Here Be Tryants: A Kingmaker saga.

Game Master Joy

Alexander nods, Agreed. As Merryn said, the information they provide will be useful if we are to track down and eventually end this threat.

"Oleg, how frequent are travelers in this area? Obviously if you were encouraged to set up this trading post then there is some desire to increase traffic, but I am wondering how successful it has been. The bandits must be getting their income from somewhere and I wonder if the decreased attendance is less about complacency and more a result of needing to stretch further to gain the same spoils."

He shrugs slightly and motions to the others, "Though I suppose, in practice, the idea to interrogate one will provide answers to that questions as well. I have the ability to put the enemy to sleep for a brief period if there is someone that can bind them more permanently; I would hate to have them force the issue once they wake up if they are not otherwise incapacitated."

"Then we are agreed," Merryn continues, "We eliminate the bandits and capture their leader if possible. I shall take up position on the wall; although I can wield a sword I am a far better archer."

Merryn eats the stew slowly when it arrives, until he is satisfied. If there is no other business to take care of, he'll retire to get some much needed sleep.

Thaliar stays silent throughout the discussion. The food provided for them actually was very good and the best he had had for quite a while. "First let me say the food is fantastic." He offered Svetlana a sincere nod and a smile.

"But while we're discussing the bandits, there is one issue. The penalty for banditry is death. How do you propose we get their leader to talk if he knows we will be killing him anyway?"

Eduard raises his hand and interjects, "The penalty for unrepentant banditry is death. I believe it is entirely within our jurisdiction to determine what constitutes repentance being the only agents of the law in this area. While I would likely still suggest crippling of the sword arm or otherwise enforcing this change of heart, there is no need to see the bandit leader, or any of his or her colleagues, dead."

"we could torture him, and only allow him the release of death of his information is true. Or, we could try and win him to our side. If he serves us well and faithfully, then he will live. If he does not...."

Oleg tries to answers some of the questions posed to him.

"Except for that first time, the bandits all come inside the gate. As for the gates, I usually keep one shut all the time unless I need to get a wagon in or out. That leaves only one to shut after the bandit pass through it."

"As for travelers, I don't see a whole lot yet, mainly just a couple poachers that trade their furs, a couple hermits, there was one family trying to start out a homestead, but I ain't seen them for a month now at least. Occasionally get a few trader from town that come out here t get hard to get furs and herbs. Somethings just can't be raised in a city you know?"

"Now, I got a question of my own. What exactly is your charter for? You just here to collect bounties on the bandits?"

As Oleg is posing his own questions, the sound of wooden bowls clattering slowly approaches the group. As you turn towards the sound, you see a woman whose face is barely visible above the stacks of bowls and bread that she is carrying and you recognize it as the face earlier seen in the window. As she sets down the tray carrying everything and then leans against the table to rest, it is very obvious that she is not only pregnant, but likely to be due any day now.

"Good evening to you all, if Oleg hasn't mentioned it yet, my name is Svetlana. The stew is ready now if Oleg cares to go fetch the pot for me."

At the less than subtle cue, Oleg hops up from the bench and goes off. He returns a few minutes later carrying a large pot of stew and sets it upon the table. He'll grab a bowl, ladle some stew in it and then grabs up a chunk of bread and then encourages everyone else to do the same.

Andrea will heartily dig into the stew and bread when it arrives. The rather dainty woman showing a surprising appetite and not only clean her bowl, but gets seconds.

Very nice, thank you. Noticing Svetlana's condition. If you need services of a midwife, I am available to provide them.

As you may have guessed from my previous post, I somehow thought the food was already there

"Thank you." He nods towards Svetlana. As Andrea offers her services he is quick to add his own offer of aid, "I could make something to dull the pain if so desired. It became quite popular with the women of House Medvyed."

Almost casually he turns towards Radomir after the man suggested torture, "I'd advice against torture. A man in pain will say anything to get release, there is no way we can be sure he is telling the truth and we might find out only because we run into an ambush." He nods in Eduard's direction, "I tend to agree with you. I know that where I grew up reformed bandits were branded and got one or two fingers removed on each hand. That way they were unfit to wield sword or bow but could still work the land." It was brutal and nasty business, but so was an execution.

"Aye, Thalliar, you are right. I had not thought of that." Radomir takes his bowl and eats methodically. "I'm more suited to direct action, not clever thinking."

