"we would be happy to help"
Svetlana's demeanor changed noticeably as the trader's wife explained their plight. What these brigands have done to threaten your husband and yourself is hideous. Such actions can only made right through retribution. We will be your retribution. Normally friendly and flirty, Svetlana's blue eyes shone with a fevor of utmost seriousness. I assume you have no idea from where these bandits came. If I am wrong on this please let us know so we can seek them out. Otherwise we will need to wait until the next moon to take them by surprise. All we need is one prisoner to know our destination. Svetlana stood up from the table to look directly at Oleg. Sir, you will not get any soldiers from Restov. But know that your revenge will be had. This wrong will be righted.
Brigid's eyes are smoldering green embers as 'Lana tells her tale. Her face stone, she glances back and forth between Oleg and his wife during their exchange. The red-headed Issian gets a far away look for a moment, lost in a memory as she warms her hands with her mug. She nods once as the Calistrian priestess swears vengeance, and then tips the cup to her mouth.
She still stays silent, but remains a presence in the room, sitting near her impressive greatsword and the bow propped up against the wall.
Damen put his hands behind his head as Oleg and 'Lana spoke, looking pensive as they described their struggles with the bandits. He glanced at the group. Seven bandits....
He couldn't help but break into a smile at Svetlana and Kent's earnest offers of help, even Brigid's typically understated response. Odd, the way things played out. But there was no sense getting ahead of themselves.
"Whether we could seek them out or not, an ambush here is the best choice. We'll face half a dozen complacent bandits instead of two or three times that number in some other state of readiness. If they'll be coming at the next new moon... hm. That gives us a few days, I believe. Plenty of time to prepare a trap."
"Oleg and Lana would you happen to have dish soap concentrate, leather oil, rust remover, platinum -don't worry I would not use it as anything but a Catalysis- lemons, oranges, grease from obtained from washing, a large amount of urine (horse will do)*. I belive that I could use any such things to help create some rather impressive alchemical surprises for any coming bandits"
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Svetlana eyes shine with unshed tears of gratitude as the group pledges to protect them. Oleg gets up and shakes the hand of each party member. He stands straighter, as if a great weight has been removed from his shoulders.
"We cannot thank you enough! Whatever we have; food, lodging or any of our meager supplies; they are at your disposal."
After listening to the tale in full and hearing the information given, Ulryk nods and continues eating the meal laid out in front of them all. When the conversation moves to potential tactics he sets down his eating utensils, takes a long swallow of the drink provided and then breaks his silence.
"Seven bandits is no simple matter to deal with." He looks to his left and then his right, studying his companions intently. "We are six in number and while we all handled ourselves well dispatching those goblins, I suspect that the bandits will be better armed and considerably more dangerous. The element of surprise will be our best asset. I agree that we must arrange an ambush."
He focused his dark eyes on Oleg for a moment, hoping that the tradesman would be a little more helpful with information at this point then he was initially. "Do these bandits usually come within the walls of the tradepost to collect their payment? Are they mounted when they arrive? Do all enter? Or do some stay outside? Do they dismount before coming inside? What sort of supplies do you still have within your tradepost Oleg?"He paused for a moment and offered a faint smile to Oleg and his pretty young wife. "I apologize for the many questions, but we need such information to prepare with minimal risk to all involved. Do you have any barrels, nets, caltrops, or wire? Rarer items like bear traps, flash powder, and Tanglefoot bags could also be of use."
He then turned back to his companions. He ran his fingers through his hair for a moment, clearly not sure how to phrase the next request. "What sort of sorcery do we have access to? That slime Kent put under the goblins could be of use. Anything else?"
Svetlana smiled reassuringly at Oleg and his wife, trying to impart to them a confidence she herself did not fully yet feel. Ulryk is right, these bandits may be a lot for us. We'll have to take this seriously. Not an expert on tactics, the priestess quickly nodded in assent as others backed away from any plan to seek out the bandits ourselves. As the discussion shifted to supplies and particular traps, Svetlana listened intently but did not add much. Ulryk's question about magicks changed that. To be sure Kent has his own resources, and though they are different from mind I can help in the way of spells as well. Healing of course is my forte, but I also have a few abilities that can...shall we say "shift" the minds of others. One can make a man think us the best of friends, though that is best used before a fight would start. I am not unfamiliar with stealth, perhaps I could be hidden as they approach and attempt my spell that way, yes?
