The sounds of battle die away, leaving the groaning of the injured. Ali concentrates moving around to each of the fallen bandits, starting with Kressle. The woman lies near the camp fire bleeding onto the ground. Quickly with efficiency one would not expect in the blind, Ali moves from between the bandits stabilising them.
”Oi, Tam can y’ make sure that lad int’ tower is not gonna do anything silly.” Ali shouts into the woods in a polite but firm voice.
”James, y’ look like you’d be grand with a rope.” Ali says with a cheeky smile. ”Tie up the buggers, if y’ can bring ‘em here, Mordecai.”
Ali stands back as (hopefully) James ties up the stabilised bandits, Mordecai brings them centralised by the camp-fire. Once she makes sure that all the injured will be stable and secured, Ali talks to the others.
”So, we take these lads back to Olegs’ and there they can be judged. Justice must be seen to be done; we don’t ‘ang ‘em in the forest.” Ali says trying to keep her tone calm.
Watches ?
10pm- Tam & Stannis
12am- Tam & James
2am – Ali & James
4am – Ali & Mordecai
6-8am Mordecai & Stannis
With Stannis taking only one hour of his watches; if needed, to give him a continuous 8 hours sleep. The times to be adjusted depending upon nightfall & dawn. This means that each shift change over only has 1 person moving. Also those with night-vision, Ali & James are at some of the darkest times. Mordecai & James could be switched?
Mordecai works through the arduous task of helping to clean up after the battle, tying up bandits and forcing them all to sit quietly under surveilance. The deceased Kressle is given her rites but Mordecai abstains from joining in, feeling no need to pay his 'last respects' to a murdering woman.
Afterwards, he looks to touching up his sword and making sure everyone, mainly Tam who struck off on his own to go after one of the archers, is safe and mostly unharmed. He gives Ali a warm smile after assuring himself that his little brother is ok.
"It would appear I owe you my life lad, and James as well." He bows deeply to Ali out of respect and claps the young man on the shoulder in a brotherly fashion. "I plan to return the favor."
Tam not hearing the sounds of battle anymore and can pretty much sees everyone cleaning up makes his way to the downed bandit that still had his knife hilt protruding from the man's back. He looks the bandit over looking for signs of life.
Untrained Heal
Not seeing any signs of life he quickly searches the dead body for anything useful after pulling out the dagger.
Perception
Climb
After searching the body he attempts to climb down and will make his way over to the party.
Reflex Save
Tam, the bandit has typical bandit loot - leather armor, long bow, short sword and a purse containing 10 gold pieces.
You may make a reflex save to try to grab the pole.
Ali colours at Mordecai's kind words, "Thanks, weren't nothing really. You, and the others, did all the hard work taking the bandits down with your weapons. I didn't do much.... I couldn't even hit with me sling. It's alot harder aiming at a human, than an animal for food."
Ali waits at the bottom of the tree with the concious guard, her and James with weapons aimed at him.
"Come down and face judgement. We are fair people. I won't lie to you banditry is a dead-end business but if you are prepared there is still a life for you." Ali says trying diplomacy, before waiting for Mordecai's Intimidation.
Hopefully once the bandit has come down, bind them.
Tam, your reflex save keeps you from falling. As Ali suggested, you can take 10 from this point on and shimmy down as you are not in a combat situation any longer.
All
"Aye there, lass," the bandit calls from his tower. "So long as you promise the slayer there won't be waiting to end my life 'fore I climb down this tower."
Making sure that the 2 sleeping bandits are bound along with the man from the tree. Ali walks overto the stabilised bandit they first found and makes sure he is brought back amongst the central camp.
Across the ford Ali wanders, the cold water soaking her boots as she wanders towards where Tam ran off to. She finds him at the bottom of the tree, up ablove in 'the nest' is a bandit look-out Tam informs her. Probably dead, but Ali reaches out to try and help the poor wretch, even if he end up swings from a gibbet.
"Got any rope?" Ali asks borrowing the rope. She takes off her heavy leather vest, revealing rather too much not concealed by her tatty clothes. Her pale skin a contrast to the earthern tones of the rags she wears. And tries shinning up the tree.
With tears in her eyes she ties a rope around him and lowers him down.
Walking back to the party carrying the bandit, with Tam's help, after putting her leather vest back on. Tear tracks staining her cheeks. She turns to the concious bandits.
