In response to Siph, "Greetings Siph, they call me Stalker, it is not special training per say, more like the magic that my mount transfers to me and himself."
Siph lets out a low whistle "A special mount, you are very lucky"
To the group as a whole "Do you expect trouble here at Oleg's? What of these reinforcements you spoke of, do we know where they are or when they should arrive?"
Quince nods, "I see the wisdom in that plan. My concern is beyond this camp. If patrols show missing if they any discipline. They send word south to the Stag Lord that there is trouble. And they lock down or abandon the camp. But if we strike when the camp is vulnerable. Because the patrols are out. We can assess if we can continue the ruse and ready ourselves to take down the returning bandits as the patrols return. Or dissappear, perhaps with this woman their leader as prisoner. It is riskier proposition but success might be strategically a big payoff." Quince pauses. "You are the soldier Kevros. I will trust your judgement. Though we must be wary. We have no reinforcements to call on. The sooner the Stag Lord knows there is a threat. The faster his response. I would prefere he know little and wonder why he is not hearing from this crew. We buy time. But if he is warned then these bandits recieve aid and support much sooner."
S'ala, as usual, keeps his own counsel, but listens intently. At length, he says "It is written 'One cannot plow a field by turning it over in one's mind.' Now it is time for action not interminable plans."
"It is also written: 'Men plan, the Gods laugh'. The exact tactical situation is unknown, and therefore cannot be planned in detail in advance. Our trust must be in the strength of our arms, our principles, and the Rightness of our mission. We have two days to travel and discuss tactics, in the meantime the bandits run roughshod over country we are sworn to protect."
"Let us cease this debate and take action."
Oh, don't worry about patrols missing, we need to be quick and take no prisoner when dealing with patrols. The only time we are going to take prisoners is who is ever remaining in camp and the woman leader. Preferably, I want to wipe out this camp and the only ones alive are those who we have taken prisoner. We still have to be safe and if we take everyone as prisoner, we will create an unsafe situation for ourselves. If the Swordlords of Restov want us to ensure everyone can show repentance, then they need to send us more reinforcements so we can create a troop detail specifically for prisoner handling. And remember, if the patrols come back to see the camp ransacked, they will also run to the Stag Lord to report the situation to him. Quickly take out the patrols or most of the patrols, then attack the camp, then clean up the stragglers."
Quince listens to S'ala. "Is it not also said that only a fool begins to build before counting the cost. Planning is not inaction it is saving lives by preparation. S'ala is right though we can hold coucil from saddle essily enough. I will gather the former bandits gear. Should we bring all the horses so we can move swiftly or just enough just enough to carry us"
Quince nods to Kevros, "Fair enough."
"Then let us ride, and see what the fates have in store for us."
Quince finds and explains to Oleg thier need for the bandits gear. "We will bring it back and more."
He lays out the bandits gear assuming no one objects to the plan of dressing as the bandits. He does his best to match acessories, cloaks and such to best look like these bandit at least from a distance. Once laid out he starts prepping horses.
If there is objection to dressing as bandits he simply starts getting horses ready.
S'ala arches an eyebrow at the bandit gear. "It is loathsome to don the gear of these miscreants, but the need for camoflauge and surprise is understood. This One does not wear armor but will wear the cloak or hood a villan to blend in. Let us be wary that we do not take on more than these men's attire as we ride forth."
He will take a hooded cloak if none available a cape or cloak to conceal him. He will not don armor or use their weapons.
I like what I'm hearing. Let us depart. Maybe we can form a better plan once we get eyes on the camp. For now lets plan on running into and taking down a patrol.
Unless stopped Quince will only leave horses for those remaining behind. This would be one horse for everyone plus five horses. This allows us somewhat faster travel might get us to where we are headed faster because we can rotate the horses.
Otherwise just enough horses are ready.
Kevros adds, "Plans change on the battlefield all the time because there is only so much planning you can do in a dynamic situation. Sometimes, it is better to have no plans at all and go with the flow of the situation."
Kevros agrees with Quince's plan to rotate the horses, "Ok, we need to leave everyone behind except for Stalker and Narcissa so they can provide assistance for Oleg and Svetlana in defending the outpost while we are away. This was Oleg's request and we must honor our ally's request. I would be really relieved if we find the reinforcements have finally arrived when we return."
