:: Sarenith 6 - Evening - Assault on the Stag Lord's Fort ::
As the owlbear presses its attack, the person covered in rags with a sword runs towards it picking up a rock and throwing it at the owlbear, distracting the owlbear by beaning it in the side of the head.
The blows from Andreas and Kazmuk are true and Rillka's snowball freezes and blasts the beast backward, causing it to fall down the stairs and shatter into pieces.
As the frozen owlbear begins to thaw, Rillka, Kazmuk, Andreas, and Gird find themselves looking down at a poorly dressed and even more poorly equipped person... who helped them against the owlbear.
.
Rhavi finds herself looking up at four heavily armed strangers who just froze an owlbear to death.
As the owlbear falls over, the young half-elf woman takes a few steps towards it, looking visibly relieved.
She looks up and smile at the four armored people on the stairs. As she sees them looking suspiciously at her, she looks down at the sword in her hand, realising how it could look to them and quickly drops it to the ground, raising her hands up in the air
"Don't... Please don't hurt me! I'm not one of them, I'm not one of the bandits, please help me get out of here! I've been their prisoner for weeks, I was kept in a cage next to the owlbear! They have been beating me dail! The Orcs sold me to them. They attacked us! I was travelling with a caravan to get to a trading post. Oleg's trading post. They.. They killed the guards and took the rest of us prisoners. They sold me like... like a sack of flour or or or a dog or something. I was coming here to offer my help to a group of people trying to make this area safe."
The woman keeps rambling until someone interrupts her, clearly in a bit of chock after her ordeal, not daring to look directly at the four people.
Andreas looks down the steps as the creature tumbles down them into pieces. His gaze moves from the dead beast to the rock and then to the woman. He looks her up and down scrutinizing her. When he is satisifeied that she is who she says she is, The tall night waves here up as he looks past her.
My lady it is safer up here behind us and I strongly suggest you make haste. A name would suffice for now but later we will talk of your past.
He turns to the others.
Do we have any healing to spare for her? This changes things but I think we should continue. We have a momentum going right now and they have to be worried if they sent that creature out at us.
and again he returns his visage towards the area from which the creature came from.
Ravhi....if it comes to it...are you able to fight?
The young woman lights up in a big smile at the knight's words.
"Thank you! And sorry, my name is Rhavaniel,or Rhavi for short. I don't need healing, I'm okay, the wounds are superficial. I can fight, but not well with this sad thing"
She picks up the sword and moves up the stairs, behind the others.
"There are more of them inside. 7, including their leader, a guy they call the Stag Lord. Meanest a+&+!#$ I've ever meet! Sorry. Didn't mean to swear. Getting beaten for a couple of weeks does that to you. He sent me out here to find out what was going on. They saw blood seeping through the ceiling. All of the others was to scared. He told me to come back with the head of either you, the guards or the owlbear.
She pauses for a second.
"How many did you kill out here? There have been 10 in total over the last couple of days, so there should be 3 out here. Are they all dead? If they are, I could take one of them in with me, try to create a diversion. I only know of the entrance over there..."
She points back where she came from (z1/z5)
"...as that was the only room I was in, but there was something in the back, probably some other rooms. I don't know if there is an entrance you could use. Have you been over there? If not, you would have to come in the same way as I came out"
Seven you say....we took out a total of four so far.
His words are directed towards the whole group.
I think we can end this today and right now. If they are scared...then they may not support him at this time. We can call him out and deal with him alone...unless he has recruited any new lieutenants, only Dovan from Nisroch, a dark, tattooed figure should be left. Auchs is dead and Akiros has found redemption. I can see Dovan standing beside the Stag Lord. The others will falter once their leader falls.
Maybe a sense motive roll for the stag Lord accepting a challenge?
Rillka bristles at Rhavi's tale of being sold, it is not hard to understand her reaction.
He would not fight honorably, Tall Folk, so lets not offer. If you say we can finish this. Lets go and do! Rillka looks specifically to Rhavi and adds, Together!
Rillka bristles at Rhavi's tale of being sold, it is not hard to understand her reaction.
He would not fight honorably, Tall Folk, so lets not offer. If you say we can finish this. Lets go and do! Rillka looks specifically to Rhavi and adds, Together!
I do agree that he will not fight with honor. Tis true but the others may have felt there was no other option. We can offer a better life for them if they surrender.
He looks to Rhavi.
Are all seven of them together or are the scattered in other parts of the fort?
"They were together in the same part of the cave when I last saw them. The gate to the owlbear's cage was made in such a way that when it opened up, it cut off the rest of the cave so the bandits could stand safely while it moved outside. I could see them all when they threw me out here, but I can't say if they have moved further in. I've only ever been in that one room with the cage."
Nodding at Gird.
Thank you and I agree. It looks like this is going to end tonight. I am still injured from the initial contact.
He looks to Rhavi for a moment.
All together you say.
Andreas climbs down a few steps and stabs his swords into the ground. He then bends over and picks up a piece of the owlbear's head. Tossing the piece in the air to judge its weight, the large man throws it back into the area from whence the creature came from.
He grabs his weapon again and gets behind his shield.
