Perhaps I'm too subtle.
As Oleg ignores his questions to instead rail at the other's failure to instantly render the bandit problem moot, Rufus expression stills somewhat.
When Svetlana provides some answers, only to be mollified by the Orlovsky knight, his eyes close as he cautions himself to patience.
"Good madam Leveton. You say they come each month to demand...
,
You then know in what numbers they come? Who the leader is? How able they seem."
"Who is attentive, who lax, who drunk or bored."
" are the things we need to know if we are to see that they do not 'Escape Justice'". A sidelong glance at Sir Karse is made with the last statement.
Turning to Hadin. "Have encountered one of these safety visits?"
Svetlana beams at the paladin and says, "Oh thank you so much! You are welcome here, and you will have a warm bed and a hot meal, and not a copper shall you spend. You are our guests. We are so grateful you are willing to help, aren't we Oleg?" the last words tossed over her shoulder to remind her husband of his manners.
Oleg walks to the stables and shouts, "OH SURE, GLAD TO HAVE YOU. AND THEN YOU AND THE REST OF THOSE NOBLES IN RESTOV CAN COME ON DOWN TOGETHER AND JUST BUILD A BUNCH OF HOUSES RIGHT HERE, NEXT TO MY POST! MY OH MY, WOULDN'T THAT BE GRAND!" and he spits in the dirt for emphasis and disappears into the structure.
"I do hope you will forgive him, I'm so sorry." she says, "Since the word went out about the decree from the throne he has been in the foulest of moods. Nothing but piss and vinegar running through his veins these past few weeks."
Svetlana smiles at Rufus and nods, "Of course, of course. Let me see what I can recall..."
The first time the bandits visited, there were a dozen of them, ten lower-ranking thugs led by a cloaked man armed with a bow, and a woman who carried two small hatchets. The woman did the majority of the talking on that first trip, and her black sense of humor and the way she smiled when she spoke of what fate would await Svetlana if the Levetons didn’t comply frightened Svetlana all the more. The woman also seemed to be particularly sharp and observant, whereas the man seemed to be a bit more crude and foolish. This, plus the fact that the woman quite nearly lopped off Oleg’s right hand with one of her hatchets in a cruel bit of mockery, convinced the Levetons that she was the most dangerous of the bandits. As it was, the woman took Svetlana’s wedding ring right off her hand and tossed it to one of her men as payment for “not shortening Oleg’s reach.”
On the second visit only the crude hooded man accompanied the bandits and he came with only six other men. But Hatar was there at the post with his brother, and they made them fight for their plunder. Both were slain but they took four of the bandits with them.
On the third trip the bandits were back in force, twelve men and the hooded man. Oleg and Svetlana offered no resistance and no one was harmed.
Each time they seemed full aware of themselves, if a bit cocksure, and did not appear to be drunk or addle-minded. Each time the left with the goods they were in high spirits, heading back off to the south.
Hadin has only arrived recently, and has not yet seen the bandits. If he had, there would have been another fight already most likely.
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"It hardly matters what rabble leads them, nor how many there are, we will not falter. Right is on our side. We shall give them leave to make restitution and then begone from these parts, or they shall fall before us." Sir Karse removes his shield from his back and begins polishing it to mirror-bright sheen.
I guess we're working for free then, and I could have used more money to further my research too. Also, this Sir Karse seems to have some sort of a death wish, everything with him seems to be 'with my life, if necessary'. "Well, I'm sure glad he's not my husband." Winifred says under her breathe referring to Oleg's rotten mood.
"Sir Karse, perhaps it may not matter to you, but surely it would help us be better prepared if we have some idea of what we are facing."
Glancing back & forth between Oleg & Svetlana, Rufus' expression smooths to one of understanding.
Ah, he likes the 'Lawless' aspects of the River Kingdoms but hasn't quite acknowledged the unfortunate reality of such an existence...
Well, there are more than enough petty kingdoms here. is only a week's travel or so South. Wonder how Thadeusz fares these days. Wish I could have passed through to visit on my way for Mother's funeral.
At Sir Karse's pompous declamation, Rufus rather notably bites his lip to prevent a heated response.
Things the Player is curious about...
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Sir Karse notices Rufus' look of disdain. "You believe that we have other than hope of success, good Rufus? These are rabble, not dragons. They will fall before the likes of us as sheaves of wheat before the scythe. The Lady Winifred and these good folk have naught to fear with
the combined might of you and I and Theod. And Hadin looks as though he may know his way around a weapon, as well.
Erastil, be with us in protecting the lives of these folk. Let not your humble servant falter.
"In five years watching a border with a Nation that has all but defined the term 'Rabble', I have never found that 'Rabble' fall like sheaves of wheat, of ." Rufus matches Sir Karse stare for stare. "You claim to follw Old Deadeye, but I have never known Ullerstahl to consider common man 'Rabble'."
