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Day 1
Oleg was almost giddy. He was standing next to Jory Sellemius, nephew of the Lord Mayor of Restov, looking toward the northern horizon. He had stood silently for nearly 30 minutes with the young lordling, waiting for the arrival of a contingent of scouts from Brevoy, chartered to map the Stolen Lands and police banditry.
"We're gonna to be rich you know," He said confidently to Jory.
"I already am," The lordling responded dismissively.
But Oleg didn't seem to notice Jory's disdain. He rubbed his thick, calloused hands together greedily.
"Imagine, a safe trade route straight from Brevoy to the Inner Sea. With Oleg's Emporium at it's heart. A grand bazar, tradesmen, and more coin than I could count."
"So six gold pieces?" Jory said just loud enough that Oleg could hear him. But he didn't care, this was his ticket to the top and he wasn't going to let some snob from Restov bring him down.
The one-sided conversation about future riches continued on for almost another half-hour before Jory raised his hand to silence the provincial. He raised his lithe hand and pointed toward a dot on the horizon.
"There."
Oleg fell silent as the riders approached. The note had said four would be coming, but he counted five. Svetlana would be cross that one of the guests would have to wait to have their quarters prepared. His train of thought was broken as Jory began climbing down the ladder from the tower.
"Where ya goin'" Oleg asked. Jory ignored him as he made his way to the main gate. He struggled with the bar on the double gate, until Oleg caught up and seemingly lifted it in one try.
"You sure it's them?" Oleg asked.
"Yes, I received a missive last night that they would be joined by a fifth rider."
Oleg cocked his head at that statement, there had been no messenger or raven. Was this Lordling a Wizard as well?
Jory, however, paid no attention to Oleg's strange look, he simply began walking out to meet the riders.
"Maybe this rabble will last longer than a week." He muttered to himself.
A dwarf rides with 4 others looking about with a furrowed brow that bespokes great concentration scanning the horizon.
I hate horses, I hate horses, I hate horses, I can't just kill it it costs money, I hate horses, I ha... O thank Abadar that better be the trading post.
Turning to his traveling companions
I see a tower do you think we are near Oleg's Trading Post. I hope so a hot dinner and bath will be a good end to his trip.
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He grins at his companion's discomfort.
"Ho there, Fren, I'm betting your behind's already hurting eh? Dinner yes I suppose. Hot bath....now that remains to be seen." Deciding to have a bit of a fun with Fren, He smirks.
"Cold Baths apparently are all the rage here it seems. Comes from being frontier and all that you know." Relaxing in the reins, allowing his mount to have an easy stride, he continues bantering with his companions making small jokes.
Fren sighs and shifts around trying to get comfortable.
What do you expect I am to big for a pony but this horse is two wide. As for the bath the water will be clean and warm when I make it.
Fren waves his hand up and down chanting
Corse I would need to have prepared that spell today.
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Noon, Toilday, 1 Pharast, 4710
Day 1
Perception Checks:
Kern scans the 'trading post', High walls, sentry towers. The bandit problem here must be extensive.
Adjusting his gear a bit, he rides easily, listening to Fren and Brok.
"You may want to consider a mule, Fren. You'd look odd riding it, but I doubt you want it for fighting, and it can take the weight."
Kyra smiled as she listened to the banter.
"As long as we get baths. The last thing I think anyone wants to smell is someone who's not been clean in the last couple months."
The dwarf grumbles under his breath and shifts some more
I have tried every kind of animal nothing works. They either can't bear my weight or are to wide. I am going to find something I can ride eventually.
The blond haired Ulfen man rides comfortably, taking the lead since he knew the woods a bit. He peers forward at the outpost, then turns with a smile that shifts the large scar on his cheek. "I believe we have arrived. And you can all stop whining about the baths, just be lucky you're comfortable and have food." He twists his horse in a circle in front of Fren, making his horse shy up. "Sounds like you need a woman Fren!" Darvan laughs, bringing his horse back around to the front and bringing him to a gallop. It was a good day. The sun is high, his steel is sharp, and he's one stop closer to finding his sister. His smile falters slightly at the last thought, but he knows he is doing as much as he can and doesn't let it spoil his mood. He makes his way to the outpost as quickly as he can.
