Kingmaker

Game Master Jovich

Gird had been listening thoughtfully, he then makes an almost dramatic speech

"I do not like the idea of trying to follow them to the lair, there are too many unknowns, we don't know the terrain, we also do not have the numbers to take on a dozen bandits without risk. I think a better idea would be to ambush the handful that come to collect the tribute and interrogate them to find the lair and then track them down and take them on with reduced numbers."

"Ah! Combine the two plans togetherrrr! A fairrr comprrrrimse don't you agrrrree Fenn," Derra asked with a fang filled smile.

Watching the group discuss what their options were and how to proceed brought a sense of comfort to Andreas. He had wondered often about his new companions and if they would mesh or not. He listens intently to the each individual as they lay out thier plans.

Fenn shrugs, "Mayhaps.. but consider this... we gonna have ta' do it anyways. Ole-leg said they's been sending fewer and fewer bandits only a handful las' time. So that majority are still in camp. Gonna have ta' face superior numbers anyways. But les' unpack what your proposing.. so we ambush the bandits and manage... ta' not let any escape {not a definite by any stretch}, and we keep at least one alive ta' answer question? What then... you gonna try ta' scare him into tellin' what he knows? How far are you willin' ta' go there; what if'n he's not one ta' be intimidated? You plannin' ta' torture info out of him? We're supos' ta' be betah than that~ Right?!?"

"As fur not knowing' tha' woods or terrain... Ah'm a Ranger an' tracker by profession.. I trust mah skills to follow them as they don'
have any such woodlore

Agreed, Gird.

The silent Annurian finally interrupted his feeding to say something, and yet was as economic as they come. The big man actually sounded a little shy or, perhaps, too focused in eating and analyzing his surroundings.

If we have a map of the surrounding pathways, even if it's just something quickly sketched by the locals, I believe we could find a nice spot for such. - he complemented, now being a tiny bit more useful.

Gird looks around at the outpost

"We could ambush them here, it has a gate which we can close behind them and several buildings we can hide in to ambush from. To answer your question about how far do we go Fenn, well first we try to persuade them to tell us and if they don't well they get hung like any bandit should if they talk before being hung we can show them mercy. I am fully prepared to try and track down the lair by following their tracks if it comes to it."

"As fur not knowing' tha' woods or terrain... Ah'm a Ranger an' tracker by profession.. I trust mah skills to follow them as they don'
have any such woodlore

"As fur not knowing' tha' woods or terrain... Ah'm a skilled Ranger an' tracker by profession.. I trust mah skills to follow them back to their base.. if'n that is~ You trust meh! They will not be expectin' attack at the lair.. they're supos' ta' be safe there after all. Likely they will have four ta' five sentries on duty... but with a bit o' subterfuge we can handle them... most of them will likely be restin' up, drinkin', or whorin'.. we could take them completely by surprise! If we ambush them here... when they don't show back up.. they are ALL gonna know immediately somethin's wrong.. and be wary~ wanting their money. If we track them back.. there is no chance of any town informants they may have in place warnin' them either!"

"How will the ones at the main base know anything, their base must be a distance away otherwise Oleg here would know where they are. We just have to do this quickly."

Gird sighs "Look there's also the factor that Oleg and Svetlana here should not be put at further risk, what if they make a mistake knowing that we are here and the bandits get suspicious? We shouldn't play this game with their lives."

Oleg interjects, "Medvyed is it? My wife's and my lives are already 'beink played vid' as you put it. We are happy to do vhatefer it takes to be rid of dis...plague."

Andreas is walking around the group as they talk of how to deal with the bandits. Paying attention and listening attentively to those plans, but he also is looking around the inside of the trading post.
Everyone here wants to see the bandits dealt with. As to how we deal with it, well we all have our desires.

He walks up to Oleg
We will do everything in our power to keep your lives and your livelihood safe and unharmed. To this end I would recommend that your wife stay inside and away from danger. Master Oleg, I would rather not have you involved as well, but I do not see any other way of luring them in as effectively. I will ask for your help but only as long as it takes to get the bandits inside the post, then you go and stay with your wife. If they come after you, we will be there to deal with them...

