As Tyanos awakes their partners, Hadin goes on the hunt, praying to Erastil for a good catch.
Dendarial rises and busies himself with the breaking of camp, working to get the group on the road more quickly. He wishes Hadin good luck and recommends he meets the group on the road ahead.
Tyanos checks on Phil along with his goods once everyone else wakes. Everything was still in good shape and once he had the donkey between him and everyone else he uses a bit of magic to clean himself and keep his goods at their best. Once done he waits for everyone else to finish and get under way once more.
Wetscale joins the ranger, doing his best to provide them with food for the day ahead.
Hunting with Wetscale as the group moves towards the trading post Dendarial tries to flush game.
The huntsmen set out early, determined to supplement their rations with some fresh meat. As luck would have it, they quickly stumble across a small herd of Rostland deer, grazing lazily in the morning's light.
Sneaking up to the herd, they Dendarial readies his bow, Hadin grips his handaxe, and Wetscale prepares to flush them out. On a carefully coordinated count, they strike - quickly bringing down two deer while the others leap away in terror.
You would eat well today. With their hunt in tow, they hurry back to the road and rejoin the others on the trail to Oleg's.
Thank you, Erastil, for this successful hunt.
Hadin will happily share the game with his group, eating sparcely himself so others have more in their plate
The day's travel is uneventful and, as predicted, relatively mild. Aside from yourselves, you note no other travelers upon the South Rostland Road. It is a desolate little patch of land, with only the sounds of nature to keep you company.
Fortunately, neither do you spy any burned houses or dead farmers. Just after the sun had reached its zenith, you note a fairly sizable wooden encampment in the distance down the road. Though the path leads off to the structure, the main road continues onward before curving northward. With a quick look at the map, you're fairly certain that this wooden camp is in fact your destination - Oleg's Trading Post.
Glad to finally be somewhere besides an eerily empty road, you ride towards the structure. As you get closer, you note that the trading post bears some resemblance to a small fort. It is surrounded by a wooden palisade, perhaps a dozen feet high. Watchtowers stand in the corners, raising another half-length above the walls themselves. Even as you ride closer, you see no movement upon the walls nor a single body in the watchtowers. If the Trading Post saw you coming, they certainly made no indication of it.
Even once you ride alongside the walls, you hear little sound of activity withing. A dull thump occasionally, but none of the sounds of trade and life you might expect. You ride around to the southern side of the fort, where the gate stands. A good thirty feet wide, you find it closed.
Oleg must not be expecting visitors.
Tyanos walks up to the closed gate and knocks with his carved unslung club.
"Anyone home!"
Sensing four play Dendarial warns the others Something might be wrong here. Be ready. He moves to the Eastern side of the fort, just past the corner tower and, moving with stealth, tries to climb up.
As Tyanos calls over the gate, you hear the occasional thumping stop. There's a moment of hesitation, then a rather audible groan. After a moment's pause, a voice calls back.
Meanwhile, Dendarial slips around the corner of the fort, dextrously ascending the rather roughly crafted fortifications. After a quick climb, he peers over the top of the palisade. As far as he can tell, it's pretty darn empty. There were few signs of life, and even less of trade. The place was pretty bare bones. About to declare the place empty, Dendarial finally notices a man standing up on the roof of the smaller building. He sets the hammer in his hand down on the rooftop, sighs, and then calls out to Tyanos.
Tyanos resist the urge to use his magic to put the fear of heaven into the man. Instead he speaks loud enough to be heard but not an overt yell.
"Well I can't speak for the others I travel with. But I am Tyanos Strostia, merchant with fresh goods of spice, drink, and the like. I also happen to have a charter from Brevoy sending us here. Not the welcome I expected but then again what do I know."
Despite not seeing who he was talking to or being seen he gives a friendly smile, hopefully his tone expressed what eyes could not see.
