Osmond's eyes began darting around the fort at the first mention of bandits. He needed vantage points, ambush points, and anything else that could give him a tactical advantage. At Kari's question, he returned his attention to those around him.
"Well, first of all, I think the bandits are foolish to attempt an assault against a fort. However, before I get to that, I need to clear a few things up."
He walks up to Svetlana and salutes.
"Osmond Raknian, at your orders, Madame." He stands at ease. "Now, if I you don't mind, I have just a few qustions of you." His face becomes deeply serious and he begins to speak promptly. "First, how long have these bandits been coming here? Second, is there any towers or other vantage points that we can access from within the fort? Also, these doors, do they open both inwards and outwards or just in the one direction? And, lastly," he says as his face becomes more at ease and sympathetic along with his voice, "I'm sorry that this has been happening to you. Are you alright, Miss?"
Sirian closes in on Kari, leaning in close and speaking quietly so as not to compete with Osmond's questioning.
"You make a good point Kari."
With a look of sympathy on his face he adds "If you need to talk, I'm here. But you're right - our first priority is wining."
With that Sirian leaves Osmond to continue questioning Svetlana on tactical issues, and walks towards Obediah, petitioning Abadar for help in this next, difficult task.
Obediah knows Oleg. I wonder how well the rest get on with him
Timing his walk to arrive during a break in the conversation, smiling Sirian approaches the group with hand outstretched to shake hands with everyone. He calls them by name, looks in their eyes, shakes hands with an honest grip, and mentions some anecdote from the trip.
When he has shaken hands with the drivers and with Milton, James, Paul and Marcus, he shakes hands with Obediah.
"Obediah, you've taught me a lot about care of horses over the last couple of days, and I have to say I never realised why it was so important not to let them overeat during breaks. Would you mind giving me a hand with my horse?" in a much quieter voice "I'd like to talk to you about something."
"Obediah, you obviously know Oleg well. I've been talking with Svetlana, and things here, well, they're not good. My little group is going to help him out with some trouble here, but we may not be enough."
he pauses, and calls upon Abadar's guidance and silver tongue to ask a favour
"I need you to be here tomorrow. Have a wagon throw a wheel, or something. I know you can think of a reason to delay the trip back."
Svetlana looks doubtful at Ratimir's words, but she appears mollified by Sirian. The fort is a square, with an elevated 'tower' at each corner atop which sit four broken catapults.
The specific areas are as follows:
A1: Market Yard: An open area where trade takes place. Two tables near the fire pit are used to display wares and serve food to visitors, while bulky trade goods are offloaded into the storage pen.
A2: Guesthouse: 5 sp a night, including breakfast and dinner.
A3: Stable: 2 sp per stall per night, including a day's worth of water and feed as well as a complimentary rub down for the horse.
A4: Storage Pen: A fenced area with wooden roof to keep off most of the rain and snow - trade goods like furs and other goods are stored here until enough build up to warrant a trip to the city to sell them off.
A5: Middens: Three 3-foot-deep composting pits and middens.
A6: Main Hall: A squat but solid wooden building which is Oleg and Svetlana's home and storeroom for the trading post. The double bars into the market yard can be barred but not locked.
A7: Dining Room: A comfortable room with a few chairs and a table.
A8: Office: Where Oleg keeps his ledgers and meets important visitors.
A9: Stockroom: Where the trading post's stock is kept.
A10: Storeroom.
A11: Bedroom.
Svetlana thinks a moment as Osmond asks his questions.
"They first arrived three months ago, not long after we came here. They threatened to burn down the trading post and steal me away if we didn't give them all of our furs and trade goods. The first time they came, there were a dozen of them. Ten thugs led by a cloaked man with a bow and that horrible Kressle. She almost chopped off Oleg's right hand, and stole my wedding ring as payment for not 'shortening his reach' as she put it. The second time they came, only the cloaked man and six thugs came. The last time was the cloaked man and only four of them. We suspect they've let down their guard and think us compliant. They're due to return again tomorrow, an hour after sunrise. I think they must make camp about a day away as they are always keen to get away."
She looks around the fort at his other questions.
"Well, you could climb the watchtowers or the roof of the main hall for a vantage point. The door opens inwards. And thank you for the concern, I'm a little shaken but we'll get through this. I just ask that you help us."
Sirian pulls Obediah to one side, but the wagon driver doesn't answer in the way that Sirian hopes.
