Kingmaker: The Winds of Change (Inactive)

Game Master Odentin

"Well, I could take one, but if there's not one to spare, I'm happy with these leathers." She finishes off her ale. "Besides, with all of that magic at hand, nothing could even close to harming me," she says with a smirk.

Ansha smiles in response to Cal. "Ricelye malaro olë. Ananta polaro polar. Naro úmalapola sí."

"I did not mean to infer that you were anything other than honest, Master Leveton; I was merely asking that you recognize our claim to these goods and seeing if you would be willing to buy from us that which we do not need or cannot use. I do not know if enough people come through here to buy goods like this or if you are able to make a profit from them elsewhere. I would not ask you to buy goods that you could not sell later."

I don't think Oleg has shown us any goods yet so I don't know if he has a chain shirt for sale, but if he does we should definitely trade up

"Good Oleg, I heartily agree that there is no sense in bringing out anything valuable in the sight of these men. Perhaps Cal and the others can go inside and look at your stock while Master Shieldborn and I ensure that this 'Happs' is secure. Karsh, if you would join me? Lady Starr, perhaps you could help also."

I've deliberately misinterpreted what Oleg said here. In case it's necessary to win Oleg over to the idea of taking people inside to look at his goods:
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Numalar looks at Karsh until Karsh moves towards where Happs is sitting.
I am NOT approaching Happs alone!
As Karsh begins securing him, Numalar begins to pat him down, searching him for other weapons and valuables.
Probably this is a job for Avery actually; if she rolls perception we could call this an Aid roll if that works.
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

While patting Happs down, Numalar quietly addresses Happs:
"Look, Happs. Some of these guys want to kill you and your friends on the spot, and I'm trying to keep that from happening. Just play along; as long as they don't think you're a threat they won't slit your throats. Tying you up protects you as well as them."

He looks over at the rest of the bandits. "Same for the rest of you. This will be rough for a couple of days, but play your cards right, don't make trouble, and things will work out all right. Mistress Ansha knows what she's doing so do what she tells you."

I'm trying to win over their attitude (towards myself and towards Ansha who will be doing most of the talking) and their cooperation. I'm being misleading about what will happen to them, but I haven't actually promised anything at all. I will roll Diplomacy here but if Bluff would apply that will be better for me.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9 Or another +4 if Bluff applies

Edit: Wow, talk about crappy rolls. Oh, well, that's the game sometimes. Let's hope I get some circumstance bonuses. :)

Ansha remains outside with Numalar, Happs and the bandits--the scroll materials can wait. "What my friend means to say is that things will go a lot smoother for all of you if you cooperate. I personally am a strong believer that 'my enemy is the one whose story I do not know'--so why don't you guys tell me your stories? I can tell you a little about mine, as well, if you'd like...but I doubt it's going to be as interesting as yours are."

Diplomacy (improve attitude): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

...Man, I'm rolling a lot of 19s and 20s so far.

Oleg has not shown you anything, and there are no chain shirts.

Oleg grunts, "Plenty of hunters and trappers come through here. You ever deal with a wild boar? Weapons and armor get bought pretty often. And no, yer NOT walking through my house. Like I said, bind him or hang him and I'll bring out my stock."

The bandits roll their eyes at Numalar's attempt at coercion. The one he had been speaking to before even mutters, "Fμck off, short stack." As Numalar searches Happs, he finds no hidden weaponry.
When Ansha gets involved, though, they seem to loosen up a bit. None of them seem particularly talkative, but neither do any of them seem actively aggressive anymore, at least towards the enchantress.

Avery will definitely join in on searching and binding the prisoners, as she is very very uncomfortable with the idea of leaving them alive, and if that is how things must be, then at the very least she will do her damndest to make sure they are as secure as humanly possible. She will spend forever searching them (Take 20, 2 minutes per prisoner, so about 10 minutes?) and the fact that she's patting them down and running her hands over them for long minutes might encourage the bandits to make some rude comments and sexual insinuations. If they do that, then Avery will grimace and try to rein in her temper.