Seeing that Oleg is in no danger Den lowers himself back to the ground and waits at the gate with the rest of the group. Speaking quietly he explains. Oleg was on the roof. Might take him a moment to get to the gates.
Thomas, quietly dismounts off his horse, and dusts the trail dust off of his cloths.
He then stands quietly by his horse, and waits for Oleg to open the gate, content to let others do the talking for him.
Tyanos calls (careful not to yell!) his response to the apparent gatekeeper.
The man trails off, and you can hear the sounds of several things shuffling around. After about five minutes, you hear the man come up to the gate, and heave a heavy crossbar out of the way. With another curt grunt, he pulls the gate open a half-dozen feet.
He peers out through the gate, clearly checking you over. The man gives an abrupt nod, then steps forward with a hand outstretched.
"Aye, good. The name's Oleg. I trust you're here to deal with the problem?"
"Actually, good sir, we are here to act upon a charter given to us by the Swordlords at Restov," Karina says.
She gives her best reassuring smile before continuing, "However, depending on what this 'problem' is, it may be either part of the things we are supposed to deal with as part of the charter or something that would be in our best interest to deal with."
After a short pause she fixes Oleg a knowing look and says, "If it is otherwise, you could, of course, persuade us that it might be in our best interest."
Tyanos takes his hand and shakes firmly.
"Well I am here to trade and explore. I also don't make it a habit of speaking for others."
He gives a sideline look at the presumptuous woman.
"But I am willing to listen. A problem for you may be a problem for me. You can understand not throwing about your word, more so in these lands. If I had to guess this has something to do with your message sent about bandits. Sadly I am not the guard and do not think the charter I was given is a response to that. I would rather not mislead you. Still this is all just my guess work, so if you would fill me in I may be of help."
He leads Phil into the post as he talks with Oleg.
With a big smile, Hadin asks, pointing to the roof were Oleg was
Need a hand with that roof? I am a carpenter.
Oleg scowls at the mention of 'Restov,' 'Charter,' and - most especially - 'not the guard.'
"Damned swordlords," he mumbled more to himself than anyone else, turning back towards the interior of the camp and waving the group inside. "Best get yer asses in here, then. Gods know when they'll be back."
He leads you inside, where you can get a much clearer look of the situation. The trading post has clearly not been used for much trading in the past few weeks. A stall, possibly intended as a market stall, sits empty near the largest structure. Presumably that was Oleg's residence. A stable on the opposite side of the yard is mostly empty, with only a single and rather feeble looking horse within. The whole thing is empty, a ghostly shadow of what a market should feel like.
With a watchful eye, Oleg waits as you all enter. As the last of you pass the threshold of the wall, he calls out, "Close the gate, if'n ya don't mind!" Grabbing one of the rather ramshackle looking benches, Oleg plops himself down with a sigh. "Apologies for the cool welcome. Been rough these last months. Long story. Long and damned awful story."
Another deep sigh. It took no expertise to tell this man was stressed, tired, and probably a tad depressed.
Hadin gestures to the remaining structure - one that bore some resemblance to a Ulfen longhouse.
Need a hand with that roof? I am a carpenter.
At the offer of help, Oleg kind of grunts. "Aye, I could use a hand with that. 's appreciated, but I asked for damned guard. Not a bunch of willy-wuttin' tradesmen." He pauses, then narrows his eyes at Tyanos. "How'd ya know about my letters, anyway? If yer not the guard, what in the blazes are ya here for?"
Tyanos explains what they found on their way to the trading post and about their charters.
"Now if you don't mind me asking who are they, that you were referring to?"
Dendarial comes into the fort and is quite as he surveys the place noting its defenses and weaknesses. For now he is content to let the others talk. With a quiet word to the bird Acio flies from his shoulder and perches atop on of the towers facing the road, seemingly quite alert.
