"I have some faculty with disguises, should we select that approach. Though it may be hard to misdirect from my small stature. I do fit in small places, naturally, should we be delivering some sort of offering. He taps the pommel of his little rapier. "I might make an effective surprise to unwrap. Just make sure I can breathe..."
Seeing that everyone more or less seems on board with the plan, Darian says ”Very well. At dawn, we ride for the Stag Lord’s Fort! Everybody grab whatever you need to be a bit less recognizable, just in case, and I’ll put together some stuff to add to the pile as ‘tribute.’”
Darian then goes and buys some furs from Oleg with the group fund to add to their ruse of an offering. He also asks their gracious host if he would be willing to watch over both his personal coin as well as the groups coin while they were away. ”Should something happen to us, I’d rather it ended up with you and Svetlana rather than thieves,” he says with a smile and handshake. Once night approaches, he chats with anyone who feels like talking over dinner. Then, he goes to bed that night, holding Isabel tightly in his arms.
__________
Darian slips out of bed, and changes his clothes from those he had been using for their explorations for his traveling clothes. He tucks his potions away as best he could in less-than-obvious places, and gets his armor and other gear donned.
He then goes out to the walls of Oleg’s fort, and stands on the walkways, looking out to the south towards their destination as the sun slowly began to rise.
Once everyone is sorted you set off. Disguises in place you travel quickly and easily southward. Finding the Stag lords fort is easy, chosen more for defense then secrecy it stand atop a small hill with good views over the approaches.
A narrow path of hard-packed earth winds up the hillside approaching the Stag Lord’s fort—this path is 30 feet wide, 300 feet long, and provides no cover. The remaining hillside surrounding the fort is a swath of hill devoid of shrubbery save for isolated thorny vines, but periodic large boulders provide better cover for a stealthy approach. If you observe the fort from the cover of more heavily vegetated hills 300 feet away, you note that the guards who stand at watch don’t seem to keep much of an attentive eye on the hillsides.
Studying the fort at a distance, Darian mutters to his companions ”They seem unconcerned about the hillsides. Either they are trapped in some way, or they have another means of defense from those directions. Or...they are just bad at their jobs.”
He shifts in his saddle, ”Even so, I see no reason not to go with our original plan. If we get inside, everyone pair up and begin getting a feel for the place. Then, we find a way to reconvene and make a true plan of attack once we have the true number of enemies and layout, or, if all else fails, Jory uses the Thunderstone and we make our move then.”
Darian thinks a moment before adding, ”Jory with Freya, Lisl and myself, and Josef with Isabel,” he says apprehensively. Looking to Josef, he adds ”You’ve done a fine job keeping her safe so far. I trust you will continue to do so, my friend.”
Once everyone is ready, he clicks for his horse to lead the way as he puts the Stag Lord Amulet around his neck so it is clearly visible. He leads the others ahead up the path, and at a reasonable distance away, he holds his hands up to show he means no harm. He repeats the pass phrase in his head, making sure he has it right...
By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?
By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?
By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?
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Isabel rides just behind Darian, her hair a deep chestnut colour thanks to liberal use of a dye concocted with Svetlana and applied regularly on the journey south.
As Darian reigns in, stag amulet visible around his neck, Isabel stand in her stirrups and calls out. "We're here from Kessle. She sent us with the tribute. We managed to get some more of the good stuff for the boss too!"
Darian turns to Isabel, saying firmly ”You forgot the passphrase!”
He then turns back to the guards on the wall and calls out, ”By the Bloody Bones of St. Gilmorg, who wants to know?“
He then turns and pulls forward the pack of loot. He opens it for the men to see, ”Furs from the old man, a statue of a jade lass, a ring of silver, and some booze from some traders we came across, plus a fancy drinkin’ mug to enjoy it in!” he adds with a chuckle.
Your ruse works like a charm. The gates are opened and you ride in as the bandits gather to see the new arrivals.
When news of the stock of alcohol is given the Stag lord himself stumbles from his room at the back of the fort, blinking blearily at you through the dramatic helm which gives him his name.