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At Darvan's words, Brok cannot help but release a guffaw.
"It's being a long ride indeed."
Wheeling his mount expertly, he gazes into the looming towers.
Someone's there in both the tower and a frontierman.
Turning to his companions, he calls out to them.
"I see a welcoming party it seems. One in the tower yonder and another watching our approach. 'Careful, they might take us for Bandits as well."
Kyra chuckled at Darvan's words and shook her head. "Too long a ride. It will be good to sit down on something that isn't a horse."
Kyra then frowned at the mention of being mistaken for bandits. "I hope not. It is rather hard to explain to people you have beaten unconscious that you mean no harm. They have a tendency not to believe you."
Kyra nods to Brok.
"Then we are both agreed. If they mistake us for such, we hope they do not attack and use diplomacy."
Standing on the reins and gaining the ability to see over his horses head Fren turns to the group with a smile.
Thanks for the pep talk Brok. As for being seen as bandits t should be fine that looks like our contact with Restov he should have gotten a letter about our arrival. It should be fine
Fren lifts his hand and strokes his beard his voice getting lower and lower as he continues to speak.
Well as long as he got the message to expect 5 of us not the four from the original charter but what's the chance that the message went astray in the bandit filled lawless area around here.
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Noon, Toilday, 1 Pharast, 4710
Day 1
As the party approaches Jory raises his hand in greetings.
"You must be the new surveyors," He calls out.
"I'm Ser Jory of Restov, I've been sent ahead to be your liaison here and I'm glad you've arrived. There's been a few issues of late. One in particular, I feel our host hasn't been entirely honest about. But intrigue can wait, I am sure you'll want a meal and I insist you have a bath."
As you ride into the courtyard of Oleg's one of the first things you notice is that the buildings form almost a secondary perimeter, leaving about 15 feet of space between their walls and the palisades. Who ever designed and built this post had a mind for siege warfare.
A stout man, late 30s or early 40s steps forward eagerly and takes the reins of your mounts.
"Welcome y'all to Oleg's Tradin' [b]Emporium! I'm the proprietor, Oleg! Guess, you've already met Ser Jory. And this lovely sight commin' out wit some ice cold lemonade is my beeutiful bride, Svetlana."[/b]
The woman carrying five frosty pewter mugs, blushes at her husband's introduction, but soon that blush turns to an crimson shade of anger.
"Oleg Bartholomew Vikkars!" She growls. "You told me there was only gonna be four guests fer the bunkhouse! Now I got to make one of 'em wait whiles I draw up their bath and make ready their room. You oaf, sometimes I swear yer as dense as a goblin."
Oleg blushes in shame at the tongue thrashing he receives and quietly leads your horses into the stables.
"I apologize fer my husband's inattention to details. Man is as bright an' ambitious as they come, but I swear if he wouldn't ferget his head if it twasn't 'ttached to his head."
She starts to serve Ser Jory the lemonade first, but he shakes his head politely and smiles at the young, buxom bride of Oleg. Motioning to her to serve you five the lemonade first.
"Can't say much for the Stolen Lands," Jory interjects. "But I promise you, Svetlana will make you feel as comfortable as if you were staying in the Lord Mayor's mansion itself."
Svetlana's pretty round face blushes again, and she blinks her bright blue eyes at the compliment. She then serves the lemonade to the party, starting with Kyra, then moving to Fren, Brok, Kern, and finally Darvan. She smiles warmly at each of you as she serves you.
"Again, I apologize. Would any of y'all be willing to wait while I prepare a bath. Ser Jory insisted you get the road washed off ya before we dine. If you wait, I promise I'll give you a slice of my famous cherry pie as a reward."
As she offers Oleg comes out of the stables carrying all your bags. All of them, he doesn't even seem to struggle under the load. He takes them into the bunkhouse, before stepping out.
"I apologize fer not havin' a fifth room ready, I just found out this mornin' there'd be five of y'all. I hope you'll 'cept my 'pology and let me provide y'all with a round of Svetlana's Ale on the house after dinner to make up fer it."