Alexander over-exaggerates a sigh, more in jest than annoyance, Not a topic we need to discuss over dinner, in any event. I'm sure, should we manage to capture one or more of these criminals, we'll find ways to make them speak. But that's really something we can work out if we manage to take any of them alive.

He smiles and stands quickly as Svetlana comes with the food, moving forward to help hand out the bowls. A pleasure to meet you. I hope we're not being too much of a bother. Once done he sits down and enjoys the food.

As Oleg asks about their charter, Alexander responds in a serious manner, We're here to explore the area heading deeper into the Stolen Lands, actually. I expect that we'll be coming back and stopping here quite often in the months to come. But we're also charged with keeping the area clear of banditry. I hope both will be of benefit to you... Alexander nods and smiles in Svetlana's direction, and your family.

Mapping out the surrounding lands and eliminating banditry will be good for increasing possible trade. Oleg, are there any other settlements that we should know of? Or any hunters or trappers of note?

Svetlana smiles at both Andrea and Thaliar, thanking them for their offers of assistance. "I do appreciate having others nearby who are experienced. This is our first and I have to admit that I am nervous about the whole thing."

During the talk of torture, Svetlana pales a bit, but Oleg doesn't seem bothered at all.

Oleg turns to Andrea to answer her question. "There are no settlements nearby, that's why I chose to come out here. There are few other folks around here though. There's an old hermit called Bokken, a bit crazy, but he is still good for whipping up potions that actually work. I trade with him sometimes for both potions and the herbs that he collects and grow. Them herbs are worth a decent bit of coin in the city. Next up would be Avria and Avrar, twin half elves that will trap, hunt and scavenge anything that ain't nailed down. A bit on the feral side from spending too much time out in the wild on their own, but they certainly get some fine furs and have no problem with trading them to me. They range pretty far out and seem to have no problem giving any bandits the slip. There was also a family that had been here a couple times to trade for things, I think they were trying to set up a homestead, but I haven't seen them for a nearly a month now."

"It would appear that the bandits have done a good job of preventing much trade," Merryn says darkly. "We'll eliminate the initial problem and then move on from there. No point in planning without at least having some information."

Merryn places his empty bowl on the bench next to him, and yawns.

"I suggest we get some sleep, tomorrow shall be an interesting day."

After the meal is finished and the talk dies down, Svetlana begins gathering up the bowls and Oleg offers to show everyone to where they would be bunking down.

Oleg takes you over to one of the building on the right side. He tells you that it the guest building and upon inspection it has six tiny rooms, each holding a cot, a side table to hold a candle and a small wooden chest to hold a few belongings. Four of the rooms are on the main floor and the other two are in the attic area. There's a bit of common space on the main floor with a table a few chairs around it and a fireplace.

Oleg assure your group that in all the months he's been here that nothing has ever bother the post at night and that he bars the gates before going to bed every night.

The next morning, you here those wooden bowls being carried out again to one of the tables by the firepit area. Going out the back door of the guest house, you see some porridge and fruit being laid out for breakfast.

Svetlana and Oleg wish you all a good morning. During breakfast, Oleg asks what your plans are for the day and reminds you that the bandit will be here tomorrow.

Radomir takes the smallest of the rooms, provided it's on the ground floor and closes to the front door. If that's not the case, he takes one of the attic rooms, and then spends the night in the common space, standing guard. He does sleep, but he remains at the ready to spring to action, should he need.

In the morning, he's dressed in very similar clothing and exercises Czernabog before he sits to meal.

When Oleg speaks, Radomir remains silent, waiting for his superiors to speak first.

Alexander rises early and quietly slips out into the yard. He idly walks around as the sun rises, looking at the walls and the gate. Eventually he comes to stand in the gateway, turning back to the yard he stands there for a moment, quietly looking over the trading post. He stretches and yawns, then continues his stroll.

A wave of his hand clears the dirt from his boots and he sits at the bench watching Radomir tend to his steed. Quite a fine beast you have here. I expect it will strike fear in these criminals simply by emerging from the stables. As Svetlana brings the food out, he stands quickly and helps place the trays and dishes on the table.