Andreas takes a step back and looks around one last time before he speaks his mind
I feel that everyone has made strong suggestions and we seem for the most part to be on the same page. With those ideas in mind, I feel that we should set up an ambush....and here is how we should do it.

He turns and point towards the right side of the gates and above them.
I would place someone with skill in the bow up on the walkway..laying down to hide from those bandits. I think Fenn or Annurian would do the trick. This person would be our look out for the bandits as well.

He then points to the stables
We should have Derra and myself inside the stables as we are the slowest and this will put us closer to the enemy.

He points to the building in the Northwest corner.
I think Master Oleg and Madame Svetlana should hide in that building and with some protection. I think Gird would be best suited for that task. Now I do not want you to sit with them just make sure that they get in safely before joining the fray.

Finally he points to the building in the Northeast corner
I would place the last person which would be Annurian or Fenn behind that building till just after the Bandits come in and are occupied with their taxes. Which ever one it is would be responsible for covering the gate and if need should arise lock it back up.

He turns and look at each of his companions
We will have the element of surprise, the enemy surrounded, and with the advantage of ranged cover from above. They seem to be slacking off and are over confident.
He stops and thinks for a moment and then continues on in a softer voice.
These people may not have chosen the life of a bandit...it might have been force on them by circumstances beyond or knowledge. If quarter is ask for then it will be given. We can deal with them after the ambush is over with. We could take them to Restov for trail or even given them a chance at a better life.

Andreas looks at teh gates one final time
The gates should remain open to help lure the bandits inside...I hope this will help continue their laziness....If all goes well we could have this situation finished with little bloodshed.

Fenn, grimaces... but ponders the situation... fighting in the town was what HE considered playing with the villager's lives... cause if any of the bandits escaped.. THEY would face the blame!

Then he thought of something else... {what if one of the bandits DID escape... he'd got right back to their lair wouldn't he?} and suggested, "...right, it's clear everyone want's ta' fight here with all tha' innocents around... but might Ah make one suggestion to be considered? Let one of the bandits escape... he'll likely try ta' go back to their bandit camp as fast as possible ta' report to their leader. Ah can track him right back to their camp... and we don't need ta' worry about getting info out o' the rest.. and its a sure thing! Ah'll come back as soon as possible and we can hit 'em tonight."

"Part o' tha' issue is we don' have no healer... Ah figure we want to keep combat engagements to a minimum.. until we do have one... but it seems y'all want to make this two combats rather than one.. so be it.. no reason not ta' use one o' them ta' lead us to their camp..thinkin' their gettin' away... right?"

"Hmmm...both plans have merrrits. And I'm no slow poke when it comes to charrrrging the enemy. Still...it's possible they've neverrrr met a catfolk either. Could we use that to ourrr advantage orrr is it too rrrrisky? Also, what happens if something gets the escapes bandit?"

Derra saw a god many things that could go wrong but at the same time there were many ways it could go right.

They won't leave our trap site alive and free. One of those two conditions, I guarantee, they'll have to give up if they ever appear to bother these people again.

The mercenary had a calm yet cold voice. Maybe he was more than the eyes were revealing.

I hope they choose the second one. - he finally completed with sincerity. He wasn't a murderer, but wouldn't run of a fight.

Fenn...your plan has merit, but I would rather use subterfuge on the bandit's camp then putting them on the alert. I am counting on your skills to track down their camp. I am thinking one or two days out maybe three but no more than that. They have to be close or they would send lots more to make sure that their taxes got home.
As fenn talks about the lack of a cleric
Well yes I want all of us to come out of this alive. That is why we need to move fast and hit hard. Surprise is on our side and we should maintain it as long as we can.

Andreas listens as Derra makes her thoughts known.
I want you to use your ferocity to its fullest. Make it know who you are and what you can do. Take your anger out on the enemy....Well if a bandit escapes we need to track him down right away. That is why I want to take this fight to an enclosed space like the inside of the Outpost. We shut the gates after they get inside...surround them and take them down as quickly as we can. If any are out side when this goes down we need to take care of them.

Looking at Annurian, he just nods
let us hope they can see the wisdom....

Andreas sighs
Look, no matter which plan we go with...there are risks. This is a gamble and one I feel is out best bet at coming out ahead and with a minimal risk to civilians.

"I like this plan. They'll neverrr know what hit them!"