"I'm sorry, Sirian. I like you and I like Oleg, but we have to begin our return journey before sundown. If we're late, we get no bonus and I have a wife and three children to feed. If it is any consolation, the bandits in these parts are cowards. They don't dare attack us and we only have four guards, myself and William. They don't like even odds which is why I daresay they've come here. If anyone deserves help, it's Oleg and Svetlana. They're good people, and deserve more than the Sword Lords give 'em."
As Osmond listens to Svetlana, Marcus the guard approaches him.
"I wish we could stay until tomorrow, Osmond, but if we don't return quickly, we don't get paid and Obediah has a family to feed. I know you're a military man and have probably thought of half a dozen plans already, but these bandits are cowards. Cut off the head and you'll kill the snake. Best of luck."
The men offload the wagons and make ready to return to Restov.
Svetlana smiles at the men as they leave the fort, but there's no happiness in her face. However, she ushers you all towards the dining room where there are just enough seats for you all to sit down while she serves a delicious stew with some bread and ale.
"So," Oleg says, looking at Osmond, "Will you help us against the bandits?"
"Marcus, wait: you have something for us" Sirian holds out his hand for the charter.
Damn. Plan B it is then. Only way to use them now is to send the bandits out to ambush them.
Sirian looks at the retreating back of Obediah
Three kids, you say Obediah.
He considers
I won't do it unless I have to.
Ratimir listens to Svetlana's account with great attention. He watches Marcus approach Osmond and waits for him to leave; then, he gestures to Osmond and Kari, asking them to bend down and listen. He speaks with a low voice, looking at Osmond.
"Mr. Osmond, you're obviously the military expert here, but here's what I think. If these rascals have grown confident and cut dow their numbers during their raids, that is to be for our advantage, as they'll not be expecting us here. Tomorrow, when this small group of bandits comes to harass Oleg and Svetlana, we take them down, and then move on to their camp to cut the root of this evil. We can take on five cowardly thugs."
He pauses and looks up, thinking, and then procedes.
"We´ll be able to extract the camp's exact location from the defeated bandits, right?"
"Five cowardly thugs with one sadistic b*tch of an excuse not to reveal a thing," Kari replies to Ratimir's line of thought after a pensive expression. She waves... vaguely in the direction of the Goodman and his wife. "You cannae say the Goodman and his wife dinnae know what they purchased here," she continues and looks to the fort and its shabby state. "It is plain even to mine eyes!
"They be a'frighted after but one meetin' with tha beastly Kressle. These lads of hers," Kari frowns and shakes her head. "Ain't no merry band, yeah? Not companions like us. Nor like to have much in terms of morale, morals, er brains," she concludes and casts her eyes down.
"Five broke men, like," she says softly, and looks to Osmond. "You squared with the like, Sir?"
Osmond nodded.
"I've dealt with worse, actually. A handful of bandits should be no problem, especially if they're getting complacent with their 'raids.' Considering the doors open inwards, we could probably just hide behind the doors as they come in and have the jump on them. It doesn't sound like they would be the smartest lot."
He looks over to Svetlana.
"Miss, I can assure you, those bandits will be dealt with tomorrow. My blade is yours for the time." He takes a second to glance around the fort. "While I'm at it, my father said one should always try to earn their keep for the day and, well, Dimitri and I would like to stay indoors tonight. Seeing as I'm a bit short on coin, is there any chores that need be done today?"
Kari pulls her lute into her lap and begins moving her fingers rapidly over the frets, but the only sound is the whisper of the strings beneath her fingertips as they move. Her mouth moves silently, not even Osmond would hear a whisper if the spell was in effect.
"Cannae be over confident," she says, her amber eyes apparently fixed on a point beyond the party. "Yon Goodwife spoke of this hooded character using a bow. Why..." she trails and plays at strumming the lute, glancing down to look at how her fingers were composed on the frets. When she speaks again, her voice has regained its adult qualities once more. "Why would he willingly give the advantage of threatening at range, unless..." her eyes narrow, "perhaps he is just as fair a shot in close quarters?" she suggests and shakes her head.
"And who is ta say they be ignorant of us?" she inquires further. "I nae be an expert on the ways o' the wilds, but it is nae very difficult to tell the track of wagon from man. Or Dimitri's. The lady say they camp a day away. Say they send scout ahead to ensure the Goodman complies same as last month, why... they may already know we are here!"
Osmond shakes his head.