He sweeps up the alcohol with greed and orders one of his lieutenants Akiros to give you each a 20gp bonus before he staggers back to his room.
There are seven bandits around the fort, and the three lieutenants. While the named Akiros is rolling his eyes in disgust at the Stag lords actions he pays you the bonus.
The other two lieutenants stick to one side, a hulking brute of a man listening to the other, a more dangerous looking man, who is eyeing you thoughtfully. "I didn't know Kressle had picked up any woman?" He says slyly. Looking over Isabel, Freya & Lisl.
What are you doing now?
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"There's a reason we prefer to stay out with her!" Isabel responds, eyeing the man with disdain. "We find there are more gentlemen out there. And Kressle agrees with me about the best way to keep men's thoughts from wandering." She gestures to his crotch and makes a snipping gesture with her fingers. "No problems after that!" Her grin is utterly wicked.
Having dismissed the dangerous one she turns to Akiros, the second in command who seems to disapprove of his master. "So, Akiros. You seem like a gentleman. Show me around?" For him Isabel turns on the charm, trailing her fingers lightly down his arm.
Darian turns to face the other two fellows who seem to be of authority. ”Nice set up ya have here. We’ve never had the privilege of coming to the base before. And don’t mind her, sirs, she likes to talk,” Darian says throwing his head back Isabel’s way.
He gives the reigns of his horse a tug and asks ”There some place specific we should tie these off at? Wouldn’t want ‘em dropping their s@+%s somewhere folks will be walking regular.”
Lisl, meanwhile, stays quiet, her head raised, her manner aloof. In other words, business as usual - though in this case it just makes her come off as a cold b%^&*.
Freya raises an eyebrow as she looks around the fort, taking in its features with Fenrir obediently sitting at the Ulfen woman's heel and Muninn perched atop her left shoulder.
The two men Darian is speaking to are the other two lieutenants. The hulking brute is named Auchs and isn't really capable of holding an intelligent conversation. He just blinks in confusion when spoken to.
The other is a much nastier type, Dovan from Nisroch is his name. He throws a poisonous look at Isabel's back when she snipes at him. Though it is clear that Akiros is getting his share of the dislike. "Put yer nags over there." He indicates the NW corner of the fort by the Z3B watchtower.
Freya you note the bandit on watch in the Z3A watchtower matches the description of Falgrim Sneeg given to you by Kesten. Aside from the men on watch the other bandits are gathered in Z5, lounging around a camp fire and relaxing. Though there are many thoughtful looks at the new arrivals. Especially the women.
Isabel, Akiros gives you a wary look when you approach him. "There isn't much more to see." He says casually. "The only room is held by the Stag lord himself. And since you bought him some alcohol he'll soon be unconscious. All that's left is the basement, and that's off limits by order of the Stag lord." He doesn't seem to be that happy to have the attentions of a beautiful woman?
Time passes a little more. The Bandits are curious about what has been happening further north? And happy to receive any news you have. It's clear that Akiros is second in command. Something that definitely angers Dovan.
What are you doing now?
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Isabel, in a comparatively unobserved moment, whispers to Josef. "I'm having no luck with Akiros. He doesn't seem to like me much - perhaps you'll have more luck."
After a time of sitting by the campfire, deflecting bandits attentions, Isabel uses a more crude remark than most as an excuse to 'storm off', hoping someone will catch on and come find her.
”There’s a band of trouble makers showed up and keeps harassing our group. It’s reallly pissing Kressle off, but she keeps saying that she can ‘handle it herself’.” She told us not to mention it to the boss on this trip, but I know who the real bosses are,” giving Dovan a meaningful look. ”We’ve only been able to get loot from Old Man Oleg when they are out roaming the wilds.”
When Isabel storms off, Darian plays up his frustration and says to Dovan, ”She fancies herself as Kressle’s favorite. I better go and see that she doesn’t go snitching to her, unless I have to deal with Kressle’s axes when we get back...” he says before getting up and following after Isabel.