"one problem is that not all the bandits are going to come here in the next group therefor we ether need to make sure none get away or make sure that those who run away leave with the wrong impression. If none get away the bandits will have no idea what happened and might just think that the group was killed by wild animals. I hear it happens in these parts. Any ideas for a favorable impression we could give?"
Ulryk seemed to be a little uncomfortable with something Svetlana said. He shifted slightly in his seat and gazed at her quizzically. He looked about to say something, but closed his mouth and instead turned to Kent.
"Kent, would you be able to conjure up anything besides that slime you used on the goblins and making me grow to ten feet tall? Growing so large will hardly be useful for the element of surprise."
He gave a single nod to Kent and addressed the rest of the table. "We must be certain that no bandit leave this ambush. If they do they will inform the rest of their band and we will have a much harder time keeping Oleg and his wife safe from them."
Looking back to Svetlana, he forced himself to get over his worries about her using her goddesses powers to influence the minds of men.
"Can you stir up hatred within one of the bandits? Have them strike out at each other for preceived slights or grudges? If we can get them to fight among themselves, we will have an easier time dispatching them."
After supper, Brigid excuses herself and steps into the night. She makes her way to the upper walkway along the wall of the fort and looks out upon the lands to the south, faintly illuminated by the starlight. She breathes deep the air and tastes the faintest hint of a spring that her former home would not be experiencing for months yet. Knowing how bitterly cold her lands would still be, she doesn't flinch as the cool winds of the Stolen Lands caress her.
She closes her eyes. In her mind's eye, she is standing on a rugged hilltop, the rocks covered with lichen and low scrub. Frost clings in the valleys, and ice still covers the streams. Mountains loom in the distance, sending screaming gusts of wind so cold it stabs with ice-laden knives.
She unclasps her cloak and lets it fall, savoring the feeling of the heat leaching from her body and being carried away through the night. She draws another deep breath, and in a high voice, cries out, Heimili mitt, heimili mitt, ég bera þig í hjarta mínu! Ástin mín, ástin mín, alltaf skalt þú ganga með mér!
Svetlana watched as Brigid quietly departed the group after the meal, odd, a warrior not staying for a discussion of tactics against bandits. Perhaps she has an itch to scratch. Refocusing on the discussion, she gave a hesitant nod to Ulryk's queries regarding Calistria's gifts. The Goddess blesses me primarily with effects that can enhance our abilities, or degrade those of our enemies. Effects that deceive the mind may be possible as well, but stronger minds can resist them. With a coy laugh she adds, Bandits, alas, aren't well-known for their strong minds!
Looking back to Oleg and Lana she says, Ulryk's questions about what the bandits do when they arrive are important. Do they come in the same way each time? Or do they expect you to meet them outside? Anything you can say about their approach can possibly help. Ways in which they have varied off their usual behavior can help too. Have they always shown up with the moon or have they ever been off by several days? Again, any details you haven't mentioned can be of great aid.
"I noticed that there were two set of stairs leading up to the ramparts near to the entrance way. If we could scrounge up enough barrels or logs, we could roll them down the stairs once the bandits enter. It will likely throw them off balance and could serve to block their retreat as well." Ulryk said after a moment.
"I would hesitate to use any oil or fire, for fear of it spreading to the walls and being beyond our means to control."
"alright so non-flammable grease. We can cover the upper stairs with it for them to fall down them"
Damen stood and stretched. Too long in the saddle lately - he wasn't used to it after the winter months, and his body was making the usual complaints. "I admit I haven't explored the fort thoroughly, but as far as I recall the stairs are on the ramparts and lead up to the towers. I spied a ladder leading up to the walls, but I may have overlooked other stairs."
He paused to think. With his thumb and forefinger he caressed the skin above his lips, not yet rife enough with stubble to justify being called a mustache. "I have some experience fighting bandits, and it is probably worth mentioning that they don't have the same discipline as soldiers. When they are clearly outclassed they may well surrender."
"If we can lure the bandits inside, we can close the gates and kill their leader. Particularly if you can put some kind of magic, even illusory, archers on the walls to give the appearance that we outnumber the bandits, Kent, or you, Svetlana, the rest may simply surrender. A minimum of bloodshed and risk to ourselves and our good hosts," he said with a nod to Oleg and 'Lana.