She put on a helmet that had openings for her two catlike ears and resembled a lion's head.

"This should be fun," Derra says purring with anticipation.

Fenn gets a perplexed and frustrated expression as he looks at Sir Andreas', "...but THA' is exactly mah point! WHY fight them here at all puttin' tha' towns-folk at risk when we can jus' give them their money and follow them back to their camp an' get them all in jus' ONE Battle, keepin' our risk to a minimum.. without a healer?!?"

He throws up his hands, it clear nobody is gonna listen to the silly half-breed "farmboy".. an just wants to fight here and HOPE no innocent towns-people get hurt AND they can force the bandits ta reveal their base... ALL unecessary risks in Fenn's opinion!

He just walks away to find a bed for the evening but comments, "Do what ya' want~ 'Its clear thas' wha' you'll do anyways...' but AH'll be DAMNED if'n Ah'm gonna go along with ANY torture.. EVEN of bandits! You mark mah words on tha'... 'Its not winnin' tha' mattahs.. it's HOW We Win tha' counts!' Were supos' ta' be bettah than common thugs!"

Gird suprised at Fenns outburst

"I see you are frustrated but, we can ambush a part of their force here and convince them to reveal their base, we won't need to torture them, not hanging them should do the trick. Attacking their base has alot of unknowns like what are their defences, what is the terrain, can we sneak up on them? I'm not sure about you, but i'd like to fight as least as possible of them."

Andreas watches fenn as he makes his feelings known in a outburst of frustrated anger. Then Gird backs up what Andreas was thinking. It all ends in silence and a long sigh from Andreas. His tall solid frame bows a bit, his shoulders hang down as if a huge weight was place there. This image is startling for a man that stands tall with his shoulders set to face all that the world has to offer. The image fades almost as soon as it appeared. Standing tall yet again and with shoulders set, Andreas turns to the others.
Get some rest, we have a busy day tomorrow. The first steps into a new land. Check your equipment and set your affairs in order. I will see everyone in the morning.
He looks on as Fenn enters the a building...
I will talk with Fenn
Andreas follows Fenn

Seeing Feen sitting down on a bed, Andreas walks over and sits down across from him. He pulls the scabbard from across his back and lays it across his knees. Looking at the blade from tip to hilt and then looks at Fenn in the eyes.
I am not her to change your mind, I respect you enough to hear and understand your view on the situation. I am here to see if you are ok.....I need you tomorrow, and I need you to be focused on the plan. If you do not feel up to it, I understand and will not harbor any ill will. You can go on your way if you should feel it necessary. I hope that you will stay and help us. I understand your concerns about the wellfare of Oleg and Svetlan. I wish there was a better...safer way to do this, but this is the best plan we can come with.
Andreas looks back down at his weapon and in a soft voice.
Sometimes the right decision is not the most popular one, It is a burden many try to carry, most fail. I came up with a plan that is the least risky to ALL involved. When we succeed tomorrow, We will be able to find out where those bandits are holding up. We then can go to them and remove that threat permanently. The information we have tells us that their force consists of twelve bandits. The best way to deal with them is in two waves, one here in the outpost. We have the best chance of success inside. We can then use your talents to track if we are not able to get any information from the bandits. We have no healer..that is true. The thought was in my mind when I choice the plan. I would rather deal with a group of three or four bandits here and then take on the remainder of them on our terms through subterfuge if necessary. I feel we have little chance of surviving against all twelve even if we are able to use subterfuge.
Standing up and strapping his blade across his back again, Andreas extend his hand towards Fenn.
I do understand your frustrations...and I hope you can see that this is our best option for success.

Derra listens to what Andreas tells Fenn. She has to admit that Andreas is very skilled at talking to others. The catfolk woman also had to agree that the right decision isn't always the easy one or the most popular decision.

After Andreas had spoken to Fenn she went to the half-elf and spoke to him, "Do not be discourrraged, Fenn. Andrrrreas doesn't want any harrrm to come to Oleg and Svetlan. He wants to make surrre nothing happens to them. I agrrree with both plans, as we can take out these bandits and if any get away, we can follow them. That's wherrrre you come in. Andrrrreas has confidence in yourrr abilities as a trrrrackerrr, so we need to stay focused on the battle tomorrrrrrrow. We cannot do this without you. Each of us will play an imporrrrtant parrrt, but if any of us falterrrs then yes innocent lives will be lost. That is why we need to stay strrrrong. And don't worrrrry, I believe in you and so does Shelyn."

