Brigid busies herself with the evening chores before doing a short patrol around the immediate area. Once satisfied that there are no encampments of bandits amassing nearby, she returns to the warmth of the Leveton's home.
She retires for the evening unless something comes up.
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The group settles down to a nice evening meal with Jhod, Lana and Oleg. A savory rabbit stew and coarse black bread fill your bellies, with ale and wine to drink. Soon after the dishes are cleaned and everyone heads to the warmth of their beds.
01 Gozran, 4707 A.R.
A warm north easterly wind scuttles away any lingering rain cloud and a clear blue sky greets you as you arise. Jhod is already at the table, talking quietly with Lana as she prepares a kettle of boiled oats.
"Good morning to you all. A beautiful day Erastil has brought us, and a gift as well!"
Jhod unwraps a cloth that was sitting on the table. Within a 3 arrows, sized for a longbow. All three are of exquisite craftsmanship, and in the sunlight, the tips seem to glow slightly.
"I found them next to my quiver when I awoke this morning. Again I dreamt of the temple, but this time I could see the group who fought the evil within; it was you! These arrows are from Erastil for you to help you battle the evil within the temple."
He holds out the arrows for you to take and examine.
Brigid narrows her eyes and creases her brow as she eyes the arrows from a distance. She looks at Jhod warily as she falls back to allow others of the group inspect the gift from the Bowman.
Svetlana woke with the dawn and trotted outside to enjoy the breeze and conduct her Calistrian prayers. Perhaps still inspired by the music box she conducted a bit of a dance with her supplications. Such is the nature of prayers to the Lady of Stings; no particular time or routine defined them. Once completed she re-cast her temperature-protective magicks and headed inside for breakfast. Unarmored, she wore a dagger strapped to one thigh. Her outfit consisted of what could be called either a thin, bright yellow summer dress or negligee depending on the occasion. It certainly looked out of place in a rough trading post in early Spring, but if Svetlana was remotely bothered by the fact it did not show.
The priestess smiled as Jhod presented the arrows. A good morning to you as well sir! The words were spoken full of the friendly, slightly flirtatious tone the priestess often used, but in truth she was wary. Arrows don't just appear to people, she thought. Still, examining them seemed the thing to do. Holding out a delicate hand, Svetlana took the arrows and turned them over in her hand.
Ulryk had enjoyed the music of the small wooden box and the dancing it inspired. Svetlana was certainly more pleasing to look at then Oleg, Kent, or his mule Ragnaris. After the evening meal, Ulryk went out into the yard and continued to do some training with his sorrel horse before turning in to sleep.
Come morning Ulryk splashed some water on his face, trimmed his beard as best he could and did some morning exercises consisting of stretching, pushups and an impressive number of pullups from one of the lower rafters in the stables.
Eventually he made it to the morning meal to break his fast on boiled oats. Not yet armored, he wore simple but warm clothes today and offered a warm smile to all present. "By all accounts it is a new month, any holidays to look forward to?" He looked to both Svetlana and Jhod in this regard. Surely they would know the major holidays as they were priests.
When Jhod presented the supposedly god-gifted arrows Ulryk lifted a brow. Either the man was an excellent liar or their were powerful magics at hand. Though he was not a follower of the hunting god, he did like the idea of being a part of a prophecy. He reached forward and took one of the arrows in hand, examining it closely. Checking any similarities it might possess to anything he has previously seen.
"I am all for helping you cleanse this fallen temple. What do these arrows do?" Ulryk wanted to get on the road exploring the land of the charter soon and if the temple was within these lands they would need to get to it sooner or later anyway.
"well my birthday is the 20th of next month"
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Jhod shakes his head, still smiling. "I have no idea. All I know is they will help you defeat the spirit or whatever it is at the temple."
Oleg gets up with a grunt and heads off towards the stables muttering under his breath that he needs to 'Milk the cow'. 'Lana seems concerned, but does not follow her husband. She busies herself with cleaning up after breakfast.
Damen watched Oleg go, but paid him little mind thereafter as he inspected the arrows. As far as he was concerned, that they would go to cleanse the shrine was a foregone conclusion. "Arrows that glow, given from a god. If we are going to fight a formless mass of darkness, these would seem to be the weapons of choice! But only three... it will take a steady hand to make them count in combat." He gave a meaningful look to Brigid, but kept his peace on that point.