"Bandits they certainly are, but I will tell you something you may not know about the River Kingdoms Sir Karse. The difference between a & an 'upstanding citizen' about here is often the difference between which town you abide in."
"This Brevoy. We Lawmen. As far as Riverfolk are concerned, we are an invading force."
"The good news is this doesn't guarantee they will all be against us outright. We prove that life with us about will be better than life with these 'Bandits' & most will happily leave be."
Contemplating for a moment. "Well, many..."
"Some...
Theod shrugs at the whole conversation "Adventure's adventure..." with a big grin across his face. Ah a real battle for the ages, the heroic band of friends fighting for the weak to defend them against the horrid group of bandits! His smile only widens as he continues "I'm glad to be of assistance if I can. Perhaps we can build up the defenses a bit or set a trap of some sort in case it comes to blows? Maybe we can simply scare them off before it's a problem?"
Rufus nods, grinning at Theod's enthusiasm. "Scaring's good. The less blood spilt the less that stains your hands."
Not to mention other, less tangible parts...
"But if we only scare them off, couldn't they come back with reinforcements? Besides," Winifred takes the charter out, and points to it, "The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope." she then puts the charter away and adds, "It seems pretty clear to me that unless they repent for their crimes, the bandits are to die, by our hands no less. Simply scaring them off will not solve the problem anyway, unless we are always here ready to scare them off at any given moment."
You can count on my help, of course. I'll do eveything I can to protect my aunt and uncle. Alone, there wasn't much I could do, and it could have been dangerous for them if I failed against the bandits.
There's sadness and concern in Hadin's eyes as he speaks.
They are used to bully people, so maybe encountering organised resistance will surprise them enough. I'm afraid they won't be open to discussion, unfortunatly. I'm quite sure they are themselves part of a larger force, even if I don't know how large the force could be. They obey their leaders and aren't afraid to shed blood. We can't offer to let anyone escape, but we may try to make some prisoners, maybe.
"Svetlana, I have another question for you actually." Winifred starts, pointing at one of the catapults. "Do those work? They would be very useful in defending against the bandits." Even just one would be a great deal of help if its operational or if we can get it operational.
Svetlana frowns and replies, "Dear, I wouldn't know the first thing about those contraptions. They were here when we arrived to rebuild this place into our trading post." She thinks for a moment and adds, "I suppose if one of you knows something about that type of thing there'd be no harm in trying to fix them up. I'm sure Hadin would be glad to lend you a hand and show you were our supplies are."
Theod nots "Good points. Well I suppose, let's see what happens yeah?" He looks around at the fort "In either case, perhaps we can setup a trap of some sort somewhere in the event we need to fall back. I always like to cover my rear."
Theod nots "Good points. Well I suppose, let's see what happens yeah?" He looks around at the fort "In either case, perhaps we can setup a trap of some sort somewhere in the event we need to fall back. I always like to cover my rear."
Not sure which roles might be pertinent so just doing a few
Maybe to reverse engineer a trap?
Maybe for something around that can help setup defenses or make a good standing point
Maybe we could place that chariot more on the left, just to the sied of the barns? We could place people behind so they would be hidden. If they are strong enough, they could maybe even push the chariot till the entrance, and block the way out for the bandits. If we could use some old sacks, we could try to sewn a few sacks together, and use these as a kind of blinding net....
Hadin sighs
Whatever happens, i want to make sure Oleg and Svetlana don't get hurt, it's my priority.
Nodding at Hadin's comments, Rufus adds. "How difficult is it to close the main gate?"
If we can trap them in here with us, then they can hardly run off to warn the other bandits, can they?"
Noting the possibility for emergencies, Rufus inquires. "Have we enough rope to repair or replace it should we cut the rope to bring the gate down immediately? Do we have enough rope to test if it will drop immediately?"
"We had to barter for the rope on one of our trading trips to Restov. It could be replaced in time, but we do not have any rope of that strength here." Svetlana answers, placing a large pot of stew on one of the tables along with a platter of crusty bread. She quickly lays out bowls and spoons and heads to the well for more water.
"Hrm..." Rufus contorts his features as he cogitates, Looking first at the gate & then at the individuals present at the trading post. "Master & Madam Leveton, in any activity there is the possibility for failure; I'm sure we all realize the consequences of failure in this will be personally quite dire, so before I continue with my recommendation, I ask that you tell me, unequivocally, whether or not you are willing for us to act in this."
Svetlana shows a smile to the knight and says, "Of course you have our support. If something isn't done about these brigands there will be no way for us to support ourselves. Please take whatever measures you see fit to employ. We will do our best to aid you however we can." Oleg, by the storage shed, merely nods and gives a grunt of affirmation.
