26th day of Calistril
The night passes uneventfully, although the strage sounds of this unknown land make for a restless sleep. The night sky is clear and the 3/4 moon sheds enough light to see for some distance down the road in both directions.
As the sun rises above the Stolen Lands the sound of Xerafine's small bell and pretty voice fill the clearing. On emerging from your tents you discover a thick layer of frost coating the surrounding grasslands and the tents themselves.
Jack nods to Bein at the talk of the teppecs. "We should hunt then if we have a chance. Always good to eat fresh food when we can."(Knowledge: Nature to see what he knows about the best way to catch/kill them: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24)
These creatures are likely to be active at night as well as day given their large eyes. The small size and speed of them would make it difficult to shoot one with a bow, but a sling might work. The best option would be to set traps at night (at least 100 yards from camp) you would be likely to catch more during the day whislt travelling but this would slow you to half your move.
Survival (untrained?)1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18
Yes
Knowledge (religion): 1d20+7
Xarafine looks thoughtfully at the axe in Finnabar's hands, taking in the sybol of Belam clearly and masterfully worked into the face of the blade.
Bein rises early strapping on his battle gear, keeping his shield strapped to his backside, and checks on the draught animals. After giving them some feed and a quick rub down, he gets their pack saddles back in place and begins breaking down the tent he had used the night before. He goes about this duty quietly and methodically, he speaks very little while doing this because the rest of his attention is divided by watching the area about them.
If I may, then I should take first watch. That way, the Teacher will not be distracted from her duties. I'll be awake anyway."This is fine with me, I'll take the fourth one, then. For the moment, the region looks quite safe, but it will change and we need to be used to our guarding schedule. I think it best if we keep this order, exept when someone is too ill or wounded to do it."
Volpe will participate in the prayer service in whatever way is appropriate.
Then:
So, gentlemen, Teacher, are we going to spend some time trying to hunt the teppecs down for a heartier dinner tonight, or do you think it preferable to move quickly to this Oleg? It is a chilly morning, and will probably become much chillier before long.
"They seem to be a fecund sort. We may be able to hunt them on the march by simply shooting those that cross our path."
Xarafine carefully re-packs the Shrine, then strikes the Pavillion and loads them onto Cloudy.
"What say you, Captain?" she asks Finnabar expectantly.
"They seem to be a fecund sort. We may be able to hunt them on the march by simply shooting those that cross our path."
Xarafine carefully re-packs the Shrine, then strikes the Pavillion and loads them onto Cloudy.
"What say you, Captain?" she asks Finnabar expectantly.
"Let's make it quickly to Oleg's, Afterwards, there will be enough time for exploration and hunting. If we can catch some on the way or during the night, without delaying us, then we shall do it."
Jack looks up as he rolls up his bedroll, to the discussion of hunting teppecs. "If someone has a sling, it will be the best way to take them out while on the move."
"If we are not far from Oleg's, we may as well wait." He begins tying his bedroll to his backpack. "I'm used to traveling to the Salt Wastes. Food supplies go faster than you expect on such journeys."
If Jack finds himself a spare leather strap or two amongst the supplies, he will nonetheless slowly start fashioning himself a sling (but not while he is meant to be alert for attackers). He'll do this in bits and pieces over the course of the next few days.
27th Day of Calastril to 1st Day of Pharast
Over the following days you make your way south, occasionally you see more of the "Teppecs" and the cow-like beasts to the east. The sky remains clear, the mornings frosty whilst cold, crisp winds drive from the north. As the first day of spring reaches its end you finally approach your destination, ready for a soft bed, a well-cooked meal and possibly even a warm bath. Looking at the sky you're glad to have reached the trading post ahead of what looks like approachig bad weather.
Oleg's Trading Post sits in a clear area adjoining the road. From the road you can see that the compound is a square wooden palisade about 10 feet high, with small 20 foot towers at each corner. Many of the logs forming the walls of the palisade show signs of age and rotting, but here and there sits a newer log and the structure itself seems reasonably defendable. As you approach the trading post you can hear the regular sound of hammer-on-nail from within. The large gates in front of you are open and, based on the length of grass growing around the base of them, haven't been closed in many months.
