The sound of Radomir correcting himself continues long into the night, as he repeats Alexander's instructions on how to use "the Magic Words". Still, the warrior appears bright and ready the following morning, so he must have gotten some sleep. Once again, he puts Czernabog through his paces in the yard and tends to his own gear before he voraciously attacks breakfast. After, he repeats Alexander's words to him, to show him that he had "corrected his flaws and weaknesses. He will be a better soldier, now." Then, he readies himself and his steed and secrets them away in the stable, ready to burst at the most opportune time.
I am a weapon. I am swift. I am death. Do not think. Act. Be in the moment. Flow. The words of his training fill his mind and he becomes detached and calm. He is ready.
After Oleg explains that they have always arrived mid-morning, your group have time for another breakfast of fruit and porridge before preparing your ambush locations within the post. After doing so, you wind up waiting just over a half and hour before you hear the sound of multiple hooves approaching the trading post.
As the sound of hooves come closer, a group of five bandits come riding boldly into the trading post, two of them each leading an additional horse laden with empty sacks. The lead bandit rides right into the middle of the courtyard and hollers: "Oleg! Get your arse over here and show us what goods you've gotten for us this month."
Oleg comes off the porch of his house and moves over to some crates he had laid out near the middle of the post and keeps them between himself and the bandits. "I got all my best goods laid out here. There are some rare pelts in here that should be worth quite a bit."
The lead bandit moves to the crates to open one and look at the contents. Two of the other bandits take this as a cue to dismount and move over to them as well. The two that remain mounted are the ones with the extra horses.
Now!
Alexander steps out of doorway into sight, his short spear aloft and ready to throw. His voice carries out across the yard as he tries to draw the attention of the bandits.
This is the part where we say 'surrender', you refuse, and my allies and I have a good laugh over your corpses! The determined look upon his face belies the humorous tone of his words.
Alexander has a wry smile on his face as he steps into a throw at the closest bandit. He chuckles as the spear strikes it's target.
How do you feel now?, he says with finality as he draws his sword.
Andrea pops up from her haystack and aims her crossbow at the nearest bandit. Surrender!
If the bandits get combative, Andrea opens fire
Radomir bursts from the stable astride Czernabog. The horse rears and it's legs in the air, in an intimidating display of fearsome power and strength
Radomir charges down the courtyard aiming for one of the brigands
Quietly Thaliar gets up from his hiding place, spear in hand. The bow seemed like a good idea but after another view of the field had had no longer been sure he'd be able to not hit his allies. In the little time he has to react he simply uncorks one of the bottles he prepared the day before and down's it's contents. Immediately his physique shifts as his arms extend.
Radomir bursts from the stable astride Czernabog. The horse rears and it's legs in the air, in an intimidating display of fearsome power and strength
intimidate check to demoralize one of the mounted brigand: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Radomir charges down the courtyard aiming for one of the brigands
lance: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8 x2 = 16
During the surprise caused by your appearance and call for surrender, Oleg takes the opportunity to retreat towards his house since he is unarmed.
Merryn will also stand up from his hiding place up on the walkway and fire off a arrow into the bandits, targeting one of the mounted ones.
The bandit screams in pain as the arrow pierces his back.
Alexander 24
Merryn 21
Bandits 20
Radomir 18
Happs 17
Thailiar 14
Eduard 12
Andrea 12
Alexander's attack leave a bandit staggered.
Merryn takes another shot at the mounted bandit.
The bandit drops off of his horse, apparently dead.
The bandits react in confusion as they are suddenly attacked by people jumping up out of nowhere and dropping one of their number already.
The remaining mounted bandit draws his bow and aims for the man facing him on horseback.
The bandit's arrow flies true and strikes Radomir .
The staggered bandit draws his sword.
The other bandit draws his sword and moves to attack the man that threw the spear at his companion.
And the bandit fails to connect with his blow.
Now, Radomir charges the bandit who just shot him with an arrow and impales him on his lance.
The bandit leader finally regains enough composure to act now and screams out in anger at Oleg. "Oleg! You miserable wretch! I will see your whole post burned down with you and your wife still in it!"
He'll then draw his bow and take a step back and attack the mounted man that just impaled one of his men.
The bandit leader manages to hit the mounted man
With the leader once more identifying himself, one could never know whether or not he'd send a lesser to inspect the goods. Knowing that that man would be the one they'd want alive he instead charged one of the man's underlings.
