Andrea takes 7 crossbow bolts
"The fort? What do you wish to know? It's all the way down where the Thorn River meets the Tuskwater Lake. All the most feared bandits live there and some of the ground around it is cursed, its walls are a good 15 feet high at the very least. It's all but impenetrable."
Alexander's frown deepens, What do we wish to know? Everything. how many men does your Lord have? How big is this fort? Where else do you criminals hide? Tell us everything.
He watches the men as they speak, attempting to get a sense of which one might be the least stupid.
While Alex is questioning the bandits, Andrea will help load things into the wagons for transport to Oleg's.
Soren helps load the goods with Andrea, and saddles up the dappled mare.
Alexander, do you mind if I claim this horse? I rather like her.
He also restocks his supply of arrows.
As he helps work, he talks with Andrea.
So, Andrea, what made you want to sign up for the Charters?
The last bandit speaks up again. "The Stag Lords fort is built over top some ruins of some old goddesses temple, the fence around it is about a hundred feet wide in either direction. I just been to the main courtyard before to deliver the Stag Lord's booze, so I never been in the main or second floor areas. His main, seven guys are always at the fort with him and they usually have a few other fellows around too. I don't anything about any other camps or anything. I swear."
Soran tosses a question toward Alexander and the bandit as he loads stuff.
See if he knows anything about why the lookouts from the east wouldn't have returned!
Andrea nods to Soren. To seek opportunities to establish the faith of Pharesma in the River Kingdoms. No doubt there are followers, but the settlements are so spread apart that there is little communication between members. Perhaps stronger bonds can be forged.
Alexander smiles and chuckles at Soren's request, I certainly have no objection. I wouldn't mind riding the other mare over there, nodding to indicate the white horse, if no one else objects. While I appreciate the ride here, my mount seemed a little taxed. He chuckles again and shakes his head slightly, I've never been much of a quartermaster. Can't keep a copper penny to save my life. So I may not be the best to ask permission from. I'm one for taking what you need. Alexander purses his lips and then gives a wry smile, his tone only slightly more serious, But if we start pulling in hauls like this, we might have to hire us a money counter.
He turns back to the bandit, About these other two, do you think they heard the fighting and left? Or is there another reason they might have disappeared?
He looks thoughtful for a moment, You don't seem to know this Stag Lord very well. Does he not know all his men? Are you bandits so spread out that he doesn't know all of you?
Soren smiles.
Fair enough. Pharasma's not so bad, as gods go. Can't say I've ever been devout for any of them, myself. Not that there's anything wrong with it, in my book. It just... never fit me.
He grunts as he lifts a particularly large load into the cart.
I hope we can make our way to a place where I can supply myself on arrows and whatnot. I am still lacking on several of the types I usually carry.
He smiles at her again, and then heads back to grab more stuff to put in the cart.
Unseen, Andrea's eyes narrow a bit and the edges of her lips quirk.
Thaliar turned around just in time to catch Andrea's smirk. He already had the idea the woman had been hiding something, this only confirmed it. Then again, being both an ex-conman and a devotee of Sivanah, he had a nose for deception.
"Couldn't we get Oleg to act as a quartermaster, for the moment at least? I'd say the man has at least some experience at it. If not I can take it up, until we find someone more suited." His thoughts drifted off to his old home, "I might know someone, I just don't know if she'd be willing to come out here." The apprentice of the bookkeeper of the Medvyeds performed miracles with numbers.
While he talked Thaliar grabbed some a quiver of arrows to make up for the used ones and add some to his stash.
The bandit finishes answering Alexander's questions: "I don't know why the last two scout never came back. Hearing the fighting seems as good a reason as any why."
"The Stag Lord isn't exactly a friendly type, he's just fine with sending out others to do the job and just sticking with his main group of followers."
Soren looks at Alexander expectantly.
Before we assault this "Stag Lord", I'd like to restock on some arrows I usually carry. They can be useful, against that many and that many types of enemies... Grapplers, raining, spreads of damage, the like. However, they can be hard to find so we may not have time. I'm prepared to make do with what I have. Your decision, sir.
I expect that this fort isn't just a stroll into the woods away. The "end" of the river sounds far. And I also expect that we don't want to assault a fort without knowing more about the extent of this Stag Lord's power. If we don't at least learn what's near Oleg's post, we could be cut off, or worse, it could be attacked while we venture forth.
