"If you wish to enlarge Cuddles, I can cause him to double in size," Anton replies, stretching his thin lips in a smile. "It takes several seconds to cast, though, and ony lasts for a couple of minutes. We'd have to be quick."
As Katya spouts various languages, he nods along, recognising every one of them. When she switches to Draconic, he raises an eyebrow. A watch guard, speaking the tongue of magic? I'll have to ask for that story another time.
Cuddles grins even larger. CUDDLES WAS ENBIGGED ONE TIME! HE LOVES!
"If you wish to enlarge Cuddles, I can cause him to double in size," Anton replies, stretching his thin lips in a smile. "It takes several seconds to cast, though, and ony lasts for a couple of minutes. We'd have to be quick."
Katya swallows--hard--at the thought of Cuddles growing to be fifteen feet tall. Good grief. I...er...
She glances at Cuddles' grinning face. Well, if nothing else, it will put the fear of the Horsemen into the bandits.
Katya returns her gaze to Anton's spellbook. Hey... she says. That one there-- she points, slowly, careful not to touch the spellbook or make it look like she was trying to take it --that looks like a Draconic 'S'. Is it?
Her eyes are bright and you can see the genuine enthusiasm in her face.
Cuddles grins even larger. CUDDLES WAS ENBIGGED ONE TIME! HE LOVES!
PLEASE for the love of all that is holy let that be an innocent comment.
"So, would Cuddles have to wait around to double in size, or could he already be engaged in combat? If so, we can take full advantage of each second given by the spell. Also, if I can start on horseback, that will definitely be advantageous, as I can both kick and fire from the saddle."
Harsk roots around his pack for a metal cup then impolitely spits into it as he listens.
A giant orc. All we need...though to be fair it would put the fright in most...
Harsh scratches at his beard and spits again. On the ground, in their face is the place for me. We offering em terms or we smashing em down then healing up for sentence?
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"A bit of good, healthy fear could do wonders for us," the wizard shrugs, glancing at Harsk as he spits into his cup. He wrinkles his nose in distaste, before glancing back at his spellbook, at where Katya was pointing.
"Yes, and no. It's certainly based on it, but as you can see, it's not just an 'S'. Reoeating the sigil, crossing the lines through it, extrapolating it - it strengthens it. It ceases to just be an 's', and becomes a source of magic."
He glances back down at the page, tilting his head. "Or, if you meant the one next to it, that's a tea-stain."
He looks back up at Cander. "I'm not sure horseback is exactly sneaky, and our mobility might be somewhat limited in here." To Harsk. "I say we take them alive, then offer terms. I doubt they'd hesitate to kill us."
"We must make sure we don't scare them too much before we locked them in or they will run." He flipped open his own spellbook. "I'm not sure I have much to help out here. I could grease up the floor or temporarily incapacitate one of them but in general my magic is more keyed to defence than offence."
After dinner, Cuddles finds a strong post and starts punching it. It's not elaborate, but the punches gouge the wood, leaving knuckle sized indents. His ritual done, he heads into the stable. In his experience, beds tend not to hold him long. He finds a nice sizable pile of hay and crawls inside, happy as a clam. His sleep is sound and silent.
After dinner, Anton looks over his spellbook again, lighting a candle as the light begins to fade. Bandits. My first day in the Greenbelt and I'm acting as a guard. He coughs softly into his handkerchief, trying not to wake anyone - he's only vaguely aware of people heading off to sleep. Nethys' flame. I could die tomorrow.
He vows to think no more of that possibility. With a sigh, he closes the ratty tome, makes his way to bed, and eventually drifts off into a long, fitful, sleep, pulling the blankets around him for warmth that never quite seemed enough.
Leandric walks along the walls of the palisade en inspects the buildings. If he is going to use this as a staging ground he has to be assured of it's craftsmanship. Staying in a shoddy house was just waiting to be killed by falling building material.
