game thread
As the 5 of you leave the city of Restov, you find yourself traveling along a dirt road heading south west. You have been handed the following charter.
Be it so 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 region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and west 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 an unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this 24th day of Talistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of the Dragonscale Throne.
You know you are on your way to the last bit of civilization known as Oleg's Trading Post and should arrive in three days. While you don't expect any trouble on the road, there aren't many others along the road except for a very rare merchant wagon heading to Restov.
Orval Reviews the charter again before tucking it back into his pocket.
Strive against banditry and other unlawful behavior. Ambiguous enough. At least they are going to let me do things my way. A lesser man would probably just execute the brigands.
He then directs his attention to his travelling companions.
Interesting lot they are sending with me. The female looks strong, good perhaps she will be able act as a barrier for myself. I hope one of these simple fools has the brains to listen to me.
He looks over to the halfling
Tell me small one, do you do anymore than just fiddle. What skills do you possess. I need to know what sort of technical resources I have to work with in this venture.
then to the muscular she hulk
and you young lady what skills do you bring to the table. You look like you could at the very least thrown one of the mules at an attacker.
he chuckles to himself If all else fails she might make a decent pack mule.
Cass frowns.
This man is to be my travelling companion? He seems boastful and loud and, most likely, useless. I'd normally answer his question by seeing his future, nothing big, just enough to make him awed enough by my power to shut up. But lately the gods seem to have traded away much of my gift of prophecy for... skill at arms? Cacophonous voices in my head? The gods work in mysterious ways. I'll just fake it, he seems foolish enough to believe me.
My name is Cass. I am a seer, a prophet, an oracle... What I do has many names, but you can simply know that I see the future.
Karakurt grumbles to himself quietly.
who put this guy in charge? "technical resources"...sheeesh. My last group of companions could barely stay out of my way, but at least they were quiet.
Cass huh? I've never met a prophet before. If you can see the future, what are you doing out here with us? Wouldn't you be better suited in a palace somewhere advising a king?
Rodjer continues to play a low song on his fiddle as he takes in his new companions.
This is why i have never liked humans, always so pompous and always so quick to think themselves in charge!
Looking over at Cass
Hmm this one is a seer of the future.. Mybe see can tall me more of who I need to seek on this quest!
Stops his playing and looks back to Orval
Well mister too fancy to give his own name, ill have you know i can sing a bit, juggle, and introduce me with some wine I've been known to tale a fine tale! And what kind of *finger quotes* technical resources do you have?
Laughing at the fact that a mere peasant would have the audacity to question him, Orval stands directly in front of Rodjer and says some words in an odd foreign tongue as he waves his hands for a few seconds.
Orval is using conjurer's focus to summon a pony directly beside Rodjer
My apologies, I am Orval Reddleton. I bought the charter from the Brevic nobility to explore the area known as the Greenbelt, and I am the financier of this expedition. You're doing a mighty fine job of keeping our spirits up with that fiddle of yours small one. Please give your legs a rest and ride this pony for a while.
My research shows that this is a good way to make friends and earn respect.
Rodjer is startled by the pony, and while not yet fully trusting Orval, isn't going to turn down the offer and will climb up on the mount.
Well Orval Reddleton that's a might fine trick you can do there! Many thanks for the break; these short legs of mine have to work twice as hard to keep up with you tall folk!
Now comfortable on a horse Rodjer strikes up a slightly louder cheerful tune, and turns to speak with Cass.
I too am intrigued with having an seer in our group! Tell me Cass do you often see into the future of common folk? Maybe a young strapping bard?
Rodjer ends this question with a chuckle playing it off like he's not really as interested as he really is.
in my studies i have found many instances of minstrels and performers being able to infuse their performances with power that exceed the mere physical senses. Tell me little one are you such a performer?
he then directs another question to Cass
and you, does your divine blessing cease at foresight.
as he talks Orval rummages in one of the pouches on the saddle bag of the lead mule.
Does anybody want any peanuts. I packed some snacks for us.
after a few seconds of looking for them.