Perception: 20 + 12 = 32

After the search, she'll also Take 20 on whatever skill is appropriate for binding the prisoners, unless someone else seems to know what they're doing, in which case she'll happily let them do better.

The Kellid woman is steaming on the inside and looking for any excuse to vent her anger, and therefore when one of the bandits speaks rudely to Numalar, Avery will ball up her fist, and try to smash it squarely into the bandit's face. Not because she's in any way fond of Numalar -- they've barely spent half a day together and she doesn't warm up to people that quickly -- but because she a red roiling ball of rage and it won't take much to set her off.

Numalar steps back from the bandits, deep in thought.

They can take care of it. I don't seem to be helping very much. Another job better done by 'big people.'

He scowls as he watches the larger members of the party secure Happs and search the prisoners, but when Avery clouts the wisecracking one behind the ear, he grins.

Thanks :)

He then looks over at Oleg, standing gruffly in the doorway.

Yesterday, Oleg was happy to have us eat at his table. Now, after we defeated the bandits that threatened him, he refuses to let us set foot in his house. Is it just because we have not executed the bandits? Or is there something else? Perhaps the bandits did more to him and Svetlana than they were willing to admit? Or perhaps he knows something more about them that he hasn't shared with us? Do the bandits themselves know something about him, that he doesn't want to come out?

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

"Master Oleg, considering you've mentioned these bandits have been here before, I do have a question. Have these men stolen anything in particular that you are wishing to be returned? We can make sure to do our best to retrieve it for you if we take on the rest of their bandits at their camp."

With the bandits mollified, Ansha turns her attention to Oleg (and Svetlana, if she ventures outside). Approaching the man, she smiles warmly. "I wanted to thank you for the hospitality you have displayed, Oleg. It was a welcome respite from life on the road, believe me. The stew was absolutely superb. Your wife is a fine cook," she says, her voice low. "And it only seemed fair to help you and Svetlana out after such a fine meal last night. I want to reassure you, our 'friends' have not gotten away with their banditry. We'll see that justice is served to them; but for the moment, I think they can lead us to the source of your troubles."

Diplomacy (improve attitude): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Avery finds nothing more on most of the bandits, but does get more a than a few lewd comments, most of which are followed by laughter from the others. On Happs, however, she finds a hidden dagger and two flasks of Alchemist's Fire. Around his neck, she finds a silver pendant in the shape of a stag's skull.

Oleg grunts at Linora, and looks as if he's about to answer, but stops short as Ansha approaches him. He sighs, shaking his head at her words, "You'll forgive me if I'm not convinced. 'Justice' would be the rope, not taking them out into the woods where they can all get free and run wild again." He sighs again, looking over as Avery finishes binding the last man, "Lemme get my stock. Excuse me..."

He heads inside, and over the next couple of minutes, he and Svetlana bring all of their stock out of the house and lay it out on the tables that just the previous night had been their dining table. The stock contains:

1 Suit Leather Armor
1 Heavy Shield (Wood)
2 Hand Axes
5 Javelins
1 Longbow
24 Arrows
1 Scythe
2 Spears
2 Vials of Antitoxin
6 Torches
14 Servings of Trail Rations

Attack: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Unarmed damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

He sighs again, looking over as Avery finishes binding the last man, "Lemme get my stock. Excuse me..."

Numalar walks up to the table and looks over the goods.

Hmmm... rather slim pickings. Perhaps the trip to Restov is more necessary than I thought. We may need to stop there now and then if this is all that Oleg can do. Well, if we end up bringing the prisoners to Restov then we can kill two birds with one stone.

"Well, I don't see a sling here... Lady Avery, perhaps you would care to purchase some of these Javelins? I suspect we will also need as much provisions as we can acquire; might as well take the lot. Perhaps we should purchase the torches and antitoxin as well? One never knows when they might come in handy. I don't need the torches myself, but not everyone can see in the dark."

Ansha gives Linora a puzzled look as Oleg walks off to retrieve his stock, then shrugs.

