering from, and I don't rightly care, but you best sort your stuff out," he says gruffly. "Those pieces of scum ain't the worst you'll be encountering here, but there's good folk, too."
Oleg lays a large hand on your shoulder, something like a father. You are beginning to imagine what might attract Svetlana to this not very well mannered man. "Wife's got a sister, name's Kayla. She weren't here for this mess in the beginning, sent her off to the east to stay when these filth come about. I'd be grateful to you if you can convince your folk to bring her back for me, seeing as I'll be responsible for Svetlana with them boys, now. It'll make her smile to see a familiar face."
Mordecai wakes early in the morning as usual, practices for an hour with his sword, then joins his fellows at breakfast, enjoying the company of his traveling companions and their gratious hosts. He even has a few words with the bandits, telling them of all the oppertunities they will have now as redeemed men as well as many other things.
When it comes to the topic of setting out, Mordecai scratches pensively at his chin in thought. "IN my opinoun, it is best to strike while the iron is still hot. We have the location of the bandit's lair, why not take the battle to them before they notice their missing comrades?"
He suggests then eyes his hosts again. "By the by, Master Leveton and Lady Svetlana, in our travels, are there any significant landmarks we might find? I only ask to familiarize myself with the terrain about me."
Stanis shakes his head at Mordecai's appraisal "Our presence being unknown to the bandits is the only advantage we have. They know the land, likely have traps, defensive positions and more advantages at their camp. They said the camp was at a river-ford, meaning they likely have the approach set in the muddy ground, that will slow us down while they pelt us with arrows. I say we draw them out, bleed their ranks, force them to play on our terms, so we can dictate the terms of engagement more than merely gaining the element of surprise."
Knowledge Geography:
Knowledge Local:
Craft (Calligraphy):
"I guess I can tell you what I know about the region as well" Stanis says and proceeds to draw a quite impressive map in the same manner as he did earlier, with the magical colored motes that make a topography of the region, complete with rivers where they are well known (Thorn and Shrike, not so much the Skunk and Murque) "To the southwest is a huge forest called the Narlmarches, so named due to the bog-like nature of it due to the three rivers that run through it. rife with fey, game and local monsters. Sixty-odd miles south is Tuskwater lake, which bridge into the Candlemere further south. In order to get to the lake, we will eventually have to cross either the Thorn or Shrike rivers... which makes sense that the bandits lay siege to the ford." Stanis allows himself a chuckle and frowns in disgust "So much for the 'float any river'-freedom, huh? Bandit scum." he looks around and finally shrugs "Beyond that, I am not really all that sure, as the land is known for its fertility and rapid growth."
"For my own part I think perhaps we should simply begin mapping with this plains area here." James points on the map to the area around Oleg's. "Seems ripe to... perhaps build our tactical acuity. We've seen here that we... well... we don't work as well together as one might like in a group. This area offers better sightlines, quicker movement, and leaves us nearer to Oleg's should we require aid." The half-elf points to a large empty expanse to the West of their position, toward the direction the bandits came... vaguely. "If we begin here we'll be close, in the path of any bandits who may try to deal with Oleg, and in our own safety regarding sightlines and camping. I have no small skill at finding camps and food, but it is easier to keep safe and alive on a plain than in a forest."
Mordecai nods and then shrugs. "Very well James, let's do that first. We will need to remain at least a day within riding distance to Oleg's should the bandits come again for their missing compatriots, but mapping out the area first seems logical."
He goes to collect horses and supplies, scrounging a quiver of arrows as well as the late Happs' bow. It is a strong recurved weapon, and it takes him a visible effort to pull it back, but it feels good to have a ranged weapon in his arsenal so he stows it across his back and the quiver on his belt, then goes to saddle and ready four of the six horses he had rounded up the previous day.