In a clear, strong and light voice, her accent fading she says; "Hear me, you have to repent your ways. It will be hard, there will be no mercy for those that pay lips service to penantance. I am from around these parts, I know how hard it is to live amongst the wilderness, the frosts, the hunger, the poverty. But your actions are nothing more than those of cowards, prideless fools thinking only of there own needs. We have the chance to work together make homes, lands fit for habitation. You.." she says pointing at one of the men. "Is this what you deserve? Foul grog, hard, freezing nights, the occassional tumble with an unwilling wench. YES, if you are not prepared to work for something better; something that will last. If not you will end up like her, Kressle. Think about it, when we get back those who are not prepared to for a better life will have none."
Mordecai stands next to Ali during all of this, accenting the point silently with his hand on the hilt of his sword, his eyes hard as he sweeps them across each conscious bandit assembled there. He stays quiet and unthreatening all the while, ready to interject if need be, but preferring to leaving the diplomacizing to the silver-tongued Ali.
He has to resist a small smile at the boldness and assured confidence Ali speaks with, reminding in some small ways of Captain Eidan for his cool air of command whenever he spoke, a voice and man that demanded respect and obediance.
Mordecai glances back at where Kressle had been laid, his eyes hardening, and then he looks at the bandit almost slain by Tam. He gave a small proud grin. His brother really hadchanged over the years he had been gone. And changed for the better, if for only his courage and knack for strategy.
"You and you." Ali says pointing out two of the bandits "We are burying her now. You get the honour of digging the hole."
She stands back pointing the pair to an area near a tree and away from the stream. Whispering to Tam to one side. "Tam can you check the body for commands, amulets, information. You're bright and worldly enough to know the drill." Tam can tell a hint of horror and sympathy underneath the focused words.
Ali gets a blanket to act as a shroud. After the hole is finished digging, she wraps the body (denuded of some items - SVETLANA's RING?). Then the lower it into the hole.
"Does any of her compatriots want to say anything." Ali asks. 'Best keep James out of this his Sacred Sting of vengance, would just cause conflict. The loss of any life no matter how inevitable is a sorrow.'
After anyone has spoken, Ali starts. "Underneath this Rowan Tree, symbol of life and replenishment. We commit Lady Kressel into the ground. May she find a better and safer after-life than she had in this one. So that she can be happier there than she ever was here. Her essence to find peace, even as her body nourishes the ground, giving life to the Kingdom. I call upon the Gods to forgive her, her death washing clean her sins. AMEN."
Ali them moves away.
Diplomacy:
Stanis heads over to the bandits after Kressle has been put into the ground "My name is Stanislaw Branthorn, sage and cartographer of the expeditionary exploration team of Brevoy, by mandate of the Dragonthrone Regent Noleski Surtova and the Swordlords of Restov. he says with an air of authority, to ensure the bandits knows the gravity of their situation.
"Our orders are to chart the region in preparation for expansion, as well as stamping out unrepentant banditry by the means of sword or rope. Gentlemen, your deaths are at hand, lest you are willing to give up your ways, and accept reformation in order to rejoin lawful society." he picks up one of the silver stag amulets and hold it aloft "I have been able to piece together that you are all united under some manner of leadership that uses this symbol, and the first step towards redemption will be to give any and all information you are able to give on this leadership. We will then proceed to undo the presence of said leadership, so other bandits will not feel compelled by force to keep up their business at the threat of violence." he assures them "Criminal hierarchy tends to be the same in the wilds as in cities, as far as I have seen; cruel and petty men use force or promises of easy wealth to rally those who have no way to sustain themselves, making sure the ranks are swollen with people who are in too deep to leave safely, enforced by people who get a kick from it." he gestures to Kressle's grave "And I know that without a force to maintain that grip, far fewer feel the calling of crime. So what say you, gentlemen? Are you ready to resume the lives of warm beds, smiling neighbors, decent meals every day, and more boons that is common fare for civilized people?"
The bandits stare at Stanis with no small amount of wonder as his verbosity confuses them.
"Are... Are you askin' if we be ready to go to Restov?" one asks meekly.
The bandit who watched Mordecai slay Kressle looks between him and the bloody spot where she died, and finally at Stanis. "He's askin' if we be willin' to give up him," he corrects the lesser intelligent bandit who spoke first. "I cannae say that," he continues and gestures to Mordecai with a nod. "Got a strappin' boy there, Pa. That Kressle were a beast, 'tis true, but even she had the fear of the Stag Lord."
"We all do, er... sir," says a third bandit. "Crush a man's fist in his own. F*ck," he curses and shakes his head. "Can't get near 'em, can't very run from him, neither."
