Roke, I leave the spell casting up to your judgement. I am thinking that we might want to keep them tangled up within about fifty feet of the gates. I am planing on about fifty feet out and see if I can get them to bite but it might take us further out. We will soon know.
:: Gozran 2 - Morning - A Skirmish at Oleg's ::
The gates of Oleg's slowly swing open as the men push at them. Lightning stumbles out of the gate, trying to look ill at ease with their weapons, spread out and extended too far.
The group walks about 50 feet from the Outpost, trying to get the orcs to fall for their bait. In the distance, you can see the orc guards rousing the others, and armour being put on, but it doesn't appear that they are going to sally out yet.
.
Returning from their ambush, the Kazmuk, Zade, Rillka, and Gird return to their former look out spot, finding a small squirrel with a note. As the group reads the note, they can see a force leave Oleg's and walk out towards the orcs.
Roke is quiet nervous about the battle, and paces the rampart, such as it is, waiting to see if the orcs react. He will be ready to cast entangle if the orcs get within 50 feet of the wall.
Andreas walks along the line of men and women. Giving encouraging words and advice. Keeping spirits high and making sure all are on the same page with the plan.
Steady...We will wait.
:: Gozran 2 - Morning - A Skirmish at Oleg's ::
The two groups watch as the orcs start getting up and moving around. They put their armor on, grab their weapons and crowd near the edge of their palisade. They watch the group in front of Oleg's for a while, not exiting the safety of their walls. A couple of the orcs can be seen walking over and watching to the west, as though looking for their missing companions.
I am going to go and pick a fight. Keep the formation loose. Lord Garess, Master Henry...keep them together and be ready to fall back if the need arises. Stay the line and I will see if I can get them to come out and play. Remain here.
Andreas whistles loudly and a nickering can be heard from the outpost. Soon there is some verbal exchanges and then the gates open up once more. A horse in barding comes running out towards the large knight. He mounts up and urges the horse off towards the orc camp. He walks his horse back and forth as he also watches to the west.
Where are their reinforcements.
Rillka watches Andreas and the others come out, and the orcs milling about.
She approaches Gird, Those orcs are waiting on the others, the ten orcs that cannot be far behind us. What are you planning?
Those orcs aren't attacking, and any action Andreas takes is a feint to draw them close to Oleg's. Unless the orc camp commits, we need to stay hidden and ready. The problem is - those orcs are not attacking and if they don't, in a very small amount of time, we have ten more of them coming to join the camp. So, what is our plan; and please say we have something more planned out than to blindly go running into an orc camp.
Letting his gaze roam along the distant horizon and trees, the battle ready knight tries to judge the distance. He quickly judges the terrain and all the variables between the outpost and the orcs.
Andreas urges his mount forward keeping his shield up and at the ready while his weapon remains on his side.
Walking his mount forward slowly, Andreas keeps ready to respond to the orcs.
:: Gozran 2 - Morning - A Skirmish at Oleg's ::
Andreas slowly moves his mount forward, until he is about 100 feet from Oleg's. The others follow a bit more slowly, trailing about feet behind Andreas.
The orcs draw together a bit more as Andreas approaches, making a few distinct groups. None of them appear to have bows, but are all in various amounts of medium or heavy armour with large weapons.
Following Gird, Kazmuk makes a quick prayer to the Forgefather in order for him to bless his companions, followed by another one, more rhythmic one that emulates the sounds of the forges as his hammer becomes heavier.
Andreas turns and looks at those assembled. Motioning them to stand their ground and not move forward. He then motivates his horse to move forward, bringing him closer to the orcs.
At a point where he is certain they can hear him, he lets his voice ring out for all to hear.
Turning his horse side ways so all can see him.
:: Gozran 2 - Morning - A Skirmish at Oleg's ::
Andreas moves forward, his voice booming across the potential battlefield. The orcs look to each other, then the largest nods and the others fall back into the camp and being stuffing items into sacks rapidly.
The large orc steps forward and shouts in broken common,
If allowed to, the orcs will pack for about 10 minutes, then retreat west towards the forest.
"...Wait, it looks like they're leaving?"