She smiles at him and gives Fenn a slight bow.

Andreas follows Fenn

Seeing Feen sitting down on a bed, Andreas walks over and sits down across from him. He pulls the scabbard from across his back and lays it across his knees. Looking at the blade from tip to hilt and then looks at Fenn in the eyes.
I am not her to change your mind, I respect you enough to hear and understand your view on the situation. I am here to see if you are ok.....I need you tomorrow, and I need you to be focused on the plan. If you do not feel up to it, I understand and will not harbor any ill will. You can go on your way if you should feel it necessary. I hope that you will stay and help us. I understand your concerns about the wellfare of Oleg and Svetlan. I wish there was a better...safer way to do this, but this is the best plan we can come with.
Andreas looks back down at his weapon and in a soft voice.
Sometimes the right decision is not the most popular one, It is a burden many try to carry, most fail. I came up with a plan that is the least risky to ALL involved. When we succeed tomorrow, We will be able to find out where those bandits are holding up. We then can go to them and remove that threat permanently. The information we have tells us that their force consists of twelve bandits. The best way...

Fenn shrugs, "Meh... Ah said ma piece... said wha' Ah thought.. folks don' agree.. which is their right. Ah'm still a team player.. not gonna abandon ya jus' cause Ah got a difference' o' opinion.. an in tha' end thas' all it is Mah Opinion! Shucks, Ah makes no claims ta' any monopoly on combat tactics nor wisdom! Ah jus' hope it all goes as yah hope it will... Ah could be dead wrong! Who knows... Ah jus' want tha' folks here safe from harm or intimidation... by no-count, low-life bullies... how it gits done is only partially as important ... in tha' end anyways. Don' you worry none.. Ya can count on meh ta' do mah part... with no hard feelin's Ah'm no gonna cry cause Ah can't get mah way nor harp and whine about it! Ah'm jus trying' ta' help.. tha' best ways Ah knows is all! If yur way works.. then Ah fine with it!!"

After Andreas had spoken to Fenn she went to the half-elf and spoke to him, "Do not be discourrraged, Fenn. Andrrrreas doesn't want any harrrm to come to Oleg and Svetlan. He wants to make surrre nothing happens to them. I agrrree with both plans, as we can take out these bandits and if any get away, we can follow them. That's wherrrre you come in. Andrrrreas has confidence in yourrr abilities as a trrrrackerrr, so we need to stay focused on the battle tomorrrrrrrow. We cannot do this without you. Each of us will play an imporrrrtant parrrt, but if any of us falterrrs then yes innocent lives will be lost. That is why we need to stay strrrrong. And don't worrrrry, I believe in you and so does Shelyn."

She smiles at him and gives Fenn a slight bow.

Fenn stands at the Cat-woman's approach nervously and unsuccessfully trying to straighten the mop of his unrully sandy-brown hair in an attempt to make himself 'seem' more presentable for the lady...

He blushes, "Gosh Miss Deeerraa, ya don' have to worry none about meh being upset! Ah's jus' callin' em hows Ah sees em'. Ah'm all fur dealin' with them bandits.. regardless o' whose plan we use.. Jus' so long as tha' innocent ain't put in too much danger jus' ta do it. Ah believe strongly tha' DESNA saw fit ta' help meh find mah way here fur a reason... Ah aims ta' help anyway Ah can. Win or loose we make a stand fur justice and freedom.. tha's a win jus' by itself.. provin' there are still folks int ha' world willin' ta' stand fur goodness! With righteousness on our side..We will not fail!"

With everyone on the same page, and a plan decided on, the heroes get some rest to wake up early the next morning and place themselves and the Levetons where they need to be for the plan to be executed efficiently.

Please place yourselves and the Levetons on the "board" where you'd like to be when the bandits arrive. Also, do I assume correctly that you want the gates to be open as they currently are (not pictured, but per the narrative)?