Andrea casts at the leader since he seems the most dangerous
DC 14 or become frightened. If save is made, become Shaken for 1 round
Radomir coughs blood and he slumps in his saddle. Already, his vision blurs as he feels the arrows piercing his side grate against bone. His breath is labored, and sweats with the strain of maintaining his focus. Another strike will surely kill him. But, he has trained for these moments, lives for them.
I am a weapon. A weapon must be used. A weapon that is not used is useless. Useless things are discarded. A weapon is used until it is broken. It does not care when or how it is broke; a weapon is glad that it is used at all. I am used. I accept being broken. Silently, the prayer drilled into him during his youth at the Palace of Sublime Purpose fills his mind and strengthens his resolve. Radomir feels steel enter his spine and he straightens in the saddle. He and Czernabog are one being as they charge another bandit, this time he aims for an unmounted foe.
+1 (if he gets the +1 bonus for attacking from higher ground
x2 on a charge
Eduard will attempt to cast Sleep on the leader of the bandits.
Eduard will draw his crossbow and attempt to fire at the closest bandit still standing at that point.
Thaliar charges down the staggered bandit and puts him down.
The bandit leader seems to shake off the effects of Eduard's spell.
Andrea's crossbow bolt goes a bit wild and fails to find a target.
Alexander's tone becomes more serious, Your cause is lost, surrender!
Alexander doesn't wait for a response, striking out at the bandit before him...
Bashing the criminal's sword aside with his shield, Alexander delivers a horrible wound.
Radomir guides Czernabog with his knees so that he's near the bandit leader. He places the tip of his lance at the soft part of the man's neck and presses in slightly. His eyes are hollow pits glaring burning out from beneath his helm. There is no malevolence in his gaze, no cruelty. Rather, his face is dispassionate; his eyes are cold. It is the gaze of someone who has seen unspeakable things, things that people say "need doing" as though to justify the horror of their acts. It is the gaze of someone who has done those things, and will do them again. "Yield. You have been bested. You have no hope of victory. But, mercy can still be granted." He presses a bit harder, drawing a few drops of blood from the man's neck. "Yield.
+2 if Czernabog can use aid another on the intimidate check. The horse is skilled in intimidate, so.. yes?
Alexander fells his opponent with seeming ease.
Merryn fires off an arrow at the last standing foe.
and misses.
The bandit leader will fire his bow at the closest person to him who had just killed one of his men.
and misses
Radomir uses his threatening presence to intimidate the bandit leader. He looks about the post's courtyard and sees that all of his men are currently dead and chooses to believe the man's words that he has no chance for a victory, but perhaps he might have a chance at keeping his life.
Happs throws his bow down upon the ground and yells: "I yield"
[ooc]Shall I cancel Eduard and Andrea's last actions or do you still wish to do them?
Alexander doesn't bother to clean his sword as he walks over to the cowed bandit. Blood covers the front of his leather chest guard, and is splattered across his face.
Very well, criminal. Your surrender is acceptable, the man says solemnly. As Alexander approaches he sees Radomir's wounds. With a nod towards Thaliar, indicating he understands the man has the brigand under control, he approaches Czernabog and the mounted soldier.
Radomir, well fought. Let's see to those wounds before you bleed all over your fine mount. He smiles up at the knight as he places the edge of his wooden shield on the ground and leans it against his leg. As he rises, his hand glows slightly and he reaches out to touch Radomir's leg.
He watches some of the healing at work, then helps the soldier remove the rest of one of the arrows and presses the wound with a shining hand.
You'll still need rest, but that will have to do for now.
He turns back to the bandit, Now, what shall we do with you? He looks around at the others, then back to the bandit, As you are sure to be aware, the penalty for banditry is death by hanging. I, personally, believe this would be appropriate. But my allies believe that some of you bandits may seek redemption if given the chance. If you answer their questions, perhaps mercy will be yours. I'm inclined to ask Oleg what he feels would be appropriate.
He waves his hand slowly over the length of his sword, his fingers almost touching it. The blood slides away on to the ground, leaving the blade clean. But in the end, your only chance is to answer their questions.
Andrea ceases casting her spell and comes down to secure any unconscious bandits by using Stabilize on them. Those that survive can answer for their crimes as well.