Once he retreated to the bunk they would be sharing he started making notes he starts cleaning his bed using some simple magic while three faintly glowing orbs orbit his head. Once he's done he starts making notes in his journal, working on both ways to improve the outpost and ways to improve his own skill.
Harsk nods at plans made and removes his armor exposing his various tattoos and brands to the evening air. Looking over his equipment the dwarf engages in a series of simple yet forceful calisthenics before looking over his armor and ensuring its good repair.
One to rise before the sun to confer with the Father of Creation Harsk takes his bedroll and lays outside looking up at the sky as he fades to sleep.
After eating his share of the stew, Cander stables his steed and makes his way into the guest house. Before they retire, he also asks if Oleg or Svetlana would wake him after they rose, so that he might sharpen his weapons.
As he gets into bed, he sits on the mattress and nocks an arrow upon his bowstring. He recites from memory:
"Yea Old Deadeye be my guide
Through the wood and to pierce the hide
Bless mine bow, and bless mine arrow
To rend the flesh and sunder marrow
To prey and foe alike beware,
The God Of Hunters hears my prayer."
After he finishes his invocation, he unstrings the bow and falls to sleep.
Katya settles down by the dying embers of the fire, polishing her shortsword and her armour. She checks the string on her bow, the fletching on her arrows--makes sure that everything is ready for tomorrow. She has so many questions...but they will have to wait.
Katya, myshka, you ask so many questions! You should be careful. A man will never find you attractive if you talk all the time! Now run along, my little lopochka.
Katya shakes her head to banish the image of her mother's face.
Her preparations finished, she sets all her equipment out next to a bunk in the guest house, checks that she still has a dagger strapped to her thigh and another under her pillow, and then turns in for some sleep.
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Night stretches out, the resounding chorus of the forest continuing on into the dark night, and well up until the morning.
Dawn breaks, as the song of the morning birds can be heard above the stillness of the night. As everyone wakes, Oleg comes out to meet everyone. "I'll stay out here, if you think it will help. Talk to the bandits when they arrive. They normally get here about an hour after sunrise."
Thank you, Oleg, that would be best.
Katya splashes some water on her face from her waterskin, and then begins donning her armour and weapons. Before long, she's ready to meet the bandits.
Should we post a lookout on the wall? she asks as she ties her hair back into a quick plait. I'm happy to do it if everyone agrees.
Cuddles wakes up with hay scattered everywhere. He stretches and groans as his consciousness makes it's way back from comfy oblivion. He reaches into his pack and devours a bit of salted meat for breakfast before he even gets vertical.
When he does appear, it's less than graceful. He stumbles out of the stables and grins at everyone. MORNING!
He gets a drink and then goes to the post he claimed last night. He beats the unyielding wood with his fists for several minutes. The blood rushing to his muscles is invigorating and brings his mind out of the night's stupor. In no time, he's ready for an excellent start to any day: a good fight!
Cander awakes with a start, wondering at first where this strange roof came fr-
Oleg's.
It all came rushing back to him: the talk of battle, the extortion, the morality. The battle was about to begin shortly and he did not have much time to prepare.
Cander grabs a few handfuls of his trail rations to steel his stomach, and washes it down with what's left in his waterskin. After re-stringing his bow, he makes his way outside, greeting whomever he may encounter on his way. He then bridles and saddles Mina, lays down his weapons near the middens, and reties his horse between the two buildings adjacent.
Should we post a lookout on the wall? she asks as she ties her hair back into a quick plait. I'm happy to do it if everyone agrees.
"Sounds reasonable, just don't let yourself be seen. With you up there, we'll be able to close the gates before they reach the walls if they come with a larger force than expected."
Cander spends the rest of the time near the middens, sharpening his weapons for the upcoming battle with his whetstone.
Leandric wakes up quietly, a thoughtful look on his face. Without a word or any delay he grabs his spellbook and opens it. After several moments he slams the book shut. He then opens his mouth to then clean it using the same magic he used to clean his bed yesterday.