All
As you are going about your preparations for departure, assuring that you’ve adequate trail rations and feed for your horses if you intend to use them, you hear a rumble off in the distance, and are treated to a most unexpected sight, the arrival of four armed men on horseback. For a moment it looks as though they are about to charge into the trade post, but at about 200 feet out the leader raises and arm and the riders slow in unison. As they approach in a canter, their horses appear to be in a bit of a froth, as if they have been ridden extremely hard. The rider you expect to be the chief dismounts first, outside the trade post, and takes a moment to examine his horse before leading it into the yard by the reins. He pauses near the cart and appears to study all of you for a moment, considering.
”I am not quite certain what I have missed, but as you have neither attacked me or my men, I would assume that we have arrived too late,” he says and sighs.
Oleg, who has been curiously absent for much of this morning, finally stirs. He is still wearing what appears to be his night clothes, his breeches partially unbuttoned, and scrapes at five o’clock shadow that likely scrapes a layer of his wife’s skin from her face as he bends slightly to kiss her neck. Svetlana gives a nervous giggle, and looks to the new arrival. ”Husband, we’ve a new guest,” she tells her husband.
”Yes, dear?” he seems to hum, then looks up at the fighter, whose eyes have narrowed at the display. Oleg seems to stiffen beside his wife. ”More of your friends?” he asks of you.
The armed man crosses the yard with an appearance of purpose, moving in a way that Mordecai might recognize, keenly aware of each of you and how to carry himself should you attack. His men have dismounted and are entering the yard, without their horses.
”Kesten Garess,” the leader introduces himself, stopping a good 10 feet from Oleg, and standing in such a way that he has a vantage point to you all. ”I understood that we were dispatched to assist you with the bandit threat. We were delayed at Fort Sarenko when my horse threw a shoe. Their blacksmith could not be arsed to refit it in a timely fashion,” he growls with some manner of frustration. ”I gather that you all are the expeditionary team?” he says.
Mordecai bows his head in acknowledgement of the man, already respecting the way he walks and carries himself in his armor and weapons. Obviously Ser Kesten is no layabout, and knows how to handle himself as well as his weapons.
Mordecai steps forward, hand outstretched to shake the Captain's. "Hail and well met Ser Garress, Mordecai Hawke at your service" he says proudly, a wide smile on his face in recognition of a fellow warrior.
The warrior's eyes narrow at the word ser and his already illiberal mouth tightens. "Kesten, if you will. I am no Sir," he answers. His eyes flick over Oleg and Svetlana briefly. "I assume from the master's state of undress that you were some shade of victorious. What have you to report, Hawke?"
He bows his head again to the man, noticing his tension at the title. "I apologize I maent no offense. He turns and gestures to his companions, his hosts and the courtyard beyond. "Yesterday, my companions and I did battle with some of the bandits plauging this area. We have slain and buried two of them, the others now sit in the warehouse behind us, having repented of their evil ways. They are under our protection and so far have done no evil or anything to suggest they are not truly repenting for what evils they have done in the past. We have kept them tied up until we are completely sure of their good intentions but they have signed an official document, read to them by Ser Stanis Branthorn."
Here he motions Stanis forwards to fully explain the situation.
James steps forward slickly and shakes the new knights hand. "Hello... my name is James Herecea, and yes, we were victorious. I will tell you the tale of the battle sometime." Jame's eyes glitter with a bit of a 'look' at the tall dark new warrior. "But come, I'm sure you and your men need to rest."
Kesten returns James's handshake firmly, his eyes fixing on your holy symbol. "There was some mention of trouble within the Lord Mayor's office," he says crisply. "The woman... Helen? Said something about an agent of Calistria," a curious smile plays across his face and he snerks. "I never pass up any opportunity to learn more information."
Knowledge Nobility
Knowledge Local
Having a moment of uncharacteristic slip of the mind, Stanis looks somewhat blankly at the warrior, looks to the side as his mind races and then back to the plate-wearing man "In accordance to the Dragonthrone mandate charter, we are to stamp out unrepentant banditry, which has been done to the extent of the law's letter. The remaining two have signed away their freedoms in order to restore themselves to lawful citizens through the Rogarvian repatriation act, through indentured service over a period determined by the gravity of their actions. As such, they are protected by brevic law against assault on their person unless they commit a felony or worse." he explains, realizing it is likely a moot gesture to do so to a warrior who fell off halfway through.