As you approach the gates themselves you can see a figure on the roof of one of the structues inside the palisade (this seems to be the source of the noise). Just as you finally trudge past the gates a rotund but pretty woman glances up from hanging wet clothes on a line further inside. She wipes her hands on her appron and bustles over towards you:
My, my now you look in need of a good sit down, and maybe a drink? Some water or some wine?... You'll be the party from Restov. No? Finally Restov's sent some help after all those letters? she says, pushing you towards the tables to the north of the compound. Now i'm Svetlana, please call me 'Lana', and the lump on the roof is Oleg. OLEG COME DOWN AND GREET OUR GUESTS!...
Svetlana continues to talk, not letting you get a word in edgewise, as she takes you mules and ties them to hitching-posts, sits you at the tables and dissapears inside the building to the nothwest, soon returning with bowls full of hearty stew, platters of warm bread, a jug of water and a bottle of red wine. Meanwhile Oleg shouts out a terse greeting and then continues working on the roof.
"The Blessings of the Nine be on you and your home, Mistress Lana, and thank you for your hospitality."
Xarafine, resting the Speaking Staff in the crook of her shoulder, then says a quiet blessing over the table in Canari:
She then pours herself a cup of wine, and begins eating; her courtly table manners seeming a bit out-of-place in the out-of-the-way establishment.
Volpe gives a quick nod as if to concur with the Teacher's blessing, then digs in heartily, pouring himself some of the water only when he notices the food is too hot.
Many thanks to your and your house Lana. This is kind, generous and really hits the spot!
My, my now you look in need of a good sit down, and maybe a drink? Some water or some wine?... You'll be the party from Restov. No? Finally Restov's sent some help after all those letters? she says, pushing you towards the tables to the north of the compound. Now i'm Svetlana, please call me 'Lana', and the lump on the roof is Oleg. OLEG COME DOWN AND GREET OUR GUESTS!...
When Finnabar is eventually able to place a word, he replies to the Svetlana.
"My name is Finnabar d'Orlovsky and I captain this exploration team. We are indeed from Restov and have been sent to explore and secure an area south of your post. However, we have not been told of any letters from you or your husband, but we have been told that you may have more information on any bandit organization in this region."
Jack seems a bit perplexed at the speed at which Lana can talk, blinking at her with his sharp green eyes in bemusement, not quite able to actually vocalize a returned greeting. Eventually, as she turns away, he mutters, more to himself than anyone, "Like Aunt Ria... if she were nice..."
Jack will help Bein stable the animals (presuming they are doing so). (())
When they sit down to meal, Jack says his own thanks under his breath: "Thanks to the hands that grew and prepared this, and the livestock that gave its life to feed me."
He nods in acknowledgment to Svetlana's words, after dismounting Arundel, but for several moments he tries to resist her push as he tries to tend to the draught animals. After his valiant attempt fails he is herded along with everyone else, when the food is set before them he says in Illisarni "Thank you, Lana, for your gracious hospitality and I, Bein'Meleth, hope to have a chance to repay you in kind.". With that he sits and, after adjusting his gear so he can sit comfortably, begins to slowly eat the lovely meal.
When Finnabar is eventually able to place a word, he replies to the Svetlana."My name is Finnabar d'Orlovsky and I captain this exploration team. We are indeed from Restov and have been sent to explore and secure an area south of your post. However, we have not been told of any letters from you or your husband, but we have been told that you may have more information on any bandit organization in this region."
On hearing that you don't know about Oleg's letters, Lana's shoulders slump slightly and she lets out a small sigh,..
Oh, she says softly, we had been hoping that you were here to help us. at this tears start to well up in her eyes. Ohh, but please forgive me,.. its just that its been so hard since they started coming,.. and i fear that if it stays like this then,.. Oleg will do something silly and get himself hurt.
Oleg notices his wife crying and the large man quickly climbs down from the roof, moving over to comfort her.,
Here now, Lana, he says, stroking her shoulder, What have you been saying to her? he finishes, glaring at Finnabar.
Xarafine approaches the couple, hands outstretched, speaking softly.
Be at ease, Master Oleg. Mistress Lana was merely explaining your current plight to the Captain, and was overwrought by its telling. We are at your service, and will assist you, if are able."