"That leaves Alkron and Saren? Or am I not counting someone."
Kevros nods, " That is about the just of it. I would like to leave more but we need healing and Stalker's abilities for our campaign."
Quince climbs into his saddle giving Scram a gentle pat. As the others mount up. He looks at them fondly. He calls back to Oleg. "It began today, Oleg born in your stable," he gives a wink to Masota as paraphrases her words. "From this day on let it be said in Greenbelt. Only the Just live Free."
Siph quietly mutters, if we don't all die at the hands of bandits...gozreh forbid.adding the last part hastily as she realizes that her thoughts were spoken aloud.
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Moving into the first day of riding.
For your ride check you get to set the DC, I trust you all to be honest. 10, 15, 20 etc. If you succeed on the 10 add a +2 to your con check. If you succeed on the 15, add +4. 20, add +6. If you ride at least 4 hours a day, you get a circumstantial +4 to your check. Keep true to your background story. Or be wary of that purple lightning!
Everyone do a ride check and a constitution check.
This will be either an easy pace, or rushed, it depends if you reign Stalker down.
S'ala rides over and pats Quince on the back. "Well said, friend, well said."
As they set out, Angeus hopes that the gentle riding horse she acquired remains gentle and accommodating to her lack of riding skill.
Ride Check :10
Con Check :
Quince sets out excited. Happy to have the extra horses and the idea of a good swift run ahead of them has clearly awakened the horse trainer in him. Throughout the journey he offers tips if they are welcomed to riders and encouragement to horse and rider alike. He speaks to the horses and recommends when one or more of the horses needs to have a rotated out to rest.
As the day wears on he moves from those eager to move swiftly to settling for a slower pace. He can be heard mentioning from time to time the scratch nature of the bandit cloak. Perhaps if he was not moving among the horses so much he might not be so tired. By the time we are ready to camp. He is tired.
As Kevros prepares his horse and places his rope on the saddle, "Make sure to pack your canteens, ropes, and weapons or spell book. Tristan and Stalker will help us live off the land. In order to make the journey quickly and rotate our horses properly, we must pack only what we need for fighting and selected prisoners." Once finished, Kevros mounts his horse and looks to Oleg, "Oleg, let no one in except your reinforcements and us. Keep the prisoners locked up until our return. You don't need any annoyances from them with limited guards. ... Kevros looks at Quince, smirks, and shakes his head at Quince's comment... "Onward we go, indeed!" ... As the party rides on, Kevros adjusts the bandit clothing to make sure the disguise is complete.
Kevros seems to be mostly enjoying the ride.
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Good to know Quince that you will get there in the same time as the bandits if they were successful. Remember a +2 to bluff and disguise for this fact.
With Quince being an excellent horse whisperer/trainer that would mean everyone gets an extra +3 to their ride checks and +2 to con checks.
Stalker keeps trying to keep people moving at a pace faster than what most people think they should be doing. Stalker keeps whispering, (not etherally, though most of you can hear him) "Out for a Sunday ride, just wait for the forest, they will want to take a picnic." You end up doing a double move pace for at least half the 8 hours of riding.
Sala and Angeus are a bit sore, but with the support of Quince it isn't much.
Quince looks to be taking the bad end of the stick, he is able to help everyone but himself, you are sore and exhausted at the end of the first day of riding. It would have been fatigued though you kept helping others, pushing your limit.
Quince moves slowly and rubs his hind parts when he thinks no one is watching. He helps to set camp though once the horses are settled he takes to easier and lighter jobs. After quietly walking the perimeter of the came praying to Erastil for protection he beings to dose early and his head lilts during the evening's conversation as he repeatedly nods off.
Tristan packs and secures everything, feeling a sense of calm before the storm that will come.
Ride DC 20:
Con Check
Tristan still feeling fine after the days ride decides to get some meet for everyone to enjoy at camp.
Tristan brings back enough food and water for five people.
Its not alot but its nice to supplement some fresh meet and vegetables with rations. I suggest a stew. So who amongst us can cook?
Quinces head bobs sleepily at Tristan's question, "Cook huh . . .stew." Obviously exhusted he trails off.