Oleg laughs, but it's one of those unamused kind of laughs. "Sounds like ya've already seen their handiwork. Them bandits, boy. Taking all they can get their hands on and always wanting more. Ruining my business and chasing away the few repeat customers I already had. And still that Lord Mayor sits on his laurels! Sending you instead of something useful!" He spits, though not in any of your directions. His general dissatisfaction with the way his situation has been handled by Restov is obviously not sitting well. "Well, ya'd best make yerselves useful. Or there won't be no Oleg's Trading Post no more."
Thomas after leading Sae into the yard, struggles to close the doors.
He then moves over near the bench, and listens in on what Oleg has to say.
The elf finally speaks. Oleg, if you wish us to be useful, perhaps you should tell us your problems. I assure you that I can be useful against bandits.
Wetscale remained quiet for the first bit. Oleg seemed not to take particular liking after learning they weren't the precise party he requested, and he didn't want his alien appearance to scare the man into further stubborn refusal. Yet after listening to a few back-and-forths, it was clear they would need to do the man a favor or force him to overplay his hand.
Not particularly looking forward to dealing with assassins, the lizardfolk chose the latter.
"The dead bodies we found were the only ones around. You are the only thing the bandits have left to hunt. The hunter easily climbed up your wall. You are not safe here. Without our help, it is a matter of sunsets until they come for you."
At least the place was spacious. Wetscale had been used to people peddling wares in tents; this was a true post, plenty of space to maneuver if they did come under attack.
"Perhaps a bit of trade is in order," Karina says. "If my allies are in agreement, perhaps we could deal with these bandits in exchange for the use of your trading post as a basecamp while we establish a foothold in the Greenbelt?"
Karina did not like being so direct as this, but her companions were trying to give away a valuable commodity for nothing. There was much to be gained from having a walled encampment to retreat to if things went poorly, and this was a golden oppotunity to secure such a place.
I have no issues with a trade like that Thomas mentions.
Thomas then pauses, and exclaims. You were expecting them back tonight, are you not?
Tyanos gave an inner groan. Here he thought bandits had no subtlety. He gives the gruff trade post owner a understanding look.
"Well I intend to be a repeat customer and while I may be an honest merchant. That does not mean I am someone to fool with. But I am afraid I can't offer much but trade at the moment. I am not that strong of limb as you can see. That being said I can bring other things to the table if I have a better understanding of things. For example, when do these bandits come by and why have they left you mostly whole by the look of things. Concerning any sort of compensation on your part, personally I think that matter best saved for after any services rendered. As I said I don't give my word unless I know I can deliver every bit of it. You understand."
Hopefully he could keep the man calm, reasonable, and hopeful. As opposed to alarmed by Wetscale's prediction of impending doom and angered by Karina's mercenary words. Strangely enough Dendarial had the most diplomatic and sensible response, a welcome surprise in his mind.
Burying his face in his hands, Oleg heaves another sigh. He glances up, giving a hard stare at Karina at the mention of 'foothold.' Another no-no word in Oleg's book, apparently. "Alright, listen. 's a long story. They've been coming every month, and only hardly decided to leave us be. Under the condition we keep on giving them everything we've got." He pauses, then seems to recall something he'd forgotten. He leans over, looking over his shoulder.
A moment passes, and the door to the larger building opens up and a worried-looking womanly face peers out. She seems visibly surprised to see that you are not, in fact, bandits. She gives a wide smile, then joins the group at Oleg's side. She offers a hand to whoever is nearest, then introduces herself. "Hey there, travelers. I'm Svetlana, and I can see you've met my husband. What can we do ya for?"
Oleg nudges her, grunting "They're not the guard." Svetlana merely smiles. Perhaps a little younger than Oleg, she's got the appearance of a woman who's seen some rough times. Despite a few early wrinkles on her face, she's got a certain optimism about her that Oleg lacks.
"Well that's fine," she replies. "I'm sure these rather well armed strangers wouldn't mind providing us a little help now and again? We'd be mighty grateful."