Alexander looks around as he takes his seat, Seems we've got some planning to do. I think Radomir and Czernabog being in the stables and I...in the guest house works best. We have plenty of time for the archers among us to find suitable places. We can walk the walls and make sure we can cover the entire yard, while also providing you some cover. I have a trick so that we'll be able to communicate, at least in a limited capacity. There are a few...complications, but it'll be workable. He smiles and picks up an apple, taking a bite. The real issue is going to be getting them all inside and getting that gate closed behind them. Whoever does it should be outside the walls, otherwise they'll be in the middle of a group of armed and dangerous bandits. This also means they'll need to hide somewhere outside until the men come in. So...I'm open to hearing some clever plans. He looks around with a smile and takes another bite from the apple, Anyone got one?

I'd like to keep the danger to Oleg as low as possible. So getting them inside, but not so close to Oleg when we attack is important. Careful timing might become an issue. That, and we don't want the plan to be too complicated. We all know things can happen that we haven't prepared for. Let's stay flexible, and come up with some ideas that can remain adaptable. Alexander finishes his apple as the discussion continues.

While the others are still sleeping Thaliar already gets up, practising spear forms in the dark. When the others get up he is already back at his bed, looking over his notes while mixing up some new concoctions.

When breakfast is served Thaliar skips the porridge and moves straight to the fruit, thanking Svetlana as he sinks his teeth in a juicy pear. "Give me a moment, let me see what we're working with." He mumbles a bit to himself as he moves through the courtyard while eating his fruit, "I do agree though, lets minimise the odds of you two getting hurt."

Which way does the gate open? Inside or out?
Prepared CLW and Long Arm extracts

Andrea sleeps soundly and rises at dawn for her prayers and then exits for breakfast.

Listening to Alexander, she adds her opinions. I should stay inside the gate since I have no skill at stealth. I am capable of casting a prayer that can strike fear in the heart of a foe and can aid with my crossbow, and have some healing prayers for the wounded.

Radomir beams with pride as he rubs his steeds' flanks. "Aye, Sir, he's a true fiend on the field. Few can stand up to him." One he's done putting Czernabog through his paces, Radomir joins the rest for breakfast. He keeps his bardiche and weapons within easy reach as he eats.

"Before they arrive, I can show you a few quick forms that may be helpful once battle begins." He shrugs and munches on his bread. "After a few charges, I can drop from Czernabog, and there will be more combatants--if that is how you wish to plan it, Sir."

I can give a teamwork feat to everyone in 30' for 3 rounds + 1/2 levels. It's not much, and is only helpful to peeps who can be near me at the beginning of the battle, but it's something

The gates open inward,making them easier to barricade shut in emergencies. You can hook up ropes to pull them shut from the outside if you want to, but there is no way currently set up to bar the gates from the outside. The walls of the fort are logs cut from the local trees and are 10 feet in height from the ground up to the sharped tips. Each of the four corners of the fort has a raised earthen platform with a ramp leading up to it and on each platform sits what looks like a catapult of some kind.

Well, with any luck at all they'll surrender after the first charge, a couple of arrows, and a spell or two. He chuckles, But yes, I'd be happy to shake off a bit of rust and work out our attack. I'd rather trust in preparation over luck any day.

Though I'll never turn down a little luck. Alexander turns around on the bench and leans back. I think staying on your mount might be best. If one of these bandits does manage to run off, we'll need someone that can chase them down. I have a feeling that Merryn will be able to drop them with an arrow or two, but just in case... He shrugs, It's best that none escape.

Radomir nods grimly, and grips his bardiche in his hands. "Aye, Sir. No one will escape our wrath."

Character sheet updated, but I'm preparing Sleep and Mage Armor.

"I can put them to sleep from quite a distance, so I plan to simply stake out the rear battlements. I'll grab something to hide up there behind, but otherwise my spells and my crossbow should be fine. It is unlikely that anyone will reach me, but I am prepared to increase my defenses if they bring more archers than we anticipate."

Once the planning seems to be dying down, Eduard will go about bringing some sacks or crates up to the rear battlements. Enough to hide behind without making it look like there is just a single crate that seems likely to conceal a waiting ambush.

"Here, let me help, Eduard." Radomir does the more heavy lifting for Eduard, then goes off to make his one preparations.

Andrea helps where she can, perhaps inquiring about Oleg's stores. If he has anything like caltrops or taglebags, it could help tip things in their favor.

Oleg will point Eduard and Radomir in the direction of the stable for sacks of feed, straw bales, empty water barrels and crates of horse tack and random tools. Any of which would be adequate to make a hiding place out of.

For Andrea's request, oleg points out that this a trading post or trappers and the like, so no caltrops, but plenty of traps. The largest traps in the storage room are meant for bear and would easily break a mans leg in half.

