Garric entered the Trading Post around 4pm, riding Grady. The old chestnut mare had been grumbling for awhile already, surely tired of his journeys, and Garric usually spoiled the horse and conceded his wishes. Good old Oleg, what a place to start a Trading Post, in the middle of nowhere? To each his own, but Oleg was a good man, one of the few Garric trusted so it would be good to see a familiar face. And Oleg's wife's cooking was to die for. He was tired of eating raw rabbit or whatever else his wilderness skills provided him. And while he was a great hunter, he was a terrible cook. So Garric looked forward to getting a decent meal. He dismounted and led Grady to the stable where Oleg kept his mare. He pulled an apple from his pocket and fed it to Grady, "Enjoy old friend, you have earned it." After leaving Grady nice and comfortable and combing him, Garric cleaned the dirt off himself and his boots. He unloaded some fresh rabbit pelts and knocked on Oleg's door, "Old friend, you available? I got some nice pelts here for you, maybe your wife can whip up some delicious rabbit stew for tonight? What say ye?"
"Garric, bring yerself in from the weather, those pelts ar somethinn else."
"Yeve tha eyes o a hawk tah see them rabbits inna snow"
"He always finds his way back here an nevr empty handed"
"ave you seen anyone out anna bout, we had some customers greenhorns I'd say an thay been gone overlong..."
"Yeve tha eyes o a hawk tah see them rabbits inna snow"
"Thank ye kindly", Garric says as he kicks the snow off his boots and enters. "Years of hunting, Oleg, have sharpened these eyes and thankfully me bow ain't never let me down yet."
"He always finds his way back here an nevr empty handed"
"What? And face your wrath, me lady? Never, never!" Garric kidded, Oelg and Svetlana were truly good simple people, always brought a smile to his face seeing their happiness. What you saw was what you got.
"ave you seen anyone out anna bout, we had some customers greenhorns I'd say an thay been gone overlong..."
"Really? No, haven't seen any others in these woods, but then again, the only company I share is Grady's, so I wasn't looking for anyone in particular. How many were there? Soldiers or hunters? King's men? Or worse....tax collectors??" Garric loved to tease Oleg that one day the Brevic King would find him and tax him a tree and grass tax! "But seriously, how long ago were they here?"
Obi rides an equally weary horse toward Oleg's, having finally found a path he remembered led there. A sight for shy eyes it is, to see those walls agai Hopefully Svetlana has some warm food ready to wamr the stomachs of tired travelers.. and those worse off, like himself.n! He takes his weary horse to the stable and, after making sure it has oats and a blanket on it, goes to Oleg's door. He opens the door slowly and steps in.
"Oleg.. I'm back. Are the others here too?".
(to Garric)
"Speak o tha devil here is onna them now."
(to Obi)
"Are tha rest o yer group comin behin yerself"
"Oleg leave him be, Obi, come an sit an have a bit to drink I have a fine hare roastin onna spit an soon itl be a hearty stew."
"Hello, little one, Obi, I believe your name is. Is it true your friends are lost in these woods? I am Garric, local huntsman and tracker."
"This snow was a bit o a surprise it came so early inna season this year, notta worry though we ave many more days till the winter season sets upon us."
"Oleg didja get tha roof repaired?"
Ellaria woke up on her horse as the day began to dawn. Her surroundings were unfamiliar, and even worse, she realized that she was alone. The rag-tag group of unlikely adventurers which had come together this far was somehow scattered... or even worse.
She tried to remember what happened as they approached the bandit camp, but for some reason she couldn't remember anything after they sent the scouting group foward. Hearing a distant wolf howl, she shudders and sets her mind to the present. She seemed alone, in somewhere new, with few supplies. Her only chance was to reach the trading post which she left on yesterday's morning. Any failure to do that will probably result in her death, as she wasn't accustomed to live in the wilderness. She had to do something.
Her mind set to action, she tried to focus her mind on the trail they have used. She didn't really notice it as she was occupied with other things, and let the others plan and lead the way. After thinking for a moment and realize that her life were dependent on the decision, she urged her horse on to the direction she thought was way to Oleg's post.
After about fifteen minutes of riding, she noticed another horse with a human figure standing next to it. Quietly moving closer, she identified the bandit Ula as the man. Ula seemed still bound, but was trying to untie the ropes that bound his arms. Ellaria raised her voice, pulling one of her blank scrolls out, as if ready to read it. "Stop that and get back on your horse!". Ula, obviously caught by surprise, shook his head in disbelief and disappointment as he was caught again. Looking at the scroll in the wizard's hand, he decided his chances were slim enough, and consented himself on being led again.
