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Traveling through the southern lands of Rostland was an ardous journey but finally you have arrived at the sole outpost in the Greenbelt, Oleg's Trading Post.
The five of you arrive together, however you all met somewhere along the road, joining up in ones and twos untill the five of you were traveling the last few days of the leg to Oleg's Trading House.
Remembering back to what initially brought you all together; the charter from the Lords of Restov granting you a mandate to the tame the Stolen Lands.
Be it known that the bearer of this charter has been charged by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and authority vested within them by the office of the regent of the Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel within the wilderness known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and sixty miles south of Oleg's Trading Post. The carrier of this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by the sword or rope. So witnessed on this 24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by the Lord Aoleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
The Post is intimidating and old, a bit like a veteran grandparent if they were a building. It is surrounded by a worn, but sturdy, wooden palisade that stands 10 feet high. At each corner of this palisade are 20-foot high watchtowers, each sporting ruined piles of machinery that were catapults, back in the Post's prime. There is a single entrance, a thirty-foot wooden gate. It is invitingly, and conveniently, open.
As your approach closer to can see a rough and rugged looking man with a grisly beard banging a hammer on one of the roofs, he looks up as you approach the gates, "Aye, ya must be tha ones answerin' the charter, Ai'll be righ' now," wiping his forehead of sweat thanks to this rather humid day.
Wearing a dirty brown leather smock and a stained white tunic, mud crusted and covered leather boots finish this mans outfit as a solidly frontier man. "Ma name's Oleg, this here's my trading post," looking at you all, "Who might you lot be, 'sides the ones answerin' the charter,"
Kas chuckles to himself and raises a hand to Oleg in a clear sign of friendly acknowledgment. ”Hullo there, Oleg! My name’s Kas…Kas Crimson!” The middle-aged man seeming to be not much more than a peddler or street entertainer shifts his multi-colored patchwork cloak to pull it away from the saddle, sliding off of his horse Gerdie to the firm ground below with a satisfying grunt of a man who has been on his horse for a long while.
”I guess you could say that’s what we’ve all come for, Master Oleg! Got a fine piece of parchment all the way from Restov, with fancy words all scrawled on it to that effect and such. For now though I’d like to get Gerdie here setup with some water and my feed…say now can I give ya a hand with that roof, or help lift some goods up to ya at the least?”
The youthful Varisian woman, Hama, pulls her ox-drawn cart up, stopping just behind Gerdie and Kas. She wears a brown, travel worn heavy cloak with orange trim over a sturdy old outfit clearly designed for travel. Upon cresting the low hill in the road in front of the fort, she lowers her hood to get a better look at the structure, revealing a kapenia about her neck--a long heavy scarf displaying elegant and complicated, turquoise embroidery. The scarf frames a beautiful countenance of dusky smooth skin, large expressive grey eyes, long black mane sparsely interwoven with blue ribbons, and a coldly placid expression. Despite her well-traveled appearance and dirty clothes, her hair and skin nevertheless appear immaculately clean, and the faint scent of an earthly herb-made perfume wafts about her.
She gives a friendly wave to Oleg in greeting as she approaches atop her cart, but otherwise keeps quiet for the time being, instead focusing her attention on tending to the animals, as would a humble servant in the presence of greater masters.
Sanianna leaps from the back of an elk and reaches into one of the saddlebags on the back of the beast. Out pops a badger which is almost as big as the gnome is. She makes a few grunting noises in response to similar sounds from the badger and sets him on the ground. It sniffs the air and the ground and begins to make a few tentative digs to expose some earthworms, which it proceeds to feed on.
Sanianna is a gnome, about three feet tall, with armor made of some animal hide. Her belt bristles with small weapons, including a sickle, a club, and a scimitar. Her elk has a small sized scythe and three short spears resting in leather holding loops and quivers. Her cloak is held in place with two pins. One is shaped as a long bow with an arrow nocked, the holy symbol of Erastil, and the other is an ornate leaf, the holy symbol of Gozreh.
Her hair is a mix of colors, light green and cyan, braided and wrapped into a circular bun at the back of her head. It has been decorated with some fresh wildflowers. She has brightly colored accents trimming her shirt and pants.
Once Kas introduces himself, Sanianna bows and adds, "I am Sanianna Quickly, Druid and wilderness guide, servant of Lord Surtova, Erastil, and Gozreh, although not necessarily in that order." She winks as she says this last. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Oleg. Oh, and this is Glyph and Dax," she adds, pointing to her mount and the badger. Her voice is high and sweet sounding.