He looks around the camp, If the Stag Lord hears of this and sends forth more bandits, we'll kill them as well. Eventually he'll run out of criminals willing to work for him. When he's weakest, then we can attack him directly.
Alexander smiles, We're here to explore, and I suggest that we do exactly that. Taking care of the bandits will happen in time. Let's pack this up and get it back to Oleg's. I'm sure he'll appreciate the business and even if he can't buy it all, we can possibly rent the ability to store some of it at his post.
But first, we have criminals to deal with. He turns to the man doing most of the speaking, I have use of you, and so your execution shall be...put off. Perhaps indefinitely. Come.
He walks away from the other condemned men and waits for the bandit to approach. You will be sent back to the Stag Lord. Go to the fort, and tell him what happened here. Tell him that you escaped. Learn everything you can, but know that your are our man. Find a way to get us information, help us when we come for the Stag Lord himself, and you will be spared. Feel free to embellish the story. Add more of us. It'll sound better. He pauses and smiles, though his tone gets darker, You can, of course, use this opportunity to flee from the Stolen Lands instead. In which case we will send a hunter for you. He is quite good at finding people and, I expect, will have no trouble with a man on foot with no weapons. But you're welcome to try. I'm sure he'd enjoy the practice. In fact, take a knife. Might as well pretend to be a challenge and it will increase your chances of getting back to your fort. My allies may have other instructions for you. Do what they command.
He turns back to the others, As for the rest, hang them here in the clearing. A message to the rest of these criminals. Banditry shall not be tolerated.
Andrea nods and will help string the bodies up.
Thaliar has a grim look on his face as he walks over to the spared man and takes him apart from the others for a moment, his voice drops to a whisper, "You know and I know that he has no way of telling where you went. We also both know that this "Stag Lord" of yours is likely to kill you the moment you finish talking. Instead I have another proposition for you: Go north. Go to New Steven, build a new life and stay out of trouble. The guard deals harshly with known criminals. If all works out I'll contact you there with new instructions, lucrative instructions. If not you have your freedom." With that he pats the man on the shoulder and leaves him standing.
He moves over to help with preparing the hanging of the others before he turns to Andrea, "As a priestess of Pharasma, shouldn't you be performing the last rites for these men?"
Andrea nods. Indeed
Andrea folds her hands and utters a prayer to Pharesma.Guide these men's souls to their judgement. Ahm..Hmm.. Andrea sneaks a peek at her book of Pharesmian rites, seems she a rather green priestess. Whether they are reborn or travel to the homes of their deities, they shall stand before her gaze and all shall be laid bare. Such is fate.
Eduard stands and watches the ceremony, staying out of the physical work of stringing the criminals up and not really participating in the last rites. Instead he simply thinks to himself, commenting once the prayers are complete.
"While I'm not sure that these bandits know, I am interested in learning more about the Stag Lord. Who he was before he took that title. What enabled him to become the force that he has become. Even what attracted some of his lieutenants to his service. I don't believe that these are critical in determining our next steps, but information is power. If we find settlements further down the river, even if they normally serve as trading posts and waystations for these bandits, I would like to inquire about their...history. And no worries, it can be done at sword point if necessary."
Alexander remains silent during the proceedings.
Afterward he speaks with Eduard, Well, we have a man here to speak to. Take your time, we're in no rush. I'll be speaking with him again before we leave in any case. He chuckles, We're all going to be tired once we get back to Oleg's either way. Might as well be informed too.
Once finished with the packing and the execution, and the others have had a chance to speak with the spared bandit, Alexander will approach with food and water. Are you ready for your journey? He sits and tries to begin a conversation with the man over food, trying to make the criminal more at ease given the...difficult circumstances.
Alexander plays off the man's relief at not being executed.
The soon to be executed bandits are less than pleased with the decision to hang them and put up the expected fuss. They plead, beg and offer their services to your group if you will just spare their lives. Some attempt is made at physically resisting, but your group has no trouble with forcing the noose around the necks of the bandits.
After the earlier conversations with Alexander and then Thaliar, the remaining bandit is a confused and trembling wreck, not certain that he still won't join his former fellows in hanging from the trees before the day was over. He nervously watches as Alexander approach him with food and water, though he seems to relax a bit as he speaks calmly and makes no threats against him. "Ah, I think so sir. I'm just a bit confused about where to go is all and just want to make whatever decision that will keep me alive. If you fellows are trying to trick me by saying different things, I think I would rather just know now."