His lips twisted into a thoughtful frown. "I have been thinking. Canon Jhod said that the shrine lies marked with Erastil's stag-head crest. Is it possible the stag lord is himself - itself - the creature that inhabits the temple? It could explain the name and the symbolism. This may seem like a peculiar thought, but Brigid's question about the similarity, and the fact that he seems to have dominion over such a vast area, suggests he is more powerful than a mere bandit chieftain." He shrugged and banished the line of thought with a wave.
Svetlana appeared ready to provide an answer to Ulryk's question when she glanced up at Jhod's answer and their hosts' reactions. Instead of sticking around at the stable as Damen continued the party's conversation about the next steps, the priestess carefully made her way over to where Lana was cleaning up. With an open, sympathetic smile she said, I couldn't help but notice your reaction to the news Jhod brought and Oleg's leaving. I'd love to hear your concern.
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Lana smiles at the priestess, and then with a weary sigh talks.
"Oleg and I moved out to this old fort several years ago. He had been a rather successful merchant back in Restov, but had lost his first wife and their young son during a break in at his estate. He blamed the loss on society, and to some extent himself for not being there. When I met him he was heavy into drink and gambling. Most of his friends had left him and he had lost almost everything he had worked hard to create. We fell in love, though my parents were appalled by our age difference, and his many vices, but he had begun to change. He stopped drinking and gambling, and started to take an active roll in his business again. When the opportunity to move to the edge of civilization came up, he jumped at the chance. He had become withdrawn and simply wanted to retire from the world, and so we sold all our assets in Restov and moved out here. When the bandits started coming around, well you can imagine what it was like for him. His fear of losing me was so great he would have done anything to keep me safe. Now it looks like his other fear, civilization, is creeping in, and again he cannot do anything to stop it. He is a good and kind man, but I fear with all these changes, he might go back to his old ways. I'm sorry, I don't know why I am burdening you with all my troubles. You have done so much for us...well thank you seems so paltry a reward."
She keeps her head down during the entire recounting of the story, but you can see the tears silently sliding down one cheek as she speaks.
Svetlana nodded sympathetically and put a soothing hand on the woman's back. I didn't know of your husband's difficult past. I can very much see how the present situation with bandits would put him on even more of an edge. I think the most important part is to see the coming years as perhaps an emergence of the happy medium between civilization and the wilds. I suspect it will be a long time before you see a Restov around you. And for the time being the lawless bandits who have plagued you both will be dealt with. Reminding your husband of such may be the best way to set his mind at ease. Regardless, thank you for your willingness to speak with me. Along with your cooking, your openness is very much a reward!
All along, the priestess kept a confidential, hush tone with Lana to maintain privacy. She wanted to soothe the woman. In the back of Svetlana's mind though, something seemed odd with the arrows and Jhod's gift. Nevertheless she was glad nothing more came up it by Oleg and Lana. Hopefully having lifted Lana's spirits a bit, the priestess headed back to the group's table. Are we all in agreement to seek out this old temple and attempt to set things right? If so, I see no point in waiting. Let's go!
"Might as well"
Ulryk had followed Oleg out to where the man was going to milk the goat. If Oleg took a drink, Ulryk did not care or offer any words of discouragement. He enjoyed a drink or two or five himself and was not about to judge Oleg on how he wished to handle the hardships of the day. Though he knew little about what needed to be done to run the tradepost, he would offer to help out a little as he spoke to the older man.
"Oleg, I hope I am not troubling you, but I hade two matters I wanted to address with you before we depart once more. One is something which will find you profit. I have need of better armor than what I am currently in possession of." Ulryk pulled out a small folded sheath of paper and held it out to the older man. "Banded mail, with these measurements. If you could request an order for me I would be thankful. Thus far I have avoided any bad injuries, but that troll we slayed and the Owlbear we witnessed have led me to troubling thoughts. I'd rather have something stronger than four iron plates and some chain."
Ulryk looked about and made certain no one else was within hearing distance, then spoke with a quiet voice to Oleg. "You may have noticed we came into the tradepost with a new addition, the young man Toby. Well, he survived the noose, but he used to run with the bandits. We decided to give him a second chance... what are your thoughts on this? Do you recognize him from any of the raids? If you are willing to extend some trust, he might be able to help out around the tradepost, but I understand if you send him packing North. He might find a life as a footsolider in one of the Brevoy houses." Ulryk said with a shrug of his powerful shoulders.