The conscious sentry snorts. "Aye, ye can run," he contradicts. "Juss' gotta have yer timin' right. 'Tis but a man, and eight cups in, his aim is as good as his ability to find his c*ck to piss."
Tam strides over nodding to his brother before kneeling down next to the more intelligent seemingly one as he listens to the others speak.
He gives the man a friendly smile and a conspiratorial wink, one that shows the man they are equals seemingly comrades.
Diplomacy
"What my high handed friend here is trying to say is that we are trying to get rid of this criminal lord of yours. And would you like to stop working under this Stag Lord. I assume your all tired of mucking around in the forests no women no taverns just some high handed boss who fancies himself a lord but turns out to be a drunk. Tell us where we can find him and where was this loot all going and we can set you up at a place where you can get honest work and honest pay and even a place to spend it. You don't even need to worry about some adventures coming in and mucking it all up either. What do you say?"
Stanis smiles "I have a plan." he points to the booze "This seems like a lot of alcohol for a small camp, and it is en-route to your boss, I assume?" he looks to the bandits for confirmation.
"The lord of Stags keeps this place on the Tuskwater," the bandit Tam kneels beside volunteers. "Keep following the Thorn south, till it meets the Shrike, and then west and you'll find them there."
The sentry nods. "Aye. Every bottle be claimed by him, 'ventually," he says. "Through that b*stard Dovan."
" Well have any code words I would have to give the sentry's say if one was to talk to them?" Tam asks curiously before pointing at Stannis' hand holding the amulet. "Besides sporting one of those of course."
Mordecai watches the interrogation silently, sword sheathed across his back and staying close to his brother as he questions the cooperating bandits. He clenches his jaw slightly and eyes the bottles of green liquor with a raised eyebrow, wondering what possible plan his companions could have concerning it and this shadowy creature that was the Bandit's king. He gives the bandit who addressed him a curt nod and then returns his attention to the conversation.
Then a thought struck him, and he rubs at his heavy stubble for a second then asks, "Know you all of any other key landmarks hereabouts?" Their mission to map this area had again surfaced in his mind, and it would do well to have some intel of this region from those who might know of other places they had not yet explored.
Ali lightly rubs Stannis arm as she move towards the bandits. "Good words."
She moves to address the bandits, "Don't repent; just because we are strong, will give you drink. Or that we will halt and destroy the Stag Lord depredations upon the land. Join us because you believe that you deserve more to life, that you are willing to work and fight for your drink, women and freedom. From your actions today i you are willing to fight for your lives, but you are willing to fight for something better..." Ali finishes looking at each of the bandits through her misty eyes, as if seeking their souls for judgement.
"Dovan, I take it he was the quarter-master that stole ye grog, for his lord? Does he come 'ere often? Do any of the other come 'ere? Any of the bandits out on t' patrols, likes the one to Oleg's at the moment?" Ali asks hoping to get a response to her rapid questions after the oratory.
James stood to one side, shaken. By the Yellow... hit by enough arrows to drop any man and yet here I stand. Perhaps I should be a bit less courageous in the future.
James watches Kressel's funeral with a slight sneer, feeling it was both a waste of effort and far better than she deserved. The half-elf places his hand on Ali's shoulder, silently conveying his thanks to the small girl, then steps forward to the bandits. "My friends attempt the high road, and I'd see them upon it, with you as well. But know this: if you waver, if you falter, and if you fall back to this life. I will be behind you, holding bared steel."
"Dovan's a right bastard, Miss. Rapist of women, girls, boys..." the sentry spits and shakes his head. "A right c*nt. Ya'll do good to keep this young piece of meat from him, if ya'll be good," he says.
"Keeps the lord of the Stag swimmin' in the liquor. Ain't the leadership type," he continues.
"What the f*ck does any of that matter, Lem?" says the bandit that watched Kressle die. "There's them g*dsdamned monsters living in the basement!"
"Ain't no way any of these girls can make it passed the bosses' arrows. An' even if dey did, Akiros'll cut em down right quick," says another.
The bandit that Tam was addressing speaks up. "Don't listen to these women," he says with a sneer. Ain't none expectin' no one to bring this loot back. Come and go as we please, like. Bandits, thieves and rapists all. As for sentries, you can be sure Akiros will see that they be posted. Like as not that damned Aurochs will be among em. He ain't too bright," he begins laughing.
The laughing bandit continues laughing till he's about to wheeze, then he looks to James. "You there, with the hate in your eyes. You're the only one of these girls with a pair. I ain't gonna bow to ye like this lot, or suck your c*ck to live. Go on, kill me if it's yer bent."