Angus, I can't find the peanuts. You need to find out where they are. I am getting hungry and I get cranky when I am hungry
Cass first addresses Karakurt.
I am with you for the same reason any of us are on this journey. Glory, gold. The gods. No king can decide what I am to do with my gifts.
She then turns to Rodjer and grins.
I think that you have a bright future ahead of you. We shall see how events unfold.
And lastly, she turns to Orval... the annoying man who can't find a snack that he allegedly has.
I can heal and cast a few simple spells. I have training as a priestess. This should be enough to carry out this charter.
As the group is talking, the pony disappears from underneath Rodjer.
WOAH! GOING DOWN
Rodjer falls face first into the mud as his pony suddenly vanishes.
Well so much for saving me legs! I guess I should be more concerned with my face haha. Oh well no harm done but a bit of warning before you pull a pony from under a man is normally appreciated Orval.
Rodjer brushes himself off and then carefully cleans his fiddle which he made sure was protected b his body during the fall.
Now about your question Orval! I am! And I just might be the best you will ever see. Only the future will tell.
At the end of that sentence he pointedly looks at Cass.
Hopefully this seer can give me more than broad statements if I'm ever to find my other half and discover my true powers!
Orval Laughs at his practical joke.
now they should all be sufficiently pleased with my ability to lead. I really made them feel comfortable with that one.
Oh yes sorry must have slipped my mind while I was looking for the peanuts. Here let me call another pony for you......
Orval starts to wave his hands and mutter some words again.
Darval lazily climbs out the back of the wagon...
Dressed in practical yet fine traveler's clothing. Dusting off whatever dust was in the back.
Surely you lot would've hopefully kept things quiet but I guess I can't enjoy the cat nap I suppose...
Halfling, you'd best stand up for yourself before Reddleton here decides to spend the rest of your journey on how you should've seen that coming.
Daval smoothly bows in a well practiced maneuver. A slight glow follows his fingertips in the gesture.
Daval Prestor of the Orvelese. One of the various families of the Orvelese at your service. Here to provide whatever courtly, magical, or diplomatic relations assistance needed for this endeavor.
The Orvelese saw fitting with Mr. Reddleton's thoughts on this expedition and gathering up the...briga...peasantr...locals together to form a proper organization. They've assigned me to assist in this endeavor and avoid any...avoidable bloodshed. As we say.. "Rise Above!" hah.
All is well Orval! no need to summon another pony. A good walk will do me good. If you do happen to find some snacks hidden away in your saddle bags, I wouldn't turn them down!
It is about 100 miles that the group travels along the road getting acquainted with each other. It is about an hour before sundown when the road leads to what looks like a run down fort. Broken catapults adorn the ten foot high walls and the gates are wide open. As everyone walks in, the sound of a hammer striking metal can be heard echoing throughout the courtyard. A notice board stands to your left alongside the stables. On it are several posts if anyone cares to read them.
15gp for any proof of slain bandit operating within the reaches of the greenbelt south of Oleg’s Trading Post, to be rewarded by Oleg an behalf of the swordlords of Restov.
Kobolds have been marauding well outside their usual territory. For proof of action resulting in limiting of this activity, the swordlords of Restov offer 500gp
The pig needs to be gettin’ what he deserves. E took me leg, I require his head. I give anyone my longbow and animal huntin arrows to anyone who brings it to me.
Vekkel
Haven’t seen you around Jared, hope all is well. You know where to find me when you get back here.
-Jessica
A women comes out to greet you. Middle aged but very attractive, the human calls out ”Oh my stars, they’ve finally come. OLEG!!! GET YOUR TOOKUS DOWN HERE. Excuse me, but we are so excited that Restov has finally answered our call. Come with Svetlana, I have food just about to be served and you are all to be my guests.” She ushers you towards the main building and seats you at a table just outside, before disappearing and reappearing with a cauldron of hot stew that smells absolutely delicious.
A stocky man is seen climbing down a ladder propped against the facing wall of the stables. He leads your horses to stalls, and chimes out ”That’ll be 2sp to stay the horse, a gratuitous pat-down is included along with the feed of course. Welcome to my trading post. I’m Oleg and you’ve met my wife Svetlana. Let’s get down to business, what is your plan?”