Oleg gives another grunt, turning around in the bench and slumping down across the table. "Aye, I'll bet, he adds. "They come on the first sunrise of the month. Gives us a day or two, at most. Best ready up or ride on, travelers."
Hadin answers with determination, keeping a smile on his honest face
I won't ride on. Why should I leave you in your time of need? We have two days to prepare for the bandits arrival, and they don't know we're here. Surprise is on our side.But first, let's check that roof...
Tyanos looks around for a moment,
"Call me cautious but I would consider it one day to prepare and expect them tomorrow morning. Considering the recent farmstead not to far from here, mind you. A ambush would be preferable, sense we don't know their numbers and such. As their is only one way in or out of here, we just need to shut the gate as soon as they enter to trap them. So at least two strong people will need to hide behind the gates, which should be left open for the bandits. If they think your a push over they will swagger right in without a thought. Those unsuited to close combat can take up positions on the wall to hide and wait for our trap to be sprung. Under some sort of cover as well so they are not spotted. The key is to have none of us exposed so they think only Oleg is here. The moment the gates close Oleg should break for cover and we handle the rest. Sound like a plan?"
He goes over the details a bit in his head.
"All we really need is some blankets or something to lie in wait under before sunrise. As well as make sure everyone on the wall has a ranged weapon. I already have mine."
He pats his crossbow.
With another grunt, Oleg stands and gives a weak smile to Hadin. "Aye, lets. If yer gon' be sleeping in there, yer not gonna like the leaks."
He inclines his head towards the bunkhouse, where you see a ladder leaning up against the wall and a couple of boards waiting at the bottom.
With a quick glance at the group, Oleg waves a hand towards Svetlana. "Talk yer plans over with Lana. I'm tired of this crap." Without another word, he slowly ascends the ladder and grabs his hammer. Once again, the Trading Post is filled with his thumping.
Svetlana, for her part, hardly misses a beat. She steps right in and assumes Oleg's place, even going so far as to sit in the same spot he was. She smiles at Tyanos, nodding as he speaks. "Sounds fair, I'd reckon. Best be prepared, and if'n we get that extra day, all the better. And little missy," she adds with a wink at Karina, "Doncha worry about any of them formalities. Out here we don't quite talk those ways, but we'll give ya a good homecoming, I tell ya what."
Tyanos Thomas says That does sound reasonable
Den listens to Tyanos' plan and adds. Good basic plan. Those not closing gate or on walls should hind inside so there is no chance to be spotted. My strength is the bow so I will start on the wall acting both as lookout and range damage. What can be done in the time we have to make our chances better? Blinds on the walls to hide behind and shoot from? Svetlana, do the bandits come with horses? And what resources might you have here that could help us win this fight for you?
"Hmmm," muses Svetlana. "Wells, they been coming with less and less men each time they come knocking. Still lots of fire and swords and all that, but I reckon they know we can't fight back. Last time they brought five men, all riding. Led by this grim looking elven fella wearing a long cloak."
She stretches, thinking over the latter question. "We might have some- Oh!" Svetlanda jumps up with a clap of her hands. "Well pardon my manners, folks, I forgot some supper for y'all. Best meal you'll find round here, I tell ya what." Wasting no time, she heads inside and quickly returns with a large pot of stew. It smells delicious.
Setting it down on the large bench where the group had convened, she gestures for everyone to take a seat. She scrambles back inside and returns with tableware and a smile.
"It's been cooking all day! Been planning on saving most of it for later, but it seems better served for y'all."
Hadin put down most of his gear, ties some pieces of wood together with some rope and then climbs on the roof to help Oleg, happy to be useful to their hosts
The young man seems to know what he's doing, and works cheerfully
Lady Svetlanda, it smells wonderful. Thomas grins.
Iomedae would not allow me to stand by and see these good folk hurt
Tyanos rubs his hands together.