Kazmuk reaches for his wand so he can heal Andreas before the final confrontation. To Rhavi, he adds. "I have a heavy crrossbow... can ye use it?"
I take the crossbow from Kazmuk
"You point it at the bad guys, right? At least I have a chance of hitting something this. Thank you"
:: Sarenith 6 - Evening - Assault on the Stag Lord's Fort ::
a deep voice barks from inside the fort as three bandits appear to your south through a doorway, two with swords and shields, one with a bow.
The arrow shoots flatly at Andreas, nearly striking him in the throat. He can feel blood pour down his neck from where the fletching grazed him.
Rillka moves down behind the fallen debris and switches wands. Pulling out her Burning Hands wand and preparing to use it on the gathered bandits.
I lift my borrowed crossbow and take aim at the closest of the bandits (blue) while mumbling to myself
"Perfect setup for one of my bombs and of course I don't have my stuff!
I take the shot
"Keep a lookout to the right to, they could try and come at us from two sides"
While reloading the crossbow, I'll keep an eye out for anyone coming from the opening I came out off.
Andreas moves across the door way and to the side as the arrow comes at him. He does not even inspect his wound.
Who am I...I am nobody. Just a simple man trying to make life a little better for those that call this area home. I on the other hand know all about you. Your famous...
To the others that are still alive. You have a chance to live. Think long and hard about what you next action will be. Others have chosen poorly. The orcs are no more, the guards in the towers are no more, Auchs is dead, the man you know as Akiros is also gone. Your list of allies grows thin. Only one lieutenant remains...Dovan.
Ah yes...Dovan. Where is Dovan of Nisroch...DOVAN...come out and play. That is if you are not too busy shoving booze down the Stag Lords throat. I have heard that you like him drunk. He becomes sloppy and just a little too trusting of his friend Dovan. That is until you stick a dagger in his back. Makes it easier to take the power for yourself.
Kazmuk moves to the other side of the large debris, raising his shield.
:: Sarenith 6 - Evening - Assault on the Stag Lord's Fort ::
As Andreas' words flow through the fort, Rhavi's crossbow fires and strikes one of the bandits, eliciting a yelp.
The bandits near the door drop back, not liking being in the line of fire, and no other movement can be seen.
One of the bandits shouts at Andreas through the door, "Jus' be on yer way! Endin' this ain't worth yer life!"
Andreas keep his eyes moving around looking for the enemy to try and come at him from a different location.
You do understand I can just have our mages toss a few fireballs inside and call it a night. Burning to death is not something I recommend. I'll tell you what I will do. I will give you some options. Surrender, come out and we will show you mercy. Give us the Stag Lord's head and we will be on our way. You can fight us which I do not recommend. Then there is burning to death. I will give you a few seconds to think it over before we start lighting up the night sky.
Andreas turns his head away from the entrances to talk behind him. His voice travels away from the bandits as if he was giving commands to another group.
Make sure our units are ready to run down any runners and prepare to burn it down.
He turns his voice back towards the bandits.
One...
Two...
Three...
Rillka pulls the scroll of Flaming Sphere from her gear - not exactly fireball; but may be impressive none the less!
I grab a new bolt and start reloading the crossbow while keeping an eye out for anyone coming from the other opening.
Still keeping his shield high, Kazmuk presses forward, moving through the door to keep the bandits in sight.
:: Sarenith 6 - Evening - Assault on the Stag Lord's Fort ::
As Rillka and Rhavi prepare spells and arrows, Andreas voice carries through the rain into the fort. As his words settle over the bandits, he can see worry etch their faces and their bodies begin to slacken as they whisper to each other.
Kazmuk pushes into the fort, and only sees the three bandits, no Stag Lord, Dovan, or other bandits that Rhavi had mentioned.
The bandit that spoke before shouts at Kazmuk and Andreas, "Wha' mercy ya speaken o'? Mercy of the sword in place o' the noose? We spit on that! Freedom an' we can walk away? We will lay down our arms. But come no closer!" Both Andreas and Kazmuk believe the man to be extremely earnest.
The three bandits back up again. As Kazmuk watches them he notices that behind them there is a wet spot on the floor, and as lighting flashes he can see a crack of light under part of what should be a wall.
Andreas steps inside, his shield up still but his weapon down low and ready. Freedom....Tell us where the stag lord went...
he looks around the area quickly.
...and dovan as well.
Then you can drop your weapons and run. I would think long and hard on your life choices since becoming a bandit. Use this opportunity to better yourself.
If you are willing, go to Olegs and pledge you allegiance to our cause and building a legitimate future here! Rillka call out loudly.
Akiros found his path, so may you... This she says softly, not to be heard above the winds and rains, but from her heart.
She turns back to Rhavi and waves for her to join Rillka behind the barricade.
Finishing reloading the crossbow, I move up to Rillka as she waves me forward.
"We need to keep an eye on the other opening, so they don't flank us" I whisper to Rillka as I settle in
Kazmuk stops where he is, giving the men the opportunity to do as they've said. He still is suspicious of them, so he keeps his shield up.