Upon hearing the conversation about the lookout he nods, "If you could give us a signal when they approach, I can project an image of Oleg in the courtyard so they will feel more at ease."
Should we post a lookout on the wall? she asks as she ties her hair back into a quick plait. I'm happy to do it if everyone agrees."Sounds reasonable, just don't let yourself be seen. With you up there, we'll be able to close the gates before they reach the walls if they come with a larger force than expected."
Got it. I think I'll stay up there, and come down and close the gate when the action starts, rather than give myself away by trying to sneak down after they enter.
Upon hearing the conversation about the lookout he nods, "If you could give us a signal when they approach, I can project an image of Oleg in the courtyard so they will feel more at ease."
Really? You can do that? Make an image of another person? That's amazing! You'll have to show me one up close sometime.
Katya moves the ladder, climbs up onto the parapet, then spends time secreting herself amongst crates and coils of rope brought up deliberately to make a bit of a hidey hole. She positions herself so she can see over the wall, and directly down the gap between the storage shed and the stable.
Cander, she calls down, keep an eye out; when I see them, I'll signal you and tell you how many there are. Then you can tell the others, before the bandits get here.
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As everyone gets into position for the morning, Katya would see on the horizon a group of horses moving their direction about an hour after sunrise.
The riders start to make their way in, and the cloaked man raises his hand, and they hold their reins outside the walls. The cloaked man surveys the area, drawing out his longbow and testing the draw.
After a few moments, the cloaked man looks at the other three, waving them to go in, while he takes up a position outside.
The three men come in, dismount and scoff. "Oi, Oleg! Get your arse out here now! Time to pay your taxes you worthless lout! And send that pretty little whip of a girl out here too!
By the time the riders arrive, Cander has already sharpened and stowed his lance, dao, and two wushu darts. When Katya gives him the signal, he reports the four riders presence to the others as quickly and quietly as possible.
He then readies himself to untie and mount as quickly as possible, lance already in hand, bow and quiver upon his back.
The bed was just starting to hold his warmth. Anton wakes, groggy with lack of sleep, realising that he'd fallen asleep in his boots again. He drags himself outside, pulling his outer layers of robes on as he goes - it doesn't take much to see that beneath the multiple layers, he's little more than skin and bone. The dark circles under his eyes and the way his spellbook almost slips from his spindly arms add to the pitiful image; the way his shallow chest shudders as the chill of the morning draws a cough from him could leave one wondering how such a sickly creature expects to survive in the wilderness.
He sits by what was a fire last night, nearly falling asleep several times as he studies his ratty tome. He can't hide a small sigh as he looks around at the others, but he dutifully prepares for the day, spending a solid hour or so muttering and mumbling to himself, twitching his fingers through the air in strange shapes, drawing runes and sigils with the faint trails that follow his fingers. Satisfied, he stands, tucking the book back into his pack, stumbling slightly under the weight, and follows 'Cuddles' into position.
Harsk rises and sighs, No forge. The gruff dwarf nodded to himself and then began his morning rituals.
Bending.
As the fire heats the metal
Stretching.
As the hammer works the steel
Squats
As the anvil shapes the weapon
Pushups
Torag shapes us all
The dwarf presents his arms and armor on the ground toward the rising sun, kneeling before them.
The Father of Creation does bless
He stands head held high
The Father of Creation does forge
He picks up and begins to suit his armor
We are his hammers
He finishes his straps
We are his anvil
He picks up his weapon and shield and pulls them to his chest.
His world will we protect
The ritual complete Harsk stands bone straight at attention feeling the heralds of his Lord connect with him in his heart and mind.
Give me the power to guide me new allies.
Give me the power to stop the final fading of life
Give me the power to make my allies hardy in the face of battle
Give me the power to bless my allies with your power.
Give me the power to call upon me your favor so I might win this day in battle.
Blessed are we those of the forge who labor each day to shape the world as you will.
Harsk exhales sharply and moves to find his new allies and some food.