Oleg Leveton was once a highly respected swordlord of Restov. Through some happenings of which not many details are known, he was pseudo-exiled. He took command of an old fort on the southern border and hasn’t had many dealings within Rostland since.
As you wish. Just so everybody knows, we will be joined by the 6th member of our expedition once we are in the Greenbelt. I very highly recommended detective by the name of Angus.
Orval hesitates for a moment
Now then I believe we ought to discuss a little bit of the division of labor and company structure. As the Financier I reserve the right to hold the position of company President for the first year. You all are my board of directors, and with a 2/3 majority vote you may overturn my corporate decisions. Corporate officer elections will be held yearly starting one year from today. We will of course be needing a CEO, CFO, Vice president of Personnel Resources, Vice President of Operations, and I of course shall require a personal assistant.
He looks cautiously around the group wondering who would be fit for each job. Hmm maybe I should just handle all that stuff. They sort of look like the middle management sort to me.
I of course will assume all corporate offices until we can determine who will be best suited for each position.
You all may be surprised to hear, but in the past people haven't gotten along with me very well. I suspect that it has to do with the difference in intellect, but I haven't had time to test this hypothesis further. In any case I think it prudent that we keep my interaction with outsiders to a minimum for now. This should help to minimize the occurrence of unforeseen complications.
When He joins us, Angus will be our tracker and burglar, as this is why he was hired.
We will of course need somebody who is skilled with animals to tend the mules.
We will have a circulating night watch, of which even I will be subject to participation.
If anybody has talent in cooking, I have plenty of food and spices stored in the wagon.
Karakut I believe you will likely be well suited to be the caravan's designated guardsman, though in the event of an attack we should all assist.
Cassandra You seem like a prudent choice for medic.
I will obviously be in charge of the map making and finances. I Give my assurances that, though I fronted most of the capital, we all have an equal stake in this venture.
If anybody has any needs or concerns then, as CEO of the Greenbelt Exploration Company, I will be happy to hear them.
at the conclusion of his speech, Orval falls awkwardly silent, and continues to march along the path towards the Greenbelt.
Cass waits for someone to address Oleg with information about their expedition, perhaps the group's "CEO." For now, she'll focus on more pressing matters.
"Do you have a place for us to stay?
Orval takes a few minutes to inspect the building for any structural faults or construction flaws. He then concludes that it would be proper for somebody to introduce the the group to Oleg and Svetlana.
I am Orval, President of the Greenbelt Exploration Company and these are my board of directors. We are chartered by the Dragonscale Regent to explore this area and provide some semblance of law and order. Do mules cost the same to stable as horses? I have 4 mules. Oh and we are expecting to be met by a famous detective by the name of Angus. Has he arrived yet? Oh and we will need to talk about the proper way to post public notices and contracts, but that can wait until the committee on public notices has been able to decide proper protocol on posting public notices.
He then awkwardly turns to his compatriots.
Karakurt you seem like somebody with some mercenary experience. Would you like to chair the committee on public notices and contracts. I believe you will want to focus on protocols for conveying pertinent information to prospective contractors, as well as more concise guidelines to determine completion of each individual contract. There should also be some consideration into the application process to get an official seal on notices that elicit what would normally be illegal behavior such as the kobold manner. It should be obvious which activities are sanctioned and which are not. We don't want people to have to think to hard.
Orval then abruptly turns back to Oleg
I am told that there is rampant banditry in these parts. What can you tell me about the administrative structuring of the bandit organizations in the area.
noticed he wasn't mentioned in role... but takes a nice helping from the soup provided.
Thank you Svetlana.
Follows up the question to Oleg. With a bit of a friendlier bow to Oleg.
What our leader is simply trying to mean is that while we are here perhaps we can help...stabilize the surrounding area.
I believed you mentioned Restov was someone you contacted? Orval happen to know what he means?
Regardless knowing a bit more about them would help us. Perhaps that would be suitable trade Orvel? Services for lodging?
Taken aback by the nature and vernacular of the questioning. Oleg pauses for a bit, trying to sort through your words.