While showing Andrea some of the stores, Oleg also points out a tray holding some potions. He tells her that the resident hermit Bokken had traded him those a while back, he was told they were magical but since Bokken is a bit nuts he hasn't tried any of them out yet.

Andrea lets others know of the traps. If we conceal these near the gate, we might be able to goad the bandits into charging into them.

Merryn rises before the dawn and slips out of his room to go through some exercises to keep his muscles limber. He appears as breakfast is set, and quietly eats some porridge with select pieces of fruit.

"Dropping them is likely to be little challenge," he responds to Alexander's observation, "They shall not be expecting us, and I dare say that we'll incapacitate them within seconds."

Are there battlements or a walkway at next to the gate?

I'm a bit hesitant to use traps...unless someone has experience with them? He looks around at the others, If we do use them, I suggest we cut off their ability to move around the buildings. If we place them between us and them it will make rushing them significantly more difficult. And we don't want to cut off your means of coming down from the battlements. That could be dangerous if one of them decides to set fire to anything. He blinks and nods suddenly, That reminds me, we need to move the hay and clean out the stable as best as possible. Setting it on fire would distract us and I'd like to avoid that.

He stands and points to the side of the stable, If we do use the traps, I suggest cutting off that side there, so they can't go around the side of the stable. He walks forward a bit, and...there, pointing to the back of the guest building, So they can't take cover down that small alley.

Alexander turns abruptly, Potions? I understand that you're in no position to hand out charity. He chuckles as he looks around the fort, But perhaps we could identify them for you and one might be useful for your own protection. With a shrug and a smile, And perhaps we could buy some of the others if they'd prove useful.

Once finished with that he'll get to work moving things out of the stable to use for cover up on the wall. Bringing the materials wherever the would be archers want to hide.

Radomir nods and quickly begins moving hay. Once that's done, if setting up traps is a go, H'ell assist there to.

Merryn - There is a narrow walkway that leads all the way around the wall with a gap where the gate is. There is about 3 feet from the top of the wall to the walkway. Each corner has a platform holding a catapault.

Andrea will position herself on the walkway with her crossbow and behind/under hay when the time comes.

Radomir will wait in the stables on Czernnabog

So 1 unidentified potion remains?

"Potions you say? I do know a thing or two about them. I'll take a look if you can't figure them out." He walked over to Alexander as he spoke but did not make a move to take the potions from him.

As the others began to prepare for what would be an ambush Thaliar just paced around, "Let's see what would work best. I do indeed think using the traps to cut off the escape route could be beneficial. I don't really know how to pack them up afterwards though, at least nothing beyond poking the thing with a stick."

Moving over to the gates he stands still, "Who will close the gate on them tomorrow? I'm not quite sure I have the raw strength that would be required." His gaze turned to Radomir and then to Merryn and Alexander. Despite their plans the three of them were most suited for shutting the trap.

Eduard wanders back to the planning after setting up makeshift cover.

"I don't know that closing the gate is a feasible plan once we have the bandits inside. Regardless of personal strength, it may take too long or be too awkward to attempt to trap them that way...I think the traps are a better plan. I think we should focus on getting them to dismount before we engage them - having them move less quickly means that we are likely to run them down or put them to sleep before they can get away."

[B]"Between your arrows and my horse, we could probably clean up any runners. Closing the gates may not be needed. I can be on that detail, since I am the most mobile of us. "[b]

Oleg speaks up. "At least half of them will be dismounting to go through my stores and to load up what they want to take. Not sure how to get the rest off their horse though."

Alexander looks up at he battlements and down at the gate. Someone could jump down and close the gate. Or hide outside and pull the gate closed behind them. Again, that person would remain out of the fight. And anyone jumping down would be in their way. But...either seems possible.

He shrugs and smiles, On the other hand, I agree that Czernabog and arrows can chase them down if they run.

He turns to speak to Oleg, You say some of them dismount to go through your stores and some stay mounted. Alexander frowns, I'd prefer to hit them when they're grouped up. Drop those in the back with archery, leaving them only forward, further into the yard to go. He looks thoughtful. It may be best if we attack once they all come inside, but before they've entered any buildings. I don't want them able to take shelter and force us to come to them, or worse, get into the main building and take hostages.