I fear we will see them again; all of them.... Rillka whispers as she nods agreement with Gird's plan to stay hidden and then get to the fort.
:: Gozran 2 - Morning - A Skirmish at Oleg's ::
Andreas moves forward, his voice booming across the potential battlefield. The orcs look to each other, then the largest nods and the others fall back into the camp and being stuffing items into sacks rapidly.
The large orc steps forward and shouts in broken common,
If allowed to, the orcs will pack for about 10 minutes, then retreat west towards the forest.
Andreas remains quiet for a moment as he thinks.
Did not expect that to go so well. What really is going in here.Walking his horse a few more steps towards the orcs he stops. His voice is still loud but with less intensity. He motions towards the large orc that spoke.
What is your name. When the Stag Lord hears that you refused his orders he will come looking for you. I have witnessed first hand how he treats those under his rule. I can only imagine what his wrath will be like for those that do not do as he wishes. You will need to move fast and quickly to escape any retaliation from him.
Need to make sure they understand that there is someone in charge here not just a bunch of people thrown together at the last minute.
Andreas lets his voice remain calm and gentle. He appears to be understanding to the orcs.
Why would you align with such a man. He brings only failure and misery to all that he touches. If you seeks to remain in his employment then take him a message. The outpost is under my protection. Each day more and more arrive to reclaim the land in the name of civilization. We bring the light of law and order to these darkened lands.
He moves even closer and looks directly at the large orcs.
I hope that we do not meet again. That you are able to safely get away from here and find a home that you can truly claim as your own. Not one taken from another. Do no harm to any until you are out of the River Kingdoms. If we should meet again across each other on a battlefield...I do not know if I will be able to give you a second chance to live.
He looks to the west where the orcs were looking.
and if you should run into the other orcs...take them with you as well. Leave my lands and never return.
My lands...I sure hope the Dragon Throne does not take issue with those words.
Andres waits for a response but is ready to turn and leave.
:: Gozran 2 - Late Morning - A Skirmish at Oleg's ::
As the other orcs pack, the large orc looks at Andreas as he speaks. When Andreas is finished the orc merely nods, and goes about yelling at the others. In about 10 minutes they are trotting off west towards the forest.
As the orcs depart, the ambushers ride around them and return to Oleg's. Oleg, Henry, and Keston all walk up to Andreas.
Oleg, "Well... I never expected them to just up and leave. I guess they can count, HA!"
Keston, "Well good riddance. Though we should have pressed our advantage to remove them permanently."
Henry remains silent, frowning slightly at Keston for a moment before shaking his head.
Andreas stands outside the gates staring off in the direction the orcs traveled. His posture is still stiff in anticipation of combat.
"Well... I never expected them to just up and leave. I guess they can count, HA!"
They were just measuring us...wanted to see if they would leave peacefully...I had to try.
"Well good riddance. Though we should have pressed our advantage to remove them permanently."
I fear that we may see them again. I truly hope that I made the correct decision.
The large knight continues to stare out into the plains. He mumbles to himself and those around him hear his words.
The strength of a civilization is not measure by its ability to fight wars, but rather by its ability to prevent them.
As those around look at him, he comes to terms with his words.
My father used to say that to me when I was very young. I never understood what that meant...until now.
He turns to look at those gathered around him. He places a hand on the shoulder of Keston and looks at each man in the eye.
We will be ready if they come back, the outpost will be ready. Today no one died and that is a good thing. Come let us enjoy this good fortune with friends and celebrate life.
:: Gozran 2 - Late Morning - A Skirmish at Oleg's ::
Everyone at Oleg's quickly begins to relax and enjoy their good fortune. Yenniffer's crew starts to unload their wagons, some of the goods are for you so Oleg brings them over and distributes them.
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Gird gives a report of their activities
"We were able to ambush a party of 4 orcs and take them out while out there and keep ourselves secret and alive. In the end we rejoined you and to be thankfully within these walls again. We should think about our next steps and maybe get back into our chartered exploration."
Don't forget the ten or so orcs that stumbled on the ambush site the next morning... they are still out there too. Rillka says as she chews on one of Sventlana's rolls.