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Once well away from the rest of the bandits Isabel turns to see Darian following her. "Akiros said the Stag Lord will drink himself to sleep. If I use the scroll I can get inside and make his passing quick. The question is how do we subdue the rest? I think Akiros might not be trouble - he seems to have no love for this life. What about the others?"
As the group ties off their mounts in the area indicated by Dovan, Jory mutters a comment about stones and hooves. He kneels down to worry at his pony’s foot, hoping the bandits will lose track of him as the rest of the group wanders back towards the officers, leaving him in a flanking position.
”Try and see if Jory will. He could possibly slip inside and out without notice. We may need your magic to subdue the rest. Dovan seems to dislike Akiros being the second man here. And that big fella will be rough in a fight, but he likely will prove useless against your spells. And I expect Dovan to be the type to not be repentant in his crimes...so he won’t surrender without a fight I’d wager. But the rest...they might yield once the leadership is removed. Now, when we go back, make it seem like I’ve cowed some of your spirit, I had to say I was doing something along those lines to give me an excuse to slip out to talk.”
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"In which case!" Isabel grins and gives Darian a rousing open-handed slap on his cheek. "Now grab me and make sure it looks rough!" She says, tousling her hair. Looking across to where she last saw Jory she points and whispers a message, making sure to include Darian and anyone else she can in the effect. "Jory. I'm leaving the scroll here. Use it for the boss. Signal us when you're done. Five minutes!" Hopefully that's clear enough.
When towed back to the camp by Darian Isabel looks thoroughly put out. Once Darian lets her go she shoots an evil look at him and goes to sit next to Auchs. "So Auchs. You must be very strong! What do you like to do here?" As the big one falls into conversation Isabel smiles at him and tries to coax his perception of her into friendship.
Freya continues to scan the fort, waiting for things to inevitably to go south.
Josef sits back on his horse, scowling at the bandits as they start the various games of domination. He laughs at Dovan as his open desire is met with threat. "Men have died trying to break some mares. You need to more careful."
Josef tends to the animals, smiling at Dovan's discomfort. If anyone pushes to challenge Isabel, I'll need to step in or they'll soon find out that she and Darian are leverage against each other. We can't afford to arm them like that.
Noting Jory's attempt to hide behind the animals, Josef moves them about a bit, trying to provide more cover for the disappearing act.
After finishing with the horses, Josef wanders back out into the fort, wandering amongst the men. "So, I guess we know how the Stag Lord passes time. How do you fill your time? Nobody can want to clean pots all the time. There's gotta be something fun to do around here?"
While working on avoiding a direct path, Josef is working his way towards Akiros. Maybe if I take the angle that I'm looking to move up the chain, start working for somebody with actual power and authority, but not that blunt . . ..
Having knowledge of the cantrip himself, Jory immediately recognizes Isabel's whispered message, and casually retrieves the scroll.
He returns to beyond the milling horses. Jory checks that he is beneath the line of sight of the tower guards and recites the spell. Seeing the spell take effect, he makes off with some haste to the rear area of the fort, searching for entry into the Stag Lord's rooms and fingering the Thunderstone nervously...
-----
Lisl keeps quiet and helps with unloading and moving supplies (the "bait," such as it is). She takes note of Dovan's naked thirst for Isabel and instead focuses on chatting about recent news of the north with other bandits, since they seem so interested in that. Of course, there's not much to tell, so she focuses primarily on the rumors of unrest in Restov. "Could be good for us," she adds. "If they're busy with a civil war, there'll be nobody looking for trouble down this way."
Jory you make the Stag lords room without being noticed. The room is dimly lit and stinks of both alcohol and unwashed human. The Stag lord is sprawled unconscious on his bed, still wearing his helm. Several of the bottles your party bought lay empty beside the bed.
Finding himself alone in the Stag Lord's lair, Jory can feel the sweat running down his arm and hand, onto the pommel of his Aldori Dueling blade. The man himself, large, hairy, altogether unappealing and worthy of his poor reputation, lays sprawled out before him. And yet, a strange thing, now, to hesitate.
He thought of Darian dispensing justice in the Greenbelt without fail, despite how it had clearly taxed him. He would not let his party down in the face of a much greater evil than those common thugs.