You notice Ser Jory enter the main building as Oleg and Svetlana help you settle in.
"Course I need to lay out the terms of yer stay. Ser Jory's partners have paid for you to have free room and board for the duration of yer contract. That includes, three squares, a warm bed with clean sheets, laundry service and of course a warm bath every week! Y'all also have 50 gold a piece in store credit, to spend on rations or any gear y'all might need out there. As fer ale, wine, or other goods, cluding sweet Svetlana's pie. That will have to be negotiated 'tween me and you. Sound good?"
Darvan smiles as he greets the three, his scarred face and lopsided smile somewhat offset by his friendliness. "Ser Jory, well met. Maybe you don't care for us much but at least I'm a looker, right?" He pays no mind to the bit of arguing about the lack of a fifth room. "Everything sounds great, even more than I expected. If it made it any easier I could sleep outside for the night, I'm just as comfortable on a nest of pine needles as in a bed." He eyes Jory as he enters the building, then leans in to Oleg, his bluntness preceding him. "Rich brat's just that and nothing more, right? Nothing to worry about there?"
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Brok smiles disarmingly.
"The offer is indeed most excellent, lovely Svetlana.
My friends would defintely love to get their baths in first and I'm afraid maybe the message about an addition to the charter was lost? Please do not blame Oleg here but the fact that this lands are dangerous.
Spreading his arms to Ser jory and in the act of whispering to Fren "Don't let him get on your nerves, he's just posturing."
Smiling at Kyra. He winks. You wanted diplomacy right. Frankly I can't wait to lynch one such as him
"Ser Jory, I must apologise for making you wait for us. Allow us further grace to have ourselves made presentable before we get on to business and partake of this fine ale and food? I believe a fine slice of this famous cherry pie from Svetlana is waiting upon our readiness?"
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"Oh, Ser Jory, he's a fine man, fine man. Gonna make me and Svetlana rich, I tell you. He's just a bit gruff at first, but sooner or later he'll warm up to ya. Then y'all be crackin' wise at each other just like he and I do. I'll getcha a room, won't be havin' any my guests sleepin' outside, looks bad fer business."
Svetlana excuses herself and makes her way over to a large round building with a central chimney. She stops near the well and draws out a large pail of water before entering.
"Svetlana's gonna get yer bath drawn right quick mister, er, sorry didn't get yer name. As fer the rest of you, if you like you can make yer way over to that buildin' right there and you'll find a private stall with a hot bath drawn up fer ya. Should be some fresh cloths and a bar a soap waitin' fer ya too. Don't worry bout yer clothes, Svetlana will be washin' em fer ya and we'll lay out some clean tunics fer ya all to wear back to the bunkhouse. Once yer all done we can meet over in the Great Hall"
He stops and points at a simple building near the eastern wall that looks like a cross between a barn and a house. It has two chimneys, one on the north and one of the south. With a simple door near the southern chimney, and a double door of polished oak near the north.
"There we can have some proper introductions and an afternoon meal, Svetlana prepared a fresh goat just fer the occasion. Yer all in fer a treat."
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Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3 Somehow I get that I can't sense motive for nuts.
Knowledge (Enginneering): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Brok stands up and makes his way out.
"Well I need to work out saddle sores so I'll just walk around until the baths and rooms are ready. That's fine right?"
Kyra had fallen silent as they got close to the settlement, though she was smiling. She would have volunteered, but she was pretty certain Darvan had her beat on arriving by a long shot.
She kept silent still until seated, sipping carefully on the lemonade, before nodding to Jory on the room issue.
"Go ahead and take one of the rooms; I'll wait on mine," Kyra said to Darvan. "I bet you would enjoy the rest as much as any of us, and I don't mind waiting. If all else fails, I can camp outside. I know I didn't bring camping gear to use as decoration."
She then looks to Brok as he stands and whispers, "Well, the good news is, we didn't have to find out how diplomatic I am in a fight..."
Kern dismounts easily, pulling his staff from its sling on the saddle, muttering a short spell , and what little road dust was on him is cleaned off.
Kern narrows his eyes a bit as he watches Jory leave, before he addresses Svetlana, "Do not put yourself out on my account, madame. I can draw and heat my own water as necessary. I look forward to the meal, however."