Fed and armored Harsk meets up with Leandric and as they are getting in position he casts an eye on the wizard and speaks in what almost might be considered a soothing tone. I know how quickly you young ones run out of magic when the fight gets long. If you start to fade, behind me. I'll exact a heavy price for access to you...
Katya sees the bandits approaching and reaches an arm behind her through the nest of crates and supplies in which she's hiding. She waves four times in the prearranged signal and then retrieves her arm.
Hmm. Extra horses would be handy, she thinks to herself as she settles in to wait.
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The three men bring in five horses, two of them fitted with pack saddles. They see the image of Oleg and dismount, tying their horses off on the side of the gate and walking in to look over at Oleg.
"Oi, old man, Tax time! We are here to collect!"
The three men move over, two of them gathering the supplies into the cart while the other one walks up to Oleg. "So, when do I get my turn with that pretty little peach you hide away in this little fort? How far do you think her cries would get across the Green belt? I've got a pair of silvers that I could make her squeal for me like a farm girl at harvest fair."
The man with the cloak stays on his horse, just outside the gate, watching and waiting.
Time to clean up this scum.
Unable to stand the insults to (the illusory) Oleg, Cander springs into action. He masterfully mounts Mina, using his lance as a vaulting-pole, and lands squarely in the saddle. He rides quickly and masterfully into melee range of two of the men, delivering a mighty kick to one of them, brandishing his lance at the other.
"The only cries heard across the Greenbelt today will be yours!" he proclaims.
Katya is furious at the bandit's presumptuousness, but keeps silent until it's time to move.
Also, Initiative check for when it's needed in case you have to bot me later today.
Katya puts as much authority in her voice as she can muster, channelling the half-orc drill sergeant who first taught her how to hold a weapon.
On the horse! Put down your weapons and put your hands up! You are surrounded! Don't be stupid!
She moves as she yells, heading down the ladder and nocking an arrow to her shortbow.
I'm warning you, she adds as she draws the bow.
With a growl that sounds more like thunder Cuddles emerges from behind the illusory Oleg. Then he actually stands. At nearly 14 feet tall Cuddles dwarfs most of the buildings in the compound, not to mention the bandits. The ground shakes as he takes the necessary two steps before he is in striking range. With a bellow that is sure to be heard and mistaken for a wild beast he snatches the poor middle guard up off his feet.
Stay behind Cuddles. He'll protect you, right?
The words of the plan echo in Anton's mind as he casts his preparatory spells at Katya's signal - a protective ward of force on himself, that shimmers into view in the form of several tiny links intersecting and knitting together from thin air; followed by the spell to enlarge the orc. He cringes a little at the size of the brute, but waits by the door, patiently.
Then Cander's charging out, and Cuddles is unknowingly shoving him aside in his rush to join the fray. Anton growls in frustration, before looking out the door. The yard was quickly becoming crowded - but maybe...
He darts out, keeping his thin frame hidden from the bandits by using both Cuddles and Cander's horse as a guard, and skids into position beside the mounted warrior. Drawing a pinch of coloured sand from the pouch at his belt, he spreads it throuigh the air with a flick of his wrist, shaping it, forming it, then crying out in Draconic.
A burst of dazzling colours sprays from the sand, covering the area in front of him. He focuses the explosion into the eyes of the bandits, catching the three of them in the blast. Through the bright flash of sand and colour, his pale blue eyes remain focused on the shaped magic.
Well this has gotten to be crowded fast. Change of plans Leandric, just hang back let ah "Cuddles" and Cander draw attention while I move.
Harsk wades into the fray weaving between CAnder on his horse and waiting just a beat for Anton's spell to go off before he steps in front of the wizard and the calls on Torag to bless the party with His power.
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Cander streaks into action first, his boot landing firmly in the closest bandit's head, dazing him.
An enbigged Cuddles easily grips the dazed bandit, holding him in a hug of impending doom.
Anton moves up, and tosses his sand, casting his spell. The two bandits left unharmed stagger a moment and then fall to the ground, unconscious, while the one that manages to resist the spell is having a hard time resisting cuddles from Cuddles.
