2 Pharast (Wealday), 4707 AR, morning
With the oncoming of spring, traffic had begun to pick up on the South Rostland road leading away from Restov to the untamed Stolen Lands of the Narlmarches and beyond, but the road had still been all but abandoned as the chartered group had finished its trek along the muddy length that morning. The weather had been wet, with rain coming in ferocious spurts daily and nightly, as well as crisp enough to leave a layer of frost in the mornings, though overall it had been a relatively mild winter for the area.
Their objective came into sight about two hours later, as the sun was getting closer to its apogee overhead and the air had a bit of warmth to it, though darkening clouds threatened the horizon. As the group closed in, they could make out the trading outpost they'd been looking for in the distance, nestled right along a road curvature. Surrounded by a palisade of logs roughly ten feet in height, the wooden exterior was a mixture of old and new logs and seemed to be undergoing a state of revitalization, though judging by the rotting catapults, one of which appeared to have stopped mid-launch, on the higher observation towers at the post's four corners showed that repairs might not be going as quickly as had been hoped.
As they reached the south-facing gate of the structure, the low grumblings of thunder sounded in the far-off distance, and the sounds of hammering stopped as a middle-aged human man with fluffy red hair and muttonchops started clambering down a ladder where he had been working on a smaller outbuilding to the right of the gate's interior. A stable was visible with a rickety cart next to it on the left, and there appeared to be a decent-sized storage shed and a small but cozy wood house towards the rear of the trading post. Hailing them with a friendly but wary look, he said, "We've been expecting travelers for a while now!" even as he looked them over, his voice rough and slightly tense-sounding as he saw that some of them were armed. "You wouldn't happen to be the ones what the swordlords sent from out east, are you?" He still had his hammer clutched and partially at the ready, his eyes darting from one member of the group to the other. From the doorway to the home, a woman's voice called out, "Oleg? Is everything alright, beloved?"
Oleg! Cadell says stepping forward to meet the man. Just the man we've been looking for. Cadell Garess at your service. Cadell says offering the man his hand and a freindly smile.
Behind Cadell came another of the group, though she looked like she was dressed more for performing in a town square somewhere than heading along for a expedition... and this didn't seem to bother her in the slightest. One of her hands rested near a blade that anyone who'd seen the Swordlords would likely recognize as one of their dueling blades, and that was quite enough to indicate what sort of person she was. "We were sent by them, yes... though I guess I can't promise that we were the only ones sent." she mused thoughtfully. "It wouldn't be too strange for them to have a backup plan." Unless they were the backup plan and just hadn't been told about it. Honestly, considering that it was Cadell and all... Well, that probably wasn't important, and she dismissed the thought with a light shrug that also helped toss her vividly white hair back a bit. "Pleasure to meet you."
Yvgeni, not one to ever speak up when within a group, silently watches the introductions. His eyes widen at Fes' brashness, he's still not used to the ways of Cadell's bizarre female companion.
Now that they've come to a rest, however, Yvgeni pauses to take a deep breath in, smelling the scents of the new logs and crisp spring air. He checks his bow string for dampness and the condition of his extra quiver of arrows.
We were sent by the Swordlords Cadell says giving Fes a look. And no we weren't the only ones they sent. There were three other teams but they were sent to different parts of the stolen lands.... Master Oleg this is Fes.
Our companions are Moira de'Karne, Yvgeni Kowalski,Chimon Quinn, and the big fellow is Graz Razortusk. Cadell says indicating the others one by one.
"I'm glad to make your acquaintance." Chimon peers up at Oleg. "You seem tense. Please, be at ease. We mean you no harm."
Moira steps forward, smiling at Oleg, "It is a pleasure to finally be here, Master Oleg. It seems as if we've been on the road forever in this weather. Truly not traveling weather, I think."
She takes a deep breath, merriment playing in her eyes, ecstatic to finally have arrived at their destination, "I could definitely use a warm bath after that gruesome road. May we enter now? Show him the charter, Cadell, so that he knows we are who we say we are. I do apologize, Master Oleg," she mutters apologetically while petting a small mongoose nestled in the crook of her arm.