He'll rub down Termach and make sure he's settled with food before making way directly to the Great Hall.
Looking at the others try and selflessly give up on a room makes Fren feel a little ashamed not enough to offer his room as he quietly follows Svetlana to where the rooms should be.
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It doesn't take Svetlana long to prepare the fifth bath and as each of you enter, you find a private stall with a fresh cloth and soap on a stool next to a large wooden tub. The baths are crude, but comfortably allow for the user to sit. The water is warmed to perfection. Over the door of each stall is a rough, linen tunic. Despite it's age, it is very clean and smells distinctly of lilacs.
Once your baths are finished you find your way to the bunkhouse. The entrance opens to a large common room lined with comfortable chairs and padded benches. In the center is a large, circular table with six chairs and a map, roughly detailing the approximate borders of the Greenbelt. On the northern tip of the map sets a small wooden token, apparently representing Oleg's and at the south, a silver Stag's Head medallion, that is stained slightly with blood.
On the north side of the common room is a great stone fireplace that smolders with the embers of last night's fire. To the left of this fireplace is a small door, it opens to a covered hallway with a dirt floor that leads to the latrine. The latrine consists of two stalls and a long trough. A candle burns beneath a small censor that is filled with woodsy incense, which helps a little with the smell.
Back in the common room, you see 3 semi-private rooms on either side of the room. Each room has a small wooden wall that doesn't quite reach the ceiling and a cloth curtain for a door. Within the room is a modest bed, a small table with a candle, and a sturdy oak footlocker.
After you settle in, you hear the bell for dinner and make your way to the "Great Hall" as Oleg called it. The reality is that it's little more than a parody of a Noble's Lodge. With large woolen tapestries and poorly preserved animal heads attempting to mask the simple log craftsmanship. A great fire place holds a small fire on the western wall and the eastern wall has a small door, presumably leading into Oleg's and Svetlana's private residence.
A long wooden table rests in the center of the room with benches on either side and a pair of high backed chairs at each end. Sitting in the chair nearest the fireplace is Ser Jory with Oleg and Svetlana busily placing food and drink on the table.
There is a rich smell of roasted goat, as well as herbs and potatoes, as well as the sweet smells of cooling pies.
Jory stands as you enter and motions for you to have a seat.
"I trust you all feel better after your bath. I know I'm miserable after a long ride if I don't get an opportunity to rinse the dust from myself. And while rustic, Oleg and Svetlana's post here has made arrangements for us to be comfortable. Have a seat and we'll go through introductions."
He motions to Kyra to begin.
Kyra enjoyed the bath when she got her chance, and sighed happily. And then, finally, got a chance to check out her bedroom. She nodded approvingly at it; it was simple, functional, and served her needs for now. Once her armor and other items were stored, she changed into her normal clothes and strapped her sword to her belt; the area had bandits, after all, and she wasn't certain how safe the town itself actually was.
As she entered the great hall, her eyes darted around, taking in the general decor of it and any visible exits. The dinner, however, smelled delicious after the time on the road, so even the most whiny part of the paladin's mind felt no reason to complain. She took a seat the farthest away from the fire, to allow her companions to sit closer to the warmth.
"I thank you three for your hospitality. Your efforts are very appreciated and serve to make this place feel even more welcoming."
Kyra blinked in surprise as she was motioned to start. I didn't expect to speak first.
"I am Kyra Lightstep. I joined the mission to this place because I heard of the lawlessness that ravages the land and seek to help bring an end to it. I feel it would help the land prosper if people did not have to worry about their shipments getting stolen.
"My secondary hope is to establish a temple of general faith here, to spread the ideals of being a good person. It can also serve to help the people as well, giving them shelter and healing when they need it and combating any diseases that ravage the land."
And then Kyra smiled. "Beyond that, I guess you could say I'm a farm girl who learned how to use a sword and found faith in decency and law along the way."
Feeling somewhat foolish in a borrowed tunic, Kern sits, his eyes cataloging the hall before settling on Kyra as she speaks.