Eduard waves his hand dismissively at the man's seeming confusion and doesn't really even listen to the words.
"What will interest me is hearing more about the origins of the Stag Lord. Do you happen to know? I wonder what he was before he took that moniker. Was he simply one other bandit that happened to outlive those of similar experience?" Eduard speaks with curiosity as if the death surrounding him hasn't even phased him as relevant.
Alexander gives a charming smile, I understand that some of my fellows can be confusing. And this mission you have before you is dangerous. He looks over his shoulder at the hanging men in the distance, I know you think these men were your friends. It is tragic that a life ends this way. But some things must be done for a better world to be created.
He leans back against the tree with a reassuring look upon his face, So, what is it that troubles you. There is no trick. Do what we ask and you will earn your life. But please, speak with Eduard first and we'll clear this matter up shortly.
Soren notices Thaliar take the bandit to the side, but doesn't say anything. Afterward, he approaches the elf.
Hail Thaliar. I have been thinking about what you said, about being able to craft those arrows I was looking for. Once we reach a place for the supplies, I would be most appreciative of you if you would. Having... options in a fight is always a good thing.
He then comes in a bit closer.
I saw you speaking with that bandit. He looks even more shaken than before. I didn't think it was possible.
A slight chuckle escapes the woodsman, and then he speaks again.
So, what do you think of this Stag Lord? Do you think our bandit friend there is actually going to be able to do what Alexander asked of him? If I had to bet, I'd say no, but Alexander seems to know what he's doing, I suppose.
Afterward, he helps handle the execution, answering any pleas with a simple sentence.
You knew the price of this path when you took it. You should have already made peace with death as a possible outcome.
The bandit nods at Alexander and turns to Eduard. "Rumor has it that he didn't get that title until after he laid down with some forest lady. Before then, he was just like any other bandit and served under his own dad, a rather feared bandit in his own right."
Turning back to Alexander. "I just want to make sure I'm not being set up to get myself killed. I stand a good chance of it going back to the Stag Lord now, but I get told to go somewhere else, but then you told me I would get killed if I went anywhere else and I just wanna make sure of what I'm doing."
Alexander chuckles good-naturedly, Well, now I'm confused. I'm sure wherever else you were told to go is for good reason. Perhaps it will aid you in your mission. I understand that you're afraid this Stag Lord will kill you. Be cautious. Tell him how you escaped and how you'll be useful to him. He smiles, again, reassuringly, You'll do fine.
Now, is there anything else? I'm not sure I understand where the confusion is. You're safe here, at least, so...speak freely.
"Just that I was also told to go north and build a new life away from banditry sir. But I'll do whatever will keep me alive sir." The poor bandit is still rather nervous, but will begin heading on down the river on foot whenever all of you are done talking to him.
Alexander smile falters for a moment, but his tone remains friendly, perhaps even kind. I... He stands and looks down upon the man. I truly wish you hadn't told me that. Alexander calmly draws his sword and runs the man through.
He leans in with a look of pity, whispering to the man as he dies, It's okay... he reassures the man, It will be quick.
When he stands, Alexander doesn't appear angry. He simply passes his hand along his sword slowly, letting his magic clean the blade. Thaliar... He gives a tired sigh, Thaliar, I understand why you felt the need to do it. You don't trust us. Our judgment. Our intelligence. Or even our motives. It's perfectly understandable. Alexander's tone is almost apologetic lacking any hint of judgment.
I was taking a chance on this man, I understand that. I believed he was equally likely to run off as to do what I asked. And if he did what I asked, I didn't think it likely we'd get exactly what we wanted. But there was potential there. He just watched us wipe out his friends in a blink of the eye. At worst he'd be telling bandits in some neighboring country that they're better off not coming here and trying their luck. Alexander smiles sadly, But...what we can't have, is him running off and telling people that we are in conflict. That we are divided.
We won't always agree. But we must learn to trust one another. Trust each others judgment. Trust that we know what we're doing. It's not something that comes easy, so I don't blame you for what you did. He smiles wryly, I understand that comes across as condescending. It's not meant to. He chuckles and shrugs, spreading his arms apart, You're highly intelligent and so far, quite capable. Perhaps you've never had to work with a group like ours. Perhaps there's another reason. I'm sure we'll learn in time. And hopefully, we will all earn each others trust.