Mordecai growls at the last bandit's tone and he draws his sword slowly moving with slow methodical steps towards the bandit. "I am giving you one last chance, repent your ways as a bandit, or suffer Brevoyan justice. The rope, or the sword. James, stand him up." He then marches over to where Kressle had been killed, giving Ali and Tam a look to stand back then nods at Stanis.
"Ser Branthorn, read him his final rites, if you please."
Stanis nods and steps over to the bandit, his softer side gone in place of a stern glare "Do you serve a deity that I might petition for you? Or will you be content in being judged for your ill deeds and lost in the Boneyard to all eternity, unmourned and forgotten?"
Mord, Stanis, and James
The bandit laughs again. "Aye. Swear ta Gorum when I swings mah sword, and the wasp b&*+@ when sinking it in c*nt. May as well petition Hanspur while yer at it, girl," he snarls at Stanis, "seein' how's yer killin' me beside the river."
He looks at all three of you as he voluntarily kneels, the nods towards Mordecai to indicate that he's accepting the sword. "If you go there, you'll die, without ever knowing what it's like to be free."
Stanis smiles "We all are here by choice. Any one of us COULD have disregarded the needs of civilization at large and assumed roles of parasites, blights on the good and decent folk that are not afraid to EARN their lot in life, rather than steal it like some filthy thief in the night." he shakes his head "But we didn't. We chose to take on a mission to champion the good and decent folk, to earn our keep, and cure these lands of the disease of banditry."
Knowledge (Religion):
"Gorum, war-father and lord of battle, here kneels a fool, willingly submitting to his death, thus mocking you. Calistria, lady of lust and trickery, here kneels a fool, bereft of guile, not even trying to fool us, thus mocking you. Hanspur, lord of the rivers and keeper of all who fare on them, here kneels a fool, who has blighted your domain by preying on those who revere you, thus mocking you. Should any of you find him deserving still, take him to your side and make of his decrepit soul what you wish." he sneers at the bandit "But I also offer this fool to Gozreh, for with all the sh*t he spews, this man should be ample fertilizer for your trees, and maybe you will not find fault in an ANIMAL." he turns and gestures to Mordecai "He is all yours.
Mordecai raises his sword slowly and places the cool steel against the man's neck. "May you live a more honorable life in the next." And with that the large man raises the sword and then slices down, severing the bandit's head, his eyes cold and flat as the body slumps over, blood pooling on the ground, the head rolling away down the bank, and Mordecai cleans his sword, his eyes suddenly sad for a moment and then he marches back with Stanis to the rest of the group, blade sheathed again across his back.
"To those who yet live, hear you now a bit of advice. Trust in the Lord Erastil for the new comforts of hearth and home now as citizens of Brevoy, and the oaths of Ragathiel, Angelic God-servant to Iomadae, to live your new life with honor and virtue. But hear me now, go back on your repentance as Ser James Hercea has said before, and you shall find the blade of Vengeance across your throats." he then stands back and lets his companions continue interogating the group of still living bandits.
Ali looks on in horror as the foul-mouthed bandit dares them for execution. As Mordecai and Stannis take him up on the offer, Ali watches on aghast. 'Surely we don't just kill someone out in the woods. If we have to we execute them where all can see. But...'
Ali keeps close enough to the group to feel the beheading take place and the life flowing out of the bandit in a torrent. Not trusting her voice she does not speak up, either for a prayer or lamentation. 'Wow, that's cold of Sir Stannis castigating a man in his elergy. But i suppose if it makes the others come to our cause then, is it worth it?' Ali holds back the sorrow and pain building unside her and turns towards the remaining bandits.
"So, Lem is it?" she asks the sentry. "Look none of us want this to 'appen. But we'll take thee back to Post, as i said times a changin'. We're going to make this place 'abitable. So if ye want your freedom, then ye'll have to work fo' it. Ya weren't free 'ere were ya? Orders, keeping a watch, makin' sure ya ain't shivved over a bottle of foul grog. We are going t' make this area better. As ya see we have the steel ta do it. Or we'll die horribly and ya can have a good laugh." Ali says with a sardonic wink.
"So, this Stag Lord. He's a big bloke who that Dovan gets the booze for? I take it there ain't any more patrols out, is there more camps like this?" Ali asks.
"Aye, patrols," Lem answers. "Where they be," he shrugs.
"Not erry one of us know the other," the bandit nearest the executed man volunteers. "Not even the boss know, I don't think. Dovan's got men ranging for... victims. Akiros has em ranging for food, and sign. Where they meet?" he shakes his head.