Whether from naivety or genuine welcoming attitude Beorn is open and easy to talk to on the road. As each person joins and the group grows larger he welcomes each in turn. Its a fine day to be traveling, no? Yes I too have accepted a charter. Yes, yes, please travel with us. Safety and good company in numbers you know.... He is dressed in what you might guess to be repurposed farming clothes but they are clean and in good shape. Over them he wears Scale Mail and a great sword is strapped to his back. A somewhat cruddy but lovingly carved holy symbol of Erastil hangs from his neck. He is mounted and his horse seems to be well cared for. If anything the horse's tack is in better shape than the mans gear. And he seems to know horses pretty well and is even knowledgeable and helpful with Hama's ox.
Without insisting he naturally takes point as the group travels. He is cautious when caution is called for but seems mostly carefree. His talk is light and mostly about farming and the care of animals. But the need to tame this land for those that will come later is sometimes on his might and he discusses it with more sincerity than any other subject. At one point he admits to being called to come to the Greenbelt but then changes the subject.
Waiting his turn to introduce himself he says Well met Oleg. I am Beorn Haraldson and I hail from a farm not too far from here, at least as the crow flies. As to who I might be, well I am farmer and breeder of animals by upbringing and I have recently served a hitch in the military. But now I am free too follow my calling and so I am here. As Kas has offered I too would be pleased to lend you a hand after I put up the animals. I suspect that building there is the barn?
Arriving on foot, a young olive skinned woman, with short dark brown hair and a friendly smile approaches and introduces herself.
"Hello! I am Rosetta Westfall and it is a pleasure to meet you." She extends her hand toward Oleg, and flashes him a smile. "I seem to be the only member of our party without a mount," as she looks at the other animals, "would you happen to know if a horse is avaliable for purchase or I would gladly exchange my labor to help you around the post here."
Gruff, "Yah well its a pleasure to meet ya all, I offered my trading post as starting spot for this charter from them lords of Restov but on one condition, don'y suppose they mention'd that in tha charter,?"
He'll lead your horses and oxen over to the stables, in the stables is just one old, graying mare, "This is me only horse, Claptrap, been around the meadow a few times," The horse gazes around absentmindedly as if newcomers are nothing special to see, it goes back to eatin' its alfalfa and hay.
"I gotta say, storing all these horses won't be cheap, I'll have ta charge ya for the use of me stables, not much, couple of silver a day, I'll make sure there brushed and fed though,"
The woman, leaning toward the well-fed size with a clean white apron over overalls, "Oleg, don't let 'em stand out there all day, take their horses and let 'em inside already, I've got some stew bubbling, shoul' be ready here soon,"
Yelling out from the stables, "Alright women, they're coming," Turing to the rest of you, "Ya heard the missus, best get over there, we have some stew for ya as well, then we can talk about the conditions of using our Trading Post to explore the Greenbelt with,"
"We'll be happy to pay for the stabling, although I'll probably be checking on them a lot, just to ask if they need anything, and to keep them company. And obviously, whether it's in our document thingy or not, you have the right to put conditions on us using your establishment as ... well whatever we decide to use it as."
Saniana will stroll down the stalls of the stables and say, <Thank you all for your service today. If there's anything you need, let me know. Hello Claptrap. I'm Saniana and I'll be your friend while we're here. Everything okay?> The animals nicker, snort and make other little vocalizations and she responds, <It's nothing. No trouble at all. Sleep well.> She gathers her scythe and spears and leaves.
She skips along to catch up with the group, stopping next to the ox long enough to say a few words of thanks to him as well. Jogs to the inn. Once inside, she sets her big weapons along the wall where the cloak hooks are and hangs her cloak over the same hooks, standing on a chair to reach.
"I gotta say, storing all these horses won't be cheap, I'll have ta charge ya for the use of me stables, not much, couple of silver a day, I'll make sure there brushed and fed though,"
Clearly embarrassed, Hama finally speaks up.
"I'm afraid I don't have any coin to give, but I'd be happy to help cook and clean, and you're welcome to put my ox to work during my stay as well."
Hama pets the ox on the head.
"He's a loyal laborer that he is. As for me, I was an accomplished herbalist back home, and would also be willing to trade some herbs and spices, or a variety of remedies, in return for my time here. If that isn't acceptable, we'd do just as well outside. We Varisians are no strangers to camping out on the road."