Alexander crosses his arms and sighs, looking around the group I should have told you what I expected to get out of this before doing it. That was my fault and my own arrogance. We shall work at it and do better next time.
Now, are we ready to travel? I am exhausted.
Soren watches as Alexander remorsefully runs the bandit through, his expression unreadable.
Damn bandit was a fool. He had it made, by the time anyone would have discovered he'd fled, his trail would have been far to cold to track down, even by me. He should've kept his damn mouth shut... But what right do I have to judge? It's pretty clear now what'll happen to me if these people ever find out I was one of these bandits just a few days ago...
His gaze involuntarily goes to the bodies hanging from the trees for a moment, and then snaps back to Alexander.
I'm ready to move on. I say we take all of this and make our way to Oleg's. I think we could all use a rest, and make plans for mapping the area.
He mounts his new horse, and makes ready to head out.
Andrea looks puzzled at the entire scene but just sighs and shrugs.
Thaliar looks shocked for a moment as Alexander runs him through but them his normal, stern look shows again. "You were sending him towards a death sentence and put us on the map of some insane bandit who thinks himself a lord. Now at least he'll still be blind to us, not knowing what or who wiped out his underlings. That was all I was going for."
He then turns around and moves back to the horses. Short sighted, short lived idiots. All of them. The only reason they still survived was because they bred like goblins.
Your group leaves the clearing, now empty of everything except old firepits and dead bandits and begins the trek back to Oleg's. It turns out to be a lovely day, the weather is fair and the sun is shining down. It's almost enough to make you forget what you just left behind.
You make it just over halfway back to Oleg's when the sun begins to set and you all must make the decision whether or not to camp out for the night or to push on.
I believe we should camp, traveling in unknown forest is too risky.
Andrea will begin to help make camp if that is what is decided.
Well that was a lovely day. As he dismounts he pats his horse. I think you're right Andrea. Unless Soren thinks it's best to keep moving, it might be time to find a nice spot to get some rest. We could all use it.
Alexander helps prepare a camp once a suitable place is found.
I'll take the midnight watch. He smiles, It's been a while since I've had the chance to enjoy the quiet night of a forest.
Soren tries to think of he know of any dangers (outside the norm) of making a camp in this particular part of the woods.
Soren, you can't think of any reason why this particular spot in the woods would be more or less dangerous to camp in than any other spot.
Radomir sees to the horses. "My lord, I apologize for my failures at the camp. I alerted them to our presence. And, I was not at my fighting best without Czernabog. I submit myself to your correction, when you see fit."
No need for that Radomir. We can't all be quiet and stealthy. Alexander smiles, No plan survives the enemy and all we can ask is to limit casualties. We slaughtered over a dozen bandits in moments and lost none of our own. I could not ask for better.
What matters is that when you were noticed, you reacted quickly and appropriately. Everyone did. He nods firmly and smiles, It was a good fight. It's just too bad that Czernabog had to miss it.
The warrior nods and finishes the horses before removing his armor for the night. Aye, my lord, we did not need his strength, but had I been mounted, none would have escaped.
I suggest double watches. I will watch with Alexander.
Soren tilts his head, thinking for a moment, and then speaks.
I can't think of anything in this area that would make camping here any more or less dangerous than anywhere else. Double watches sound good. It doesn't matter to me which shift I draw.
I can take the first watch.
Does anyone need some healing before we rest?
Whilst the others are sleeping, Radomir and Soren notice the horses beginning to fidget nervously where they are tied up. Shortly after noticing that, Soren and Radomir hear the sound of something large rustling through the forest's undergrowth and hear a very strange sound like sounds like a hoot mixed with a growl.
Soren starts quietly making his way toward the horses, nudging as many people awake as he can on his path. (He doesn't go out of his way to wake people up, but if they are on his path to the horses he nudges them with his foot as he moves. He's trying to stay quiet so the bu-- I mean, thing doesn't know it's been detected.)
He nocks an arrow as he moves.
Eduard nods at the comment from Andrea. "I certainly wouldn't object to it."
Eduard stretches as he climbs to his feet, clearly in a sour mood having to deal with an attack in the middle of his rest.