"The boss is a demon," supplies one of the bandits who was previously put to sleep. "Won't know 'im by his face. Wears a helm with antlers. The boys have a pool, say he be pinched off from Erastil's assh*le."
Lem sits quietly while the others talk. "That Galan was a right bastard, Miss, but he was right 'bout some things. Ain't none of us fit to be held in walls," he says. "Been at rangin' since I were a boy. Know this wood better than most," he sighs and shakes his head. "Way I see it, either you trust us or we hang. How we s'post to prove that we gonna be on the up?"
Ali observes the group of 'repentant' bandits. "Aye, that's t' question. I'm from these parts myself, I know how hard it is to try and survive in these parts." She pauses. "Ye really ain't too diplomatic around t' ladies anyway. What skills ya got? Woodsmen? Crafters? I know ya don't want t' discipline oft soldiers. I have an idea."
Ali senses around for the others. "I know my companions won't neccessarily care for it, but.... We take ya back to the trading post, so as thems there know your faces. Then ya be sent out into the forests to get food, wood, other useful items. Then every score days ya have to be back at the Fort or ya'll be declared Outlaw. No trial, no clemancy, just my vicious friend over there to take ya Head. This would be hard to persuade the rest of them about this." She says trying to sound reasonable, friendly but strict.
"You would have to work...hard. The spell-slinger there will put a bracelet upon ya wrist, which I'm sure he can magic up. But ya'll be free. Another alternative is a 'work farm', you will help build something, grow crops." Ali thinks her voice getting a bit tired.
"Whatever we come up with it will be hard work. Ya forefitted ya lives when youse been murdering, stealing and raping. I can see your 'earts; i know what ya done. But i can also see that you could be something more. The alternative...." She waves her hand in the direction of Mordecai and his bloody sword.
Diplomacy:
"We are going to trust you because you are going to give us an oath. A promise to turn a new leaf, and work for the betterment of yourselves and those around you. You are strong and capable men, and you have the power to do so much if you only put your minds and hearts to it. Instead of being pissed on by a violent drunk and his sadistic pet rapist, you can be men looked to as EXAMPLES that children will be called on to emulate!" Stanis gestures widely, indicating them all. "Men not consumed with hatred and evil must feel something when thinking such thoughts, I believe."
He smiles to Lem, who has been among the more talkative "I have faith in people who wish to better themselves. That is why my magic does not kill, but rather subdues without injury, and aids my friends." he looks to Mordecai and the dead bandit "But I admit that those who spit on this generosity, quickly earn my anger, as the maxim about wizards goes."
Ali nods her head in agreement. A small smile is conceled as some of her hair tumbles from it's pony tail across her face. 'Good, Stannis agrees. His words are persuasive perhaps we can save these wretches. Give them a better life, therefore ensuring a better land for all.'
"So, what do you think of me idea, Sir Stannis? Certainly in t' morning we should head back to Oleg's. If we go by t' fields, 'cross flat lands we might make it by dusk?" Ali asks.
Stanis takes a second to ponder before nodding "If we manage to keep an alcoholic from his booze, his withdrawal should make him prone to poor decisions, like sending his men out on hopeless endeavors. His leadership might be compromised, and there might be in-fighting. The less WE have to deal with, the better... but," he looks to the north with a frown of worry "it might inspire him to attack the trading post, if he learns we are behind this..."
"What say you all?"
Tam shrugs having previously pulled up his hood and scarf he hides his expression. Was it truly right to force these men into service? Are we any better than slavers? What if these men had no chioce but to turn to banditry?
Tam turns looking at Stannis then at the loot trying to think of a plan.
"What if.....we but the booze in the open where they could see it? Perhaps we could ambush the party the lord would send out to retirve it pulling them out of the fortress? Could you then make some sort of distraction or fog to hide our fight from the fortress or whatever these bandits are holed up in."
"If the 'Stag Lord' tries to sent people to attack Oleg's we try to ambush them before they get there. Or they escape into t' forest and if we ally with the fey there then they'll be grand. Or now that James mate is at Olegs with men then it's 'arder to attack anyways." Ali says hopefully.
Ali walks over to the man who watched Kressle die, who was seemingly brighter than some of the others. "So, dost thee know how many men the 'Stag Lord' has at his Fort? A handful, a dozen, a score, a centuary? Doran is his ale runner, Akiros his master-of-arms, Aurochs his fighting fool & there's creatures in t' basement? We missing anything?"