He began to draw the dueling blade. No. I won't so soil this steel... Instead, he quietly slipped his primed crossbow off the sling, placed the point inches from the Stag Lord's neck....and fired.
______
The Stag lord grunts softly and slumps on the bed, dying instantly.
Jory. What are you doing now?
Outside:
Lisl. The bandits you're talking with listen with interest, though whether it is due to your news, or your looks you're not sure. :)
Freya you are also getting a few curious looks, but the presence of Fenrir seems to be discouraging anyone from approaching you.
Isabel Auchs just blinks in confusion when you talk to him. Looking hopefully to Dovan as if talking to you is beyond him.
Josef the men nod when you start a conversation, but their attention is obviously elsewhere.
Darian. Dovan is looking around the fort with some concern. "Where's the Runt? he asks you with a touch of suspicion after scanning the horses carefully.
You may now act.
Darian shrugs. ”It’s hard to keep tabs on a halfling. Especially him. He’s a curious sort, but that’s about it. He likes to look new places over when he is somewhere he’s never been before. Once he gets a feel for the place, he’ll turn up. He knows better than to mess with anything he knows he shouldn’t. A rare find in one of his kind,” Darian replies as he rummages a bit of jerky from his bag, acting as if he doesn’t care. He offers some to Dovan and any other of the bandits gathered around.
Keeping her audience occupied, Lisl continues, "Anyway, Kressle had talked about maybe going a bit upriver, using the Narlmarches as a second base of operations - expanding the cover there, using the woods to avoid pursuers, getting to a position where it's possible to actually strike out on the main road on the south side of Brevoy. Ambitious plan, and has the problem that obviously anyone trying to follow you would just go downriver until they reach the camp. But using some part of the Narlmarches as a second camp still seems like a good idea. I hear there are old ruins hidden away in there. Maybe they have gold from all those lost and failed attempts at making kingdoms?"
She trails off, glances at one of the bandits and gently pushes her knotted braids back. "What do you guys think? Things are pretty all right here, but the more that merchants move away from this territory, the more we'd have to move to follow them."
Given their lack of engagement, Josef lets the conversation with the men die out, moving on to Akiros more directly. "You seem to be the man around here. How's a guy supposed to work a transfer? It seems like being a guy keeps Kressle from taking you seriously. I would rather be somewhere I can feel appreciated, ya know?"
Waiting a beat for the breathing to stop, and his own nerves to settle, Jory quietly slips out the rear of the enclosure. Before he exits, he can't help but make a quick scan of the Stag Lord's quarters, grabbing any readily portable items of note.
He then makes his way around back to just beyond the horses, moving with care to avoid any suspicious eyes.
Jory You make it back to the horses undetected. You couldn't see anything not immediately identifiable in the Stog lords room, so took nothing. You realize you still have over a minute left on your Invisibility.
Lisl While talking with the bandits you notice that area Z6 has been converted into a pen, what you first thought was a pile of furs stirs and you see it is a captive Owlbear?
Darian. - Dovan is getting increasingly uneasy. Switching from throwing unpleasant looks at whoever is talking to Akiros, to looking about for Jory.
Josef. - Akiros gives you a thoughtful look. "That could be arranged." He says, eyeing your armor and weapons approvingly. "But I have a feeling it's going to get nasty very soon." He adds, looking over at Dovan with contempt
What is the party doing now?
Lisl pauses in her distinctly enunciated patter, then says with some surprise to one of the bandits, "Is... is that an... owlbear?" She seems rather shocked. "That's quite a risk! You must have a very sturdy barricate on that gate."
The Bandits shrug. "Aye. The boss took a liking to it when he caught out hunting. Long as we keep it fed it's safe enough. Noisy at night though."
One wanders over and raps the bars. "Took the portcullis off the gate and stuck here. She's sturdy. Gotta yank this lever to lift her." He points to a large lever to one side of the cage.
Lisl puts her hands up and says, "Whoa, whoa, I got it. Let's not risk it! I'd prefer not to be devoured by that beast."