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Oleg looks over his shoulder as Ulryk follows him into the barn. He gets down a bucket and stoll, then positions himself by one of the goats and begins to milk her.
New armor eh. Well that should not be a problem. you are bringing in enough money that I do not have to worry about you trying to stiff me for the price, or are you looking to use up some of the credit I have extended you? Either way the cost of the armor and shipping will bring you in at about 300, give or take."
As ulryk talks about the boy, Oleg seems to get uncomfortable.
"It would probably be best if he left. Dont want to have to keep watching my back to make sure he is not gonna stick a knife there..but then again a little help might be welcome. I ain't gettin any younger, and with all these visitors showing up..well maybe having the boy aroound might be worth something. Tell you what, I'll give it a try and see how I feel. Hows that?"
"Concerning Toby tiner, that's your decision. I thought it best you know his past however. There are some in our company who'd let a man do as he pleases and not care about the consequences, but I'd not want you to be caught unawares." Ulryk was willing to give Toby a chance, but while he might forgive, he wasn't likely to forget.
"As for the Armor, that sounds a fair price considering the distance from an established forge. I'll take it from our credit."
Brigid regards the arrows, and the discussion regarding them, calmly with arms folded. She arches a single eyebrow when Damen makes a pointed look at her, but otherwise keeps silent.
When the topic turns to another expedition into the Stolen Lands, she nods in agreement, and begins packing her saddlebag with a portion of the trail rations collected from the bandits. Looking over her collection of arrows, she sighs and looks for Oleg.
I vill need more arrows, sized for the long bow. Ve took many short arrows from the bandits, hopefully you can exchange them for the proper size.
[ooc]Does Oleg have a supply, or will he need to order more?[ooc]
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Oleg nods and heads back into the 'shop' and soon returns with 2 dozen longbow arrows.
"This will clear me out for the moment. I will add more to my list of supplies I will be requesting from my suppliers in Restov. Ulryk has asked for new armor. Does anyone else wish anything specially ordered? I can take the cost off your store credit, it you wish. It might take upwards a month to get the items back here, however."
"I could use some used spellbooks"
Svetlana bounded out of her room after donning her armor and gathering her gear. Anticipation and excitement shone on her face as she buttoned up her pack and secured her whip at her side. Arriving just as Oleg queried the group regarding their wants, the priestess thought for a moment. Her eyes then flashed with an idea. What about a whip? I'd love one finely made with Varisian leather, black with two yellow stripes. Oh, and instead of a regular pommel have a copy of this instead! The priestess held up her holy symbol as an example. I'd take it on store credit and wait a month as well. After it arrives I could perform a ritual with the pommel so it can act as a conduit to Calistria. Looking hopefully back at Oleg as adds almost begging, Could you do this for me, please?!
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Jhod looks to Damen and shrugs his shoulders.
"It was not until I got here and spoke to you and our hosts that I even learned about the bandit problem. I suppose it might be possible, but unlikely. I get a feeling that this evil has been festering for a very long time in the temple. I believe Erastil fears with the opening of this land that whatever evil resides within the ruined temple might cause problems for settlers. As well, I am sure he would not mind having a strong thriving presence in, what we all hope will become, a new land of promise and opportunity."
Brigid finishes packing and has Zelter saddled and out of the gate in short order. She has her traveler's cloak on and her hood up, though it is open in the front to catch the cool morning breezes.
She confers with Ulryk and Damen when they are finished with their business. Jhod's vision said the temple vas in a forest, vith a cliff face carved vith a stag. And there vas vater nearby. Ve should start by exploring these areas of rivers and forests, she points to the areas on the left side of the handmade map.
Seeing her companions in conversation, Svetlana trotted over to where Brigid, Ulryk and Damen were conferring about the travel plans. The priestess nodded as Brigid spoke. That sounds a very good idea, that way we can continue fulfilling the charter and also perhaps find this temple or even the Stag Lord's camp. Glancing at the map for a moment she adds, Let's at least head southwest to the Skunk River, and explore as we go. Then we can decide our next step, yes?
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You spend the rest of the day examining this patch of forest. The heavy undergrowth hampers your movement, and by the end of the day you are all sweaty, dirty and tired. Damen and Kent scout out a good campsite and you rig a line for the horses. Soon the evening envelops all, and only the shining stars and a half moon give light to the gloom surrounding you. The light from your campfire barely can penetrate the thick new growth, and the many sounds of insects and small animals punctuates the night.