"We are going to trust you because you are going to give us an oath. A promise to turn a new leaf, and work for the betterment of yourselves and those around you. You are strong and capable men, and you have the power to do so much if you only put your minds and hearts to it. Instead of being pissed on by a violent drunk and his sadistic pet rapist, you can be men looked to as EXAMPLES that children will be called on to emulate!" Stanis gestures widely, indicating them all. "Men not consumed with hatred and evil must feel something when thinking such thoughts, I believe."
The bandits take a few moments to mull over Stanis's offer. "Swear to what, sir?" one sleeping bandit asks. "Pardon Jess, Master, Miss. He ain't been right since I drop't 'im on his head when we was boys," the second one says and laughs. "We'll swear. Ain't never done sat right with me, that Dovan," he shakes his head.
"So we're to report to this Olegs?" Lem picks up on Ali's suggestion. "Beggin' yer pardon Miss, but 'tween the nature of the wood, lest a man be on the good with the little folk, could be lost for days. An' I suspect that's where ye be wantin' aide the most," he says and looks to Stanis. "Skinny lad's words are harder, but he's got the same way as Akiros. Ain't no mistake the Lord of Stags be hol'd up where he be. Or alive if ye be hearin' us."
Stanis chuckles at Tam's suggestion "There is something amusing about the picture of using booze for bandit bait. Not a bad plan. But as the men here say, the bandits tend to avoid the depths of the forest, which means that we have a much easier job of protecting ourselves. An attack needs to come from the south-east, as no bandit is dumb enough to use the South Rostland Road, as the damn Aldori patrol that stretch... so we can take our time, let their tempers ferment a little, and make the bait nigh irresistable before we take them on." he gives a wry smile before looking to Ali "Like you said, with our forces, defensible positions, the magic of a cleric of Erastil, Kesten's blade and Kayla's potions should prove a formidable defense." he turns to look at the bandits "And now that we are bolstering OUR numbers, the odds should be good indeed."
Stanis invokes a cantrip and makes a piece of parchment hover before him as he starts penning it "By the power vested in me by the Dragonthrone Mandate, fourth paragraph, I hereby offer you full pardon for your crimes, pending a three year reformation period wherein you will abstain from any criminal behavior in order to prove the validity of your conformation. In this time, we are obligated to provide food and shelter, as well as meaningful employment that might sustain you when the reformation period is over. Failure to heed these terms will be judged on an individual basis, and may lead to a termination of this contract in cases of grievous assault or worse." he recites as he writes.
"Gentlemen, I am hereby formally offering you a new chance in life. Failure to adhere to these terms by a third party, I.E. other brevic citizens, will earn them legal repercussions as if you were legal citizens. In layman terms, we give you work, food and shelter, as well as the protection of the law. And in return, you behave and try your utmost to become good citizens. If you turn this down, I am obligated, by the same law that allows me to offer you pardon from your crimes, to leave here with your heads..." he finishes and holds the document out for them to read and sign... if they are at all able to.
Ali stands on as Stannis magics up a document, she leans towards the bandits conspiratorially. "Ere he comes around with big words, do ye ken what 'e's gan on about. Make your mark on t' sheet and we'll have come to a agreement. You'll work for us, we give ye food, shelter and keep ye safe. You lot have to behave though, act like i know ye can. Like good men, if ye don't do owt bad for 3 years, then all is forgiven, if not well..... we'll see."
Ali looks towards Lem, "Don't worry, we won't sent ye to the woods to get losten by the 'little folk'. We'll get ye some work t' do. Polish up ye manners and make ye rit proper gents." She says with a bit of a laugh.
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The bandits stare at Stanis in wonder as his magics hold aloft the contract, and his words seem to confuse them further. At Ali's explanation, they each nod.
"Aye," says the sentry identified as Lem. "But how we s'posed to sign, bound as we are. Ain't a great many of us of letters, though," he admits.
"I can make me mark," says another. "Juss put the pen in me mouth. Will be as clean as any other."
After agreeing to the contract, Lem approaches Stanis and Tam. "If you mean to sneak on the b*stard in his lair, there's a pass phrase that'll get ya in the door. The answer is By the bloody bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?' Or was, 'fore we camt out 'ere."
Since I recall that you looked for Svetlana's wedding ring, or, I know that you accepted the task of finding it, you likely would have grilled the bandits for its location. They tell you a group of mites stole some bags of loot from the cart the night previous, and fled in the direction of the Kamelands.
"So we camp here tonight, then in t' morn, all o' ye come with us. We skirt t' forest." Ali suggests.