Obviously throwing out answers to questions he doesn't have to think about as mulls over the inquries of banditry, Yes, yes mules can be stabled as well, although they may have to double up in the stalls. I'm sure we can work something out about lodging, but are you not here to deal with the bandits we've been having problems with?
He looks very confused and slightly worried as he turns to Svetlana.
They must not be the soldiers we sent for. Has Restov forgotten us, or is this more punishment?
Turning back towards the group
I have not seen nor heard of anyone named Angus. Perhaps though we can come to an agreement. You see, a group of bandits have been terrorizing my wife and I for the past 3 months. Arriving on horseback, heavily armed and vastly outnumbering us, they demanded all of our furs and trade goods on hand. Threatening to burn down the fort and take my dear sweet Svetlana if I didn't cooperate, I of course conceded. He shudders and looks sullen as he continues. They have returned twice more, each month on the day. I tried to resist once but,Holding up his right hand you can see where his right ring finger is missing.The b!~!+ of a woman took my finger with her nasty hatchets. She hasn't shown up again counting on her lackey to run the show. There used to be 10 of them, but last time there were only 6. Hopefully this time there will be even less, and boy let me tell you, I'd like to teach them a lesson. If you could handle this problem, I will grant you free lodging for as long as you wish.
Svetlana also looks pleadingly at the group, nodding her head in agreement with Oleg.
Orval produces his charter and reviews it a few times before replacing into his breast pocket again before mechanically blurting out.
I do not believe that my group has been sent with the goal of helping you and your wife specifically. However, you are in luck haha the laughter is very forced and wooden The charter does direct me to resolve against unrepentant banditry. For the price of free lodging, I believe we can stop this unrepentant banditry.
He stops talking as abruptly as he began.
ugh i hate talking to people. I definitely need to focus up on delegating more responsibilities to my employees.
he turns to his employees and says.
This can not wait any longer. I absolutely must call the first congress of the the Greenbelt Exploration Company's board of directors. The purpose of this meeting is to nominate and elect by at least a 60% majority a new Vice President of Personnel Resources, Vice President of Public Relations, and a Vice President of Operations.
I should very much like to nominate Rodjer as the Vice President of Public Relations. I of course require a second to the nomination.
Would anybody else like to make any nominations or confirm nominations.
Orval looks hopefully out at his board awaiting some healthy discussion.
Quickly clarifying for the dear leader in a soothing suggestive tone
What he means is we'd be happy to help. However, we need to have a quick discussion as a group.
In the meantime, We'd appreciate any information, maps, or numbers you may have on the gang. As well... we'll need to know what you have that is keeping them returning. Surely if they wanted your home or belongings they would've had it. No disrespect I can understand we all may have our secrets, but if shortly we'll be putting our lives on the line we'll need to know the whole situation. If you can clarify in a bit what you expected from Restov that would help of course.
If you have anything else to add shortly will be the time to add it. We'll return shortly.
This doesn't add up. what would compel those bandits. What position of power is this Oleg coming from...
Daval rejoins the group
Orval what a splendid idea and good of you to bring about such organization. I'd be happy to second the nomination of the flashy little halfling.
However I believe time is of the essence. I believe the group is ready to move not plan. might it be best for you to simply assign the roles and move on? Acquisitions will fuel this venture after all.
Er, Olag, Oleg is it? When will these bandits be returning?
Oh damn... I'm a seer, I "should" know this. Hopefully the group won't pay this any mind.
As the group is introduced to Oleg and his wife, Rodjer eyes the food hungrily. When given his bowl he scarfs the food down quickly! Not normally the one to take charge or doing a lot of talking outside of his performance, he sits back and listens to the bantering.
When Orval brings up him being the personal relations guy Rodjer realizes that he doesn't see anyone else in the group besides maybe Daval that would be well suited for this so he decides he might as well do something.
Well I seen pretty well suited for this public relations position so if the group doesn't object I will gladly accept the position! As for these bandits I feel like our group here can handle them and in return for free lodging and perhaps a reward. Might I suggest that, while we are out taking care of bandits we also look into those some of those wanted posters, perhaps the kabold activity. I feel like on a venture like this money is always a good thing to have.