As she hands you all bowls heaped with piping hot stew, the meat appears to be venison, but it also has carrots, potatoes and a number of seasonings all leading it to be delicious, "I'm Svetlana, Oleg and I been together near 15 years now, not always running this Trading Post,"
Oleg sits down at the outdoor picnic tables with the rest of the group, eager to eat his bowl of stew as well, pointing a spoon at Hama, "No money, eh? I suppose if you say you can bring me valuable herbs back that'd do," Looking to his wife, "Now, tell 'em about our situation,"
Svetlana puts the pot of stew down inside, wiping her hands on her apron, "I am sure you all know which is why you're here but Oleg and I asked for help from Restov a while back, we seem to have a bandit situation and we're being forced to pay them tribute, its why we have fallen on such hard times and this place is in such sorry state"
Oleg shoveling more stew into his mouth, speaking between bites as well,"It all started a few months ago, the first time the bandits visited, there were a dozen of them—10 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 my dear sweet Svetlana if the we didn’t comply frightened us all the more."
Svetlana continuing this part of the story, "As it was, the woman took my wedding ring right off my hand and tossed it to one of her men as payment for 'not shortening Oleg’s reach.' as she had threatened to cut Oleg's hands off for trying to put up a fight"
Oleg slurping down the rest of his stew, broth spilling into his beard and continuing to run down his neck, "But, ya couldn't have come at a better time. them damn bandits are due to arrive tomorrow morning, the past couple of times its only been a few Bandits, they reckon we too scared ta put up a good fight, with you here, I'm sure we can fend 'em off, help us and we'll let ya sleep here at the Tradin' Post during your adventures,"
When the subject of animal boarding comes up Beorn nods. More than fair Mr. Oleg sir. I do expect we will be in and out a lot and so will only be paying for those nights we are fortunate to stay under your roof. Is that acceptable? When Hama mentions not having coin Beorn offers I've coin enough if you would allow me to help Hama. I find I have few needs and seem to usually have more coin than I can spend. After hearing the deal she strikes with Oleg he still offers At least let me pay for a week so the you do not owe good Oleg here while you gather herbs. You can pay me back if you wish.
Later as the group eats Beorn complement's Svetlana's cooling and cleans his plate. Best stew I've had since eating at my mom's table, and I'd hate to have to choose between yours and her's. Really good. He does not ask for seconds but if offered he gratefully accepts.
When the subject of banditry comes up Beorn listen to the story told and his brow furrows. Its hard to tell if he is growing angry or sad. Finally he comments Of course we will help. If these bandits are unrepentant then our charter is clear. Looking to the others he adds We need a plan. It makes sense to me to let the bandits come into the trading post, close the gate behind them, offer them a chance to surrender and then do what must be done.
"Svetlana, this stew is fantastic and a wonderful welcome! Nothing compares to a home cooked meal. Thank you." she says with a smile and a full spoon of stew.
"I agree with Beorn, a plan to catch these bandits off guard is an excellent idea." She looks up towards the watch towers and adds, "I can always set up in one ofthe watch towers and keep a look out." She looks around her group and then to Mr and Mrs Oleg, "I kind of have a knack for the bow and keeping watch." she reaches for her bow and gazes toward the towers.
For much of their meal Kas has been mostly involved in what was in his stew bowl, relishing it with clear delight - other than taking out a couple of choice carrots and potatoes to try and not-so-surreptitiously offer them to Saniana’s “pet” badger Dax under the stout outdoor table. Kas does nod a few times in sympathy to both Oleg and Svetlana as they relate the unfortunate circumstances of their situation here at the trading post; during the part where Svetlana relates her wedding ring being taken by the hatchet-woman bandit, Kasimyr’s frown deepens and he strokes his short greying beard in serious thought about it. Otherwise he waits until the couple has related their tale…and Beorn speaks of the need for a plan of action…before speaking.
”Well first I must follow Master Beorn and Mistress Rosetta and thank you, Madame Svetlana, for that fine stew! That’s more than generous hospitality for those of us that have been on the low roads for these many days now. Even without the grandiose notions of a high-minded charter from the Aldori Swordlords, I’d be happy to help you with yer troubles.” Kas muses on the matter a bit more, looking at the others gathered around the table. ”I don’t suppose these bandits would take a well-told tale or two in trade and be right back on their way tomorrow, eh? Hmm…”
Kasimyr shrugs his shoulders at Beorn’s initial plan and gestures with a hand in a display of caution. ”It’s not that I dislike your plan, young Master Haraldson, but cornering in folk with a penchant to do violence would almost surely mean the path of blood. Perhaps if we focused on their leader first? I’ve come to know men can be made more...ah...persuasive if their ringleader ain’t there to goad them on.”