As the others rejoin the group, Andreas is thrilled to see all of them.
Good job, all of you
"We were able to ambush a party of 4 orcs and take them out while out there and keep ourselves secret and alive. In the end we rejoined you and to be thankfully within these walls again. We should think about our next steps and maybe get back into our chartered exploration."
Four less is four less. Glad to have you back safe. Now if the Orcs would only take my advice and move on...things would be great. I will not hold my breath. I think they will be back some time.
Don't forget the ten or so orcs that stumbled on the ambush site the next morning... they are still out there too. Rillka says as she chews on one of Sventlana's rolls.
the other half that we were looking for. I was expecting the Stag Lords men showing up personally but I guess he felt the orcs could handle this by themselves.
Greeting each of the companions...
Go and clean up...relax...enjoy this well deserve respite and then we shall all talk. Later tonight we will meet with everyone to get all up to speed on current events.
Kazmuk, how long would you need to get your forge up and running? How long would it take to then create the ring for our new friends?
He turns his attention to the druid.
I am wondering if you could help Svetlana with creating a track of land for planting the radishes we brought back. I have no knowledge of such things and I do not even know if you have such skills. I figured I would ask before offering your services.
As the group starts to disperse...he approaches
Zade, I am wondering if you would not mind putting together some documents for whomever the Dragon Throne send to take over this area when we are done. I would like for you to create a treaty of sorts between the Kobolds and the Levetons. I would also like for you to create a trade agreement between the two as well. This is of course dependent on the approval of Oleg and Svetlana. We give them the Radishes to start a garden. Oleg and Svetlan take what they need for themselves and the rest would be traded to the Kobolds. The Kobolds would in turn mine the silver and trade it for the Radishes. I am hoping that this little agreement will help to stabilize the area.
He pauses a few moments...
I would also like a contract for the caravan and her guards.I offered them a job if the helped us defend the Outpost. I want them to run the trade between the Outpost, the Kobolds and whomever takes control of the region.
Before we meet with the others I felt it would be proper to get your input on a few things. I feel that we should ask Oleg and Svetlana about creating a track of land for the Radishes right here next to Olegs. They would have access to the vegetables that Svetlana needs for her soup. The excess could be traded away.
He pauses for few seconds.
with the extra radishes...we could trade to the Kobolds for the silver that they mine. A fair price for the radishes could be taken out of the Silver that is mined and given to the Levetons for thier part in this. The rest of the silver would go to the person that the Dragon Throne sees fit to put in charge of the region when we finish our task. I also would like to hire the caravan and her guards to facilitate the trade process.
Letting his eyes settle on the dwarf
We should get the friendship ring to our fairy friends as soon as possible. Do you think this is a possibility?
He looks at Roke as the next words come out....
We need to get word to the Temple of the Elk about the orcs. I am wondering if you have a way of getting a message to them like you did this morning?
Andreas makes sure that there are guards posted and that they are kept fresh and rotated on a regular basis.Sitting down at a table with his companions, the Levetons, Yenniffer, Henry, and Keston. The human knight who took this opportunity to bring civilization to the region looks up and down the table at those assembled. Standing and introducing each in turn so that all are familiar with one another.
Master Henry...Commander of the caravan guards and Mistress Yenniffer of the caravan...both lent their aid to us during the brief encounter with the Orcs. Lord Garess and his men have been here helping to keep the Outpost safe. Everyone knows the Levetons of course...and...these or my companions.
He motions for each to introduce themselves as they see fit.
He sits back down and waits for everyone to get acquainted. He then stands once more.
First let me start with an apology. Master Oleg and Mistress Svetlana...I am truly sorry that our actions brought this unwanted attention to your home. It is not something we wanted and frankly I should have seen this coming.
He nods slightly at both before continuing with the business at hand.
In our travels we came on this little patch of radishes. We are to understand that there was a desire for such vegetables. It was fortunate that we were able to bring some back here...
He smiles and waits for the information to sinks in as he looks to the Levetons.