"Indeed, Banker, it is a lovely day," Kesten replies to Stanis, giving James a surreptitious sideways glance.
Having been introduced to the party , Kesten returns his attention to Oleg and Svetlana. "My men and I have all that is required to establish ourselves save your permission, Master. Once given, I will allow the to make our camp. If you might take my man Markus," Kesten pauses to gesture for one of his crew to step forward, a not overly large man in scale mail with a fresh face and a thinner blade at his hip, "and give him a tour of the battlements, he's something of an engineer. I'll conduct my own interview of these bandits and determine what manner of threat they may be."
James's Sense Motive
James, you recognize that Kesten speaks solely to Oleg, and does not seem to wish to linger too long over Svetlana, although you have no idea why at this time.
"Aye," Oleg says gruffly. "In a moment or three. Like as not to catch my death up on those catwalks with my pants halfway down my arse. Shave wouldn't hurt, neither," he grumbles and scratches his beard again. "From what I understand of them boys, ain't a lick of talent between the two of em, but ain't much required to cut back weeds or chop wood," he informs Kesten. "That boy Devlin's a queer one," he continues and cast a glance at Tam, "but willin' ta work."
Kesten gives a nod and heads towards the store room.
Stanis eyes the commanding warrior at the mention of interviewing the prisoners to determine threat after completely blowing him off. "Where does this MERCENARY come off questioning my decisions? What relevant authority, not to mention education-" Stanis throws his hands up in the air and scoffs "Not even into the Stolen Lands proper, and everyone are disregarding laws, killing people like they are damn cattle, and turning savage." he hisses, eyes fixed on the bloodstain, before he shoots the warrior a stern scowl "I may not be a sanctioned barrister anymore, so I cannot rebuke you legally..." he takes a second, summoning a crackle of magical energy between his hands "But only a fool angers a wizard! And when I give my word that the former bandits live... THEY LIVE!" Stanis demands in as authoritative a voice as he musters.
Stanis takes a deep, settling breath "Bind them, gag them, have them to work the skin off their hands... fine. Humiliate them if your ego needs stroking. As long as they live and get to change their ways."
Kesten pauses a moment in his tracks, then turns around and levels a disinterested stare at the wizard. "Aye, Banker. And what gave you the impression that I meant to kill anyone? Perhaps interview is a term that is not commonly used in your practice." he answers.
Kesten looks to James. "Is he always so excitable? I had thought Bankers to be a more... sedate lot."
Kesten pauses a moment in his tracks, then turns around and levels a disinterested stare at the wizard. "Aye, Banker. And what gave you the impression that I meant to kill anyone? Perhaps interview is a term that is not commonly used in your practice." he answers.
Kesten looks to James. "Is he always so excitable? I had thought Bankers to be a more... sedate lot."
Stanis shakes his head "Normally, aye. And please, do interview them if that might help facilitate their reformation. I am just not used to be questioned and second-guessed, and I needed to get that out, so everyone understand just how important it is to me that if not the LAW is kept to the letter, that at least the civilized spirit and purpose of it is not forgotten. Order, respect for life, and humane decency is what makes us MORE than the damn trolls that roam these lands." Stanis touches his holy symbol and sighs "Forgive my outburst. I am Stanislaw The Quill, son of Boris Branthorn. Former barrister and watch-organizer of Restov." he finally introduces himself.
"I serve as the legal consultant of the group, as well as the cartographer and wizard. Skills I have worked as hard to perfect as you no doubt have honed your skill at arms. If you wish me to comment or brief you on the former bandits' character, I would be happy to oblige." he offers, more true to the virtues of Abadar.
Tam watches Stannis silently gauging the man, at one momment he was quiet and demanded waryness, the next, exciteable and arguing with a man that had, what it looked like, three capable man-at-arms.
