"Thank you Oleg, if it is ok with you I will just throw my bedroll down by the fire here. Only looking to take a nap."
Kevros sighs, "All these people and not a single artist?! What is this world coming to?! ... Kevros responds to Quince ... "Not a problem Quince, please continue working on our Coat of Arms as well. Heraldry is just as important as a name in our times." ... Kevros looks to Tristan ... "No worries friend, you look like you can fight, so we will include you once our friend Stalker returns."
Siph makes her way outside and Approaches each of the prisoners in turn, casting Arcane Mark on them, Leaving the rune Visible on their left cheek.
"Now , I need all of you to hold still, this wont hurt a bit. Once you have proven yourselves, I will remove this mark, until then it is permanent, and can only be removed by my will. If any of you run, I will be able to track you through this mark."
After lunch Quince visits each of the prisoners beside Happ and showing them the Staglord Pendant asks about the cult. "Tell me of this stag lord and his cult.
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The prisoners see your point, and with whatever is given them, shields, shovels or what not they get to work on digging out a better pit for themselves and move the compost all to one pit.
The gather info will take hours. Four of the prisoners tell you that he has no cult, more a drunkard than a lord. They elaborate but you can use your imagination. They also tell you rumors of the stag lord worshiping a demon, etc. Quince you know that what they do tell you of the cult is probably all rumors, they have nothing that can point to a true cult or even a demon.
Stalker gets back in about 5 hours since he left. He knocks on the door.
Quince makes his way to Oleg. Casually he inquires about Oleg's plans for the outpost. "I was wondering have you considered raising horses. You have had a recent influx. I was thinking that perhaps expanding the barn and adding a corral outside the wall might go a long way. Stalker I am sure knows of a few hands that might be able to help with horses from town. I could write a letter or town though it may take time to find someone willing to make the journey to serve as caretaker."He adds quickly, "Unless you have experience with horses. I can certainly help while I am here."
Quince looks up when the knock at the gate occurs Quince directs his attention to the gate.
Quince takes a few steps toward the gate turns back toward Oleg nodding, "Rather than make a second gate I would suggest a two partition corral keep fighting down when the beasts are frisky. This way we can put a fence gate out past the main gate so the horses can be led from the stables to the corral without risk of them running." He points to the Southeast and Southwest corners motioning generally his design. He stops, "The work crew can work to your suggestion. If you like I will leave them a sketch of the plans."
He makes his way to the wall, if some one is on watch he calls up and asks who is there. Other wise he briskly tops the stairs and checks on the knock.
Once he knows that Stalker is back he calls out as he opens the gate. "Stalker has returned!" As the gate opens he looks to the woodsman, "It is good to see you returned and safe I trust." He glances about to make sure Stalker and the grey are well.
Assuming Stalker allows him Quince leads the grey to an open spot, letting it get some water and feed. As he moves about he tells anyone he sees that Stalker has returned. He climbs to the loft and grabs the map a quill from his things. He makes his way back to the tables and spreads out the map.
Kevros heads for the main gate to meet up with Stalker, "Someone please wake up Tristan?" ... Kevros salutes Stalker with the Elven sign of friendship ... "Well met brother, do you require and rest and/or food before you discuss your findings with us?"
During all this bustle of activity, S'ala assisted in the supervision of the prisoners. When Kevros asks for someone to retreive Tristan, S'ala jumps to it.
Gently shaking the man awake, S'ala tells him of the return of the scout. Together they walk back to where the next discussion occurs.
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Oleg would become less gruff with you considering you are offering much help and seem to want to help with the health of the horses. Each time he smiles a bit, as if he has to consciously think about frowning. "Those are great plans Quince, a sketch would be helpful in explaining what they will be doing. If you want to write such a letter, by all means feel free to though between you and me, let alone Tristan we should be able to handle the horses quite nicely."
Responding to Quince first, "the hunt went well, my Gray will not need tending, I have already tended him. Though if you want to grab the saddle that would be helpful." You can tell that the Gray is walking off, looks like he is chasing a butterfly.
Stalker responds in kind to Kevros with the Elven sign of friendship. "It is true I did not get much for lunch, but an early dinner will do. I will graze as I report my findings."
Stalker seems to be a bit reserved, yes he is normally that way but something seems off with him.
Once he sits down, he looks up into the sky.
Svetlana brings out a bowl of soup and some vegetables. "I hope the travel did not weary you out?"
"No, no... it did not just thinking, remembering this land as it was a few years ago, when there were no bandits." He shakes his head and looks at Kevros and smiles.
He continues to look at all the faces around him, "So young Tristan and another has joined your ranks I see. I was wondering when you were going to use that bow to good works. How is your folks?"
I'm sorry to tell you, but the bandits raided our home as well, and my folks, well they are no longer with us.
Tristan tries to remain strong but you can see is being overwhelmed with grief.
The attack was but two months ago. I have hunted and killed a few of them since then. I came looking for this group hoping to drive these bandits from our land.
When Stalker arrives back at Oleg's, Masota takes a seat nearby as Svetlana serves him, waiting patiently for him to share what he has gathered.
Quince reaches over and puts a reassuring hand on Tristans shoulder, "And drive them we will."
Kevros nods his head in agreement with Quince's comment, "I can not speak for everyone here but my goal is to help enable this land be better than even Brevoy."
"Brevoy has what it calls just but it is not always free. Here they have whst they call freedom but it is not always just."
Siph checks in on her horse, making sure he is as comfortable as possible. After that she keeps an eye on the prisoners, noting any interactions they have with their marks.
once stalker returns, Siph joins the others.
"Having experienced its loss, freedom is something Iwiuld never willingly surrender, these bandits take away such freedom, let us end their terror."