Hm, well-spoken, and a reasonable sentiment. Kern finds himself impressed despite a normally more pragmatic outlook. She seems surprised, though. I wonder if our lording has ulterior motives.
As Kyra finishes, Kern speaks up, "Kern Therensgard, at your service. I am a mage and a soldier; possibly not in that order." He glances at the map, "from the tone of the charter we received, and what looks like a war table, it seems to me we should expect less 'exploring' and more 'taming' of the local wilds."
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"So I a Paladin without a Deity, eh?" Ser Jory replied. "Do you worship a pantheon or no Gods at all? I heard tale of a land to the south that has outlawed the Gods. Short-sighted if you ask me, I may not be greeted by Cayden in some land of bliss, but I certainly don't want to raise the ire of Pharasma."
"And the rest of you?" He asks motioning for anyone to speak.
Kyra nods to the Jory. "I prefer to thank all of the goods of goodness and trust in them to bless me as they will."
She then sat back, thinking on what Kern said and puzzling over it. How much of the immediate area do we have to tame?
Fren thoroughly enjoys his bath unfortunately ending up letting Kern leave ahead of him removing his chance to get his clothing and armor cleaned. He sighs and takes out his formal robes and putting them on along with his axe and hammer before heading to the "Great Hall".
Clearing his throat to draw attention to himself Fren stands up
I am Fren Leone a cleric. If you missed the giant key on the back of my head I will inform you that my deity is Abadar the Master of the First Vault. I am here to make sure that this city prospers well for the betterment of all.
Darvan sits close to the fire, feeling thoroughly spoiled. "Darvan, I'm a man hunter and a woodsman."
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The Brevoy noble raises an eyebrow.
"War? No, not war, but there will be dangers. A bandit, the self-styled Stag Lord, harasses honest traders and pioneers attempting to make a living in the Greenbelt. He adds to the already deadly natural dangers that challenge those who would call this home" He pauses and then points at Oleg and Svetlana. "Including our hosts. I've been here nearly 3 weeks. And every Moonday, a rider appears. Wearing a medallion, like you no doubt saw on the map in the common room. He's a representative of this Stag Lord, and he collects nearly all the profits this meager outpost makes."
Oleg hangs his head in shame, while tears flow down Svetlana's flush cheeks.
"He arrived early yesterday afternoon. The low-born fool walked with a swagger he neither deserved nor could demand with blade. After groping Oleg's wife and making veiled threats, he demanded his pay. But when he saw me watching, he made a fatal mistake. He presumed to make demands on a titled noble of Brevoy. I ran the fool through before his blade could even be drawn. However, this presents a new challenge. I'll let Oleg explain."
Oleg grunts and continues to look at the floor as he talks.
"One man, I could have handled. In my youth I was good with an axe. Hell, I coulda split a man in two with a maul. But these Stag Men don't fight alone. They came to me and Svetlana's home, a good dozen of 'em. Armed to the teeth. Led by a vicious b!!~~, pardon my Varisian, named Kessel. Got a pair of axes and used the blunt end the side of my face just to say hello. She threatened to kill me and let her men take turns with sweet Svetlana iffin I didn't giver all the gold and booze we had. Svetlana tried to reason with em, tellin' em if they took our gold we'd have no way to make more, and they'd not get another dime out of us. That's when some dog of a man named Haps backhanded her."
Svetlana hissed.
"He was bout to hit me again, when Kessel stopped him. She said she should take my pretty little head for my stupidity. But instead she just took my ring, called it a down payment."
Oleg slammed a fist on the table.
"I was about to kill him with my bare hands, but Kessel kicked me where it counts and said that Svetlana was right. Instead of taking all our gold, she would take all our hard drink and 50 gold. And that each week we better have the say, or they'd take the difference out in turns with Svetlana. We've been able to pay, but it's not been easy. And any time they see a guest in the camp, they increase the take by 10 gold. I've nearly been bled of every cent I've got left. Yesterday was the first time their collector didn't leave with Gold and I'm afraid the whole lot of 'em is goin' to show up to collect with interest."
Jory raised his hand and dismissed Oleg and Svetlana.