Kas nods to Rosetta in a show of respect at her self-proclaimed "knack" with the bow. "Keeping watch for trouble is a fine idea, Mistress Rosetta, a fine idea. Yet if it comes to it with a showdown against these bandits, are you certain you're willing to put their leader to the mark, like the deer that made it into the stewpot?" Kas raises his hands in supplication and adds, "No doubts to your capabilities there, Mistress Rosetta, just wantin' to be clear as to how far you're willing to go on this."
I've coin enough if you would allow me to help Hama.
"Thank you, no, Master Haraldson. It is very kind of you to offer, but I would rather pay Sir Oleg in service now, than to incur a standing debt, even to one as reputable as yourself."
We need a plan. It makes sense to me to let the bandits come into the trading post, close the gate behind them, offer them a chance to surrender and then do what must be done.
"I'm afraid I must agree with Master Varias as well, Master Haraldson. We should at least see how many return before we trap ourselves in with them. The ambush makes sense if they are few, but if they outnumber us ten to one, then the path of blood alluded to by Master Varias will be of our own make." Hama gestures, sliding her pointed index finger laterally across her neck, to reinforce the point that the blood would be that of the expedition members, and not the bandits.
Forcing her attentions from Haraldson's radiant countenance to focus instead on Oleg and his wife. Hama continues, "Madam Svetlana, how many of their gang have come to the outpost before? Was it always the same group, or did you see different faces each time? Did they give any other indications that they may be alone, or that they had other supporters in the forest? If they do have allies, are they near enough to offer immediate assistance should we lure them into our rat trap? Any additional details you can provide us, no matter how small, can only help us to better understand what we may be up against."
"Yes, that's well said Mistress Hama, well said..." Kasimyr nods in agreement with the astute assessment and inquiries by their cart driver. For a moment he pauses on the speaking of her words, as if the air itself carries the sultry and attractive tones of enigmatic Varisians which cannot be dismissed or ignored. Kas tilts his head slightly and continues towards Oleg and Svetlana. "I also wonder how many neighboring farmsteads you both know of in, say, a half-day's ride from here? It could be these ruffians will be busy with other collections, maybe splitting up into smaller bands as a result?"
Nodding along to you guys, "Mhm mhm, their numbers have dwindled with each passing month, it started off as 15 or so but last month it was only 4 thugs and their male leader with the bow, I doubt there'll even be that many tomorrow, they only visit the once a month but they always ride back into the Greenbelt, their fort must be somewhere in deeper in the Greenbelt"
Oleg collects the rest of the bowls from you guys, "Stay with us tonight, I think these bandits won't know what him them tomorrow, I am no fighter those days are long past but I'm sure you guys will be more than a match for these ruffians,"
As stew is offered, Saniana says, "No thank you. I'm sure it is delicious and nourishing, but I've grown accustomed to the rations I've packed, although this is my last. The foods prepared by my fellow gnomes keeps me at my best. Also, I try to avoid eating meat unless I know the animal was killed quickly and fairly."
She digs in her pack and pulls out some bundles of berries and breads and raw root vegetables and happily eats, all the while talking of the events of the trip, the weather, the wildflowers, butterflies... She shares some of her food with Dax, her badger, and winks at Kas when he slips some food his way as well.
When talk of the bandits begins, she listens intently. Once the group has offered to help, she agrees. "Getting rid of bandits is what we do best! It's one of the reasons we are here. We can capture them and make them work on the farms, helping with the plowing and planting. Let me learn what it means to earn their food by honest work. Dax and I are small and can hide where they won't expect it. I know some magic that can make em suffer if they give trouble."
Commenting on what Hama said Beorn argues Oleg had already said he expects only a few bandits tomorrow. The greatest danger is if one were to get away. If we take them all then their leaders will only wonder what has delayed them. But if one gets away and tells of our resistance then they will surely come in force to deal with Oleg and his new friends. This is why we close the gate once they are inside.
"My my, but aren't you full of vim and vigor?" Kas chuckles at his own words, though a raised eyebrow suggests he's not in full approval of Beorn's notions. After a slight uncomfortable pause at the table, Kas puts up his hands in supplication and speaks his mind further.
"Again lad, it's not a bad plan and I'm surely no tactician to think of one better. It's just that we're talking about blood spilled on the ground tomorrow...and if it goes wrong then Master Oleg and Madame Svetlana here are gonna pay the blood price too, not just us. I'd just like to hear from everyone that they truly know what they're getting into with this. Aside from that, young Master Beorn, I'm gonna need some assurances from ya that aside from this leader-man you may have to go up against, any of his toughs that lay down their arms will not be put to that big blade of yours."