Radomir uses his threatening presence to intimidate the bandit leader. He looks about the post's courtyard and sees that all of his men are currently dead and chooses to believe the man's words that he has no chance for a victory, but perhaps he might have a chance at keeping his life.
Happs throws his bow down upon the ground and yells: "I yield"
Radomir withdraws his lance, and Czernabog steps back a few paces. He dismounts, showing no sign of his pain, and holds his bardiche at the ready. "Good."
He barely grunts as Alexander pulls the arrows from his body, although a tension leaves him as he the bard pours healing energy into him. "My thanks, Sir. I am honored by your care." He grins beneath his helm and pats Czernabog fondly on the neck. "But, have no fear, Czernabog enjoys seeing blood spilt." He turns back to the bandit, bardiche ready to strike. "Forgive me, Sir. But, I shall rest when the work is done."
He and Czernabog continue glare at the bandit as Alexander makes his offer.
Seeing Andrea moving from bandit to bandit and seeing the reaction coming from some of them Thaliar shakes his head. Whether it was disbelief or disgust he didn't quite know but this was wrong.
He walked over to Alexander and motioned for his longsword, "Could I borrow that for a moment? There is no point in prolonging the suffering of these bandits. They will be put to death anyway, no need to first let them recover and then snuff them out. Even bandits deserve to die with some decency." He faced the bandit leader as he finished the sentence, then turned away to look at the man's dying companions, "Besides, we don't have enough rope or room to hang them all."
Alas, the fallen bandits seems to be beyond the help of the groups merciful cleric.
The sole surviving bandit looks rather cowed by the group that surrounds him as he answer Alexander. "I'll answer any question if it gives me chance to keep my life."
Radomir looks grim as he steps between the bandit and Thalliar. "it is a poor soldier who does not know how to use every weapon he is given. The bandit will provide information. He knows the area. He could be an invaluable ally. If he repents, and swears himself to Alexander's service."
Andrea looks at Thaliar. You are not incorrect, I believed there would be more opportunity to learn about where they came from in case the leader refused to speak even under threat of hanging.
Andrea instead arranges the bodies for easier disposal
Thaliar shakes his head at the cavalier, "I wasn't talking about him. He is clearly alive and well, no resuscitation needed on his end. I was talking about his former lackeys." He motions in a wide arc behind him, "Yet it seems it was nothing but a dying man's last spasms before letting go that I observed."
He sighs, the man in front of him was clearly an idiot. It was a miracle he had figured out how to breath in time and didn't suffocate at birth. "Don't worry. He will give us the information we need and then we'll decide if that's enough to compensate for his past crimes."
Thaliar shakes his head at the cavalier, "I wasn't talking about him. He is clearly alive and well, no resuscitation needed on his end. I was talking about his former lackeys." He motions in a wide arc behind him, "Yet it seems it was nothing but a dying man's last spasms before letting go that I observed."
He sighs, the man in front of him was clearly an idiot. It was a miracle he had figured out how to breath in time and didn't suffocate at birth. "Don't worry. He will give us the information we need and then we'll decide if that's enough to compensate for his past crimes."
Radomir nods and steps away. "I see. Forgive my outburst. I am still learning my place in our company." He remains close to Alexander in case the bandit leader decides to spring in to action. He decides that he'll let the others do the interrogation and help when he can. He is not as keen as they are. He will definitely not think of questions they would. Besides, they do not wish to use torture, and that is all Radomir knows.
Eduard starts to clean up the things used for cover and sets about trying to return the trading post to a state of order. He stays near enough to hear what the captive(s) say, but otherwise has nothing that will assist in the interrogation.
Alexander looks incredulous as Thaliar motions to his sword, his brow furrows and he chuckles slightly,
No... with a look upon his face as if he's never heard such a request before, Of course not. He shakes his head slightly and chuckles again.
Alexander nods towards the bandit, As for this man, I've no need of his service. Just his knowledge. He smiles, though not in friendship, What is your name, criminal? Begin with that. Then tell us everything of your comrades, your camps, and anything else you could ever dream that we might wish to know.
The bandit spills his guts, telling you that his name is Happs Bydon and tells you each of the fallen bandits names. That he turned to a life of banditry after being caught running a protection racket in Restow. He'll go on to tell you that his group was part of the Thorn Ford camp and that it was the only permanent camp he has been too. Happs adds that Kressle is in charge of the camp and that she has actually met the Stag Lord in person, even though hasn't earned the chance yet. He'll take off a silver skull like pendant from his neck and hands it to Alexander and tell him that it was his symbol of being an officer in the Stag Lords employ.