Oleg looks annoyed and confused.
We have a serious problem here guys, the bandits are coming tomorrow at sunrise, and if you are not going to help me, I need to figure something else out and quickly. They routinely come and demand a large portion if not all of my trade goods, mainly furs and pelts that I have gotten from the trappers to be sold to Restov. I don't know much information about the land about my fort, one of the hunters would be better for information about that. But surely we can discuss this more in the morning after you have driven the filth off?
Not waiting to consult the group on the manner, Rodjer takes a deep breath and steps up to address Oleg.
Fine master Oleg! As this groups official public relations lesion, I hereby say that in this state of emergency our group will repel the bandits in exchange for lodging at this here establishment, and as stated in the wanted poster we will expect 15g for each bandit slain and a 30g reward for killing the bandit woman who took your finger. If you have any questions regarding our combat plans, gold reward, or if you would like to assist in the defense of your home you can take it up with Karakurt over there, who is our chair on the committee on public notices and contracts and also our most seasoned warrior.
Rodjer exhales, pleased with his nice important sounding speech.
Hopefully the group doesn't mind I just volunteered them to find bandits, but it is in our charter in a way. Good thing I have had years of preforming to keep my face straight and my hands from shaking because lets face it I haven't truly fought any one since the night.. since.. that night.
Seaming troubled Rodjer grabbed his fiddle and moves away from the group as he starts playing a quite sad tune.
thinking to himself about his companions it would be wise of me to sleep with one eye open while Daval is on watch. anybody who sleeps this late, who knows what will happen through the night. although with a seer in the group, we should know about attacks hours in advance. kinda takes the fun out of it... rodjer appears to be the most obviously useful of the group. always playing music drowning out the conversation. just like in the dwarf halls... oh thank goodness the outpost! and whats this? a bounty board? this must be my lucky day. sounds like easy work. these should be good tests to determine everyone's usefulness
wow this Orval talks alot. i think he has said more words on this walk then i said all last year. so formal. assigning this and that. at least i wont have to do everything myself like last time. i should give him a chance. damn nobles. just because i dont like em doesn't mean i shouldn't respect em. once they've earned it.
chair a committee? i'm just hear to fight
i'll "chair your committee" as long as that means I get equal say in what and when we fight and i get to make sure we get paid for a job well done.
this couple has had some hardship. more than their share. oh well, not sure this is our concern, though i wouldn't mind punching a kobold or two.
this is fantastic!! its spectacular. just like mother's. we need to keep these people around if for no other reason than to feed us.
did he just say the bandits are coming tomorrow? good!! i get to kill them on a full stomach.
convenient timing by the halfling. i was thinking the same thing. i knew i liked him.
Rodjer is correct. as long as I am here, these bandits will not rob you. these terms sound fair to me. gold, lodging, and soup to deal with the immediate problem. However, if you want continued protection from future bandit attacks, we may need a cut of your fur trading business.
they better agree to our terms while i'm in a good mood. if mangy kobolds can blackmail them, I imagine it would be even easier for me to do the same
where is a hunter I can speak with about the lay of the land, defensible positions, and bandit tactics? Do you have a place we can hide women and children until after the battle?
What he means is that like any continued service there may be some cost after the fact. Surely you understand that we're looking to help improve these lands and we can do that together?
Regardless it doesn't mean much if you're all dead tomorrow right? *jokingly* We'll get started preparing...
Not much tack in this group I see... At least the seem eager in their respective roles. I'll need to keep on top of the big one. He seems like he has the right ideas but he may cause more trouble than he means. Permanent power is coaxed not taken after all.
I'll leave you in Rodjer's capable... small hands. Karakut may I join you in your appraisal?
Gotta get a chance to talk to this brute. The sooner we're on the same page the better.
Well chairing the committee will not give you any power on when, where, or how we fight, but I see you as a prime candidate to be our Vice president of Security and Operations. That should give you the influence which you desire. Once you and Daval have concluded your subcommittee meeting, I believe it would be prudent to apprise myself and the rest of the board of directors of your proposed plan of action.