I have a favor to ask. These radishes are a distance away and they are wanted by the Sootscale Kobolds south of here. It is very hard to protect them and the Kobolds may just eat them all. I suggest a plot of land nearby that we can grow the radishes. You can take what you need for the outpost and personal needs. The excess could be traded to the Kobolds. They live in a an old silver mine and I would like to trade the Radishes for the silver. I am thinking some form of payment can be arranged for your part in this endeavor. The hope is that this would bring some much needed stability to the region. The tribe may even be inclined to come here to trade for other items in the future.
Watching and hoping for a good response, Andreas turns to the caravan and her guards.
This is where you come into the picture. I need a strong reliable unit to guard this trade route that we are setting up and someone to make the ride the route. If you are interested we can sit down together and hash out an agreement.
He steps back...
This is of course, dependent on all parties agreeing.
Zade has a quill and parchment out almost before Andreas stops speaking. "What are you thinking for terms? We're on the frontier out here, but there are several principles from Brevan law that should apply. Hmm...Standard mercenary contract should be fine for the caravan, with some trade provisions. Should there be exclusivity clauses?"
Kazmuk smiles, more than happy to talk about good and mundane work. "It vill yet take some good amount o' time. Me craftsmen have already done some preparations these last five days, but it vill take three morre days beforre the actual vorrk begins and I have some arrrangements vith Oleg ." He then rubs his beard, making some calculations. "After that, if everrythin' goes rright, the main forrge should be done in about three veeks ."
"A prroperr smithy vould still need at least an office and a couple storrage rroms, vhich vill take at least a month to be built, but the forrge vill be done in three veeks."
"The rring I'll make vill be a beautiful vorrk and considerring ve arre dealin' vith fey, I vant to be surre to prresent them vith a trrue vorrk of arrt in orrderr to not displease them. To make such a rring, I already have the tools and since I've brrought vith me me anvil, I need not to wait forr the forrge to be done beforre I starrt vith me vorrk." He once more strikes his beard making some calculations. "I believe I can finish such gift in less than two veeks, but such a fine vorrk is rrealy difficult to prrecise... "
Once Andreas talks about making deals with the kobold, Kazmuk is a bit reticent. "To us, dvarrves, kobolds arre on the same categorry as goblins and orrcs: crreaturres cerrtainly not to be trrusted and prreferrably to be killed if possible."
"I trrust the visdom o' me people, forr such knowledge vas not gained frrom isolated experriences, but frrom the continuity of the trreacherrousness o' such evil beings. Therreforre I'm against such arrrangement. I say ve use the varriors ve have and get those crreaturres out o' the mines as soon as possible... I could even send vorrd to me people in Brrunderrton, forr I know they vill be happy to trravel herre and mine the silverr in that mine."
Once Andreas talks about making deals with the kobold, Kazmuk is a bit reticent. "To us, dvarrves, kobolds arre on the same categorry as goblins and orrcs: crreaturres cerrtainly not to be trrusted and prreferrably to be killed if possible."
"I trrust the visdom o' me people, forr such knowledge vas not gained frrom isolated experriences, but frrom the continuity of the trreacherrousness o' such evil beings. Therreforre I'm against such arrrangement. I say ve use the varriors ve have and get those crreaturres out o' the mines as soon as possible... I could even send vorrd...
Andreas nods thoughfully at Kazmuk's words.
I do not disagree with the wisdom of your ancestors, kin or your own experience. Kobolds in general are vile and evil creatures.He pauses...
...generally speaking...
Rubbing his chin...
I am very reluctant to start another fight and create yet another enemy. We have orcs and bandits aplenty right now and it would be ill advised to open a new war front...Even against Kobolds.
Andreas worries are there for most to see as he contemplates his words.
This...Sootscale Tribe... has show me how different they are and how dangerous it is to generalize. I see and respect your point of view. I feel we should deal with the Kobolds honorably and hope that things work out.
The tall Knight sighs softly as he continues.
...however...
He rubs his temples slightly.
I sure as the hells do not envy whoever the Dragon Thorn puts in charge of this region
It does not hurt to add some checks and balances or to have some more allies.
At this he ask Rillka for the current map.