Harsk moves up into position in front of Anton over the two knocked out bandits, and Katya stares down the man on a horse, with his bow.
The other man on the horse, with his bow quickly surveys the situation, and quickly turns his horse, making a break back into the forest at full speed.
Cander follows in pursuit! Not wishing to let the man escape, much less alert his allies, he pushes Mina hard, digging his heels into her sides.
"Sorry girl, but we've got to move!"
Katya looses an arrow that takes the cloaked man in the shoulder as he wheels away with his horse, then curses as he gallops off into the distance.
You're not getting away that easily, she mutters as she steps forward and nocks another arrow before letting it fly.
Sensing that things are progressing and hearing that one is moving off Harsk looks up at Cander and says flatly, Run 'im down boy.
Cuddles ties the man in knots with this own limbs and forces him to the ground on his belly. One foot between the shoulder blades is all that's needed to prevent the man from going anywhere.
Seeing Katya's arrow hit it's mark, Cander's mind turns to her words the day previous: the bandits were to be shown mercy. What Cander needed was not power, but speed.
He throws his lance on the ground and grasps Mira's reins with both hands, controlling her every minute turn and movement over the changing terrain. Due to his quickness in action, they had closed the distance to the hooded figure.
"It's now or never, girl."
Mina began her charge directly toward the figure, and as they pass, Cander releases the reins and strikes out with a whiplike backfist!
After delivering the attack, Mina continues to ride forward in anticipation of the other horse doing the same.
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Cuddles easily subdues the man in the cuddling, whilst the other pair of bandits still lie unconscious on the ground. The trading post, which just a moment ago was a flurry of action, is now eerily quiet.
Cuddles takes lengths of rope and simply yet effectively hog-ties each one.
The one Cuddles is holding slips away, but Cuddles quickly snatches him up again and wrestles him back into submission.
Once again, the tiny, slippery man wiggles free and goes running (not that he can get anywhere). Cuddles takes two enormous, earth shaking steps and tackles him near the stables in a swirl of dust.
After a few seconds of struggle and some muffles curses from the bandit, he emerges from the dust cloud well and securely tied. Cuddles drops him with the others and stands proudly over his prey, laughing. SKINNY PUNK IS SLIPPERY, BUT CUDDLES IS STRONG! CUDDLES LIKE YOU.
Still chuckling, he goes over to the second man, whom he also failed to tie adequately, and re-ties those knots.
Harks scratches his beard as the half-orc wrestles with the various bandits, offering in somewhat stunned orcish Ah...er...good job.
Cuddles jumps at the sound of his native language. He beams at Harsk and replies in kind. ORC! YOU SPEAK IT! OH HAPPY DAY! he scoops the dwarf up in a jubilant hug. I SPEAK ORC SO MUCH GOODER THAN HUMAN TALK!
And that is how Harsk acquired the excelent tap-room conversation starter: "You know I was nearly crushed by an Orc once, but it's ok now. We're pals." Because, as far as Cuddles is concerned, Harsk is his new best friend.
Harsk flushes at the sudden embrace and growls in common, All well and good but LET ME DOWN!
Cuddles plops his new dwarven friend down and looks about excitedly. Switching back to common as well, he asks, WHERE HORSIE MAN GO?
Harsk offers a shrill whistle up to Katya, You see the lad? Did he ride that bandit down?
Oh no. Oh no no no!
Cander rushes to the fallen figure, lifts him, and gently places him on the back of Mina's saddle.
He rides back to camp, one hand holding the bandit's form, the other on the reins. He gallops back into the courtyard and bellows "Harsk! This man needs a healer!"
The dwarf frowns as the man charges in on the horse muttering to himself,
Jostlin' him about on the horse you might need final rights...
Looking over at at Cuddles the dwarf waves a hand at the horsebound monk speaking in orc,
Coj nws sau los ntawm tus nees. Muab nws tso rau hauv av maj mam.