Kevros dismounts, ties the horses to different trees, takes the rope from his saddle to create a tie up line for the horses between two trees. He then ties up his horses to the tie up, then takes the saddles off, and sits the saddles a safe distance from where the fire pit is going to be. Although horses like Quince a tad more, Kevros seems to be quite comfortable around horses and seems to be a tad better rider than Quince,"Ok everyone, if you want to use the tie up for your horses, feel free to tie your horses up next to mine. Once you tie them up, take your saddles and help form a circle around the fire pit. We will be using the saddles to sleep on. Forming a circle around the fire is for both warmth and/or security." ... Kevros pauses and responds to the cook question ... "I believe none of us are professional cooks but how hard can it be to wing it? Just make sure not to under or over cook the food. Add seasoning for the best neutral flavor."
once the party stops, Siph slowly crawls out of her saddle, almost falling. Cleary I was not built for this, perhaps I will need a few pointers from you Quince, otherwise tomorrow will be a rough journey.
Siph tethers her horse next to Kevros' mare handy trick
she will then take her saddle and set up a spot near the fire pit. Once that's done, she heads off in the opposite direction Tristan went
looking for any fresh berries, clean water, or any rise bushes if she's lucky.
Stalker circles around the camp seven times then he moves out a bit farther, circling the campsite again though counter clockwise. He does not rest with you for the night. Even after Tristan comes back with his scrounging Stalker has not come back.
Quince absently follows Kevros diections. Once the fire ring and saddles are down Quince plops down. And drops in and out of sleep or awake but dazed.
Kevros nods to Siph with a smile and then gives her the Elven sign of friendship, "Thank you my friend."
Quince continues to phase in out those who engage him find his focus poor and have repeat themselves because when pressed it is clear he is sleeping. When Siph mentions riding tip Quince smiles sleepily mumbling something about not being able improve on Siph's backside. If pressed he does not remember what exactly he said. His eyes go wide for a few minutes embaressed at first. Thouhh he use the time where he is slightly more awake to munch on rations and stew if it gets made.
Sliding off her mount with a wince, Angeus follows Kevros' suggestion and ties her horse off next to his. Taking off the saddle, she then runs her hands over the horse's fine back, rubbing here and there. "I might not be the best rider , but you got me here in one piece." she says to the gentle giant.
Having taken care of her horse, Angeus helps set up the camp. When Tristan leaves looking for game, Angeus nods then sets out herself, looking for anything complementary, wild herbs, fruit and/or tubers.
Survival
Once settled in and a small break, Kevros unties his horse and rides bareback, keeping an even seat on his horse's back, he rides out to Stalker, as he approaches he gives him the Elven sign of Friendship, "Stalker do you need a break or anything?"
S'ala is sore after the ride but has been through worse as part of his initiation and ritual. He will defer eating the fresh food until everyone has had some and will content himself with trail rations if there is not enough to go around.
He complies with Kevros' sensible request to defend the camp, and offers to take Quince's watch since the man is obviously exhausted.
Having little luck foraging, siph returns with her waterskin full.
Settling down near Quince, her face flushes with anger but it quickly dissipates when she realizes that he is in and out of sleep.
I'll remember that comment tomorrow, you can. Be sure.
getting comfortable, Siph will partake in a small portion of the food, then she sits crosslegged by the fire and begins to concentrate on her inner power, reciting the words and practicing the gestures needed to unleash her magic.
"No, I will be going to a glade to rest, though I would not suggest any of you to follow. It knows me and I don't want to take the time to make introductions." He seems to be a bit weary but nothing like Quince.
Kevros nods, "Very well, rest easy my friend." Kevros gives Stalker the Elven sign of friendship and rides back to camp. Arriving back in camp, "Ok, we need to set up fire watch for the night just in case something gets past Stalker. It would probably be best that we have two people per watch."
Quince stirs when Kevros comes back to camp. "What two people are we watching. . ." His voice trails off as he phases out.
You are in forest. You were in forest for the last hour. The pace did slow down.
Angeus you are able to scrounge up plenty, do you take all the food for 10 people that you find or just some of it?
Angeus always take the opinion that you may not always have access to fresh food, so she take it all.
Stalker gives the symbol of friendship back and smiles at Kevros, it is a smile of remebering. "Rest easy for the first part of your sleep for I will watch over you. Though you should set up a watch after that, for the second half."
"I will take any watch. Just let me know which one you need me on."
Tristan lays out his bedroll and gets confortable.
Siph looks up from her her place by the fire, when the night is its darkest wake me, I do not require light to see