Ulryk ties up his mule and the stallion he rode and begins to set up his tent. After unrolling his bedroll and securing it in his tent, he looks about the camp site and offers a faint smile as he begins eating some of his trail rations.
"I can take the first watch, followed by Brigid, Damen, and Leorn. That will allow Kent and Svetlana to get the necessary rest they need for their mystical arts. Does that sound agreeable?" He said simply.
Then Ulryk's gaze shifted to those he nominated for watch. "Give a loud shout immediately if trouble presents itself. These are untamed and dangerous lands and the beasts here are savage." Clearly the image of the Owlbear tearing the bandit apart in the open plains remained on his mind.
"So our rich stingy backer is staying at home, ah well at least the cause seems righteous"
Brigid nods at Ulryk's suggestion, and is asleep in short order. When it is time for her watch, she stokes the fire to increase the light, and studies the darkened woods.
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02 Gozran, 4707 A.R.
The night passed peacefully and you have a quick breakfast and head out for another day of exploration. It is another pleasant spring day, the clouds scuttling across a blue sky. A light mist has risen, but soon burns off as the day grows warmer.
It is a little past mid-day when you happen upon a open patch of meadow in the otherwise dense wood. The space is roughly arrow shaped, and you have entered at the point. Within the grassy swath you notice signs of cultivation. Straight rows of some sort of plant are easily viewed from where you stand. As you wonder about this odd patch of garden a group of 4 kobolds enter the clearing at the other end, about 120' from where the party stands. They take one looks at the group and charge with a high pitched yipping call.
I don't feel that these are worth spells. I take a half- hearted shot with my crossbow
Our big strong fighters can handle the rest. With one hand behind there back. It's too bad kobalds are to stupid to know fear.
Initiative
Recognizing the reptilian creatures and not necessarily wishing for unnecessary bloodshed he quickly growls out a command in the draconic language, a knowledge that had been passed down from his father to each of the sons of Lebeda.
""کے حوالے یا مرو! ہم آپ کے اعلی افسران ہیں. جمع کرائیں!" Spit flew from his mouth as he formed the complex words.
Brigid coolly dismounts from Zelter and stands before her horse. She selects a flight arrow, designed for increased range, and nocks it into her bow. Gauging for wind, distance, and the movement of her target, she draws back the arrow and let's fly, sending it along a high arc towards the charging enemy.
At Kent's words about Jhod, Damen gave the wizard a look askance. "What would you have him do, Kent? Jump to a life of trailblazing and adventuring? The man came far to spread Erastil's message, or prophecy, or whatever it was. Some thrive as actors," here with a gesture to Svetlana, "but others are meant to play the impresario. There is more to success in the field than wealth, after all, nice though it is." He paused to throw a few small sticks into the fire.
"In any case, it is very likely that literally everything he owned was on him. 'Wealthier than we are' does not actually say all that much."
The next day he rode along with the others, enjoying the spring day, bantering with Svetlana, comparing notes on the terrain with Brigid and Ulryk.
When the group found signs of cultivation Damen moved to dismount, but paused as he spotted the kobolds. He was about to cry out for his companions to be calm when the small creatures charged.
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Leorn's Ini:
Initiatives:
Brigid and Kent (23)
Kobolds (18)
Damen (16)
Svetlana (14)
Ulyrk (10)
Leorn (9)
Kent fires off a shot from his crossbow as the Kobolds begin to run across the open field. The bolt flies true and skewers the little beast, dropping it dead to the ground. Brigid fires a shaft at the charging beasts as well. The power of her bow propels the arrow right through the Kobold's neck, nearly decapitating it.
The two remaining Kobolds, not seeming to have even noticed their comrades gruesome deaths, continue on towards the party. Both stop about 30 feet from the party and each throws a javelin.
Kobold #1 Attack-Ranged:
Damage:
Kobold #2 Attack-Ranged:
Damage:
1=Ulryk
2=Damen
3=Svetlana
4=Kent
5=Leron
6=Brigid
Attack #1:
Attack #2:
The first javelin soars through the air and catches Brigid in the calf of her right leg (3 points damage), while the second javelin lands just in front of Kent.
Everyone else may go now.