Hama uses the interjection of her comrades as an opportunity to finish the last bites of food on her plate and in her bowl.
"If they really are so few, then yes, I think barring their escape should be paramount. For what it's worth, I concur with Master Haraldson's plan."
Hama stands up and begins collecting the empty bowls and plates of the others.
"Perhaps we could lure them into a concealed pit trap once they are within the walls? My father used to trap dangerous animals that way."
And what are bandits if not dangerous animals?
"It would not only further enhance our bargaining position, but would make a good holding area in a pinch. If anyone knows a better or simpler way to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, I'd like to hear it."
Stopping to grab up Oleg's plate, she asks, "Do they normally enter the outpost, Master Oleg? Are they like to do so on the morrow?"
[b]"Again lad, it's not a bad plan and I'm surely no tactician to think of one better. It's just that we're talking about blood spilled on the ground tomorrow...and if it goes wrong then Master Oleg and Madame Svetlana here are gonna pay the blood price too, not just us. I'd just like to hear from everyone that they truly know what they're getting into with this. Aside from that, young Master Beorn, I'm gonna need some assurances from ya that aside from this leader-man you may have to go up against, any of his toughs that lay down their arms will not be put to that big blade of yours."
Beorn's face reddens in both embarrassment and just a little anger. You have not traveled with me for long Kas and do not know me well. I assure you that my blade will never be drawn to put men down who surrender or who are repentant, regardless of their sins. If I have said or done anything to make you think otherwise then I need to atone for that. And while our charter is clear, even if these men are unrepentant once they are our prisoners it shall not be my blade the puts them down.
...it shall not be my blade the puts them down.
Suddenly, and without warning Hama spins about to face Beorn, nearly dropping the dishes, "Then I'll be the one to do it! Such creatures are often worse than wild animals. Mercy for the merciless is a fool's quest." With an uncharacteristic tone of sarcasm she taunts, "No need for you to soil your own hands, Brave Sir Knight."
Suddenly embarrassed by her own angry outburst, Hama retreats to the kitchen.
There are other answers Hama. If men surrender they need not die. Beorn calls after the woman but is unsure if she hears. He lets his voice trail off to a whisper as he finishes. To the others at the table he says quietly I am no knight. But I will not be the executioner for the lords of Brevoy either. Kas, you man need assurances from Hama and not me. Perhaps she has been wronged by such men in the past?
Moments later, the loud clatter of dishes being cleaned and put away can can be heard from the kitchen.
For those with keen ears, faint sobs can be also be heard from within.
If Beorn hears the sobbing he does not respond to it.
Saniana hops off her chair and looks into the kitchen. "Whenever I am faced with a moral conundrum, I consider how our friends in the animal kingdoms behave. Funny when people talk of behaving like animals, they rarely seem to have any knowledge of how animals actually behave." She speaks loudly enough that her clear soprano voice reaches back to where others are dining .
"When two elk or mountain lions contend, they fight only so long as it takes to establish which is the stronger. Once the weaker sees he cannot win, he lays on his back and the stronger could easily kill the weaker. But he does not. Fights only go to the death when neither foe submits. May we not behave as animals in this case?"
Oleg speaks up, "I favor having the you guys hide in the guest house or the stable, and when the bandits are busy loading furs and other goods onto their horses, you guys can rush out of the stable and the guest house to attack them." Grumbling Oleg begins splitting wood angrily, "I've no love for my tormentors and hope to see them all dead—I've plans ta hang tha bandits’ bodies from the southern palisade wall as a warning to the other brigands. That'd make 'em think twice about coming back,"
He punctuates many of words with a loud thunk of cutting wood, as if he is imaging splitting a bandits head with each chop.
Kas nods to Rosetta in a show of respect at her self-proclaimed "knack" with the bow. "Keeping watch for trouble is a fine idea, Mistress Rosetta, a fine idea. Yet if it comes to it with a showdown against these bandits, are you certain you're willing to...
Rosetta nods a confirmation toward Kas, "Aye! I am certain I will be ready to do what it takes." She then finishes the last spoonfuls of the stew. "although I think we should go with the plan that makes our generous hosts here the most comfortable."
Rosetta firmly believes that Oleg wants to kill the bandits and make an example of them for others.
Kas gives a sigh at the table with a resigned tone at Oleg's enthusiasm with the bandits, his eyes lingering only a bit towards the direction of where Hama ran off to and Saniana followed. He then finishes off the rest of the water in his cup and stands up with a clear focus on Beorn. "Well I suppose that could have gone better, but understandable under the circumstances. I think each of us may have a story or two to tell to each other for some better understanding...assuming we survive tomorrow. Eh?"