"In the worst case," he added, "Their leader would be dead and we would have the upper hand."
I pipe in. "I am a good archer and have the spell silent image that can be really deceptive. If any of those assets will prove useful in the coming battle. I can also inspire others to do better. Just tell me what I have to do."
Brigid returns after some time, face flush with the cold. She had apparently taken off her cloak outside, and her long braid is frayed from the wind. Her errand outside seems to have taken the edge off her, and she seems a bit more at peace. She accepts another mug of cider.
She takes a seat facing the group, but set slightly apart. She listens closely, and nods a time or two, but does not comment on the planning unless asked directly.
"We can have two of our members in hiding, with the objective of closing the doors to the fort once the bandits come within. Likely the bandits will spread out and search the fort, looking for goods to plunder that they suspect Oleg might have hid. Placing two archers on the walls would be useful once battle begins and allow us to take a shot at any who might somehow retreat. Any illusions of additional forces could be of use as well. Intimidation and surprise may be our best recourse. We could have the rest of us hide in the buildings and take out the bandits who enter piecemeal. It will be a tough conflict, but necessary." Ulryk looked over each of his companions, considering who would be best served for what function. He looked between Damen and Brigid for a few long moments and then spoke again.
"It would seem to me that Brigid and Svetlana could slip to the doors and close them when the bandits enter and begin splitting up. With Brigid's great sword and Svetlana's whip, they should be able to dispatch any bandit that tries to make it back to the gate. On the ramparts, we should place Areanna and Damen. Both are good with a bow and should be able to rain fire upon those who resist. Plus Areanna can create illusionary archers as backup."
"I do not think it wise to leave Kent unguarded, so he can accompany me and hide in Oleg's house or the stables, where we will dispatch the bandits that enter. How does this plan sound?" He said and after a moment added. "On second thought, the guest house would be the best place for me and Kent, as it is closest to the gate if either group gets into trouble. We can use a wagon and other supplies near the entrance for the ladies to hide behind."
Casting a glance to Oleg he took a deep breath and then exhaled. "This is a risky venture. Will you be able to get to safety once the ambush is sprung and can your wife remain hidden during all this?"
during the 7 days I set turning household supplies into alchemical supplies and equipment.
Other than continued queries over the evening to Oleg and Lana regarding the bandits' behavior when they come to the trading post, Svetlana offers little additional input regarding ambush planning. Having no personal experience or training in such matters, this stance likely hardly surprises others in the group.
Over the course of the days prior to the bandit attack, however, the priestess becomes clearly bored and a bit restless. She actively avoids Kent's alchemical endeavors, what IS he doing in there, that smell is horrible! and with no one new to meet she wiles away some time strolling around the outpost environs. Some time is spent sifting through any clothing items that might be of interest, but a practical trading post likely holds few fashionable finds. Otherwise she checks in with the party members, the trader and his wife to see what they are up to. Ulryk's horse training seems a bit more interesting than most, but nothing seems to hold her attention for long.
Brigid assents to Ulryk's plan and agrees to his placement of her and Svetlana. Seeing how the doors swing inward, it should not be difficult to remain behind them relatively unseen. In preparation, she'll test the strength needed to swing each door shut. If either one shows resistance, she'll try using some tallow or any of Kent's concoctions to grease the hinges. She'll take the side of whichever one is the harder to push, if there's a difference.
She only has one suggestion. I do not think ve should vait for the bandits to spread out to search the fort. Keep them in the killing field in the center of the keep. Areanna, could your illusion be large enough to cover someone? Make a large pile of goods, perhaps a vagon, and let Ulryk stand vithin. Let their greed lure them in, and then ve strike.
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Hey..did you read the section on crafting? I really do not want to put a fly in the ointment, so to speak, but you need an alchemist kit. Now before you cry foul, as Kent rages about the lack of proper tools and such, 'Lana mentions an old hermit not but half a days ride from the trading post who makes potions and such. His name is Bokken. He sometimes sells potions to Oleg for resale to trappers and the like. She can give you the general directions to his daub and wattle hut. He should have the equipment you might need, as she remembers him purchasing "special" equipment a few years ago on special order from Oleg.
Oh, and we will keep that roll for your craft roll...no sense in wasting such a good one!!