"Tonight we keep watches, how many men are at the fort?" Ali asks Lem. "Are there many movement of you ex-compatriots, 'cause would like five more be noticed? I take it that they don't know everyone." Ali says whilst stirring a stew-pot with various half-moldy veg and spices.
Regarding the ring; "So what are mites then? Mother always said that you hadda hav' a bath or you'll catch mites, but these are different?"
Ali smells at the cook pot near the fire. The aroma, generally unpleasant of a thin sort of stew. She search the stores for a few herbs to enhance the taste to that which is barely palatable.
Getting the lads wooden dishes, she slops out a portion of each to go with a bit of dried bread. "Eat up, it'll put hairs on ye chest." Ali takes a bowl for herself, sitting beside the group of 5 'reformed' bandits she asks about their homes, family and most inportantly their skills .
Sat by the camp-fire Ali tries to make the pack feel at ease, at least until the group can figure what must be done with them.
Stanis explains the mites again, as he did before Ali joined the group; least of the dark fey, more a nuisance than a threat to civilized people, resilient towards weapons not made of cold iron, able to place minor hexes on people with their bulging eyes.
"If anyone needs to learn a trade, I am a decent teacher of theory, well versed in most any sagacious field of study. Most any trade needs a good backing of knowledge. Not to mention that I can teach how to read and write in several languages." he offers as he helps himself to a large helping of the stew, smiling at the hearty fare which is common enough for a Rostlander like himself.
"Hey, Mordecai, Tam, James, come and have something to eat! A fire is as good a symbol of unity as any."
Mordecai smiles and crosses over to the group, accepting a bowl of stew gratefully from Stanis and smiling as the lawyer then engages him in polite conversation before he turns to address Ali, who had just given the bandits their share of the meal. The lad was a good sort, a bit naive true but a good heart.
"I know little more than Stanis on the matters of research and such but I can attest personally to how very annoying Mites can be. Stuck me with tiny daggers on one of our first nighs out and cast some sort of spell on me, this...hex...Stanis just mentioned."
He shrugs and begins indulging his growling stomach in the delicious meal, taking his stew and bread over to where the bandits sit and eat as well. He eyes each of them, then, after whiping his mouth on the bakc of one hand, he looks to each of the men, asking them their names, their skills outside of their recent occupation, where they were from and how much martial training they had recieved over the years, tactfully leaving out any mention of the 'action' they had gotten during their ill-decided vocations as lawless maruaders.
The Sentry - Lem
Lem originates from the wilds near Daggermark. He spent some time in the slums as a child, but having less money than aptitude for crafts and trade, struck out with a mercenary band interested in some lands to the west. They fought some horrible beasts and many of them fell, and Lem fled, thinking his life was of more value than the coin they might pull in if any survived the fight. He wandered through the wood and gradually learned to feed himself. He's arguably the best hunter of the group and in those few days bereft of Kressle's influence he's easily the one the band would look to most for leadership amongst themselves.
Jess
Jess is the elder half-brother of Hans. He's pure Stolen Lands. A hearty boy with strong shoulders and not much between 'em, he's good for lifting and hauling things, which is what he did for his Momma. He enjoys physical comedy, less slapstick and more cruel, but considering what you've heard of Dovan, it's not as though the bandits are encouraging wholesome behaviors. He's hearty and simple, and with no prior training is pretty much a blank slate. Remember, the gods make ditch diggers, too.
Hans
Jess's younger brother is not quite as not all there as his brother suspects, he is more observant. Hans's father was Ulfen, his Momma says, a traveler who breezed through. Hans is tall and sturdy and to say that he has a differing opinion of humor and life than his half brother is an understatement. He fell in with Kressle largely because of lack of options, to keep his Momma fed and safe from the like of Dovan and worse. Of the bandits he is the most flexible as to how to continue. The blessings of the gods may miss a brother, but they are found somewhere in a generation.
and finally
Vlade
Vlade (the final sleepy-time bandit) hails from Mivon, in the south. He recognized early that he was none equipped to rise to any prominance in the chaos that is Mivon's warrior meritocracy, and did not wish to be oppressed there. Beneath Kressle, he found freedom, so far as he was not beneath her. You get the impression from his speech that Vlade spurns the affection of women and that rape is not going to be an issue with this guy. He is definitely not leader material, and best to be ranging and trapping, working on his own terms. He expresses interest in learning to craft bows, and traps.