Kas walks to Beorn at the table and gives him a brief clap on the shoulder, as soldiers might do to one another before a battle. "Your word on mercy is good enough for me, Beorn Haraldson. As for Hama, I think there is more to her story than being a conscripted lawbreaker in the service of Restov. Hmm...how about you and I take a good walk around the grounds here and see what we might come with for the 'morrow. How about you, Mistress Rosetta. Want to come with?"
The old performer gives Beorn and Rosetta a warm smile and sort of encourages them to walk away from the table in the direction of the gate and the front watch towers. "Did I happen to mention in our last few campfires that my daughter would've been about your age there Beorn? No? Ahh! Well now, she was stubborn and had lots of notions on many things like yourself, and also my wife was very much devoted to Old Deadeye, as were most in my village...and even myself for a time! I think you would have liked them...my wife and daughter I mean...you know I was a field farmer in my spry days m'self..."
Bjorn nods to Kas, gets up and stands to go outside with the man. Before leaving he asks Oleg, what resources might you have here that we could use for this coming fight?
Getting up from the table Rosetta heads towards Kas and Beorn, "I will gladly join you for a walk about the grounds." Rosetta joins her companions and listens to Kas' story about his family. As they walk out the front gates Rosetta will pause and take a good look at the watch towers, and their stairs so that she might find the best possible location to scout out.
Saniana hops off her chair and looks into the kitchen.
As Saniana enters the kitchen, Hama pretends to accidentally splash herself in the face to hide the tears.
Hama clearly appears upset.
"Whenever I am faced with a moral conundrum, I consider how our friends in the animal kingdoms behave. Funny when people talk of behaving like animals, they rarely seem to have any knowledge of how animals actually behave." She speaks loudly enough that her clear soprano voice reaches back to where others are dining.
"When two elk or mountain lions contend, they fight only so long as it takes to establish which is the stronger. Once the weaker sees he cannot win, he lays on his back and the stronger could easily kill the weaker. But he does not. Fights only go to the death when neither foe submits. May we not behave as animals in this case?"
After a brief pause, Hama continues to clean the dishes, acting almost as though she hadn't heard anything Saniana said. Then, after a moment, she stops again and in a soft, sad voice she whispers, "They're men. They could never truly understand the horrors those monsters inflict on women."
Hama's voice quickly turns from sad to angry, her face flushing momentarily.
"Even animals can recognize true monsters. How could he not? It's clear to me he doesn't yet understand true depravity--true evil. I'm sure he'll learn in time."
With a shake of her head, Hama shakes herself out of the dark thoughts and refocuses on the task at hand.
"I will check Oleg's stores, see if there is anything there we can weaponize. Perhaps you or one of the others could repair some of the siege weapons? We may have need of them should any of the bandits escape our trap."
As Saniana enters the kitchen, Hama pretends to accidentally splash herself in the face to hide the tears.
Saniana senses that Hama is trying to cover up her tears, but pretends to take no notice.
After a brief pause, Hama continues to clean the dishes, acting almost as though she hadn't heard anything Saniana said. Then, after a moment, she stops again and in a soft, sad voice she whispers, "They're men. They could never truly understand the horrors those monsters inflict on women."
Hama's voice quickly turns from sad to angry, her face flushing momentarily.
"Even animals can recognize true monsters. How could he not? It's clear to me he doesn't yet understand true depravity--true evil. I'm sure he'll learn in time."
Saniana was a little puzzled over Hama's first statement, for humans all seemed more alike than different to her. Gradually she understood that by "men" Hama meant males. She knew what male humans often did to female humans, for they sometimes did the same to gnome females. But how to tell those who would do such things from those who would not? Another puzzle to figure out. This cheered Saniana a little, for she liked puzzles.
"We must learn to tell the monsters from the animals, then, mustn't we."
With a shake of her head, Hama shakes herself out of the dark thoughts and refocuses on the task at hand.
"I will check Oleg's stores, see if there is anything there we can weaponize. Perhaps you or one of the others could repair some of the siege weapons? We may have need of them should any of the bandits escape our trap."
"I'm afraid of such fights. I have weapons and know how to use them, I suppose, but I've never had to kill anyone. Perhaps we can help each other out, stick together. Dax'll help. Together we can give them a fight to remember." Saniana stays with Hama as long as she seems to be upset and offers to help with the preparations for the battle when she begins that task.