[Period of ranting] "no torch....no bunsen burner....no even a glass vials.....hell there's not even any proper measuring equipment" [/Period of ranting]
"sigh, It would seem that although the raw materials for alchemical crafting are here the tools to make them useful are not here. However Lana has mentioned that there is a old hermit by the name of Bokken who lives, but half a day from here who might have the tools would anyone care to come with me on the bold and daring quest?"
"incidentally Lana do you or Oleg have anything you would like us to get well we're out?"
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Oleg looks to 'Lana, who nods her head. He disappears back into the main house, and when he returns he has a small pouch.
"I know it is not much, but if it can help you get supplies that will help with defeating these bandits, then it is yours!"
In the pouch are a number of uncut gemstones, as well as a nugget of gold about the diameter of the first joint of your little finger.
"Bokken has dealt fair with us all these years. He will give you a good price for these items. I hope it is enough to get what you need."
I hand them back to him.
"You have only just met me letting me use kitten supplies is one thing, but gems we haven't even beaten any of the bandits yet this isn't the part where you start throwing treasure at me that comes after we do our job and then only if we do it well! I have doubts that we would even need any fancy alchemical support to beat some bandits that aren't expecting us. Save that for a rainy day when things are actually looking bad. Sorry about being grumpy"
[heroic pose]
Damen listened to Ulryk's proposal thoughtfully, and when it was finished he offered a rebuttal. "Brigid, yes, a good choice to engage the bandits directly; but I am less convinced of the wisdom in placing Svetlana there. If you'll forgive me saying so, Lady..." He scratched his stubbled cheek sheepishly, "You may, ah... face some struggles with the gates. Unless the hinges are properly crafted, they look like they demand a fair bit of physical strength to close. And your leathers may not be sufficient to stand against bandits more properly equipped than our more recent foes."
He frowned at the thought. Brother Sullen - his real name, he cheerfully assured the skeptical - had held his own against Gorz's men in a fight, Damen's only other experience with a priest in combat, but even having seen her against the goblins the image was less willing to form when it came to Svetlana. He wondered if his experience with her magic was causing him to underestimate her.
He shook his head a little to clear the stray thoughts. Clearing his throat, he continued. "Likewise, I'm an able bowman, but I don't fancy the thought of firing into a melee. Instead, I should take Svetlana's place there. I'd suggest that I stand behind one door and Brigid behind the other, to serve as one half of our pincer. Ulryk, Kent, and Svetlana serve as the other with their magics, perhaps hiding in the stable. On the wall, Areanna can create some illusionary bowmen or a pile of goods and use her own bow to fight. It leaves her slightly exposed, but Brigid's... killing field should keep Areanna safe if we close the trap properly."
He shrugged and rolled his shoulders. "It makes sense to me. I'm prepared to find I've overlooked something, though."
Svetlana nodded in assent at Damen's revised plan. I can certainly assist in this fight, but the gentleman ranger is correct: I don't cherish the opportunity to be face-to-face with many of them. Perhaps I can be hidden behind the corner of the guest house, near where the table is, yes? That way my magic, and perhaps my whip, can be brought to bear.
I ready my bow nervous at the thought of doing battle with other men. My body trembling the with the anticipation of the coming conflict. I move to a position where I am not up front but am within thirty feet of the most companions.
Brigid readies her great two-handed sword, but while she keeps it at hand, she takes her bow out and strings it. Looking at Damen, she states, I can loose two arrows in the time it takes me to sving once. If ve surprise them, ve may be able to finish it quickly.
She is ready to take up her position.
"bit of a shame that most of my offensive magic is very close range(30ft or so) "
"I would feel so much safer up on the walls"
Damen nods to Brigid. "We can close the gates and loose an arrow or two, then into the fray." He smiles, a bit wolfishly, and with a wink he adds "I'll bet I can take down more than you can."
Brigid narrows her eyes icily, though the beginnings of a sly smile touching the corners of her mouth lead you to believe the challenge has been accepted.
Damen really does bring home the bacon. Kent (with the help of lana or the other way round) cooks it up.
-penalty
-penalty
-penalty
-penalty
It would seem that skill with alchemy does not translate that well to cooking, but I hope Lana liked the help.
I make sure to store the fat and grease produced for future refining.