That gates being open was my idea...trying to draw them in thinking that the Levetons are easy targets and have given up. I would really like the scene to be as close to what they do when the bandits come here. If the gates are supposed to be closed when the bandits get here then that is what we will do. If we go with my narrative then the gates would be opened at first light. I moved the Levetons

We should have someone strong behind the gate, so that they can close it after the bandits enter, I placed Annurian in a proposed place, just as an example

Before executing the plan, I'd like Annurian to be able to reveal himself to the rest of the group as a skinwalker. Assuming there's a catfolk around, it can't be too weird :) I was mostly waiting for the conversation about the plan to end in order to... Er... Bring it up. As for the plan - if I can close the gate and be hidden at the same time, better. If the bandits turn around and see a pig-faced man, I think our surprise will be compromised :) Also, hoping I can be at ground level while doing so (even though my figure is over the wall). I moved it down - could I assume I'm hiding behind a barrel or something (even though there's none at the map?)

Feel free to roleplay through the night, I didn't mean to jump the gun. Also, I placed Annurian underneath the ledge with a barrel from the storeroom! XD.
Also, the gate will not be hard to close, it's heavy, but it's got good hinges.
Another thing to think about is Fenn is not hidden from sight, unless you mean to be under the ledge also, but even then you'd need to borrow a barrel too (which you are free to do).
Remember, the bandits will likely come all the way in to the storehouse on their own according to Oleg.

I had thought to put Fenn up high hidden behind something or crouching down behind the catapult in a sniper position as his bow should be able to hit anything in the compound area with a little tactical movement.

Cool, encounter post pending

As night falls, Annurian steps outside to watch the moon. He's surrounded by people he barely knows, yet he's forced to trust them. It's not only a matter of his secrets, but even his life; on the day to come, they might fight shoulder by shoulder. It's quite something to process. Nevertheless, he knows how he's better fighting - on his true form - and bringing it up to the group can't wait.

Derra got up in the middle of the night looking at the quartz crystal that her brother had given to her. It glowed when exposed to moonlight which it was doing now. She felt a bit worried about tomorrow. She wondered if she should have suggested a more diplomatic approach but she wasn't sure if the others would had accepted it. Still something had to be done about the bandits preying on the innocent.

Derra rose early before anyone else already dressed and armed, polishing and sharpening her sword.

She was getting herself into position hiding within the stables.

Gird will walk around the surrounding area getting a feel for the outpost and the area a hundred or so meters around it.

It is time
Andreas sits up in his bed that the Levetons gave him for the night. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he wonder if the plan he and the others came up with will work or will they fail to protect the Levetons. So much depended on them working together and not against each other. Pulling his armor pants on and reaching for his gambeson, he partially dresses himself. Standing up he grabs his armor bag and walks outside. Dum spiramus tuebimur

The moon is low in the morning sky when he exits the room and drops his bag on the table. Andreas looks around to see the others moving about doing what it is they feel is necessary to calm their own nerves before a battle. Exercising the tension from his muscles he goes about a short regiment of stretches meant to loosen his body. After starting a fire in the fire pit, he pulls close his gambeson; tying it off. Removing each piece of armor from the bag he proceeds to inspect them one by one. The torso armor was one piece by his own design; easier to get in and out of. A breast plate had the plackart, fauld, and the tasset all in one long suit. His modifications of the armor was not limited to just the torso. The rerebrace, couter, and vambrace were likewise one piece. Since the tasset hung so low he never wore the cuise. Believing that he needed all the speed and mobility he can get, he forwent the use of the greaves or sabatans. Instead he relied on the poleyn to protect his knees and while his boots where not armored, he felt they would provide enough protection. Looking at his helm and gorget, Andreas was confident that all armor parts were in proper condition. Rubbing each part down with an oiled cloth and strapping each piece to its proper place on his body. Trusting in each armor piece to protect him in the upcoming conflict, Andreas has a look of calm to his face. His eyes looking off into the distance, he appears to be deep in though.