Radomir glowers at the man. Coward! He betrays his lord so easily! He has sworn to serve a man, even wears his symbol as a sign of his status, and yet he divulges his lord's secrets so easily. Radomir's hands itch to swing and relieve the traitorous scum of his head. Only his discipline and training keeps him from swinging. If Alexander permits me, I would take this cur and teach him to heel a master properly. He would live and die for his duty to a master. Perhaps... No, you cannot sway him to your thinking. A pen does not guide the writer. I am a weapon. I strike as I am commanded.
Radomir steels himself to receive Alexander's orders, while maintaining a threatening stance beside his fierce warhorse. Even beaten men can hope to escape. Fear may keep the bandit honest.
Alexander watches the bandit confess with a bemused smile, It appears you've made quite the impression on this man, Radomir. He certainly seems like he's eager to please you.
He turns the silver pendant over in his hands, then tosses it to Thaliar. What do you think? Andrea...it's not a religious symbol, correct? Thaliar, ever see something like that before?
With a frown, Alexander turns back to Happs, Now, what to do with you? He shakes his head slightly, If it were up to me, you would hang as a bandit. But you would at least die quickly and cleanly, with a proper burial. However, my allies believe that you may prove useful, and you have, so far, cooperated fully. He sighs, Tie him up and we'll keep him... He looks around and points out of the way, there. Merryn, do you mind watching him while we clean up? We'll discuss his fate together with Oleg.
Alexander sheathes his sword and leans down to retrieve his shield, picking it up and stowing it over his shoulder. Oleg! Do you have some rope? I'm inclined to find somewhere down the road to string the rest of these criminals up. Leave a warning to anyone foolish enough to threaten travel or trade in this area. He looks around the group, Unless there is any objection?
After herding the horses into the stables, Alexander approaches Andrea, nodding down to the bodies, We should collect their former possessions and see what they've donated to Oleg's trading post. Their armor might need some mending, but I can at least clean off the stains... He says casually, seemingly at ease around the dead bodies.
Andrea merely stands nearby How many others are in Kressle's camp?
Alexander watches the bandit confess with a bemused smile, It appears you've made quite the impression on this man, Radomir. He certainly seems like he's eager to please you.
He turns the silver pendant over in his hands, then tosses it to Thaliar. What do you think? Andrea...it's not a religious symbol, correct? Thaliar, ever see something like that before?
With a frown, Alexander turns back to Happs, Now, what to do with you? He shakes his head slightly, If it were up to me, you would hang as a bandit. But you would at least die quickly and cleanly, with a proper burial. However, my allies believe that you may prove useful, and you have, so far, cooperated fully. He sighs, Tie him up and we'll keep him... He looks around and points out of the way, there. Merryn, do you mind watching him while we clean up? We'll discuss his fate together with Oleg.
Alexander sheathes his sword and leans down to retrieve his shield, picking it up and stowing it over his shoulder. Oleg! Do you have some rope? I'm inclined to find somewhere down the road to string the rest of these criminals up. Leave a warning to anyone foolish enough to threaten travel or trade in this area. He looks around the group, Unless there is any objection?
After herding the horses into the stables, Alexander approaches Andrea, nodding down to the bodies, We should collect their former possessions and see what they've donated to Oleg's trading post. Their armor might need some mending, but I can at least clean off the stains... He says casually, seemingly at ease around the dead bodies.
Radomir beams with pride when Alexander praises him. He looks like a dog who's just been patted on the head. The knight gives a small nod when they talk of stringing the bandits up along the road "A wise course, Sir."
"What is this then." Thaliar looked at the silver pendant, turning it over in his hands before dangling it from the cord.
"As for the bandits, I'd prefer torching their bodies over hanging them along the road. It will attract scavengers and other beasts that might attack travellers as well. We remove the bandits to promote trade, this could hurt it again." Thaliar's eyes never left the pendant as he spoke. "As for this fellow here, back where I'm from repentant bandits were branded and maimed in such a way that they couldn't hold sword or bow but could work the fields. We sadly don't have any fields for him to work though."