"Never? Then you should probably leave. Leave now while you're still innocent." Hama disappears into the storeroom, closing the door behind her to signal the end of the conversation.
You guys settle in for the night, sleeping in the guest hostel, the single room with 4 beds in it leave little room for privacy but neither does the open road.
An hour before sunrise,the predawn sky twinkling with stars and already purple. You guys are awoken to a knocking on your door, "I know its early but I've made breakfast for you, the bandits arrive 'bout an hour after sunrise, I've made breakfast for you all as well, just some bread and fruit,"
She slides a tray inside the door and set it down on a small end table inside.
The food is delicious and fresh which is a nice thing to awaken too. As you guys prepare your spells and prepare the fort.
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Oleg speaking up, "They usually don't bring their horses inside the fort as they bring 5 or 6 horses to load up, if they notice my full stables I'll say I purchased them to sell to hunters or trappers,"
Beorn and Kas are hiding in the shadows by the gates, Rosetta is stationed atop the palisade, with Hama and Saniana waiting in the stables for the signal.
The thunder of hoofsteps can be heard charging up the dirt road to the Trading Post, a number of men--four. Dismount their horses, hitching them to the hitching posts outside before walking inside the open gates.
Three thugish looking blokes and one clearly the leader, a longbow across his back, cloaked in a dirty green animal hide cloak is barking orders, "Alrigh' you lot, get ta work, we don't have all day," striding inside sneering at Oleg and Svetlana, "My sweet Svetlana, are you ready to give your husband up and come with a real man? Hah!"
Initiative - Bold may act - surprise rounds you get 1 move or standard action
Rosetta
Beorn
Bandits
Kas
Saniana
Happs - Bandit Lieutenant
Hama
Beorn again expresses gratitude for the food and complements the cook. Reminds me of home, which I get to missing something terrible at times. Thanks you again. He shoots Hama a glance to see how she is doing. He would like to talk to her and see how he had upset her but is not so self assured as to sit by her just yet. He eats in silence, thinking about what might transpire later in the morning.
As casual as if he does it every morning Beorn steps out and closes one of the big gates, smiling at, and maybe even waving at the bandits if they notice him.
After breakfast, Hama makes her way to the stables. Once there, she makes a crawlspace of an escape hole in the back wall and lays prone, hiding underneath a pile of hay behind her ox. She levels her loaded crossbow towards the open doorway, ready to shoot anyone entering the stable that she doesn't recognize in the leg.
If things go awry, I suppose I could also slap or shoot the ox, to get it to panic and trample intruders on its way out of the stable. If I survive this, I guess I'll have to tell Oleg the hole was likely caused by a burrowing varmint of some kind.
"Don't you dare step on me now, Peanut."
Rosetta is again very appreciative for the fresh food and nods her thanks towards Svetlana and grabs some fruit. As she is eating she dons her chainmail and heads out towards the watch tower with another handful of food. Speaking to her allies, "Let's hope this works,"
Making herself comfortable in the watch tower she sees the dust from the road billowing before she hears the thundering of hooves. She has her bow at the ready in case things start to go awry. Hiding among the palisade as they enter.
As Beorn closes the door, Rosetta continues waiting on the palisade, nocking an arrow if the bandits attack, slowing and starting to control her breathing as she eyes her targets.
Please don't attack us, I've never killed someone before -- but these are bad people. . .its just like a deer. . aim for the back of the neck if possible, high shoulder would work. . hm between the eyes or if I have to the heart. . .
True in following Beorn's lead, Kasimyr casually comes over with the other side of the gate, closing it with a solid thunk! up against Beorn's side.
Still wearing his feathered red hat and crimson scarf tied around his waist, Kas does not wear his patchwork cloak as he had these many days now. Instead, he wears his studded leather jack plainly, with a light-colored wooden symbol around a leather neck cord that is engraved in the shape of a long-tailed songbird. He frequently walked and sat with a walking staff from Restov to Oleg's, but instead has a much longer polearm slung across his back with leather wrappings, it's steel blade partially obscured by linen wrappings that can be undone with a hard shake to the haft.
Kas glances at Beorn smiling at the bandits and gives a hearty grin in return, looking then to the bandits with a wink and slight tip of his hat to them.
Saniana didn't sleep well and was grateful to get up when Oleg alerted them it was time. She munched on some of her last rations as she strolled out to the courtyard, looking up to see if she could see the stars. She strolled around the area near the gate and decided an entangle spell would work to keep them from fleeing. Her shillelegh spell would also come in handy. The found a soft spot and sat to meditate. Dax sat next to her, keeping watch, as he always did. She rested a hand on his fur and hummed a melody to focus on the music of the spheres.