"Well I never turn down good food. Concerning the bandits then we can expect six, at worst well armed men on horseback. Once we trap them inside I suggest going for the leader, if he falls I doubt the rest will keep fighting. Bandits are like wolves with less loyalty, the leader of the pack is strongest and only stays there by proving it on a regular basis. Catching them off guard on horseback will do a lot of damage. If we are lucky it will be a short fight, if it turns into a dog fight then best we focused on the biggest threat. If at all possible we should avoid injuring the horses. We could use them ourselves."
He thinks about opening one of his spirits he brought to trade but he had to make a living after all. Best not let his weakness for a good drink cost him gold. Maybe when he had a little more he could afford the luxury.
Den is grateful for the food and says so. He also remembers the venison roast they saved for her. It does smell wonderful. And we brought you something to help with the next meal. He removes the oil cloth wrapped roast from the game area of his backpack and offers it Svetlana. Killed only this morning. he adds.
Ad he eats the ranger falls back into planning mode. Let us all explain where we see ourselves in this melee. If you are a caster explain what magic will be at your disposal during the fight and how you will use it. As I explained earlier I am an archer and will do the group the most good on the wall. But I can fight with a sword if need be and will if it comes to that. And while I agree that the leader should be the main target, I have trained to bring down men and will do better in the fight focusing on those foes. And Acio there He points to the bird who diligently stands watch. Can be called in to help if things get dire. She is quite a scraper.
Tyanos is already on his second helping with no signs of stopping. Bring into question where it all goes given his body, he is eating twice the amount of someone his size and build. An oddity that clearly escaped him during his time among the equally large appetites of Ulfen men with large bodies. When Dendarial speaks of magic, he slightly chokes before clearing his throat.
"Um well I know a few tricks but I prefer my crossbow. I am a fair shot and I have plenty of bolts. As to any skill with close quarters I have none. So I'll be on the wall and run for dear life should I find myself with in arms reach of a hostile bandit."
He taps a few flask on his person. To those in the know they can tell it's a flask of alchemist fire and acids.
"My tricks are few but painful should things come to that. I would hope it does not as they also do a bit of collateral damage."
As thomas taps the hilt of his longsword. I can provide some support, and if I find myself in melee, I can hold my own, but I am not good at it.
As for where I would like to be, I would prefer to be near those that will take the brunt of the fighting by the gates.
With that, Thomas gets up, and refills his bowl.
Lady Svetlanda, it tastes as good as it smells
Iomedae, give me the strength tomorrow to prevent these people from getting hurt badly
"You may shoot from a wall, but my claws are bad with bows; I work close by." Wetscale was not proud of his capacity for carnage, but it would be useful here. And as difficult at their host seemed to be, he was innocent by any stretch of the monk's imagination.
He heartily thanked Svetlana for the stew. "Thank you. I cannot cook. Your meal is welcome." None to picky with what he ate as beggars weren't choosers, Wetscale nonetheless appreciated a quality bit of sustenance when he could find it.
It was time to watch and wait.
The woman blushes at the table of complements. "Oh, thank you all kindly. Just trying to bring a little bit of home to this desolate little patch of the world."
It does smell wonderful. And we brought you something to help with the next meal.
Svetlana smiles wide, amazed at the bounty provided by the hunters before her. "Well, look at that! I'd say you folk will fit in just fine around here," she says as she gladly takes the meat off of Dendarial's hands. "Let me just put this all away while you talk your talk. Don't let us get in your way and," she lowers her voice, quickly glancing at her husband, "Don't you mind him none. He acts all tough and ornery, but he's good people at heart, I tell you what. Just don't be giving him any ideas about fighting alongside y'all." She scurries away, presumably to store the roast for the morrow.
As Svetlanda leaves, Karina follows her a short way, until out of earshot of the others and asks, "Do you happen to have a spare crossbow in your stores, good woman? I fear I will not fare well in any mad schemes of ambushing several armed men with naught but a belt knife."