The encounter raised Ellaria's spirits, and she decided to press on in the direction of Oleg's post. Speaking with Ula made her feel better as well, and at the late afternoon the both of them finally saw Oleg's post. As Ellaria entered the post, she noticed Obi's horse, but none of the others. Worried, she entered the cabin, from which fine smells were already rising.
"Oleg, Svetlana," she waves as she saw the couple. "Obi... so we we were dispersed somehow. Where are the others?"
(to Obi)
"Are tha rest o yer group comin behin yerself"
"I.. don't know. We got seperated.."
"Oleg leave him be, Obi, come an sit an have a bit to drink I have a fine hare roastin onna spit an soon itl be a hearty stew."
"Thank you."
"Hello, little one, Obi, I believe your name is. Is it true your friends are lost in these woods? I am Garric, local huntsman and tracker."
"Three at least, and a bandit."
"Obi... so we we were dispersed somehow. Where are the others?"
"Out.. there still." He says with a gesture toward the forest.
"Now don be gettin too workd up!"
"As can be plainly seen Obi and Ellaria have both returned an I have been burnin tha wet woods too so plenty o smoke can rise over tha chimney an mark tha area fer yer friends."
"Iffen we head out an miss supper Svetlana will skin us all, alive"
"Hello, little one, Obi, I believe your name is. Is it true your friends are lost in these woods? I am Garric, local huntsman and tracker." "Three at least, and a bandit."
"Bandits, huh? Yeah, I've heard they've been pestering these woods. If you could use an extra bow, I'd love to get in on some bandit-huntin'!"
Torod walks along the road, Pacer, his horse, walking along side of him. His eyes were on the road ahead, but his mind wandered as he took in the verdant horizon. Something in his soul rejoiced. His destiny was here. In this land, Torod would become all he was meant to be.
The sight of the trading post brought him out of his reverie. It didn't look like much, but out here, days from the nearest city, this trading post was as civilized as it got. It would serve as his base of operations until he became more acquainted with the land, but once he was accepted by it, Torod would find a more suitable place to make his lair.
As he got closer, the smell of stew wafted towards him. Torod jumped onto Pacer and galloped to the gates.
"Hello all. It has been a long journey and I hope to find rest here."
Garric looked to the doorway and saw the new arrival. "My Oleg, the post is busy today with travelers." Garric rose and offered the half-elf her seat. "Please, take a load off, it's cold out there." Garric looked at the human woman who had asked for the halfling. She had said hello to Oleg and his wife but no one else. What lack of manners these humans have?! He paused. Don't let your prejudices influence you! He walked to the human woman, "While you may not have asked for it, the name is Garric. I hear your friends are missing. I would happily join in the search for them or we could wait for them here. But from what I hear, you're doing good work ridding the forest of these bandits."
From outside you hear the approach of pair of horses thundering towards the outpost at full gallop. In through the gate roars a young man wearing chainmail, carry a lance and a shield emblazoned with a tankard. His horse, and the one he has in tow, barely have time to stop before he slides from the saddle and makes hastily for the door.
Oleg!? Svetlana!? comes the call as he enters the room. Upon spying Obi and Ellaria his faces melts into a look of relief! By the gods am I glad that you two are safe! What of the others? What in Aroden's ghost happened out there? I have been wandering the country side looking for everyone since last night!
When Eadric sees Ula his face hardens, And you! How did you get free from my rope? If you had any hand in this I will surely make you pay!
It is then that Eadric notices the two others in the room. He quickly speaks Greetings travelers! before turning to hear Obi and Ellaria's responses...
"So how many o tha bandits have yerselves rid this area of?"
(Too everyone)
"Welcome to Olegs trading post, ive rooms fer rent, stalls fer horses, an food fer yer bellies"
(to the bandit)
"Includin yerself but yer tah pay fer yer stay"
Seeing all the unwanted attention aimed at him(mostly from Eadric, as usual*), Obi tightens his scarf and goes back to sipping his drink and waiting for the stew to be ready. He stares into the fire, eyes clouding over as he slowly seems to tune out his surroundings.
"It is a shame tah keep travelers awaitin with an nempty table when they have empty bellies"
Torod allows a small smile to creep onto his face. They know nothing of the way of the wood. Though this Garrick might."I am Torod and I too am willing to help you locate your lost companions as well as take out any bandits."
When Svetlana brings him a bowl of stew, Torod dives into it loudly, sloppily, and quickly. "Thank you." He manages to get out in between gulps.
Eadric is distressed that nobody seems concerned that many of the party are missing and presumed lost in the wilderness. He greatly desires to return to the bandit camp to look for his missing comrades...
Garric sees the distress in Eadric's face, "Warrior, you will have my bow at your side, if hunting bandits is your plan. Tell us how many have you seen? Do they have a camp? Guards? Pets? Leaders? What do you know?"