Cass glares at Karakurt.
"Women and children? What do you mean by that?"
Cass takes her warhammer off her back and brandishes it... perhaps not menacingly, but enough to get the point across. At the same time, Cass casts Ghost Sound to make the sound of numerous spirits, chanting in an unknown tongue, with herself as the target of the spell.
Although this is just a conjurer's trick, it's at least way to let the others know of the voices constantly in my head... And to be honest, I don't think *I* decided to cast Ghost Sound... I think *they* did...
Cass takes a step towards Karakurt.
The voices... they just won't stop...
HE IS WEAK. GET RID OF HIM
Yes, good, I need to get rid of this man. He will only stand in my way.
Cass raises her warhammer, then...
No!
...puts it back on the ground. She fakes a smile, trying to play off the whole situation as a joke.
"Just keeping you on your toes, my friend."
She motions towards Oleg.
"I don't think the merchant should fight, seeing the state of his ring finger. You seem like a capable warrior, Karakurt... I trust you agree?"
She then addresses Oleg himself.
"If it is alright with you, Oleg, you and your wife should be safely hidden tomorrow morning while we take care of the bandits."
Oleg's shoulders tense and his mouth tightens as Karakrut portrays his demands. Before the outburst that is building escapes his lips, Daval's words ease the tension in Oleg's muscles.
Looking at Cass, Oleg cautiously responds Did you just... What was... ummm.... I appreciate the concern, if things go bad, know I will do my part. Svetlana will need some protection though and if it is alright with you, I will take her into the main quarters and defend her there.
He never takes his eyes off Cass but answers the others in the party in turn. To KarakrutTrappers come and go, they don't have a set schedule. Best way to communicate is by leaving a paper up on the board you saw as you came in. If one is interested he'll leave a reply or seek you out.
To Rodjer Yes, yes. I of course will honor the swordlords reward. If you all will excuse me, it is getting late and Svetlana and I shall retire. Your rooms are over there, Gesturing to the guest house, I suggest you all get some rest as we should be ready with whatever plan you have by sunrise.
Oleg and Svetlana clear the table and go back inside. Oleg still looking at Cass suspiciously.
Feel free to keep conversations running. When you guys are ready I will need a rough plan of battle for the morning. The roll20 map has oleg's post and your characters on it.
i dont much care for people correcting me in public. i might have to make an example of this pretty boy and woah what the hell has got into the woman!
Well well Lassy, it seems I struck a nerve. no offense intended. i trained along side many women dwarf fighters. a couple got the best of me in my younger days. i have quite the admiration for the "fairer sex" when it comes to combat prowess. it's just been so long since i have fought along side a woman as adept in combat as a dwarf.
diplomacy to ease the tension between Karakurt and Cass
Come Daval! we have a hunter to find before Cass makes short work of us both. if we can't track one down, we will leave a note for one to find us at first light, as Oleg suggests.
It would appear that I have finally found a group of people that recognize my brilliance and are willing to see through my crass nature. This truly will be my moment to shine.
Right then, while our inaugural subcommittee has it's first meeting, I believe the rest of us should work on a plan to present to the Vice president of Security and Operations for approval. Before you go Oleg, it would help my CFO a great deal if you could give us an approximate value of monthly receipts you bring in from your trade post. Also any knowledge you have on other merchants operating in the area would be appreciated. After all if we are to become protectors of the land in addition to explorers, we will need to make a budget. I also would hate to see you take on the the full financial burden of paying for such security measure we may implement.
Once Oleg has answered Orval will thank him and dismiss him. The young entrepreneur then looks around to make sure other two employees are not willfully ignoring him.
I believe that it would be prudent for us to capture the lackey that seems to be in charge of the raiding expeditions. They would seem to at least have some measure of the leader's confidence, and may be useful in swaying the rest of the leadership of this bandit cell to our favor. Rodjer it will be paramount that you vet any prospective new employees among the bandits, and do not be afraid to offer incentives for them to join us rather then continue their banditry.