"I trailed him last week after he left. After about half-a-day, he still hadn't met back up with his group. So I expect he wouldn't have been missed until this morning. I expect they'll send a group out tomorrow. Probably not the full dozen, but more than enough to handle Oleg. I asked Oleg about any times in the past when more than one guest was present. He said there were a few occasions when a group was staying here. He said the collector, would make a pass by on his horse but not return. The next day, Haps and about 5 other thugs would show up to collect. I would you'll face similar numbers tomorrow."
Darvan chuckles. "Well at least we don't have to go find them. Even have the home field advantage, we'll just set up an ambush here."
Darvan stands, scratching at his scar. "I'm going outside to scout around, familiarize myself with the area. Any and all are welcome to join me." He puts a hand on Oleg's shoulder. "We should be able to handle this. Couple questions though. Do you want us to act like some random group that aren't affiliated with you, or do you want everybody to believe you have a few trained men defending you? And is there anything about this outpost we should know that isn't easily apparent?"
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"I don't exist. The only reason I killed that fool was he saw me. Do I make myself clear? Jory responds.
"Additionally, I don't think there's anything about this outpost you can't see clearly as you approach. The ballista's are in ruins and we don't have any bolts even if you could fix them. The bandits will be on horses, so I don't recommend you attack them before they enter the post, lest they retreat for reinforcements. Oleg and Svetlana will leave the outpost with the gates open, as if they abandoned the place. There's a hermit a mile or so to the east who does a little trade with Oleg, we'll make our way there and wait for your message."
He removes a small silver raven figurine. Kern immediately recognizes it as a Silver Raven Figurine of Wondrous Power. On command it will transform into a raven and deliver a simple message to your target.
"We will leave at dawn."
Darvan thinks about Jory's words, then nods. "Right then, let's get to work."
Darvan goes outside and takes his sweet time understanding the lay of the land, making a map of it as he goes. Finally he comes back in and lays it out on the table.
Fren turns to the group.
Well from what I see we have three objectives. The first objective get prevent the bandits from ever leaving. How difficult would it be to close or block the gate after they entered Oleg? Second is to hopefully get information on the remaining bandits. Oleg if you could describe Kessel and Haps so we know who to capture and supply us with a few saps and something that will allow us to hide near the gate. We will of course pay for them. Lastly we need to get some of the defenses up and working properly. I saw the Batista and I think I can fix at least one in a day.
"Hope you can pull something out of your ass besides grumpiness because we still don't have any ammunition for those ballista's."
Kyra frowned once fully informed... then she looked to Jory, Oleg, and Svetlana. I can't endanger them in this... it wouldn't be right. I am glad they are fleeing, though.
"I am glad you three will not be here. I hope they view your fleeing as fleeing us instead of a trap. I would rather them think us a rival bandit band than endanger you."
Is it dishonesty if the enemy is deceiving themselves and you are letting them to protect innocents? That sounds like a technicality. Gods, please forgive me for that, and I pray you grant me mercy for this little bit. Even if the reason is just.
Then she looks to Darvan. "If stealth is required, I will not be much aide except as a distraction. I am afraid that paladins tend to be rather noisy when sneaking about. It's all of the praying for forgiveness for the trickery that gives us away." She grinned, the last sentence of that statement being self-deprecating humor. "But if stealth is not, then count me in. I could use a stretch anyway, and it feels better to be doing something to help."
She then hmmed at the ballista problem. "Does this settlement still have ammunition for them?"
The ballista's are in ruins and we don't have any bolts even if you could fix them.
Darvan smiles. "Please, I've spent the last few days traveling with you lot, and you're all about as quiet as a pissed off elephant. No, we're going to need good planning."
Fixing the Ballista is for after we deal with this raiding party. Since this Stag Lord will probably send a larger raiding party after we deal with this one. Working Ballista will help thin the attackers and cut down those who escape.
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Brok Snorts.
"Stealth is out. Why not blatant hidng in plain sight?
Gesturing towards Kyra, as he explains I propose Kyra here simply sits in plain sight and speak to our incoming guests.
Pointing to Darvan. Darvan here can find the best ambush point and inform us noisy folks so that we know where to place ourselves best.