Rillka nods to Rhavi, I will warn you if thing change ahead.
:: Sarenith 6 - Evening - Assault on the Stag Lord's Fort ::
The lead man throws down his weapons, and the other two follow suit."The Stag Lord an' Dovan went out this 'ere back door. We're gone that way too an' hoofing it."
The three maybe ex-bandits turn and run toward the wet spot Kazmuk noticed and push into the wall, throwing open a thick heavy door and rushing through it.
To your knowledge, there are still 3 bandits plus the Stag Lord and Dovan at large and armed.
Andreas looks to the others as he follows the fleeing bandits.
This could be a trap so be prepared.
His voice is determined as he raise his shield to follow.
Rillka taps Rhavi and motions for them to follow Andreas.
I look at Rillka as she taps my shoulder and follow her after Andreas.
Kazmuk nods to Andreas, actually thinking exactly the same. He also raises his shield and follows along with the nobleman.
:: Sarenith 6 - Evening - Assault on the Stag Lord's Fort ::
Everyone hustles toward the formerly hidden door, entering what looks like two sleeping quarters. The further sleeping quarter has numerous empty bottles in it and smells of alcohol.
In the closer room, choice piles of gear are scattered about, and Rhavi notices that her equipment is among them. Quickly moving over to it Rhavi begins to reequip herself.
Looking out the door it looks and sounds as if the bandits truly did flee.
As everyone gets into the room, Gird sees a part of the floor lift up and a decrepit old man stumbles out, dressed in naught but a moldy robe. "Why can you not deal with this racket already!" The man bellows, anger in his eyes. The mans hands flash in a quick gesture while he recites a cant.
As the magic flashes, a giant ant appear in front of Gird and charges him. Gird is quick however and keeps out of the creatures jaws.
Andreas knows he can not reach the greater threat and decides to take out the immediate threat.
Get the caster
to identify the spell.
Ibhola Leqhwa! Rillka hurls a Snowball at the ant, hoping to protect Gird as the group deals with this new foe.
as Ranged touch attack
+DC 14 Fort save or be staggered for 1 rd
Kazmuk rushes to Gird's side, swinging his hammer at the ant.
"My stuff!"
I quickly dive in to get it. I pick up my sword and put it on before grabbing my backpack (the handy haversack), puling out an alchemist kit.
I look at my armor for a second, deciding if I got time to put it on, but eventually decide against it.
"That was better! Now I don't feel so....naked"
As I hear the old man appear and sees the ant he conjured, I step out where I can see the old man, while mixing a bomb and throws it at him.
"Ahh, that felt good"
:: Sarenith 6 - Evening - Assault on the Stag Lord's Fort ::
Gird plunges a blade into the ant killing after Andreas and Kazmuks blows land.
Rhavi and Rillka blast the Old Man, though he doesn't seem too concerned as he cackles under the elements assaulting him.
As the spell and bombs effects fade, three new bandits appear at the main entrance. "We found 'em!" one shouts as the rear two loose arrows at Rhavi. One arrow flies over Rhavi's head, while other narrowly misses her torso as she twists out of the way. As she turns to dodge the arrows, Rhavi feels a string of pops and searing pain up her ribs from a torn muscle.
"That girl sided with them! Get her!"
The Old Man chants again, light flashing and swarm of spiders appear around Gird, Kazmuk, and Andreas. The man quickly runs out into the night once the spell is complete. The spiders crawl all over Andreas, Kazmuk and Gird, biting them under their armour.
Kazmuk moves towards the bandits and raises his shield, trying to put himself between them and Andreas, who is more wounded. "Ye should surrrenderr as vell!"
Rilka adjusts her equipment, drawing out the wand of burning hands and stowing away the scroll as she moves up behind Kazmuk.
If they stay bunched up I will hit them with a fan of fire in a moment She says to the dwarf.
Andreas moves forward to stand beside Kazmuk. He nods at the dwarf and...
Together
His leans in towards the cleric, bringing his shield in close to give them a small wall to stand behind. He looks to the bandits.
You really think your lives are worth that little that you would remain loyal to the Stag Lord. You know as well as I do that he cares nothing for you. He rules by fear. We let the others go and they are still alive. Drop your weapons and you can also walk away. Your choice. Leave now, live another day and maybe you can find a second chance at a better life. Stay...and die.
As Gird and Andreas moves away from the spiders, I reach in to my backpack and pull out a flask of acid (move action because of handy haversack) and throws it just far enough away so I doesn't hit myself (the square north east of Gird)
+3 splash damage to all adjacent squares
:: Sarenith 6 - Evening - Assault on the Stag Lord's Fort ::
Rillka, Kazmuk, and Andreas move to address the bandits to the north.
Gird rushes south, "I'll track the Stag Lord! We can't let him escape!"
As Gird leaves the spider swarm behind, Rhavi slams a vial of acid into it, destroying all the spiders.
In answer to Andreas' offer, two of the bandits fire their bows while the third charges. The arrows are easily ignored, while Andreas keeps the charging man at bay.
Andreas attacks the bandit with a bit of remorse.
You have made your choice known.
He glances to the others.
Take them down.