"You give them too much credit. Other than Kressle, they sound like petty thieves. I'm sure they think the fort is all theirs. They probably feel there's no reason to worry about anything, especially since they've met no resistance before. My guess is they expect to stroll in, take their 'keep,' and walk out without a problem. As for that bowman, well, I've taken a few arrows in my day. I won't have any problem with him," he says as he knocks on his shield. "In fact, he would probably be the kind to give away some secrets if captured."
"Do I?" Kari inquires and begins strumming her lute. Her fingers work over the frets with impossible speed and the melody is quite alien to human ears. She scarcely pauses and continues with her train of thought, as though simply adding lyrics to the song. "I believe it can be agreed, Osmond, that our perception of bandits is like to be incongruous for a time, yet. I see men, and silly as men can appear to be, they might also be cunning and skilled at their craft.
"Now then," Kari continues and looks to the gates. "We know which way the doors open, but do we know that they will close? Will it take the strength of one man, or woman, or two? It is clear that none of these scoundrels should escape to warn this Kressle about our retaliation..."
"You can close the doors with one person to each gate," Oleg states as he finishes storing the shipment, "I've made sure the hinges are well oiled and I close the gates each night to keep predators out."
Sirian reads the charter avidly, then reads it again.
Then, uncharacteristically, he swears.
Waving the caravan off, he comes to rejoin the others, handing the Charter over with a quick "Be very careful with that."
"Alright - I heard some of what you were saying. Tell me what I'm missing."
Extending his index finger he recaps
"Setting a trap is easy. We can hide behind the doors until they ride in, then close them."
Holding up a second finger
"Two, we don't know how many bandits there will be, but expect there to be five or less."
Holding up a third finger
"Three, while they appear to be complacent, Kari has a legitimate worry that they may work out we are here before coming in, so we cannot guarantee surprise."
Holding up a fourth finger
"Four, there is a camp with an unknown number of bandits, but at least 6 more, that is probably within a day's travel. They know our location, but we do not know theirs."
Holding up his thumb
"Lastly, including Svetlana and Oleg we should have the edge in numbers, ranged weapons, arcane support and divine guidance."
"Aye, and seems we 'ave discovered who it is wit' talent ta repeat truths we all hold," Kari purrs and smiles broadly at Sirian's expense concerning his strange behavior.
Her fingers did not slow, nor her song as she appears to drop into thought once more, rocking forward and whispering in her flower language. "A question." she says after a moment. "If we know this Kressle to be a horrible manish beast what rule by fear, how we know that these bandits nae be victims, themselves?"
Kari's amber eyes bore holes into Osmond, and Sirian's. "Are we resigned to do murder toward them?"
Sirian returns Kari's smile, and when she asks her question rejoins quickly "Our charter only requires us to execute those who engage in unrepentant banditry."
Sirian looks away for a second and then back
"I've never killed anyone. oh I trained with the crossbow, same as everyone. I went hunting a few times, but never really got the taste for it. If there's a way out of this that doesn't involve killing, well, I for one would like to hear it."
"A good blow to the face with my shield would usually do the trick," chuckled Osmond. "Strong as a man may be, a good knock can usually put them down for a few minutes. We can try to subdue these men using non-fatal blows. Sirian, you can use your holy powers to heal their wounds once their properly captured. Also, as a few of you are arcanists, surely you have some magic to, lets say, make them sleep, right?"
"Nay," Kari says, for a moment wearing an exaggerated frown and expression of consternation, before grinning like a fool, "but you cannae say that I have not the way of motivatin'," she looks about them for the location of Goodman Oleg and his lady wife before she makes a few simple hand gestures and transforms into a hideous chimera with cat's eyes, a raven's beak and snakes for hair.
Kari cast Haunted Fey Aspect
she bellows.
Then the illusion fades and she giggles, and returns to strumming her lute. "Weren't much cause for speedin' the drunks ta their beds," she apologizes, "but I will think upon it."
Ratimir steps back before Kari's illusion display. When she changes back, he seems relieved, and speaks to the others.
"I'm afraid my magic is not like that of Miss Kari, and, in general, it's not very..."
Ratimir gestures and the air around them seems to chill a bit; ice crystals start forming around his right hand as he raises it, and suddenly fires a small, chilling ray of force aimed at the ground, which explodes some 15 ft. away from the group.
"... subtle."
"However, I've got at least one trick up my sleeve that can help us ambush the raiders. Though you see me small now, I can shrink even further - and even do the same to you. I tell you, it's a great aid to one seeking to hide competently."