To himself and Fren
I can help Fren with the Balista and maybe make a bolt or two if we have enough materials. Kern on the other hand, do you have any spells to disable our incoming friends? We might need a few of them alive for information."
Looking at the table and towards the tower.
"If what Oleg and the rest say is right, we should be expecting five of them, even numbers but I'd rather not fight this fairly. Setting up traps could be useful if only to hinder them. The gates could be key in ensuring none gets away to warn this Stag Lord.
Reminds me of the old fox, bless his soul. Brok thinks.
"What do the rest of you think? ANy other suggestions we could add on?"
Kern closes his eyes for a moment, picturing the layout of the fort as he's walked through it. Never of the friendliest disposition, his voice loses it animation, becoming flat and clinical.
"I'm not sure that Stealth is out. This is hardly an open field. Anyone just inside the stables, bunkhouse of storehouse is not going to be seen, and is unlikely to be heard. Anyone who prefers to stay at range can lie flat on the top of the wall."
"If we place a person behind the wall at each gate, those two can close the gates as soon as all the bandits are inside. We can place those people early, and the rest of can verify that they won't be seen by approaching forces."
He stops for a moment, "I'd suggest no fires tonight. We'll want to complete the appearance of an abandoned fort. We can also move the wagon into the central courtyard and pile it with goods. Perhaps they'll take it as a desperate attempt to mollify them by Oleg and Svetlana."
His voice returns to normal as he turns to Brok, "I'm sorry; I don't haven't studied any spells designed to disable rather than wound. I'll look to address that at the earliest opportunity."
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"The gates swing out, so you'd have ta be on the outside to push. But they swing easy enough, and I got some tallow we could grease up up good with. The bar is big, but I can lift it on my own, so I spect one-a y'all could lift it too."
He looks at Kyra.
"N'ah ma'am, ain't been a need for ballista bolts with broken ballistas. Suppose you could fashion a couple of the logs I got dryin' in the stable."
Svetlana then pipes up to Fren.
"Kessel's tall and stout. Not a fat woman, but muscular, got short hair, or at least did 6 months ago with a cruel face, always smirking. As for Happs, he dresses like he's some sort of ranger, got a rough black beard and he's a bit taller than the rest. Got a nasty scar cross his nose too."
Oleg then takes you to his storehouse and shows you what goods he has. There's a couple leather sacks you could fill with a bit of lead or a heavy rock to make a sap. He shows you a 25 gallon barrel of lamp oil he bought off a trader about 4 days ago. It's full to the brim. There's some new rope and then just trade goods. He points to some dry goods and a crate of whiskey, that you could put on the wagon as bait.
Svetlana shows you where the dry tack and salted pork is, so you can eat a breakfast without a fire tomorrow morning. Then, when Ser Jory isn't around and Oleg's out getting the horses saddled, she shows you a small chest in the house. It has a pair of cure light wounds potions in it.
"Greasing the gate hinges will help; perhaps we can put together a mechanism to close them quickly. Otherwise we may be stuck with two people outside who will need to walk the gates closed and drop the bar."
Kyra shakes her head to Brok's suggestion.
"I have no plans to do more than offer them a surrender. After we've shown them surrender is a good idea." Then she pauses a moment as she considers what they are talking about doing. "If one of them lives long enough. I could instead stand ready at the ambush point. That would add some muscle there and help keep Kern from getting surrounded if they spot him."
She frowns as she hears there are no ballista bolts. "Hmm... Any supplies to manufacture them? And does anyone know how?"
Fren listens to his compatriots for a bit frowning and looking around before turning back to the group.
Here is my suggestion for fighting them and closing the door. First someone will stand behind a table with a rock filled bag and some gold coins on the table. We should place it near the bunk house so they have to come in deeply and we can hide someone there. Next we will have two people who have ranged weapons will hide up over the door. If we can make two knotted ropes they should be able to get to and close the door behind the bandits. Then get back over the wall quickly to fire on the bandits. I will be hiding in the stables and drag the bar to the door and place it in. At that point whoever is hiding in the bunk house will aid the person at the table and we fight. Oh and we should look the doors to the other buildings so they. Any issues with my idea and any spells you think I should use tomorrow.