At the mention of warm baths, Yvgeni pauses to stealthily sniff himself. He shrugs, figuring he's smelled worse.
The mention of the charter definitely seemed to make Oleg's face perk up a little, and he tossed his hammer aside as he grabbed the man's hand and smiled guardedly as the rest were speaking, making a mental note of their names. His thick features still had a slight air of confusion. His response was cut short as a cackle of delighted laughter came from the house enclosed in the palisade, and a long-haired blonde woman with round features, possibly in her mid-twenties, came jogging over towards them as Oleg turned. "Are they the ones that were supposed to be coming?!" the woman asked in a tone that was at once hopeful and cautious, especially when she saw the massive Graz. "They look pretty tough!"
Nodding to his wife, Oleg said, "There the ones alright, Svettie. Guess you lot'll be able to handle things pretty well." He seemed to be loosening up a little as he continued. "My wife, Svetlana," was his terse but proud introduction, and the woman curtseyed low for a moment to the others as Oleg talked. "You couldn't have come at a better time, either. Those bastards are coming back tomorrow in the morn, and I can't wait to see the look on their damn faces when they realize that they're not taking one more bit of my inventory! It'll be a pleasure to string them up on the south wall! Why don't we get those horses of yours situated in the stables while you go over your plan for taking them out. You can get the lay of the place all you want; I'll even stay outside when they're here until things go down, but my wife stays out of it!" As the wind shifted direction and gusted for a few seconds, mussing up just about everyone's hair, Graz caught the scent of stew cooking coming from the house
"Oh, good. I was looking for a warm-up." Fes mused as she considered the man's words. Thieves weren't going to be too much trouble, and he seemed fairly confident that they had the number of people necessary to deal with it... though his confidence that they'd probably be able to kill them did seem like a bit much. Well, raiders were a threat, and threats were to be eliminated, so... eh. Why not?
Yvgeni nods in agreement as Oleg rants about thieves, and especially when he gets to the point about his wife staying out of it.
Fes' exuberance, as usual, causes him to nearly swallow his tongue.
But, for now, he remains silent, watching everything.
Bandits eh, well that is what we are here for. Cadell says as they follow Oleg into the trading post towards the stables. He looks around at the forts walls. If we could get all the bandits inside and then close the Gate behind them. How many bandits do you think there will be Oleg? Well no matter. Graz I think you and Fes would be the best suited to close the gate and keep the bandits from opening it again. It would mean hitting people! Won't that be fun? He says patting the scarred warrior on the arm.
Yvgeni he goes on Do you think you could get up on one of these buildings or the wall. Then you could put that bow of yours to good use. I think I might climb up somewhere high too, and see if I can't hit something with my crossbow. He stops in the middle of the open space and turns a circle.
I am at a loss what to do with you though Moira, but I am sure both you and Chimon will find a way to make yourselves useful.... What do you all think?
Fes raised her hand. "I think that I don't trust you to come up with plans and we should let Moira do that sort of thing. She's smarter than we are. Also, while I like the idea of you not being in the way, I don't trust you to not hit me while I'm in the middle of fighting others. Don't aim anywhere near where anyone else is." One glance at Cadell's history was more than enough to turn her off from the idea of letting him decide when and where others would be in danger. Not that hitting her would be easy, but... anyway, she did have goals of her own to manage.
What are you raising your hand for? Cadell says giving Fes a cold look. And what did my mother tell you about me, that you don't think I can come up with a decent plan for ambushing a bunch of bandits.
Fes whistled innocently, not actually answering the question.
"I think the plan is fine," Yvgeni says, "though it depends on all the bandits coming inside, which they might not. If they're coming for stuff, they'll have wagons, so at least a couple guys will stay with them." Talking to nobody, staring at a random clump of grass, he continues ruminating.
"They would send enough bandits to keep Oleg cowed, enough in case a group like us happened to be here, but not so many to leave their base vulnerable, so maybe between 5 and 8? At least two will stay with the wagons, leaving four or five inside. They'll probably be cocky, so we'll have surprise unless they see us. We have to beware an escape on horseback. I can get four or five arrows off before a running horse gets out of range. So a couple hand-to-handers on the ground near the gate. Where to hide them?"