He coughes at again another change he observes over Stannis and just chhuckles to himself his eyes twinkling above his scarf, drawnn over his face to ward off the morning chill. He looks over at the his other companions and his brother before going over to check his horse. More so to make sure they both had a clear understanding that he would have no shenanigans from it.
James smiles back at Kesten with a languid look. "He's had a hard day, our Banker. Seems he's never seen a man die. Not that I'm much of one to talk having never been in a proper battle before today, but I'm not one to be easily rattled. Time in a Calistrean Temple will do that to you." James brushes dust off his coat and then mounts. "Good day, Kesten. Perhaps we will meet again when we return in a few days. We have been chartered to explore and we're currently off to it, if you can, have your man check on those catapults. Could use them if the bandits choose to retaliate."
"Aye, James. I may not be a learn-ed man like your Banker Branthorn, but I can recognize a firm tactical advantage," Kesten answers and gives James a cheery salute as he mounts.
"I would appreciate your advice, Banker, but it seems to me that your companions are eager to be away. I recognize that your authority is greater, but I have accepted a commission to defend this trade post. This Devlin and Matis remain within it while you have been tasked by the throne to range," Kesten smirks and regards James from the corner of his eye. "I like to think I've more than a little experience recognizing the faults and applauding the virtues of able bodied men."
Oleg's eyes widen, and he mutters to himself as he scratches at his beard again, and retreats to his house, presumably to wash and dress. Svetlana accompanies you each to the gate and waves after you, offering a small prayer to Desna to bless and keep you on your travels.
Day One, 2 Pharast
Mordecai Survival
James Survival
Stanis Craft (Calligraphy)
Departing from Oleg's in the morning, your intrepid party of explorers set out on your valiant steeds into the plains onto which Oleg's is situated. You find a great deal of grass, and very little water. To the direct east corner of the hex (as per the compass rose provided on the map linked in my profile) you discover the great forest of the Narlmarshes, but wisely continue on. In the evening, between Mordecai and James's efforts you make a fairly good camp near the southwest edge, and there are no encounters. Stanis, your map turns out fairly well, and you pride yourself on your craftsmanship.
3rd Pharast
In the morning, having rested well, but supped on trail rations, you start out again, tracing the edge of the Narlmarshes to the eastern edge of the new hex, working our way north and westward. Towards the middle of the afternoon, only a few hours before you mean to break for camp, you stumble across a wide clearing. Within this clearing, which is about 400 feet in diameter, you see the skeletons of boars, deer, bears and a few humans.
Stanis Perception
James Perception
Tam Perception
Mordecai Perception
How fortuitous! Each of you notice that there is a very large spider attempting to hide from you just beneath the ajar lid to its lair.
Stanis
James
Tam
Mordecai
Spider
James, your action is first. Your perception roll is amazing so you stopped the party 130 feet from this creature's lair.
Knowledge (Nature):
Stanis studies the spider, it's mannerisms, and the immediate surroundings. "A socalled Trap-Door Spider. A poisonous and extremely fast hunter that leaps in and out of cover as it's poison wears down it's prey. It is immune to my sleep magic, so be careful approaching this one!" he cautions, and prepares to cast Enlarge on Mordecai, thinking to defeat it's darting tactics by extending the warrior's reach.
"Let's see how it likes being forced to chase it's prey for once." James grins as he dismounts, then begins casting a spell.
Mordecai starts at Stanis' words and glances forwards, spotting the spider with some difficulty after Stanis had pointed it out. For what good it would do him, he draws his sword and dismounts his horse, stepping forwards a bit afterwards and raising his sword in both hands, flourishing it with a practiced ease.
"All my years as a Mercenary, never had to fight giant insects before," he says conversationally to no one in particular and grins to himself in sour amusement. He hated spiders...
the Human Spider perception
The spider does not appear to notice you at this range, nor does it move.
Stanis dismounts and begins chanting a on Mordecai to bolster his ability to squash said spider.
Tam, it is your initiative. Given the description above, with human skeletons and desiccated corpses strewn about, what shall you do? Also, forgot to mention, but Stanis would have spoken about the spider's immunity to sleep and what not just now.