Any ideas on how to capture the bandits tomorrow would be greatly appreciated, though I do think and ambush would be prudent. Perhaps allow them to enter the fort and then attack while they load up their plunder?
I am not much for war making and but I am quite experienced in avoiding fights and, on the rare occasion I do fight, I am quite experienced in surprising my attackers! Might I just point out that there is but one easy entrance and exit of this fort. I t would seam that the bandits will come in and out of there.
Rodjer looks around and spots the ledges high up on the wall.
That ledge would be a great spot for me to hide and fiddle my way through this fight!
Perhaps those of us who are not as capable of fighting up close should take up spots on the wall?
As Oleg finishes packing up the dishes, he responds to Orval The profit margin is not as I would like it, but I probably haul in around 100 gp a month before paying any expenses of hauling to Rostland and back.
He mutters under his breath Man, I hope these green eared travelers can handle the fight tomorrow, or it'll be my hide as well
Cass watches Oleg staring at her with mild interest.
At least, maybe, this man will tread lightly around the group... he'll be less likely to double cross us if he thinks I'm dangerous.
I'm not dangerous... am I?
The voices are strangely quiet. It's unnerving.
Cass addresses the group.
Well, um... She looks around at the "CEO," the tiny halfling, the cat, and the mercenary. ...gentlemen. Shall we get some sleep? We have a battle tomorrow morning.
Night falls as the group finishes their plans. As dawn breaks, everyone is roused by Oleg and Svetlana if they haven't woken already. As everyone gets into position, anyone on the walkway can clearly see 5 men riding horses with an extra 3 in tow approaching the fort. On the wind you can hear them laughing and shooting the breeze. The lead horsemen appears to have a finely made longbow laid across his lap and a longsword sheathed at his side. The other four have longbows strapped to their back with shortswords at their sides. All of them are wearing leather armor under the hooded cloaks.
The group ride with confidence into the fort with the man in front hailing Oleg.
Oleg, where is our bounty and where can I find your fine busty whore of a wife? I haven't had a proper kiss in a few days and she'd do mighty fine!
He dismounts once he reaches the middle of the courtyard followed by his cronies.
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Surprise Round
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Orval
Cassandra
Rodjer
Karakurt
Daval
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Round 1
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Orval
Mo
Cassandra
Larry
Jim Bob
Rodjer
Karakurt
Curly
Daval
Happs
I hear a pounding drum in my mind... then voices getting louder... the gods are smiling on me.
I raise my hands in the air and close my eyes. I cast Divine Favor.
I walk my maximum movement (20 feet) towards the closest bandit. If I am within range, I strike with my Earth Breaker.
Not having any conformation of the pan Orval will go to sleep under the assumption the plan has been accepted by all.
In the morning he will hide on one of the roof tops. When the bandits approach he will use his scroll of mage armor he will then use arcane resevoir to increase the caster level of magic weapon and long arm. He will then use scroll of shield. For his surprise round he will use summoners focus to summon a hawk around the lead bandit.
[spoiler=dice]
round 1
Round 2
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Surprise Round:
Rodjer is going to start singing and playing a soft lullaby, directed and the sport between the back four bandits.
Golden daggers kiss your eyes,
Death awaits you when you rise.
Sleep,
stupid bandits,
Do not cry,
And I will kill with a lullaby.
Where I'm hiding you know not,
Therefore sleep, I wont get shot,
Sleep,
stupid bandits,
Do not cry,
And I will kill with a lullaby.
Round one:
Rodjer will then change his song to one of power to render the bandits unconscious.
Are you sleeping, are you sleeping?
Bandit scum, bandit scum?
Death will shortly find you, sleep will surely bind you
Ding dong dead, ding dong dead.
It was about the time the eagle appeared, that the bandits finally realize something isn't normal. The lead bandit barely dodges the eagles bite, as he whirls around to try and figure out where it came from. Then the melodious tune strikes out and the back four bandits begin to look drowsy, almost swaying to the tune. Then a beast of a man steps out from behind the cart and draws his weapon to bear. Thinking to himself this situation couldn't get any worse, the lead bandit sees a ray of fire appear from on the walkways. As the fire strikes him on the arm he whirls around bow drawn to try and find the stealthy attacker.