As you know we located a vein of gold in this area here which is about twenty miles or so north of Oaktop Silver Mine that the Sootscale Tribe has taken up residency in.
He points to the two locations.
I think we could work something out. Maybe hire some of your Kin to mine the Gold. Sentinels of the area so to speak. If the Kobolds regress to their normal state then we deal with them. Your kin have a home here and work. The mine would belong to whomever the Dragon Throne puts in charge of course, just like the Oaktop mine. This could help to stabilize the region and keep that Sootscale tribe in check. What do you think?
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Interjecting himself "I like that idea, the diplomacy and trust it implies will engender positive feelings in the people and if we are betrayed then their righteous anger will be towards the betrayers of that trust and further re-inforce that we are a force for law that does not act unless we must keep order. The dwarves are also an excellent idea, but any group would do well in that situation, provided they could be trusted."
I think we could work something out. Maybe hire some of your Kin to mine the Gold. Sentinels of the area so to speak. If the Kobolds regress to their normal state then we deal with them. Your kin have a home here and work. The mine would belong to whomever the Dragon Throne puts in charge of course, just like the Oaktop mine. This could help to stabilize the region and keep that Sootscale tribe in check. What do you think?
Kazmuk strikes his beard, thinking about the subject. "It could vorrk... yes, this is a good idea. I still do not trrust these kobolds and believe ve vill have to vipe them frrom the mines even due to some trreason or because of their poorr skills in mining vhat ve'll definitely need."
"I vill send then a letter to me kin. I'll ask forr minerrs, laborrerrs and of course guarrds."
He then turns to Zade. "Lorrd Lebeda, I'll need yerr assistance vith a contrract if ye vill. Me kin vill leave Brrunderrton to help in ourr endeavorr to pacify these lands and in orrderr to prroperrly mine the gold ve'll need, I vill make an investment as is me duty as a Forrgemasterr o' the Fatherr." Kazmuk explains. "Severral strructurres vill need to be rraised in the adjacencies o' the mine to supporrt their vorrk, vhich vill belong to me and me kin, even if the mine vill belong to the perrson sent by the Drragon Thrrone as Sirr Andrreas pointed out."
"I do not expect anythin' to go vrrong of courrse, but if such rrulerr decides ourr vorrk is no longerr necessary, vhich is vithin his rrights, then me and me kin shall have ourr rresourrses and time paid forr fairrly."
While they wait, Rillka will update the main map, she then sets about making two additional maps, one highly detailed of Oleg's with enough room for the proposed forge and updated with building as as their foundations are built.
The second, if useful, would be the area around Olegs, focusing on the terrain and vantage points that could support either side of a siege, and dips that could be used for cover... places where lookouts could watch approach routes, anything that would provide an attacker or defender an advantage. If its all just one big flat grass field, this won't be as useful.
As the orcs leave the field without fighting, Roke sits on the platform, back to the wall, and tries to control his body from shaking in relief.
Later, as the group debriefs and plans . . .
To Andreas: “While I am happy to try and help with the agriculture, and now doubt I’m better than some (looks sideways at Kazmuk and Zade), I have more of a thorny thumb than a green one. I might get some of the other plants to cooperate and leave the radish plot alone.”
In terms of the kobolds: “I applaud any decision that has us working with the local inhabitants.”
At some logical point after the hubbub, Roke would go for a walkabout, trying to coax their new friends Perlivash and Tyg-Titter-Tut to appear, and ask them if they learned anything, and if they spoke with the contingent at the shrine. He’ll pack some sweets and any trinkets he can scrounge up from some trading with caravan folks.
Keeping his demeanor neutral, Andrea's smiles and tries to keep the mood light and relaxed as he responds.
Any help would be most appreciated. It would appear that all we do has a benefit to the region. The choses we make affect more than we can see. Let us hope that what we are doing is correct.
Rillka wanders around outside Oleg's long enough to realize that there is nothing of any strategic value, so she focuses on the map of Olegs out to a couple hundred yards.
When she is done outlining the trading post and proposed forge and the garden area, she will show the map to Andreas.