Masota, two or three lay on hands would be sufficient, though when you get to them they seem to be all conscious and in decent health, you can use those lay on hands to get them all to full health.
"We shall end their reign of terror!" Stalker says as he slams his fist onto the table.
"They have an encampment about two days ride from here, it looked like about a dozen men, though with the tracks I saw, there will likey be a few patrols out. I found many traps on the east and west side of the camp, likey to keep out unwanted individuals. They have two trees that occupy scouts. I saw their leader a woman, who is even cruel to her own men. I will gladly lead you there and pick off any stragglers." With anger showing on his face he gives the information.
Once done he stands, "When you are ready, I will see forth their deaths." He goes to grab his saddle.
Quince watches as Stalker walks toward his horse. He speaks quietly, and continues to point to his map so that from a distance it would appear that he is talking geography. "Kevros, how is it that Stalker leaves this morning returns before dinner and has details of a camp two days away. And is already preparing to depart without so much as us discussing how we will approach, or deal with the quarry." He makes eye contact with the others around the table. "Am I alone in my discomfort."
Kevros nods his head at Quince and turns around from Stalker's direction redirecting his quiet voice, and looks over his shoulder taking breaks in speaking to see where Stalker is and to see if he is trying to listen in, "Elven Rangers are said to be able to cover great distances quickly. He did help us repel the first assault when we arrive. However, you have a valid concern and if we place too much trust in people, we will not last long. What do you know about his horse or is his horse equipped with some sort of magic? I'll talk to Alkron to see if there are any magic dweomer's on him and his horse. We will have to be sneaky or we may hurt our relationship with a great ally if he is innocent." ... Kevros walks away to corner Alkron ...
"My Gray and our connection, one of the ethereal." Stalker whispers and you all can hear him as if he was next to you whispering.
Kevros stops in his tracks and smiles, "Thank you Brother! I hate these bloody lands and mistrusting people especially great allies such as yourself when things can not be explained. Stalker, please accept our apologies." ... Kevros turns to Quince ... "Quince, I am correct, Stalker is able to cover great distances with his horse and his skills as an Elven Ranger are true."
Quince seems unnerved a moment at the creepy whisper, but calms with the explanation. "It seems elven rangers are handy indeed, this one is full of surprizes."
Stalker does the symbol of friendship to Kevros before turning again to grab his saddle.
Angeus, satisfied that the disposition of the prisoners has been addressed, retired to her bunk in the main building for quick nap.
Returning to the courtyard as Stalker returned, she witnesses his exchange with Quince and Kevros. Naturally suspicious, she searches her intuition when Stalker reveals his and his steeds' connection.
Sense Motive
S'ala is quite impressed with the scout's report, but a little suspicious of his ethereal nature.
"Is the group ready to take the fight to the bandits, then?, he asks, clearly ready to get the pacification of this place underway.
Two days ride...Did you notice if they have set patrols. If we could encounter a patrol and take them out through attrition. This would be the prefered method of attack. We could also return as said patrol in disguise if the numbers line up. What say the rest of you?
Tristan leans forward in anticipation of everyones response.
Quince nods, "Well we have the armor, clothing, horses and gear that our guests wore when they arrived. If we can avoid traps that might get us close."
"I agree with Tristan, if we are able, let us thin their ranks before we reach the camp. A patrol returning mid-attack could be ruinous. As for disguising ourselves as quince suggests, the armor would interfere with my magic but the rest should be fine."
Siph will ready her horse, and then lead it over next to Stalker and Addresses him
"I am Siph, newly come to this group. You have some useful magic at your disposal, is this normal for elven rangers or have you had special training?"
Kevros returns the Elven sign of friendship to Stalker. Kevros widens his eyes at Tristan's, Quince's, Siph's suggestion, It would be a good idea to dress up like a bandit patrol. We first need to soften up the current patrols so we do not run into problems when we attack the main camp. Then we ride into camp like we are comrades and surprise attack them. It is important that we do not let anyone go and see if there are any passwords to enter camp with causing an alarm. And Siph, you don't have to wear the armor since we will be operating at night. Just drape a bandit cloak over you or wear a dark cloak and ride behind the front echelon to help disguise yourself while not wearing armor."
Quince adds a suggestion. "Perhaps these bandits have heard of our witch. We only need to be seen treeting her as prisoner. As for our assalt. If we soften up patrols. We potentially cause wariness in the camp. Even a dispstch rider for reinforcements. But if we take the camp when patrols and hunters are out. The patrols return to us. Unawares that their camp is now a danger to them. It might be risky but it might delay additional forces from the main force to the south."
"Having enjoyed bandit hospitality, some may know of me, perhaps even before my time with them. I can draw a cloak tight, that should be sufficient.
Siph runs her hand through her hair and furrows her brow for a moment "If we take are able to take out a patrol and then head straight for the camp, they would have no idea that something was amiss. However, if we delay after an encounter with the patrol, they may be on their guard. I like the idea of catching patrols as they return to the camp, it is risky, but with great risk comes great reward."
Quince looks concerned as Siph rembers her time with bandits. "We need to figure who will be travelling with us. And who remains to keep our charges. Or if we simply await Olegs reinforcements before we set out. Though if we do not set out today. The group of bandits we have here will be missed. Perhaps Stalker could again go ahead of us to keep an eye on the camp. We can rondevous in two days. The abunance horses we have do give us the option of pushing our speed. We can move swiftly for longer and relieve the mounts of ridere frequently."
"Since we have no communication with the reinforcements, we can not wait for them. For all we know, they may be dead or held prisoner some where or even joined the bandits. If we soften up the patrols, which I recommend, we should hit them swiftly at night and make no one survives to report back to the camp. It would not be good to have a patrol or patrols show up as we are taking the camp or after we take the camp since we may have wounded to attend to."