He pauses a moment. "Holes! Dig a couple holes off to the side, and cover them with canvas and loose dirt. Once the bandits are in, Graz and Oleg jump out of them, some loud noise would spook the horses and add to the confusion. Cadell and I feather the bandits outside the fort with arrows, while Chimon stands ready in that out building to dash in where he's needed. Moira and Fes can wait in the main building with Svetlana to protect her, in case things go badly."
He trails off (or more likely, is interrupted at this point ;))
Moira shakes her head, "No, it make sense, I think. I'm not well versed in combat, mind you, Master Cairsson never really went over it that much in our studies, but I do know a little of warfare from some of his readings. I think I would best be served up top, as well. I think it might be best if Chimon were down below. His size might prove to be quite valuable in assisting Fes and Graz. I'm sure between the two of them, Chimon will have nothing to worry about, and they'll be the ones that need his support more than the rooftop group will..."
She turns to Oleg, blushing, "Of course, this is all with your permission, sir. I would not presume to take control of your trade post away from you. You, sir, have measured these bandits and would know best on their strengths and weaknesses."
"Don't, uh, need my permission, ma'am," Oleg said, remembering her first name a couple seconds too late to be less formal, "I'm not a soldier or nothing. You lot know better than me how to get things like this done." He seemed more confident now, especially knowing that they were there to help address the situation, or at least willing. "The first time they came, there was a dozen of them! The leaders were a woman with these wicked-mean looking axes she was always playing around with...".
Svetlana chimed in, seeming as relieved as her husband as she smoothed out the apron she wore over her clothes. "She was horrible! Had two of her thugs grab my arm and yank my wedding ring right off, said it was for 'not shortening Oleg's reach' when some of them got a little... handsy with me." She seemed a bit crestfallen at the mention, and Oleg's face turned a shade only slightly less red than his hair as he spoke up again. "It was the one in the cloak, that bastard with the bow! He's the one who put those ideas in their heads, though I'm sure they had them beforehand!" The man's hands shook a little as he did his best to remain calm. "He's the one who's been coming every time. Second time they showed, it was just him and six of the rank and file ones, then five the last time, most recent one. They're letting their guards down."
Motioning to the area between the stables and the house that looked like a shed, he said, "That's where we keep most of the surplus trading stock. They typically come around about an hour or two after dawn, load everything they can on their horses, and give us a hard time for a while before they leave. Svettie says that she thinks they're camped less than a day's ride from here, given the hurry they're usually in."
Flustering a little at her husbands admission of her assessment, Svetlana said, "Lazy oafs probably wouldn't want to travel any further! The whole bunch of them, they're just horrible, and I hope I get a fine seat to see them get what they have coming!" Motioning to their house, she said, "I've had a stew working for two days now, ever since one of the local trappers came by and said there was a group on their way here already, so if any of you are hungry, a good meal is the least Oly and I can do for you! I'll even get one of the bottles of wine out, this seems cause enough for a celebration!"
As Svetlana headed to the house and Oleg moved over to open the stable door for the group, he did his best to fill them in more. "We've got a guest house that ought to have beds enough for most of you, and since you're here to help, I can't rightly charge for board or stabling. To tell the honest, I think that anything you do is likely to catch them with their trousers at their ankles. This lot, least without that awful woman, they're not the brightest, and since it's just been me and Svettie, well, I couldn't just try and lay into them. Gods only know what would happen to my wife if I did, right? So I have to keep giving to them and putting up with them. I'll gladly join in on a fight that I know you're in it, but I might be as much a hinder as a help. Whatever you want, I'll follow your lead."
Used to being ignored, Yvgeni leaves the group and wanders over to the gate to figure out where to dig his hidey holes.
"Yes, yes, we get it." Fes said, chuckling. "I'm not sure about the rest of these guys, but this won't be my first time fighting a couple of brutes. Just keep your heads down and stay well back; we'll take care of these guys for you." With that, she wandered over to where Yvgeni was. "Find anything interesting?"