Hunting bandits is exactly what we were doing, we had defeated seven of them here at the outpost before making our way into the wilderness in search of the rest of them, when everything... everything... Eadric struggles to explain the strange turn of events ... Well I don't know what happened! One minute we are making our way into Kressel's bandit camp after he, Eadric lifts a finger pointing a to Ula lead us to the camp's location to face the remaining dozen or so bandits there. The next thing I know I am staggering around the countryside by myself. I have no recollection of how I got separated from the group. Ula was gone! Everyone was gone! I found Bellis' horse after a few minutes, but no trace of the priestess could I find! I am not one talented in the ways of the woods so my searches were in vain. When I realized the futility of my searches I returned here as fast as I could! We should make haste and return to the bandit camp as soon as possible. Durn, Lupus, Vanion and Bellis are still out there! And the little girl!! Eadric face shows tremendous remorse.
Eadric pauses for a moment. Steadying himself and taking a deep breath he continues with a measured pace to his words. Forgive me strangers! My name is Eadric Cuthwulf. Paladin of Cayden Cailean, Justicar of the Greenbelt and member of the Greenbelt Wardens! We are here to bring peace and justice to these lands. Although our troubles are clearly not your own, I would greatly appreciate any and all help that you can offer. Before I accept your gracious offer, it would only seem appropriate that I knew your name good sir! Eadric casts a hopeful eye upon the other stranger. And your name?
"I am Garric, woodsman and tracker by trade. If things are as dire as you say, especially if a little girl is in danger, I am with your band. Now, there is no time to lose. Oleg, Svetlana, please keep the food warm, we will be back soon. Lead on, paladin."
"Greeting, friend", Ellaria replies to Garric. "Your offer of help is gladly received". As the Torod enters, Ellaria nods her head to him in acknowledgement.
Ellaria straightens up. "Welcome back, Eadric. I'm happy to see you alive as well. The others are probably lost as well. Funny, I don't have any memory of what happened. I did find Ula on the way, though".
As the conversation continues, Ellaria listens and finally turns to the other new visitors: "We would gladly accept your kind help in going out and looking for the rest of our group, but should do it carefully, without rushing there. You all should know that the bandit camp is quite far from here, more than half a day's ride. We should eat, prepare, and then leave, as soon as possible. If we have any luck, maybe another one or two would reach this place". Falling silent for a moment, she adds with a lower voice: "Acting rashly hasn't brought us good so far".
Around mouthfuls of food Torod says, "I agree with her. If the weather is acting strangely, it would be smart to be cautious. I want to help the girl and take on the bandits, but we won't be able to do either if the land does us in."
"Im fer keepin nthis bandit here and chained up in tha storeroom"
Oleg retrieves some manacles from the storeroom an walks over to a ring that has been set in the wall. The ring is solid iron and he passes one end of the manacles through it.
"Since you been tah tha bandits camp once before yah donot need this one tah warn tha bandits or tah be makin trouble fer yerselves"
Rushes quickly out of the room as you prepare to leave....
perception
DC 15
masterwork adamantium manacles
Obi eats quickly(but carefully), making no sound. About halfway done, he catches sight of Oleg brining manacles out for Ula to be bound with. A tremor runs through his body at the sight of those chains, and he pushses away his the rest of his food. He does pick up the rest of his bread to give to his horse though. The poor equine deserves a treat after last night.
Garric finishes his stew and then brings Grady some oats and fruit. Once his appetite has been sated, he says, "Time to saddle up. Eadric, please lead the way." He then bids the Levetons a fond farewell.
"Yer not gettin away anytime soon"
"Oleg, be those them manacles you donot have a key tah open?"
"Aye tha same manacles they are, an what o it?"
"An how are ye tah release him?"
"Yer right on tha count, I had only thought o him not gettin away, I had not thought o us wantin to ever free him, maybe i shall build up a cage round him an charge people tah come an poke him witha stick..."
Oleg and Svetlana carry on the conversation even after everyone leaves....
Torod finishes gulping down his stew and goes to grab a couple of apples for Pacer. He goes to the doors of the trading post and lets out an whistle. A few moments later Pacer comes trotting up and Torod feeds him an apple. He gives him the other before getting the saddle and bags. After a few minutes he is ready to leave.
...As the conversation continues, Ellaria listens and finally turns to the other new visitors: "We would gladly accept your kind help in going out and looking for the rest of our group, but should do it carefully, without rushing there. You all should know that the bandit camp is quite far from here, more than half a day's ride. We should eat, prepare, and then leave, as soon as possible. If we have any luck, maybe another one or two would reach this place". Falling silent for a moment, she adds with a lower voice: "Acting rashly hasn't brought us good so far".