Looking serious, he replies to Sirian's last statement. "I, like yourself, priest, have not taken a live but while hunting along the elders of my clan; yet, during these hunts, I've learned my magic can be quite lethal. I'll try and do my best to control it as I can, but will not refrain to use it if things get ugly. Like you said, the situation presents many variables, and we don't know how much we'll be able to hold back. We must first and foremost think of ourselves, and focus at taking them down." He pauses and looks at Osmond with resignation. "Let's only hope these bandits can indeed repent."
Sirian jumps when Kari transforms
He nods in agreement with Ratimir
"You're right, Ratimir. Our first priority has to be the lives of ourselves and our hosts. Osmond; I am indeed a chosen divine channel of Abadar. So long as they're not actually dead I should be able to bring them back. Do what you have to, don't worry about hurting them."
"I can channel some of Abadar's speed, wisdom and insight, as well as his holy energy. I am a reasonable hand with a crossbow. I've had some basic weapon training, and some basic armour training. Best way to use me is to put me in the middle of where you want people to stay alive and let me use my sling. If Abadar speaks to me, I will relay it to you."
"How shall we proceed, then? If we are to stand behind the doors as they open, that means Svetlana and Oleg will have to receive the bandits. We need to get them to safety right after doors are opened; that means a distraction would be necessary...
"Miss Kari, I've heard of gifted minstrels who can hypnotize whole crowds with their singing and playing. I've had the pleasure of hearing bits of your music and seeing sparks of your magic during the last week and... well... do you suppose you could do something like that? Meanwhile, the three of us stay hidden behind the doors. That would give our hosts the chance to slip away as we close on our enemies."
Looking a little embarassed, Ratimir turns to Osmond and points to him and Dimitri, raising his browns with a concerned look.
"I believe you should engage them first, Mr. Osmond, you being a big fighter and all. I'm not very good fith my fists, I fear, but I can stand back trying to blast the delinquents with some spells and things."
"I, hypnotize bandits with my beauty?" Kari deliberately misinterprets. "What ever do you mean, ser?" she teases and grins.
"Save for the threat of physical harm to mahself, I cannae see the effort bein' a failure," she says. "Let it be known, that if thee intend to engage, with arm or spell, the spell be broken."
"I see. Then, we must wait until you, too, are safe before attacking, lest any harm spoil such hypnotic beauty." Ratimir smiles, truly meaning the compliment.
Ratimir looks in the direction of the main hall, and his face brightens.
"Well! Svetlana said something earlier about vantage points. Do you think you could maybe stand in the roof of the main hall, or maybe atop that other building..." - Ratimir points to the storage pen and its wooden roof. "They both seem to offer a clear view to the patio, and unlike the watchtowers, can only be spotted from the inside. Would it still work in that case, Miss Kari?"
"May like, but known ev'n a daft bard to stray where their neck might break to peddle for copper?" Kari inquires. "Our reputation for seeking the creature comforts of life is well deserved," Kari purrs and smiles.
"An," she says and discontinues strumming for a moment. "I dinnae say I woul' nae provide the distraction," she clarifies, "just wished it known who also be in the midst of arrows, bullets and magic."
Kari turns her head to look to Svetlana. "If ye will excuse me, sers, I believe I shall 'ave some words with the Goodwife," she says and rises, then offers a bow before she approaches Svetlana.
"Beggin' ye pardon, Goodwife, as the subject clearly upsets ye, but... fra the sake of thy mates, I must know. What were the words Kressle's hounds used when they looked upon ye with hunger in thine eyes?""
"I don't know" says Sirian "I've got a feeling we're going to want everyone who can hold a weapon in this fight. Especially if we can get some ranged weapons."
Sirian turns to Oleg,
"So Oleg, what can you and Svetlana bring to this little ambush?" Sirian smiles warmly "A man who comes out to bandit country to run a trading fort must be pretty handy with a weapon."
Ratimir runs after Kari as she excuses herself to have words with Svetlana, speaking up so she can hear. "But Miss Kari, what I suggest is that you remain safe up there while providing distraction, not that you hide and withdraw from the fight! Maybe you can fire a crossbow like priest Sirian?". Seeing Kari talking to Svetlana, he stops chasing her. "Oh, sorry, I don't mean to interrupt your conversation, ladies."
he walks back to the group in time to hear Sirian expressing his doubts. When the cleric asks Oleg about his fighting skills, he speaks too, before even giving Oleg a chance to reply.