Tam spots the spider with difficulty and slowly dismounts from the horse and draws one of his daggers from his hip sheath.
"That's one big spider....So umm whats the plan?"
Round 2: Fight!
Spider has not moved. As it is beneath in its little hidey hole, it has cover and will be exceedingly difficult to hit until it has popped out.
James, what is your action?
"By the Sting I strike true!" James cries, shaking the crossbow from his sleeve and firing it at the concealed spider, a truly long shot without his magical assistance.
Mordecai watches a bolt leap out from James and hit the spider despite the range and cover the spider had over them. He blinks. Apparently the Calistrean had quite a few tricks up his sleeve he hadn't revealed before. Either that or he was extremely lucky.
He approaches the spider's hidey hole cautiously, doubting it dead and holding his sword in front of him lest it charge him.
EDIT: Single move action, Readying versus approach. sorry bout that GM ^^
James's bolt finds purchase, antagonizing the spider. It crawls up out of its hole and bares its venom oozing fangs at you, moving forward 60 feet. There is now 40 feet distance between the spider and the party .
On Stanis's initiative, he draws his crossbow and loads a bolt. At this time Mordecai grows Large and takes a -1 penalty to AC.
Tam, your move, please.
Tam rushes up and throws a dagger at the beast he grins in triumph as his dagger sinks up to the hilt in its body but then looks down at his empty hand and then back up to the now enraged and approaching spider.
"Woops....
Confirm
Mordecai suddenly feels, again, as if the world is shrinking around him and he once again towers over his companions like a giant. He focuses on the spider nearing his brother and he looses a battle-cry, raising his now huge sword above his head and loping forwards to slice down at the foul thing, letting the momentum of his charge power his blow.
Charge Attack:
Power Attack Damage:
All
Mordecai, at a prodigious height and mass, swings his sword, now almost as large as a spine for a windmill, and thoroughly squashes the pony-sized spider which might have threatened Tam if it had any chance to act in such a manner. Mordecai, there is a satisfying "crunch" that reverberates through your sword into your giant arms, but now your sword is also coated in giant spider ick.
The Spider's Lair
Having so cunningly revealed its location by tossing aside its cap when it charged at you, you are granted full access to the spiders lair. It is a 25 foot shaft in the ground with a diameter of five feet coated with sticky webbing. Anyone with a rank in climb can simply take ten to scale down the surface.
Within those who climb down find that there are a number of bodies at the bottom of the shaft, including the corpse of a dead bandit, still dressed in what is seeming to be an industry standard of leather armor, carrying a short sword and 10 gp worth of assorted coin. Also about this poor wretches neck is a silver Stag amulet worth 20 gp. You investigate the corpse for precious loot and discover in his left boot a simple drawing of a claw-shaped dead tree atop an otherwise barren hill marked with an "X" in blood scrawled by the trees roots. This map however, provides little other detail than the hills and the tree.
Mordecai stares down the hole into which his companions venture, too big even in regular form to fit comfortably into the spider's lair, so he remains outside, cleaning spider ichor off of his sword. The sticky gore is furstratingly hard to remove from the keen steel blade and his colorful curses bring smiles to anyone who hear him.
Tam retrieves his knife and as he croutches down near his brother he gets a wicked idea and slowly and carefully wipes his knife along Mordecai's length of cloak.
Stealth
Sleight of hand
He then nonchalanlty gets up and scurries down into the spiders den and begins to carry up the loot for everyone to look at. Pointing down at the map he looks up at Stannis.
"What do you make of that?"
Ride:
Stanislaw clumsily dismounts, displaying his grievous lack of riding skills as he almost lands on his behind, cursing and stumbling ashe approach Tam with a somewhat flustered and embarrassed look. "It looks far easier than it is..."
Knowledge (Geography)
Stanis studies the map intently, and eventually turns to regard the south "The Kamelands, twenty-odd miles south of here are known for their mostly barren hills. This tree is likely a landmark of sorts, that marks something important. Perhaps buried treasure?"