Ali's pale eyes sparkle in the reflected fire-light. "Wow, Mr Mordecai, you lads have fought everything. I never 'eard of mites, though I didn't really leave me 'ome 'til it burnt down. Me Dad, Byron didn't like me wandering outside. On account that I cannot see. Though he ain't me real Dad; he said it were some Lord in Brevoy who got Ma 'up the duff'."
Ali carefully eats the stew, 'Mousey' runs down the sleeve of her shirt and sticks it's nose into her food. It lets out a little sneeze at the hot gruel and backs away. Ali blows on her spoon before putting it unerringly to the rats whiskers; just stopping short of them.
With a smile Ali says "Well, I ain't book learned. For one I certain can't read. But ye don't hafta be smart ta read, or read ta be smart." 'Though i helps and Sir Stannis, certainly is smart and well mannered' Seemingly staring into the fire..."But I can teach ye a few things, looking afta animals, 'erbs and 'ealing and how t' proper court a lady like.....Me ma used t' read all those Brevoyian-Sword Lord romances. First, ya cut out t' swearing, then ya work to woo t' lady; by treating 'er like one." Ali stops, coughs and goes all red all the way to her ears. 'Yeah, this is prolly not the best road t' go down.' She carries on staring into the flickering flames.
"As for myself, should you wish to put yourself into my care, and hope that as much as I don't trust you I won't turn on you without cause, I know the ways of many religions, and have allies who know many more." James looks over the newer men after they tell their stories and eats the soup slowly and without relish. "This boy," He waves lightly at Hans, "Seems to notice more. You know how people are don't you son? Even when they don't know it themselves. I could teach you to hone that. To use it for the betterment of people instead of to prey on them. Should you so choose." James pulls his hat down, seeming unusually dour this night. We take much upon ourselves. Reforming these men, claiming this land. I had assumed we would have backup, or that we would simply cleans eit. This is a better option, but one with much more difficulty in the future.
As the others had been talking and conversing with the now turned bandits Tam had been busy setting up his sleeping arrangement for the night. Climbing swiftly into a tree he sets up his things finding a wide branch where it just joins the trunk with another limb. Laying out his blanket he lays down comfortably using his pack as a pillow.
As he hears Ali compliment his brother he begins to cough trying not to choke on the laughs bubbling out of him almost to the point he falls out of the tree. Finally he gives up and bursts out laughing loudly and slowly it devolves into giggles.
"As for me gents if you ever want to lose some money come dice with me."
Climb
Ali joins in the laughter at Tam's comment. "Dice with you, aye I may be blind but I ain't stupid. You're too clever with those for me."
Tam scoffs looking sharply down at Ali peering at her putting on a fierce fake scowl adopting a rough brouge he'd heard around the docks he had frequented. "Oi, Ah be resen' tha' remark! It not meh ben clever with the dice 'ere ye ken! 'Haps, the Ged's chosen tah favor meh fer ah wee time! Tis not me fault that Geds seem to favor me when I be dicing." He then grins fiercely showing his teeth before continuing back in his regular voice. "Dont ye trust me?"
Ali continues laughing with the youngster as his rough accent reminds her of her step-father and home. "Aye Sonny-Jim, with me life..." Her ribs shaking in laughter, as she winks at the rogue.
'He's a good man, barely into manhood, but he seems to have had more experiences than many thrice his age. Certainly more then me. I am glad, he's around.'
Also, since no one has objected to Ali's stated plan of riding back to Oleg's through the Kamelands and plains as opposed to the forest, I will assume you do that, without exploring, and for the sake of stuff, that the bandits have horses as well as you do. Or ponies for now.
11 Pharast - Continued
Watch is organized and you settle in for what you are sure is to be a long night. In addition to protecting yourselves from threats from without, you must also keep an eye on the bandits within. No trusting them too explicitly for the moment, you do not invite them to join the watch, Vlade and Lem will sit up for quite a while during the late night and early morning watches, respectively, apparently out of habit.
12 Pharast
As luck would have it, or unluck, depending on your perspective, Ali during your watch, you and Lem cannot fail to hear a creature of some sort crashing through the brush near your camp. Lem raises a finger to his lips in the universal gesture for quiet and rises, clearly intending to investigate the source...
Ali rises startled at hearing the noise; she picks up her sling and moves quietly towards the origin of the noise. 'I hope it is only a dog or something.' Searching about her senses fully opened from only minutes before, the cold pre-dawn light washing over her. 'I hope the one that escaped has not brung reinforcements.' Ali draws a breath ready to scream, but not wanted to alert the intruder if it's purpose is not malevolant.
'Mousey' scrurries from under her blanket and starts to wash himself.