He points. "Holes here and here. Two guys hide in them, when the bandits come through, they jump up and close the gates, or at least cut them off. You'll be staying back to guard Svetlana, right? I don't know what I was thinking. The bandits aren't going to leave the wagons outside, they'll bring them in to load up the goods. Stupid, stupid."
Oye! Lets get these horses settled and the enjoy the lovely meal our hostess has offered us. Cadell calls after Yvgeni and Fes. We can continue discussing how to kill the bandits while we eat. Cadell takes his horse in the stable. Strips off its saddle and rubs it down. He makes sure it is fed and watered then goes to the house to eat with Oleg and Svetlana. That smells lovely mistress Svetlana, thank you so much for the invitation to eat with you.
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"Food good missus." says Graz as he heaps bowl after bowl into his fearsome mouth. While the food may not have been delicious, it was hot, and Graz had learned long ago to pile away what you can, when you can, as the next meal may be a long way off.
"Plan good too, Cad. Lady with axes come? She feels Graz's pain." the half-orc says cracking his massive knuckles ominously. "Man with bow..." Graz nods at Yvgeni. ...our Yvegni also have bow."
"We also have Moira magyk and Dez-Na on our side, eh Chimon-friend? Bandits not have them. Bandits come, bandits die. Oleg and Svetlana-cook-lady safe." Graz nods as if there is no question of the outcome.
He spends the rest of the day, helping with whatever preparations are necessary, including any of the digging, lifting or carrying. Once the preparations are made, Graz nods off to sleep knowing that may be in short supply as well.
I think the key to our plan working is the bandits can't suspect anything is different until we spring our trap, which means, Master Oleg, you are going to have to meet them and convince them that everything is normal.Cadell says while they are eating. I don't know if we need to dig holes for Graz and Fes to hide in. I think them standing out of sight behind the halves of the gate will be enough, but the main problem I have with the holes is that if something goes wrong and they are discovered before the trap is sprung they will be vulnerable.
Yvgeni looks at the gates doubtfully. Surely they open outwards?
When all the preparations for the next day and the bandits visit are complete. Cadell climbs ontop of the Stable and settles into a position on the stable roof where he can't be seen from the yard below or the road leading into the trading post. He ensure that his crossbow is loaded and that his waterskin is full. He then goes to sleep using his bedroll for padding and cloak for a blanket.
Yvgeni will prepare a sniper's best on the wall, trying to find a place where he can lie down without being seen by those down below. If he has to add a few logs to the battlements, he takes them from the north side of the post so they blend in. If he can't rig something near the gates, he prepares his nest near the southeast catapult, using the remains of the catapult for cover.
He also gets a spike and secures a rope to the top of the wall, keeping it coiled and out of sight, in case he needs to shimmy down quickly.
Closing his eyes, Chimon mutters a brief prayer before enthusiastically digging into his stew. "MmmmmmmMMM! Sumptuous! My complements, Svetlanna."
As the talk turns to planning tomorrow, Chimon seems preoccupied with his meal. Just when things seem settled, pipes up to offer a suggestion.
"I don't know if holes are necessary. With the doors opened inward all of the way, we should be able to hide behind them. See how the eastern door opens against the corner of that building? For the western door, we could open it as far as it will go... and if necessary, position that cart for someone to hide behind." He grins at the others, and then reaches for the ladle and another bowl of stew.
"Whoever takes the first shot up on the roof can give a shout, and we'll shove those doors closed. And if Desna smiles, it will be over before quickly."
"Well, let me know when you've all decided what you want to do." Fes said, finishing up her meal and stretching widely. "I'm going to do a few forms, then head to bed." She seemed like she'd be happy to go along with whatever they needed; really, while she could (and did) use her brain, she was happy to leave leadership to the others and just trust them to figure it out.
Moira, after finishing her stew, looks at the map after Chimon has had his say, and ponders for a bit.
Tapping her finger to her chin, she starts slowly, "I see you've had some training in warfare as well, Chimon. I believe Yvgeni should take the first shot, as he'll likely have the best advantage. I heard him up there earlier building something or another up there. Perhaps fortifying a position. I didn't want to bother him and it's too dark out there to see what he's up to now. Also, he's very... I think intense is the best way to describe it... when I'm around."