Diplomacy:
Unable to eat while their hostess is crying, he swallows down what is left of his meal and stands, awkwardly as his weapons slap back into place. He approaches, moving next to Finnabar and standing completely at ease he waits for a moment in silence but tries not to be imposing in his battle gear. Once he gets a moment he adds in Illisarni "Firstly, The food was excellent Lady Lana top notch, secondly my Sword and shield are in your service for as long as Lord d'Orlovsky and Teacher Xarafine allow it."
Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I wonder if we're being set up by someone. It sounds like Master Oleg has been beseeching Restov for aid for some time before we were sent, and that we were inadequately briefed regarding the situation. Regardless, we're here now, and willing to help. So please, Master Oleg, can you tell more about what's going on?
In Illisarni: "While you all discuss our situation with our hosts, I will go and take care of our other companions and equipment. I look forward to the briefing Milord and Teacher."
Bein gives a salute, with his mailed fist over his heart and snapping his armored boots together, and bows out of further conversation. He heads back to the draught animals and begins relieving them of their burdens by removing the pack saddles and setting them on the ground nearby. After getting the gear set on the ground he goes about feeding them and, once their settled into eating, begins giving each of them a nice rub down.
After he gets them all taken care of he sets up a picket line, ground level, and begins walking the grounds of the trading fort. He begins inspecting the walls, checking out the gate and eventually walking along the parapet as he takes in the view.
In Illisarni: After giving a low whistle, he unconsciously says to no one in particular "Vy would have killed for our rag tag Border Wardens to have a proper setup like this... I hope those two are doing alright..."
After stretching his legs he returns to where everyone is seated, although feeling a little more tired and hungry from the work, he comes to stand nonchalantly near Xarafine and Finnabar.
Xarafine approaches the couple, hands outstretched, speaking softly.
Be at ease, Master Oleg. Mistress Lana was merely explaining your current plight to the Captain, and was overwrought by its telling. We are at your service, and will assist you, if are able."
Diplomacy: 1d20+8
"I was only stating our mission, which is to explore and secure an area just south of your trading post. This includes taking care of outlaws or bandits as well. But we were not told about any letter you sent. So please calm down and tell us what is going wrong and who are the people causing you grief. As Xara... as the Teacher said, we will help you as much as we can"
"I was only stating our mission, which is to explore and secure an area just south of your trading post. This includes taking care of outlaws or bandits as well. But we were not told about any letter you sent. So please calm down and tell us what is going wrong and who are the people causing you grief. As Xara... as the Teacher said, we will help you as much as we can"
Jack shifts uncomfortably in his seat. His experience with women was largely limited to his mother, who was not a cryer, and his aunt, who hated him. The other women in the clan tended to ignore him, not wanting to risk relations with the mistrusted halfbreed. He'd only just met Xerafine and the lofty priestess may as well have been an angel for how different he felt from her. Svetlana was yet a new breed, reminding him some of his family but she was kind and welcoming. He wanted to help--but at the same time, he knew Finnabar, Volpe, and Xerafine had matters much better in hand than if he attempted to assist them.
The talk of the political situation behind the distress was equally perplexing to him, and he poked at his food, feeling utterly useless.
He saw Bein excuse himself and hesitated, but wondered if he might best be useful following him.
After he gets them all taken care of he sets up a picket line, ground level, and begins walking the grounds of the trading fort. He begins inspecting the walls, checking out the gate and eventually walking along the parapet as he takes in the view.
"I was only stating our mission, which is to explore and secure an area just south of your trading post. This includes taking care of outlaws or bandits as well. But we were not told about any letter you sent. So please calm down and tell us what is going wrong and who are the people causing you grief. As Xara... as the Teacher said, we will help you as much as we can"Aid another diplomacy 1d20+8 for a total of 25
OLEG:
At your words Oleg seems quite molified, It started three months ago, he begins, they threatened to burn down the trading post and,... he glances at Svetlana,..do some other things, if we didn't give them all of our goods. at this point Svetlana takes over the story.SVETLANA:
They've been back twice since that first time, she says, every time they come at morning on the second day of the month . Since that first time, not so many come anymore. And that horrible woman hasn't been since the first time.
OLEG:
Nasty piece of work that one, can't say i'm sorry not to have seen her again.
SVETLANA:
You will help us won't you? - we'll let you stay the night for nothing. Please say you'll help.