"Then my recommendation is this; The two of you unfortunately will need to be where the bandits can see you when they arrive. Possibly just you Oleg, but I suspect that the first you will hear from these thugs if they do not see Svetlana is a demand that you present her."
"Equally to our detriment, they will start looking for her & the longer they go without closely searching the Post, the better for our purposes."
"Lady Lebeda, if you will situate yourself in concealment next to the Gate Winch, ready to begin winching it down at a signal from Oleg, myself, or possibly Sir Karse, that might be for the best."
"Haddin, if you were to place yourself, such that you might interpose between any Bandits who might seek to stop the Gate's closure, that would be well."
"Theod, I feel you & I might be best situated to prevent the bandit's escape by more direct means...
Which is to say, as soon as they see it coming down, several will likely try & bolt. We want to stop them."
"Sir Karse, I'm sure you look forward to standing mightily to smite the depraved foe...
So that is what I recommend you do. Stay with Oleg & Svetlana in case the bandits should decide to take hostages or some such."
Looking about, he queries. "Any one else have recommendations?"
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Karse nods in confirmation to the plan and sets himself and the Levetons right in the open area in front of the stables. He will stand between them and the gate. His shield, sunlight glinting off it's fresh polish, is at the ready on his left arm and his flail is in his right hand. His mail shirt is newly oiled and his tabard pressed and cleaned. As he girds himself for the battle ahead, he turns to the Levetons.
"Do not worry. We shall not fail, and I shall do my best to insure that none of this rabble reaches you."
I do fear for the safety of Lady Winifred, however. Manning the gate is a perilous position for a delicate girl.
"Sounds like a sound plan to me, if it takes too long to winch the gate down, should I attempt to cut the rope?" Winifred asks holding up her dagger. "It might not be in our best interests to cut the rope, but if the alternative is letting the bandits go, I consider it the better choice." She adds, taking a look at the intimidating winch.
Theod adds "What about a pit in front of Oleg and Svetlana. Just to ensure if the bandits rush them or some such they won't get to them. Put something overtop of it and cover it so they don't see it." He taps his finger against his lip while he thinks of other ideas the shrugs "Otherwise that all sounds like a good plan! He claps his hands together and rubs them ready to get to work on any preparations that are needed.
The pit trick could work if the bandits weren't already familiar with the trading post. Any too noticeable change would be quite dangerous, as they would suspect an ambush. What we need is a safe escape route for Oleg and Svetlana, and prepare their house so the bandits could not reach them easily. I'm willing to lay my life down for them if need arise.
Hadin is totally serious and doesnt seemed too much afraid
I'm sure a coordinated, well planned attack can bring the bandits down. Once they are down, and can't harm anyone anymore, there's no need to kill them. But then... what to do with prisoners? I mean, it's not a prison here, and we can't let the brigands go back to their camp. It's way too risky for my parents, the only family i've left.
The youngful voice of Hadin definitively got a pleading tone, and for the first time, he seems plagued with doubt and fear.
As preparations are being made, Rufus asks Oleg & Svetlana to hold out their hands for Boon to smell. "Boon, Oleg. Boon Speak." Boon gives a short bark. "Good boy! Boon, Svetlana. Boon Speak" once more, Boon gives a sharp bark. "Good boy! Stay with Svetlana, Boon."
"Stay." He repeats himself as he makes his way near the gate.
Theod will prepare himself, weapon drawn, as well, while trying to stay out of sight.
Hadin prepares himself for battle: a worn out studded leather, a strong and simple shield, sharpening his handaxe and dagger, practising his skill with the flail.
On the morning of the day the bandits must ome, he spends a good time in prayers to Erastil. Then he takes his position near the winch, trying to hide himself as good as he can,giving a feeble smile and a nod to Winifred.
(note: could Hadin take 10 to hide? Do we have enough time to take 20. Will post Stealth check later if not)
Just after sunrise, Toilday, the 2nd of Erastus, 4713 AR.
The bandits arrive as scheduled, approaching from the south on horseback about an hour after sunrise. They arrogantly stride in and seem to be completely unaware of anyone except for Sir Karse, who for a moment seems to make them pause when they see him. They quickly recover from this though, as he is only one man. Thirteen bandits stand before Oleg, Svetlana, and Sir Karse, with three horses close behind them. They file through the front gate and build up in the front courtyard, laughing and talking among themselves. They do not appear to notice anyone else.
In their group is a hooded man with a bow who speaks, "What have we here lads? Oleg, did you find yerself someone to hire up as a guard? Bravo! Now be a good sot and send Svettie over here to keep me company. The road is long." the last comment drawing a chuckle. "Ok lads, let's load it up and be on the way, time is wastin!" Speaking to Karse he adds, "Out of the way farm boy, unless you want to be food for the worms."
Master Parsal say 'no battle plan survives contact with the enemy'...