Looking around and making sure they are the only two left, her voice drops lower, almost conspiratorially with Chimon, "I would suggest Cadall to take the first shot, but he has that reputation for rash acting that should be considered. I know most of it is unfair and hearsay, but there are some nuggets of truth in there, as well."
"Regardless, I'm hoping that we'll be able to resolve this as peacefully and quietly as possible. I do not look forward to hanging anyone," she finishes, shuddering slightly. "This is nasty business, but I guess it must be dealt with, and the sooner the better."
As she rises and carries her dishes into the kitchen to be washed, she smiles slightly to herself as Chimon continues to study the map, looking for every advantage.
There is so much more to him than meets the eye. A valuable friend to have at one's side, indeed
After depositing her dishes and rinsing them off, she heads to the guest house for a hot bath and a good night's sleep in a warm and comfortable bed, "Good night, Chimon. Be sure to go to sleep yourself soon. You'll be able to take their measure tomorrow much more easily with a full night's rest behind you."
After her bath, she gives Lady Feather a bath, fawning and cooing over her as she does so. Afterwards, she uses Prestidigitation to dry Lady Feather off and to clean her travel-worn clothing in preparation for the next day.
Before drifting off to bed, she goes through her spellbook, trying to pick out which spells might be of most use tomorrow. An hour later, she blows out the single candle and calls it a night.
Detect Magic
Ghost Sound
Silent Image [S]
Greast
Mage Armor
Chimon bites his lip, seeming to reconsider his glib attitude. "I don't relish this, but it needs doing. As for hangings... that will be a hard thing indeed. It's there in the charter, so I suppose I knew, but it will be difficult to face. And yet, we're left with few alternatives.
"Ah. And as for training in warfare, I haven't much. Only rudimentary drills, really. But I heard good ideas tonight. Perhaps I found a small way to improve on them?
"Goodnight, Moira. I'll be along myself before too long, but I think the sky is clearing. I would sit under Desna's splendor for a while."
After helping Svetlanna clean up the remnants of the meal, Chimon climbs onto the battlements and seats himself under the starry sky. Good to be away from the lights of Restov, and finally a clear night. After an hour of contemplation and prayer, he retires for the night.
Guidance
Light
Stabilize
Longstrider [D]
Bless
Cause Fear
Once he's finished building his "bandit blind", Yvgeni borrows some thick blankets from Oleg and settles himself down to sleep in his position on the wall.
Yes, except if it's clear that some bandits are staying outside, Yvgeni will focus fire on them (and Cadell should as well), while the others deal with those inside.
In the morning, Moira will make sure that she looks her best for the upcoming bandit slaughter, then head out and then take up a comfortable position atop the stables to wait for their arrival.
When Moira climbs up on the stables in the morning Cadell is already there laying on his cloak with his crossbow beside him.
I clearly need to teach you something about stealth and laying ambushes he says.
I really hope no one out there saw you climb up here. Cadell gestures vaguely towards outside the walls of the little fort.
What are you planning to do to them from up here?
Ah, morning... such an interesting time of the day, normally filled with meals and laughter and- ah, who was she kidding? Mornings were for sleeping, but today seemed like it was going to be a little rougher than usual, and they still had stuff planned. Careful to stay out of sight for places outside the city, she quietly crept into position near the front gates, ready to follow the plan from the day before.
Yvgeni awakens in the pre-dawn hours. Once he remembers where he is, he checks his bow and arrows, to make sure the dew didn't dampen his string too much, then peers out into the gloom beyond the wall.
Smiling at Cadell, Moira simply shrugs, "I'll have to see how the battle unfolds before I can decide on what appropriate actions to take."
Calmly, she then lays back and enjoys the morning sun as she waits patiently for the bandits to show up. Opening up a small basket, she takes out and unfolds a small blanket, then places a few chunks of buttered bread across the spread. Taking a piece, she pops it into her mouth and chews contentedly as she offers another piece to Cadell.
Thank you Lady de'Karne but I will pass. Cadell says when offered the bread. Killing always unsettles my stomach. I will eat after we are finished with this business. unless the bandits decide to come this evening instead of this morning.