"So, the big boss... is working for him all right? I mean, Kressle has a bit of a temper, but she can be reasonable if she's not... you know... jealous." She lets her eyes slide sideways in a manner that insinuates possibly some rift in that regard.
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Feeling confident that Auchs is now on her side (if the puppy-like eyes were anything to go by) Isabel catches Darian's eye and nods, before turning her attention to Dovan. "You'll look after me won't you Auchs? We're friends now!"
Now we just need Jory to let us know if the boss is dead... I hope he gets back soon.
Suddenly remembering her spell, Isabel mutters under her breath without taking her eyes from Dovan. "Jory - is it done?"
"Yeah, kinda hard to miss that. The story worth telling, or should I just chalk it up as bad blood? 'Cause I agree, it does look like it will be bloody." He runs the base of his thumb across the hilt of the blade at his waist. "More important, I guess, how fast do you expect it to be a problem?"
Freya begins to walk around the fort, Fenrir in tow. Seeing Lisl head off essentially by herself. The Ulfen woman follows.
Taking note of the owlbear, Freya's eyes widen, but relaxes slightly at mention of portcullis gate.
Darian steps a bit closer to Dovan, and whispers ”Hey, if ya don’t mind me askin’...what’s the deal with that one over there with the ‘better-than-thou’ attitude?”, throwing a slight nod over his shoulder towards Akiros.
Jory ducks behind the horses and waits for the invisibility spell to fade, hearing Isabel's whispered query. Once he sees his arms and legs reappear, he wanders back over to the central area, shaking his head. "Josef!" he calls out. "You keep riding with stones in your horse's shoe, you're going to have a long walk back..." He nods briefly at Isabel as he passes her.
Darian. - Dovan shifts uneasily as Isabel's stare seems to bore into him. "Him? Poncy bastard showed up one day and started kissing up to the boss. Now he thinks he runs the place!"
Josef. - Akiros shrugs in unconcern. "Dovan likes to talk, and he was second until I arrived. He's a backstabber who likes to let others do his dirty work. Now that fool Auchs is his only support. He won't start anything unless he's sure he'll win."
Lisl & Freya. Nothing much else happening where you are, apart from desperate men trying to charm you. :)
Isabel. - Auchs nods dumbly. "Yah. Friend."
What are you doing now?
Darian eyes Jory making his way back and makes a subtle show of pointing him out, ”Hup! There he is! Told ya he was around and about.”
With Dovan’s attention hopefully taken away by Jory’s return, and getting the hint from Isabel she had mentally subdued the big guy, Darian weighted his options.
Seems like we are down to this Dovan and that Akiros fella, as well as their underlings. So far, when the leaders have been bested, the bandits have given up. So hopefully, that leaves us just two to really deal with...better now than never...
Darian quickly draws his sword, it’s blade flaring to life with Darian’s inner arcane energy, and thrusts it at Dovan! ”Surrender now! Under the authority of the Swordlords and the Dragonscale Throne! You are all under arrest!”
__________
Hearing that Darian has sprung the trap, Freya directs Fenrir to attack the bandit closest to him while the Ulfen witch targets another with her hex.
- Potential Crit
As the trap is sprung, Lisl unlimbers her shield and stands guard by the owlbear cage to make sure that nobody can unbar the gate.
Seeing the action start, Josef sighs as he draws the sword from his waist and holds it low in front of Akiros.
"Bloodshed here and now, or not, is your choice. Dovan's being handled pretty easily, it seems. You don't have to be."
Ready to slice Akiros if he does anything aggressive.
Seeing Darian strike a heavy blow, Jory draws his crossbow and covers Akiros from behind. "Lay down your arms!"
Dovan tries to flee and collapses dying.
Akiros leans back against the wall, keeping his arms crossed and away from his weapon. "The Stag lords the dangerous one." He tells you. "Even drunk you don't want him coming out and using that bow of his!"
Freya. - Fenrir sends Purple to the ground dying with his leg nearly torn off.
Pink slumps over and starts snoring.
Isabel. Akiros has surrendered, are you still sending Auchs after him?
I just need an action from Jory to close the round.