"Priest Sirian makes a valid point! Surely we could use the help of additional warriors."
Sirian's metaphorical ears prick up at the mention of the word 'crossbow'
Oleg looks at the dusty yard for a moment.
"I left Restov to get away from the politics and bullshit, but I never really got the skills for fighting. Oh sure, I can handle myself in a fist fight but add weapons? I'd be as dangerous to you folks as I would to the bandits. I feel bad for asking you to face them when I can't, but I'll act as a decoy. Svetlana will be in the house. I'll join her while you fight them."
Svetlana smiles at Kari.
"What can I say? They're men from the wilderness, dear. Whether they hungered through starvation or malice, I couldn't tell you. But be careful, I don't think they'd pull punches because you're a woman."
Ratimir seems a little disappointed with Oleg's reply, but tries not to show.
"That is perfectly fine, Mr. Oleg. After all, according to this charter and other agreements, the duty and mission of clearing this area of the influence of banditry belongs to the four of us and no one else..."
Staring at Oleg, Ratimir smiles widely trying to get any help he can.
"... though maybe you have something in stock that can give as an edge in the fight? Despite our arcane and divine powers, we might still fall short of enough... resources, should their numbers be greater than what we are expecting. Anyway, if you do, let us know; meanwhile, me and my comrades shall come up with proper plan for tomorrow morning. I believe you can grant us the courtesy of lodging for the night, so that we can be in out top forms for the battle. We shall gather in whichever chambers you have to spare."
Ratimir bows in gratitude and waits to be taken to his room.
Osmond nods.
"Yes, I think we can hammer out the details of the plan tonight, but there's one more thing I'd like to work out right now." He turns to Oleg. "Now, from what I know of magic, there's some magic words involved when a spell is cast. Oleg, would you be so kind to speak as loudly as you can before opening the doors to the bandits? If you do, it should be enough to mask the words that my companions will use to get ready."
"Goodwife, if ye believe strong that thine vows can survive a bit o' theatre, I woul' have it distract 'fore my magics," Kari says to Svetlana. "An' for ye safety, like. I thought we would make it appear as if yon Goodman eye were strayed til mine freshly ripened buds, and set ye to fury within," she looks to their house.
Kari smiles and has the presence of mind to flush and look embarrassed. "It has in mine experience been, Goodwife, that if a man sees that a firm hand has broke a philly, he will covet for himself."
You and me both thinks Sirian as Oleg explains how he can't fight, but keeps his face set.
Sirian wonders if Oleg is trying to keep enough distance that he has some deniability if this whole thing goes south.
"Raitimir makes a good point. I'm sure you have an inventory you can show us, but we also need to know if there are any other weapons or armour you have." Sirian nods to the top of a tower "For example, do those catapults work?"
Oleg rubs his chin, before shrugging. "I guess if I don't help you, I won't have stock to sell. You can check my stock and purchase anything at half-price. As for speaking loudly, you can be assured there will be hot words said."
Svetlana blushes at the mention of Kari's plan. "We could attempt it, Kari, but the bandits know how keenly Oleg loves me. It's why they took my ring and threatened to throw me to their men, to keep Oleg controlled. I think it would be more likely to mark you as someone who can twist a man's mind, rather than make them think there was something going on between Oleg and you."
Oleg looks at the nearest catapult and shakes his head. "No, not from what I can tell. Whether they are rotten or just don't work, I'm not sure. I've no head for engineering works."
Kari sighs loudly and as she tilts her head to the side rolls her eyes dramatically.
"Aye, Kari Cat's Heat it shall be, Goodwife," she agrees and nods tenuously. "Jus' as well the men folk be hid 'fore them villains come to bear, else I am ne'er like to live down the shame..."
Kari will wander about the catwalk in the evening, checking upon the condition of the catapults with Kn. Engineering and generally amusing herself with vandalism of fantastic butterflies, dragons, and rainbows for Craft (Caligraphy) .
She volunteers to sleep in the stable if no one else will have her, having the ability to wash herself down thoroughly with magic in the morning.
After the four adventurers finish laying out their plans, Ratimir immediately goes to sleep in order to rise with the break of day properly rested.
Sirian attempts to be a gentleman, eats a small meal and turns in early so as to try to get sufficient sleep despite the queasy churning in his stomach every time he thinks about the next morning.