Alexander chuckles, Well, they won't be up long enough for scavengers to relocate. And if it lets us know that any are already here...then that's just a bonus. He looks around, We can burn them afterward. They'll only last a week, maybe two, before leaving them up will be useless. If they cannot serve in life, they will serve in death.
He looks again toward Happs, I'm sure Oleg could use a hand around here. We could leave him one. But, that's up to Oleg.
I wouldn't recommend it considering it is just Oleg and his wife here.
Knowing his life is dependent upon the information he provides, he answers the woman's question.
"Kressle's camp numbered about 16, maybe 17. Though they got 5 less now. It's down south-west of here."
Now that all the fighting has ceased, Oleg comes on back over to the group, carrying a coil of rough hemp rope, though he makes Svetlana stay inside the cabin still.
"Well, I'm certainly impressed by the lot of you. You sure made short work of that nasty crew. Have you started searching them yet? Some of those scum took Svetlana's wedding ring the last time they were here. Bastards said that we didn't have enough goods to make their lady leader happy."
Merryn helps to strip Happs out of his armor before tieing him up with Oleg's rope.
Eduard will go and clean himself up once everything seems to be under control and will assist with any securing of the gate afterward.
Radomir will dress his wounds and then see about stringing up the corpses along the road-as long as Alexander (and Oleg) say it's OK. Really, he only cares about Alexander's opinion, but since the bard seems to think that Oleg's voice matter, Radomir's willing to concede the point.
Shall those without a horse claim one for themselves?
Alexander nods at Andrea's suggestion, A fine idea. He goes about examining the horses briefly and settles on one, patting it's side. Don't worry, when we're done, I'll clean you off and let you rest. But first, we've a few bodies to move.
He sets about looking through the gathered gear of the bandits, picking up some trail rations and smelling them. We can split this up at least. No sense in letting that go to waste. He picks up two day's worth of rations and places them in his pack.
With a smile, Alexander turns to Oleg, What do you think? Need some slightly used leather armor? He chuckles, We can clean and mend them for you, at least. Should be someone wanting to buy a new set coming through this way eventually. We'll probably want to put that rope, the stray arrows, and Happs' fine bow to use, but the rest...they all seem like useful things for a Trading Post to have in stock.
He looks around at the others, and waves his hand at the gear, Anyone need anything?
Eduard will walk over to the captive bandit and just look the man over for a bit before speaking.
"If you don't return, what will happen at the Thorn Ford camp? And will others come looking for you?"
Radomir places the tip of his bardiche on the bandit's neck. "Speak. We will know if you lie."
Oleg is more than happy to take any leftover bandit gear that your group does not need. His stores have been rather bare since the bandits started coming and he could really use the chance to restock.
Happs tries not to tremble with the tip of a bardiche at his while he answers the questions posed to him. "These woods are dangerous and aren't always quick to travel through and this wasn't our only planned stop. We hit the road a ways down at the campsite then travel up it and hit the post here during our sweep for travelers to rob. If the pickings are good, we can take at least a week doing our sweep. If we don't return, no one is likely to come looking until a new group is sent out on the next scheduled sweep in about three weeks."
As Alexander heaves one of the bandit bodies on to the back of a horse, he speaks quietly with Oleg, We can't be sure to catch all the bandits out on the road, so at least one of us will have to remain here to help protect the post. As for him, he indicates Happs with a nods of his head, his punishment is mostly up to you. Thaliar's suggestion is sound. Removing the top two knuckles of the man's right hand will keep him from using a bow, or properly wield a weapon. He'll still be able to work, and he'll still be dangerous if he's not watched, but as a bandit...he'll be much less useful. He grunts with effort as another body is loaded unto the back of the horse. Consistent punishment of this sort will mark criminals for all to know.
He throws a body over the back of a second horse, But it is dangerous to keep him alive. And it's your post that he's been attacking. The choice is yours. I'm sure he'd be happy to help rebuild this place in return for his life, even with half a hand missing. And if we leave someone behind to protect the post, they can also keep an eye on him for you.
With the last of the bodies loaded, Alexander turns to Oleg, We'll be back in a bit. Think about it. He mounts a third horse and waits for Radomir to finish with prisoner, along with anyone else that's planning to join them. Once gathered up, he rides out a short way down the road looking for a proper spot. Long enough that the bodies won't disturb the Post, but close enough to serve as a warning. His usual charming attitude replaced by a serious tone, he sets to work as quickly and efficiently as possible.