Not realizing his mistake, he is brought back to his perilous situation as the eagle sinks his claws into one clavicle, the beak biting into the other. Howling in rage he spins again only to be stabbed from above by a spear. Bleeding from multiple wounds, singed, he still stands but looks extremely weak.
One of the bandits sees the threat from above and looses an arrow at Orval Striking him in the rib cage.
On the other side of the bowman a woman steps out wielding a massive hammer and connects so hard with her foe that the sound of ribs smashing is heard throughout the courtyard. Cassandra's foe a bloody mess at her feet. Frightened, the next bandit nocks and looses an arrow at the woman in front of him. He is so frightened however that his arrow not only misses his target, but flies over the back wall of the fort.
A new tune is struck up and the two bowman and the bandit standing stupefied by the battle around him drop asleep in the courtyard.
Karakurt roars at the leader Lay down your arms puny man, lest I destroy you here and now
Seeing everyone around him on the ground dead or somehow magically slept, Happs lays down his weapons and throws his hands in the air.
Please don't kill me, She doesn't give me enough of the cut to die for. I'll tell you everything I know.
Svetlana and Oleg come out after the commotion dies down. Oleg unceremoniously kicking the dead bandit.Teaches you right. I expect we will be hanging the rest like they deserve? For all you've done for me, I offer my fort as a safe haven for your group. Feel free to lay your head here as often as you need, free of charge, including your beasts of burden.
Orval looks at the arrow stuck into his ribcage.
Cant let them see their lead panic. I had best direct their attention elsewhere.
He draws a small key from his pocket and tosses it to Daval.
Daval there are 3 sets of manacles, chains, and a goodly amount of rope in the chest on the back of our wagon. I believe we have need of them.
He then climbs down off of the roof and walks up to Cassandra.
You say you are a capable medic yes? I believe i may be requiring your services.
He gestures with an open hand to the arrow protruding from his wound.
He motions for Rodjer
Rodjer would you be a good chap and find out what you can about the bandit cell from these fellows. Then vet them and see which ones might be decent prospective employees. It might be good to find out how much they are making under their current leadership too.
Assuming he gets healed Orval will then begin to take inventory of the goods they have liberated from the bandits. Making sure to appraise any items of unknown worth
Karakurt, pleased with his actions in battle, walks over to Rodjer.
Rodjer, I will join you for your "discussions" and make sure these bandits don't give you any trouble.
Thinking to himself, hopefully the bandits give us some trouble so I have an excuse to punch one. Ah who am I kidding, I'm gonna punch one anyway.
With the bandits chained up to a sturdy post and gaged, Rodjer will walk over to them and with a smirk on his face begin to play a haunting melody. After a bit of playing and staring down each bandit, he laughs and adresses the.
Well now boys I bet you didn't think you would end up like this when you rolled out of bed this morning! You also might want to realize I'm probably the only reason you are alive. If I wouldn't of put you all to sleep my friend Karakurt here would most likely of punched you skulls in! Heck he still might do just that... But only if you don't listen and cooperate with me. Now I'm going to I gag you then ask you some questions and I expect quick and truthful answers.
Rodjer will ungag the bandits always staring into each one of their eyes for a moment before moving on to the next.
okay let's begin! First who is your leader? Where can I find her and how many more of you are there? Now remember if I find out your lying I will let this fine gentleman right here have some fun with you skulls. Second what information do you have about other bandit groups or kabolds do you have? And lastly are any of you worth keeping around? Do you have any skills, talents, can any of you sing??
The first two bandits stay silent. Staring furiously at the lot, feeling cheated and surprised at how the battle went. The third pipes up as soon as Rodjer asks questions.
Happs there pointing at the leader of the groupHe's our leader. He and Kressle are the ones who had the idea to come to the fort and steal the supplies.
The one called Happs repliesShut up you insolent fool.
I'll tell you everything, if you let my group and me live, we can tell you everything. We would like some word or assurance we are going to live before we give up our only bargaining chip.