I have detailed the buildings here that we defend. I will leave this here in Oleg's care, as we would not want the Stag Lord to have a nice map of the place. While we are here though, and before the orcs or the Stag Lord come again... you and the others should try to think like them and figure out what you would do to attack this place if you were a bunch of brutish orcs, or if you were smart and cunning bandits. I would also suggest something innocuous be placed as a marker out at about 400 feet - that is the furthest that most spells with range reach out to and a good distance for the archers to judge distance... a standing stone, plant a tree, paint a rock we can see, dig a little furrow. I'd also get some barrels of water up on the top of the walls, probably one or two in each corner.
I have detailed the buildings here that we defend. I will leave this here in Oleg's care, as we would not want the Stag Lord to have a nice map of the place. While we are here though, and before the orcs or the Stag Lord come again... you and the others should try to think like them and figure out what you would do to attack this place if you were a bunch of brutish orcs, or if you were smart and cunning bandits. I would also suggest something innocuous be placed as a marker out at about 400 feet - that is the furthest that most spells with range reach out to and a good distance for the archers to judge distance... a standing stone, plant a tree, paint a rock we can see, dig a little furrow. I'd also get some barrels of water up on the top of the walls, probably one or two in each corner.
Andreas continues to think as Rillka shows him the map. His mind racing all over the place after the past events.
That is a good suggestion. I think a small rock of sorts...Nothing to big that can be used against us for cover if the situation should arise. Several range increments should be used and the colors should also be placed on the siege engines to help dial in the attacking angle.He looks to the siege engines.
Those need to be repaired right away. Perhaps some magic could help with that? It is known that they do not work. It will be a nasty surprise when they do work...
He looks to the building where everyone will meet later.
When we go in to talk to the others we will make these suggestions.
Andreas nods at Roke
I understand, we can only try and hope for the best.
That is a good idea, Rillka says of Gird's proposal for several range options, Unfortunately, my magics that would color the stones would not last more than an hour. I think some sort of paint or dye will be needed. If we are doing different ranges, we should probably place the stones in a series from the places where we would have archers and out at the sides of the siege weapons range of fire.
:: Gozran 2 - Late Afternoon - Oleg's ::
With the imminent threat gone, the people in Oleg's go about unloading the caravan and keeping watch from the towers. Everyone is in high spirits, some come up to the group to thank them for their help and make small talk.
Just before supper, Oleg requests that all of you gather in his trading post with himself, Svetlana, Yenniffer, Henry, and Keston.
Once everyone arrives, Oleg looks to Andreas "So what's this Henry has told me about a home and a job out here?"
Oleg doesn't look cross, just expectant.
Once everyone arrives, Oleg looks to Andreas "So what's this Henry has told me about a home and a job out here?"
Andreas looks around the room at all those that are in attendance. His gaze is positive and his demeanor for once is...pleasant. With his attention back on Oleg, the large human begins to explain.
Master Oleg as you know...He extends his arm out to indicate his companions.
...we have been tasked with exploration and pacifying of the region known as the the Stolenlands. In order to keep all we have accomplish from unraveling, we have made certain arrangements design to strengthen the peace we have created. There will be need for a caravan and escort to help facilitate those arrangements. I made the offer to Master Henry, Mistress Yenniffer and their respectful employees, first crack at the job. I also made an offer of a place for them and their families. Where that will be I am not sure but the region is wide open and filled with opportunity.
He turns his gaze to Svetlana.
Mistress Svetlana, we were able to locate some moon radishes. We brought them back per your request. We were hoping to cultivate some land near by and plant the seeds in order to grow moon radishes right here. You would have first pick of the vegetables for your personal needs and the surplus...we would like to trade to the Sootscale Kobold Tribe south of here. Proper compensation would be made above and beyond the vegetables of course. Is this something that we can come to an agreement on?
We are trying to make these arrangement to help stabilize the region and bring a bit of civility as well. The Dragon Throne will send someone to take over this region when we are finished with our task. I personally would rather have people in place that are trustworthy and have a vested interest in the well being of the land rather than someone that has been given the job for political gains or because of a surname.