Noticing Oleg's clear omission of the threat made against his wife, Xarafine's face colors, and her eyes flash with anger, as if the brigand's threat were made against her personally.
She makes an effort to keep her tone composed and businesslike.
"We will, indeed, assist you both, Master Oleg. These brigands shall not be allowed to escape justice. Could you tell us more about them, their armaments and equipment, and who is the woman you mentioned? The more we know about them, the better we will be able to prepare."
OLEG: he glances at Svetlana,..do some other things
Volpe unconsciously growls and touches the hilt of his sword. There's no excuse to mistreat women.
SVETLANA:
They've been back twice since that first time, she says, every time they come at morning on the second day of the month . Since that first time, not so many come anymore. And that horrible woman hasn't been since the first time.OLEG:
Nasty piece of work that one, can't say i'm sorry not to have seen her again.SVETLANA:
You will help us won't you? - we'll let you stay the night for nothing. Please say you'll help.
Of course we'll help, and for my part, not just in mercenary matters. Master Oleg, Mistress Lana, If there's any chores or tasks that need doing while we wait for these animals to return, I'd be glad to lend a hand.
"You've heard what my companions said. We will help you. But you must tell us everything you remember about them. First, how many of them were here the first time? Them how many of them returned the two next times ? What were their weapons and who was the leader of the smaller group ?"
Taking out a small book from his pack, he opens it to the first blank page and waits for their host to describe the bandits.
"I also have a few other questions that I should ask so that you can answer them together. When they come, what do they take and how do they behave ? Do they go every where to look for goods or do they just wait outside the walls or inside them ? Once we know more, we'll need to make a tour of the fort and start planning because they may come tomorrow."
"You've heard what my companions said. We will help you. But you must tell us everything you remember about them. First, how many of them were here the first time? Them how many of them returned the two next times ? What were their weapons and who was the leader of the smaller group ?"
Taking out a small book from his pack, he opens it to the first blank page and waits for their host to describe the bandits.
"I also have a few other questions that I should ask so that you can answer them together. When they come, what do they take and how do they behave ? Do they go every where to look for goods or do they just wait outside the walls or inside them ? Once we know more, we'll need to make a tour of the fort and start planning because they may come tomorrow."
SVETLANA:
The first time they came there were twelve of them, replies Lana with a shudder, The woman, I didn't catch her name, seemed to be the one in charge - carries two hatchets, so she does. Anyway, she was the one who did all the talking, and the others all seemed to listen to her. Had a nasty sense of humor too:- Threatened to cut my Oleg's hand off and then laughed about it. - I think she was serious too!OLEG:
Sharp she was, and quick. Oleg continues, Not like that other one, she called him Happs, now he's a bit of a fool if you ask me. A dangerous fool though, with that bow of his. He doesn't even both with a sword like the others - just that damned bow.
SVETLANA:
He's the one who's been in charge since that first time. Lana takes over, The second time it was him and six of the others, last time he only came with four. I think they think we're under control, and, to be honest I suppose they do. Each time they come we have to have their "taxes" ready for them:- all the furs and goods we've gathered over the whole month. They come in, and stomp around like they own the place, amd they always say such horrible things. she shudders.
He eyes the nearby cart and compares its length to that of the unusable gate. For the first time Bein'Meleth speaks very bluntly in Illisarni "I assume we can't just be rid of them with a swift decisive anvil and hammer strategy.... I believe our best bet is to allow them the luxury of thinking that everything is in order and then come in by blocking their only fallback." *pointing at the cart "If we rig the cart to roll in front of the gate, or push it ourselves, we can block their escape. Once we have them boxed in it should be fairly easy to put them down like rabid... *cough* But depending on how they array themselves, we may try to take out their leader first." Pausing he realizes after a moment that he just spoke way too much...
Standing straighter then norm he hastily adds, while pulling to loosen his suddenly tight fitting chain-coif, "I can take the first charge and draw their attention, Master Oleg and Lady Lana can barricade themselves in somewhere when the fighting starts. I'd hate to see them harmed..."
Xarafine runs over her lessons in her head, trying to recall any battle accounts that had similar circumstances, anything that might provide an edge in the coming encounter.