He turns back to the gate and then over to the cart. Perhaps we can move the cart over and block half the gate. Make them come through the one swinging door. Some supplies and wood, maybe a few tools to make it looks like you've been working over there...at least to any casual glance. Turning back to Oleg, Svetlana, of course, should remain well hidden. And you... He nods to Oleg, step back into your home and block the door as soon as the fighting begins. Unless you have a better plan?

Nothing to add here.

"Forgive me, but won't a broken cart raise suspicions?" Radomir looks uncomfortable, as though disagreeing with Alexander deeply upsets him. "It's definitely something out of the ordinary. Maybe, we could have the archers standing above the gate, but hiding. That way they're firing at the bandits' backs. I can charge the front, and the others will harry the flanks. Each way will bring death. Is there a way to lock all the doors, so they cannot enter the buildings?"

Alexander nods, It certainly would be suspicious. It's a matter of whether that outweighs the benefit. I think it may end up with them keeping some outside the gate. He nods shortly, You're right Radomir, let's not use the cart. He smiles, Anyone else have any ideas? Good or bad, now's the time to throw them out.

He looks up at the towers, These two towers in the front seem to give a good view of the yard. Perhaps another above the gate and Eduard in the back there, where he's setting up his cover. He points toward the back wall of the post where Eduard was stacking things. We can set up some cover wherever you archers wish to hide.

In any case, I think we're mostly there. A little bit of practice, maybe a run through or two and then a good night's rest should do it.

Alexander spends a bit explaining his plan to communicate using Message, casting it on each member of the party. It'd be slow to speak through him, as he'd have to repeat whatever someone said to him to pass it on to the others, but it would be useful to give a signal to begin the fight. He hopes that a quick strike, with Radomir and Czernabog storming from the stables and he rushing from the guest house, along with the archers behind shooting down into the group, and a sleep spell from Eduard, will quickly subdue the bandits. After a short description of how he thinks that will go, he offers to help move any cover that may be necessary to hide the archers above. After that he takes some time to work out with Radomir and learn this technique the large knight was speaking of earlier.

As Alexander teaches the group how to use Message, Radomir mouths every word, as though committing them to memory. When it's his turn to practice, he repeats every word as close to verbatim as he can. His voice is mechanical, like he's reading from a script. He stumbles a few times, and with each failure, his expression grows darker, until he virtually shaking with rage. Finally, he gets it and beams with wonder when he can finally communicate back to Alexander using "magic whispers". But, the joy is short-lived, and the knight's expression grows dour once more. "I apologize for my weakness in learning to use this tool. I will correct myself tonight, and be better prepared on the morrow, Sir."

He picks up his bardiche and moves to an open area where he assembles a large barrel and some hay. "Please, Sir, come and I will show you the forms to best position our foes between us. They will be forced to divide their attention between us and expose their flanks to our strikes."

Radomir can give precise strike to everyone in 30' for 3+1/2 rounds (so 3 rounds). It's not much, but it's something.

If there are no other plans or preparations to make, we can go ahead and skip to the next morning if everyone is ready.

And I apparently forgot to list the last potion you id'd, it was protection from good.

I'm good with moving on. Do you want us to pre-roll initiative since I'm assuming the approach will break suddenly into combat?

Eduard will settle in behind his cover on the rear battlements after breakfast. He'll try to keep an eye out as best he can while remaining hidden.

Stealth: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Welp, apparently not.

Andrea conceals herself in the hay for the coming combat.

Take 20 to hide myself for 21

EDIT: Init: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Yes, going ahead pre-rolling initiative will be fine since combat could begin whenever you start it or the bandits get suspicious.

You all may also take time to hide yourselves since you will have all morning to prepare for this.

Alexander wakes early again and stretches in the yard. He helps the others with their hiding places. Taking 10 to aid another? ;) Then moves on to his own. Later in the morning he begins casting Message on each of the other members of the party and refreshes as needed, waiting for the word that the bandits are coming.

Tense, but ready, he waits in the doorway of the guesthouse. Occasionally speaking with Oleg to keep him calm and ready for the upcoming battle.
Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Remember, it's important they're all inside before we strike. Waiting is the hardest part, but patience is the key.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Thaliar ignores Alexander's well intended advice. The man acted as if he was working with children. Then again, with someone as thick as Radomir around that might in fact not be luxury. That thought is enough to send a smile to Thaliar's face and release a bit of the stress caused by their current situation.

Thaliar hides in the stables, bow at the ready. If any decided to come for him he had his trusty spear and would have no issue harrying as long as needed.