Seemingly a few minutes later, but really about sunrise, so an hour later, she had completed her spell preparation and spent the rest of the time making sure her other weapons were ready.
When the time came to await the brigands' arrival, Saniana kept by the stable door and watched over Hama as she positioned herself under the cart. When the brigands were about to enter the grounds, she cast Shillelagh on her small club and then hid where she could spy out the stable door, just a crack open.
"They're here!" she whispered to Hama. "Three bravos and a leader.... Gates are closing."
Then she watched and waited. The men looked like most men she had seen. Are they monsters? They all look alike to me, alas.
As Kas and Beorn step out, slamming the gates shut, sealing the bandits fate--or so they think, they cry out.
"What's the meaning of this?! Some kind of trick?"
Initiative - Bold may act - Round 1
Rosetta
Beorn
Bandits
Kas
Saniana
Happs - Bandit Lieutenant
Hama
Rosetta continues to watch the bandits and has her arrow notched and ready in case things take a turn for the worse.
As a move action Beorn draws the great sword from his back and moves forward defensively in front of Kas. By the power of the Sword Lords of Restov and Lord Roleski Surtova, Regent of the Dragonscale Throne I order you to throw down your weapons or forfeit your lives. Choose now. The army issued scale mail protecting him shines in the morning sun and the great sword is held ready. The holy symbol of Erastil carved from a white wood and handing loosely from his neck catches the light as well and cannot be missed.
[ ooc]+1 more to hit if the bless goes off. [/ooc]
The bandits each draw their shortswords, grouping up on their leader,
"Ehhhh what d'we do Happs? Teach 'em a lesson?"
Before the bandits get a chance to attack them, Oleg and Svetlana make a break for their house and close the door.
Initiative - Bold may act - Round 1
Rosetta
Beorn
Bandits
Oleg & Svetlana
Kas
Saniana
Happs - Bandit Lieutenant
Hama
Saniana watches intently, the words on her lips for casting the flare spell. But she waits to hear the leader give an order to attack. She does not want to be the one to start a fight.
Kasimyr gives a quick pat to Beorn’s armored shoulder from his right as he starts to walk forward, his hands out in a clear display of friendship towards the group of bandits – he speaks with a tone as if they are longtime friends having just come in to local tavern from the cold, though Kas focuses his blue-eyed gaze and honeyed words on one subordinate bandit who stands nearest to the outside tables.
”My friend! All is well and I’ve been waiting for you to get here! You asked me to get you the good stuff from Restov and so I have! In my pack just inside the building here, go and see!” Kasimyr pats the corner of the building for emphasis and reaches out with the powers of the Eternal Rose to try and ensnare the man’s mind of the friendly deception. ”Surely you remember our wager, my friend? Go and see! A flask of whiskey and the best goods from the city when we wagered on that lass wantin’ to dance with ya? Go and see…go and see…go and see…”
Kas keeps his hands out but moves almost in a swaying motion as if about to start a country waltz, his smile grand and his words tinged with a strange power and his eyes locked upon the bandit’s own.
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As Kas walks forward, offering his hand out in a gesture of friendship he weaves a spell to alter one of the Bandits perceptions and while the bandit seemed susceptible to such magics it just wasn't mean to be as he shakes off the stupor the spell before it could take control of him.
Happs draws out his longbow, "I think these troublemakers need to be taught a lesson," Looking at the house that Oleg retreated into, "Ya made a big mistake Oleg, after I deal with these "Heroes" I'll be coming for you and that sweet sweet Svetlana," Laughing maniacally he'll loose an arrow at Beorn.
However the arrow while fired quite powerful weebles and wobbles through the air, only glancing off Beorn's armor before thunking into the wooden gate behind him.
As Happs looses an arrow, so to does the watchful Rosetta, firing from her stealthed position she scores a hit right in the shoulder of Happs!
He shouts out an exclamation at seeing an arrow thunk into him. "Agh what the blazes?!?! Just kill them all!"
Initiative - Bold may act - Round 1 for Hama, Round 2 for Beorn.
Rosetta
Beorn
Bandits
Kas
Saniana
Happs - 6 damage
Hama
"Just kill them all!"
Guess they aren't coming in here.
Hama shakes her head in utter lack of surprise, then moves up to the open barn door and, while using the door for cover, looses bolt at the apparent bandit leader.
"Your wish is my command!" laughs Hama as she readies another bolt for loading.