"I read enough of them...", she mutters to herself. "Something's got to fit this situation..."
Fortunately, we have an archer of our own! Jack can go up onto the palisade just inside the gate and act as a sniper. Bein should be the one to face them head on. Jack shoots from above. Once they're all in the gate, Sir Finnabar and I can push the cart in the way of the gate. Then we move in to flank the ruffians from behind! We'll make short work of them indeed!
With Sir Finnabar's approval, of course...
Xarafine runs over her lessons in her head, trying to recall any battle accounts that had similar circumstances, anything that might provide an edge in the coming encounter.
1d20+3
"I read enough of them...", she mutters to herself. "Something's got to fit this situation..."
That's all that seems appropriate.
"Perhaps I can position myself where, when we spring the trap, I can move to block them from pursuing Oleg and his Wife. As i've said I cannot willing endanger them, especially after what they have suffered through."
"Mistress Lana, do you have any clothing I could borrow, specifically a sturdy, day-today, work dress and perhaps a scarf?"
She turns to Finnabar.
"Captain Finnabar, I recall an account of a similar situation, written in the Thirdenan Saga, where the defenders of the encampment welcomed their assailants in and plied them with drink, which lowered their guard and impaired their ability to fight. If I pose as a newly hired serving girl, I can be in a position to lull them into complacency. If the Nine are with us, you should be able to surround and arrest them without bloodshed."
Jack listens intently to the planning, trying to take in all being said and calculating how things might go down.
He nods to Volpe. "I agree--I can hide and be sniper. Should I shoot at my discretion or await a signal?"
And turns to Bein. "Yes, we don't want them to be targets. And likely, someone WILL try to target them if things go poorly. They also need to be hidden somewhere than cannot easily catch fire."
He looks around to everyone, doing his best to speak up, though he is still soft-spoken. "If they are careful, they will likely have backup hidden elsewhere, ready to approach from a direction we don't expect.
"If we choose to go the route the Teacher suggests--feeding them and catching them off guard--perhaps someone should stay outside to keep an eye out for reinforcements."
"Mistress Lana, do you have any clothing I could borrow, specifically a sturdy, day-today, work dress and perhaps a scarf?"
She turns to Finnabar.
"Captain Finnabar, I recall an account of a similar situation, written in the Thirdenan Saga, where the defenders of the encampment welcomed their assailants in and plied them with drink, which lowered their guard and impaired their ability to fight. If I pose as a newly hired serving girl, I can be in a position to lull them into complacency. If the Nine are with us, you should be able to surround and arrest them without bloodshed."
I'm afraid they will not stop just to look if they stay here. And they may be extremely suspicious if they see someone else. But I still think we can combine all the plans.
We need first to have them come in. They will do it on their own if they do not see us.Then we need to prevent them from leaving. We can do that with the cart, but for that two of us will be needed. I have another solution. Oleg, would you have a net or enough rope to make one that can be dropped to block the doors. That can be operated by a single person up on the parapet, Jack for example.
If we do that, we then need to impress, confuse or intimidate them long enough to get the upper hand. I'm afraid trying to keep their attention at that time will not work but it can be used before while Jack drops the net.
To impress them, I suggest that Beim, on his mount from one side and both Xarafine and I from the other side come in the open and intimidate them into surrendering.
While we do that, Jack and Volpe can stand by to target the leader with ranged weapons to disable or kill him if he tries to rally his men.
If they do not obtemperate and fight, Volpe, Beim and I will colse with them.
What do you think ?
"It certainly makes sense to have at least one archer stationed on the parapet. There are other factors that may not unfold until the confrontation itself that perhaps we should anticipate and try to account for. What if they leave a man or two outside, watching for trouble or ready to run for reinforcements? How can we ensure that all of them enter the post? Also, how familiar are these men with the laws against banditry? Do they know that the penalty is death? If so, why would the surrender? It seems they would be more likely to fight, since surrendering would put their necks in a noose. By fighting, they would then have at least a slim chance of escaping."
She looks at Finnabar, concern in her eyes.
"You are the Captain, and if you give the order, I will follow it to the best of my ability. I would, however, be remiss if I left my concerns with the plan unspoken. Please, do not misinterpret it as obstinance or defiance."