Eadric looks at Ellaria, barely able to contain his disappointment. Rashly? Rashly?! I don't think that we have acted rashly enough in the past. At every turn I have urged action and at every turn I have met resistance and calls for patience and caution. Don't burn the bodies. It might attract bandits. Don't make for the bandit's camp yet, we aren't ready. All the while a little girl is in the clutches of who knows what! And now our comrades are missing and possibly, nay probably, in danger and you wish to fill your belly with stew? What preparations do you need to make before you go and help your comrades in need? Our friends are out there some where Eadric jabs his finger at the gate and I for do not intend to delay any longer in going to find them! If you wish to stay and provide comfort to Ula that is your choice. It is not mine. I ride for those that are lost and for the girl! I hope you will join us! We need all our available strength if we are to succeed.
As the others make ready to leave Eadric turns to join them, calling over his shoulder, Oleg! Please keep my old horse til I return. I shall take Bellis' seeing as how it is a more capable mount.
Garric! Torod! I thank you and bless you for your courageous decision! May your just and good deeds be noticed and appreciated by whichever god you venerate!
Obi! My little friend, are you ready to put your talents to good use?
Eadric snatches up his lance and vaults into the saddle before looking back, casting a hopeful eye upon Ellaria. I know this goes against your instincts, but please find the strength to do what is right! If we are to have any chance, we need you with us Ellaria! May Cayden bless you with the courage to once again put yourself in harm's way to save those in need!
"I've already said I'll do whatever it takes to save the girl..." Obi says as he gets on his horse and pats it's neck. "Lead the way Eadric."
Ellaria stares at Eadric as he screams in frustration. Obviously she would like to do something, but she forcibly calms herself, and tries to reason with him.
"Eadric, I understand your anxiety, but I truly do not believe that we should rush back to the bandit camp. Some of our groupmates are still missing, and could be wandering the countryside. Would you prefer us to try and fight the bandits alone and outnumbered while they limp back here and find this place empty of all except our two friendly benefactors? Our two new friends here ought to know what they are going to face, and although I deeply respect their offer for help, it seems only right for them to know this before we leave, and not on the way when there's not much of a choice. Also, I need more supplies for myself. If you want to go now, go without me. If you would wait for just a short time, I will gladly accompany you".
That being said, Ellaria moves to speak with Oleg about supplies, and loads her horse with enough for a few days. Before leaving, she calls to Oleg from her horse: "Take care of Ula for me. Hopefully, he shall be judged as we come back. He should not be punished too severely before that."
"Let me help her! I can help her. I can heal." With that Torod summons the power of nature to heal her injuries. Unfortunately, he is not yet attuned enough with the energies of the world to regenerate her hand, but the worst of her physical wounds are made better. "Eadric, perhaps we could wait a while yet. Give your friends more time to find their way home."
"Either the girl is a healer or she has a friend. Someone has already been working on her."
Eadric turns and faces the little girl, a look of dumbfounded astonishment upon his face.
Imiria? By all that is holy...
"Now we get to act rashly, and brutal." Obi says, brining his voice above his usual whispering with a dark fiery undertone.
Garric is horrified by what he sees. "No! Every second these bandits has to breathe is one second too long! I say we kill 'em all, inhuman bastards!" The anger is quite clear on his face as he mounts his horse. "The girl will be fine with Oleg and his wife. We can do nothing more for her, except punish the perpetrators! Let us ride!"
Ellaria's surprised expression changes to horror as she realizes the girl's arm is missing. Keeping silent, she mounts her horse, obviously eager to move towards the bandit camp and revenge this child, her innocent parents and Ellaria's own missing friends. As Garric calls them to ride, Ellaria starts moving in the general direction of the bandit camp.
Though still concerned for the child's health, Torod follows the others out of the trading post.
[ooc]Marching order: probably last
Initiative:
Perception:
Heading: With group
Seeing Imiria, Eadric drops from his saddle and rushes over while Torod examines the injured child. Seeing her horrific injuries, Eadric begins pacing back and forth, although his eyes never leave the child. After Torod's proclamation, and hearing the other's speak, Eadric turns to face the others. The anguish upon his face, that was there but a moment ago, replaced by a look of fury and grim determination.
We ride for the bandit camp at once! And woe to anyone we find there! Those perpetrators of evil shall know the righteousness, strength and resolve of those that oppose them and their wicked ways! They shall be judged upon the field of combat! The edge of our blades, tips of our lances and the might of our magic shall judge them and surely find them wanting! No mercy asked and none given! May the gods bless our journey that we might make the bandit camp to fulfill this pledge and hopefully find our missing companions upon the trail!
Eadric takes to his saddle and circles his horse around to depart. With a final glance at Imiria, cradled in Svetlana's arms, he spurs his horse for the gate.
Eadric yells out to the heavens as he gallops out of the outpost following the others, Wardens ride!
Ellaria rides along, falling into the third position in riding order.