Coming out of his thoughts, he looks around. The sun has just started to make its presence know as the skyline is brightening up with hues of pink and yellow. Birds start to chirp and...it is time

Removing the last two items from his armor bag, Andreas wipes down his bastard sword with the oiled cloth. Seeing his augmented reflection in his weapon he sheaths it and straps it across his back and kneels before his shield that leans against the table. Dum spiramus tuebimur The shield felt right and true as he strapped it to his arm. Standing up and shifting his shield to a better fit, the shield coat of arms shines bright in the morning light. A falcon with wings spread to encompass a shield. A banner is gripped in the claws of the falcon with the ancient words written across the banner. Dum spiramus tuebimur

Turning to face the others, he makes the rounds to each person asking if the are fine and if they should need anything. He offers help to get them into armor, just trying to keep everyone calm.

Dawn splits open your eyes like a bright needle, you spark into alertness from your hiding places and await the coming battle.
As the minutes drag on, you start to familiarize yourself with the natural sounds of the trading post: birds chirping, horses eating hay, the Levetons arguing in their house.
Even the smell of the wood draws your attention, it, along with the dirt at your feet, is moistened by the dew bringing back memories of early classes, early hunts, and/or early training as the case may have been.
You try to beat back the distractions as the minutes draw you ever closer to the impending conflict.

Through the spaces between the posts of the palasade, Fenn sees four men--one of them hooded--on horseback, leading two other horses. He sees them coming from the south in the distance. As he gives the signal, a skylark whistle, those hiding ready to pounce draw their weapons and grip them tightly, adjusting them so the familiar grooves fit in their palms as they have always done.

The four horsemen stride into the outpost as if they own the place, two of them having a conversation about someone named Kressle, and a third eating an apple. The hooded man, however, locked eyes with Oleg immediately, saying, "Alright you Ulfen boar, let's get this over with."

Oleg walks over to the storehouse and opens the doors, then smirks...

Well... I was going to continue the night action, try to pull people together and reveal to them what I am :) I guess we will do it the "I don't care way"!

When each of the adventurers take their positions, Annurian shifts into his beastial form. Looking like a much more muscular and deformed version of himself - or, a wereboar - it's impossible for him not to be a shocking visage.

What? - he limits to say, to anyone interjecting - As you did for our catfolk friend, I just ask you to judge me by my deeds, not by my appearance. My fight is the good fight.

Even his speech seems different with the prominent tusks and mean face. The legs get slightly curved, gaining immense hooves at their end.

If no one says anything else, Annurian just hides and follows the plan, waiting for the bandits to arrive for the surprise of their lives.

Andreas look at Annurian as he transforms himself. He does not blink nor does he look startled.
Ok....What is this..person?
What you look like matters not to me, it is what you do that matters do me. You are a capable warrior and I will stand beside you...tusks and all
He extends his hand out to Annurian.

Fenn bedded down in the space provided in the inn or barn.. it matters little to him and went quickly to sleep... the long days activities telling on the youth... but 'thankfully'.. his elven blood makes him a light sleeper and he does not snore as much as occasionally sigh as he shifts position every so often.

In the morning Fenn is up very early... apparently another trait of his elven blood ... he seems to need very little sleep to be refreshed. He gets up stretches a bit ... then heads out either to the nearby creak to bathe in the cold dawn waters or readies himself a bath if water is available in the compound for such use.

He will dress get armed and armored and for about an hour before dawn.. practice his swordplay with long and short sword... his form is not perfect..but it is clear he does indeed regularly practice.. and is not stranger to martial weapons or fighting.

When Annurian reveals himself... Fenn's eyes go wide in more surprise than fear or disgust. Then he smirks, looks at everyone else and shrugs... going back to preparing his hiding spot, bow & arrows.

----

When the Bandits arrive Fenn watches them enter the compound and Oleg meet them... when Oleg takes them to the storehouse and opens the door.. Fenn moves taking the initiative.

Moving from his hiding position Fenn take a position next to the gate and stamping his foot for Annurian below to close the gate he aims his bow and calls out..

"Ah reckon tha's as far as you git you criminals! FENN'S tha' name an Ah have you surrounded.. and Ah aims ta' arrest you! Honestly.. Ah hope ya don't surrender cause beating the puss out o' you scum is much more in mah liking.. but honor says Ah offer you tha' chance ta' surrender peacefully...! Ah don' like bullies so please.. Fight instead if'n yur lookin' ta' get hurt! WE gots Hurt waitin' fur ya!"

Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
- 'Distraction'
Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21
Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

From the position of the wagon and the building.. clearly from Fenn's position he has no clear shot. So on the initial surprise round all he could do is move and 'distract' {getting the bandits to look at him}, no reason the rest can't get their surprise actions. The rest of you are hidden and can charge attack in a surprise round. Annurian was already going to just shut the gate by plan.. so he's also not attacking initially. Also... its pretty OBVIOUS Fenn will have to give up shooting at range VERY quickly... no 'Precise Shot' as everyone will get into melee and make hitting impossible {or at least only Very lucky} at this level.]

Andreas lets his head hang down and mutters to himself softly
Damn it...
GODS DAMN IT!, what the F*&# is he thinking

looking over at Derra.
Take them down hard if they resist
Coming out of his hiding place and drawing his bastard sword with ease, Andreas moves himself to be as close as he can to the hooded figure.
Move action to get close to the enemy and drawing a weapon

Nodding at Oleg to get out of the area and then looking at the bandits with a face set in a neutral tone
Run Oleg, run. Fenn jumped the fence to soon and now I need to make sure Oleg gets to safety
Why don't you gentlemen drop your weapons and stand down
then looking at the man in the hood
or...you can choose to make it harder on yourselves
Swift action to issue Cavalier challenge to the hooded figure
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

Gird is up, feel free to check the "Round" spoilers throughout the game to keep track of who's turn it is.

Gird upon hearing Fenns words moves out of the hiding spot in the bunk area he already had his sword drawn.

Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Gird moves out next to the rear most rider with his surprise round action, to cut off his escape route.

I already rolled initiative for everyone to save time (see the initiative spoiler)

Derra is up

Derra figured that Fenn surprising the bandits was the signal to attack. Since she was told to act menacingly, the only thing she could think of was charging right at the bandits...through the stable wall! And she did just that!

Longsword Charge through the wall!: 1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 = 23

Longsword charge damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Nonlethal damage due to charging through a wall!: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

Of course, crashing through a wall was a bit more painful than she thought it would be, even while wearing armor and wielding a shield, yelling, "Takže mrzí zdi!"

Charging at orange bandit. Also in the discussion you said 1d6-1 nonlethal damage. Did you mean 1d6+1?

Annurian is up

Annurian moves to block the way of the bandits, positioning himself between the group and the locked gates. He then proceeds to gore the enemy off his horse. Once positioned, he doesn't immediately attack, instead trying to intimidate the enemies into surrendering.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11 Demoralizing - trying to assist Fenn if possible

Surrender before we thrash you into doing so! - his voice comes bizarre between the tusks.

If the gates weren't closed somehow - I thought this would be the obvious trigger for combat - then I guess my action changes to closing the gates then moving

Seeing the gates close...
..surrender now and we will show mercy. You are surrounded and we control the high ground. You have but one option that keeps you alive.

Andreas glances around at the others as he tries to get the bandits to surrender. He makes sure to glance at several spots above to give the feeling that there are more archers above.

Gird strolling out from our rooms filled with purpose and confidence in his abilities to handle the situation

Fenn standing tall in the open with out a ounce of fear showing

Annurian's new form seems to fit the skinwalker just fine and that suited the needs of his companions.

Derra busting out of the stable with furry in her eye and actions.

Andreas thought to himself that he was lucky to have these people beside him in the protecting of the Outpost.

I hope we can come together as a unit...I need to teach Derra how to use a door next time..

Okay, Fenn, Gird, then Derra get to move before the bandits can decide whether they want to surrender or not.

Fenn moves in... down the ramparts of the fort to take cover beside the wagon aiming at the hooded bandit... covering him with his bow!

"Don' try us ya' dirty crooks... make a move Mistah.. and Yur gonna sprout and arrow shaft in the throat!"

Move Action: Move 30'ft
Standard Action: Ready an action to shoot hooded man - If he draws a weapon or starts to cast a spell

Gird kinda double takes and almost stumbles at the sight of Annurian/..
"What the.. "

He almost misses his chance Gird, will attack the bandit he is next to using studied target first then attacking

Gladius+div fav+st: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 261d6 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Gladius+div fav+st Crit Confirm: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 141d6 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Derra is up

Derra then quickly bashes her opponent with her shield.

Wooden Shield Bash: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Wooden Shield Bash damage: 1d4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Waiting for the bandits now before posting