"It certainly makes sense to have at least one archer stationed on the parapet. There are other factors that may not unfold until the confrontation itself that perhaps we should anticipate and try to account for. What if they leave a man or two outside, watching for trouble or ready to run for reinforcements? How can we ensure that all of them enter the post? Also, how familiar are these men with the laws against banditry? Do they know that the penalty is death? If so, why would the surrender? It seems they would be more likely to fight, since surrendering would put their necks in a noose. By fighting, they would then have at least a slim chance of escaping."
She looks at Finnabar, concern in her eyes.
"You are the Captain, and if you give the order, I will follow it to the best of my ability. I would, however, be remiss if I left my concerns with the plan unspoken. Please, do not misinterpret it as obstinance or defiance."
"All your concerns are founded and I will not ask any of you to risk their live upon my whim.
They may have someone out of sight waiting for them. And we won't be able to do anything about it. If they have someone within bow range, I count on Jack to take care of him. If anyone has another idea, let's hear it.If we talk about the laws against banditry. Our charter says unrepentant banditry will be met with sword or hanging. The way I interpret that is that anyone that surrenders and take and oath to change his ways should not be executed. That includes full cooperation about bandits operations, camps etc. We will make that clear to them."
Jack frowned. "Bandits as bold as to repeatedly bully an established trading post like this are unlikely to be repentant or surrender. While distracting them makes sense, giving them the offer may only be an invitation to fight before we have our plan in place.
"Choose how you confront them carefully."
Xarafine pauses thoughtfully for a moment, then turns to Oleg.
"Master Oleg, do you have a list of your current stock? Your storehouse may possess items that can be used to our advantage."
Sir Finnabar's plan is sound, assuming we have a net large enough to cover the gap. I'm ready to do my part. I don't think we need to worry about stragglers. This bunch seems to have gotten overconfident, with their decreasing numbers. I wouldn't count on less than four, though. Bullies still like strength of numbers. Whether a bandit escapes to report or not, eventually the first group will be missed, and a stronger force will be sent to investigate and retaliate.
Regarding surrender and repentance, I genuinely hope some will do so. I would like to point out though, that even repentant men may choose the sword if they are desperate or hopeless enough. They may even view it as a mercy.
Jack frowned. "Bandits as bold as to repeatedly bully an established trading post like this are unlikely to be repentant or surrender. While distracting them makes sense, giving them the offer may only be an invitation to fight before we have our plan in place.
"Choose how you confront them carefully."
"True again, my plan is to take them unaware and use surprise to drop the net, intimidate them and get a few shots if they do not want to surrender, but not to slaughter them if some do not want to fight. We do not know who they are, what is their organization and any turncoat can be a real help. If they attempt to draw a weapon, we'll consider that as a no and we'll stop them. If they turn out to be all unredeemable, I'll agree to catching them fully unaware the next time we meet some of them.
And if you all want to take the first shot without asking them for surrendering I will not prevent you, but I will not do it."
I think we can offer them a last chance and still prevail. The reports of what these men have done, and what they threatened to do sickens me. Yet, there is nothing like judging a person for yourself. I am here to exercise a second chance of my own. Who am I to deny that chance to someone else? Perhaps their mere bravado will fail when faced with our True Courage. Otherwise, they will choose their own fate.
We have plenty of advantages. Strength, Skill, Courage, Faith, not to mention high ground on one hand, and flanking on the other. When we reveal ourselves, we will be armed and ready.
Come! Let us prepare for this test of mettle!
"Mistress Lana, do you have any clothing I could borrow, specifically a sturdy, day-today, work dress and perhaps a scarf?"
"Yes dear, I do have some clothes like that, although I doubt they would fit a slight young thing like yourself."
Oleg, would you have a net or enough rope to make one that can be dropped to block the doors. That can be operated by a single person up on the parapet, Jack for example.
OLEG:
"Well let me see," Oleg replies, scratching his chin, "I think I've got about seventy feet of rope in the storeroom."
"Master Oleg, do you have a list of your current stock? Your storehouse may possess items that can be used to our advantage."
OLEG:
"Certainly milady." Oleg replies, he seems to have warmed to you all markedly since you started planning on how to overcome the bandits. Oleg hurries off to the building in the North-West of the compound and return moments later with a ledger which he hands to you:STORES:
two barrels of
drinking water, a half-full barrel of lantern oil,
three common lamps, a dozen candles, a week’s
worth of firewood, a hooded lantern, 70 feet of
hemp rope, a tent, and enough food (mostly cheese,
hard bread, and dried venison) to last for 2 weeks.
STOCK:
a suit of leather armor, a heavy wooden shield, two hand axes, five javelins, a longbow, two dozen arrows, a scythe, two spears, two bottles of "Dr Smatheson's Wonderful Elixir" (potions of cure light wounds), two vials of antitoxin, six torches, two weeks of trail rations and a number of animal furs.
"Master Oleg, Mistress Lana, do either of you have experience using any of these weapons in your stock? If Belan favors us, you will not need to raise a hand, but the true nature of battle is its uncertainty. This encounter with the bandits may prove deadly, and the difference between our victory or defeat may be a single arrow or spear-thrust."
Bein'Meleth stands quietly frowning as everyone talks excitedly about giving these bandits a chance. Finnabar's speech causes a small lump in his throat to form and Volpe's words causes his own guilt to fester. How many did we put down like rabid dogs as Border Wardens? We were told 'No quarter asked, and none to be given.' I have always followed the law but when confronted by bandits who know nothing but performing violence and murder on innocent folk... He inhales sharply I cut them down, with no more thought as it takes to harvest grain. 'No Quarter Asked, None to be given' Can I understand Mercy as my companions do or am I so full of apathy that I lack the ability to feel merciful?. Memories of a fateful altercation with the Heir Apparent of the family surface briefly before he crushes it back down with all the will he can muster.
He says nothing as Xarafine asks Oleg and his wife to put themselves in harms way, again. Perhaps the Teacher has seen something in her signs or prayers, that the rest of her companions cannot comprehend. He shakes his head trying to clear the petulant thoughts from his mind again. I must prepare for tomorrow with that he excuses politely excuses himself.
He turns as he slowly heads back towards the picket line, and to Arundel. He breaks down the picket line and gets the draught animals in the stable. Once they are settled he begins to rub down Arundel more throughly then before and, satisfied, begins to sharpen and polish his weapons. Tomorrow morning will either end in the bandits surrender... Or men will die and it shall not be the Lord or Teacher, not while I still breath.
Bein'Meleth stays busy and assists anyone who is in need of assistance. He remains oddly quiet though and looking as if he is deep in thought.
Hmm, we have enough rope to stop horses, but not men. Do you think it worthwhile to devise another way to block their escape? If we stop and talk the cart will not be practical. Perhaps
our strength of arms will prove to be enough to bar their way.
"Master Oleg, Mistress Lana, do either of you have experience using any of these weapons in your stock? If Belan favors us, you will not need to raise a hand, but the true nature of battle is its uncertainty. This encounter with the bandits may prove deadly, and the difference between our victory or defeat may be a single arrow or spear-thrust."
I'm sorry Teacher, Oleg replies, but i'm not a fighter, i'll do whatever i can to help though. He turns to Lana. You're going inside though! he says to her and you're barring the door closed too!
Jack shrugged. "I haven't done this sort of thing before. But maybe the furs could be sewn to the net to fill in the biggest gaps?"
"Another possibility would be to dig pit traps, but that does not allow you time to speak to them, and we'd probably have to work the night to do it."
Jack rubs his chin, thinking. "We have a few barrels. If Mistress Lana has a lot of lard or cooking oil we could boil hot oil and drop it on them if they attack. Or something like that... it wouldn't prevent them from escaping but it would certainly hinder them. Even boiling water. It's a cruel thing though. What else could be spilled? Broken glass or jagged metal? It would not stop horses..."
I'm sorry Teacher, Oleg replies, but i'm not a fighter, i'll do whatever i can to help though. He turns to Lana. You're going inside though! he says to her and you're barring the door closed too!
"Make no mistake, Master Oleg. I do not expect you to stand on the line. I did hope one or both of you might be proficient with the bow, and could provide support from the safety of the parapet. If you could put on the suit of leather, bear the shield and one of the hand axes, go inside, and stand ready to defend your goodwife should they overcome us; that would be more than sufficient. Mistress Lana, do as your good husband asks, for it is clear your life and virtue are precious to him."