After Oleg has finished retrieving his stock, she lightly rests her fingers upon his arm, pulling him aside and asking quietly, "You don't happen to have any scrolls or sheets of paper in stock, do you?"

Oleg grunts at Linora, and looks as if he's about to answer, but stops short as Ansha approaches him. He sighs, shaking his head at her words, "You'll forgive me if I'm not convinced. 'Justice' would be the rope, not taking them out into the woods where they can all get free and run wild again."

With a shrug, Cal nods at their grumpy host and adds "Well sir, I for one agree with you... but I've been out voted it seems." Glancing over at their quarry, Cal rolls his eye one last time, resigned to the fact they would be dragging this potentially dangerous dead weight with them.

Justice out here looks much different then it would back in Restov; maybe a few weeks out here might change my new found companions mind.

Picking through the stocks, Cal muses "Oleg, you got any spare horse feed? I for one have no intent on wasting good food on these reprobates if I don't have too." Looking over at the bandits again, Cal smiles bemusedly, perhaps suggesting to them that he's kidding...

... or perhaps not.

Avery's punch does indeed connect with the bandit's face, knocking him to the ground. He glares at the woman with murderous intent, though seems to think better of trying to attack while unarmed and outmatched.

**********************************************************

The rest of the day goes by uneventfully. Oleg and Svetlana thank the party several more times, and agree to give them free room and board for the entirety of their mission in the Greenbelt. Good to their word, the lunch and subsequent dinner that Svetlana prepares are warm and filling, and taste divine (though that could simply be from having trail rations for four straight days on the trip from Restov). The bandits, however, get to enjoy none of it. Bound under the walkway of the northern wall, they rest just out of reach of any nourishment, but well within range to smell it. Unless someone in the party shoves a pack of rations down their throats, the bandits do not get anything to eat.

Oleg does not have any scrolls available, but the materials are simple enough to come by, and he has some available; enough for two scrolls. He does offer to send a request for more with his weekly shipment to Restov. In fact, he extends this offer to everyone, stating that he will do his best to keep his stock supplied with useful goods, and can retrieve special requests if the party has any, though it will take at least a week to fulfill such requests.

As night falls, a watch is set up to keep the bandits from attempting to escape. All seems to go well until the morning comes. Svetlana's scream awakens anyone in the group still sleeping. As they come into the yard, they find that while the other four men remain, Happs is no longer in the outpost. It seems that somehow, last night, he slipped his bonds and escaped. The bar to the gates remains in place, which means he must have gone over the walls.

Sorry. He rolled a 19 on his Escape Artist (just barely hitting the DC 21 necessary), and then a natural 20 on his Stealth check.

Whatever the plan is, with this development, please enact it quickly. Any purchases or sales, please note them, as well.

Ansha takes Oleg up on the offer, requesting more blank scrolls and ink even as she purchases the materials he has on hand. Enjoying the lunch and dinner Svetlana prepares, she spends the remainder of the evening studying her spellbook, her companions, and the captured bandits before retiring to sleep.

Pharast 2, 47?? AR

Come morning, she is awakened from a dream about dancing marionettes by Svetlana's scream and stumbles out of the guesthouse clad only in her cloak--she has a tendency to sleep in the nude. Quickly ascertaining the situation, she curses softly in Elven. "Well, that complicates things," she says. "Assuming he was true to his word--which I am under no illusions that he was--then he intends to vanish into the wilderness and give up banditry. Even if he doesn't, at least he didn't take a horse--we should still be able to beat him back to the camp. We're down a guide, but the directions sounded simple enough. The only danger is that we stumble upon the camp and they spot us first."

The elf walks over to where the bandits are bound. "Did Happs say anything to you?" she asks one of the bound bandits, wrapping her cloak about herself as she kneels. Reaching out to touch one of them, she lets her fingertips brush the man's shoulder as she seeks to coax an answer out of him (Beguiling Touch, DC15). If the answer is in the negative, she repeats the process with each bandit.

Ansha purchased the materials needed to scribe two scrolls, then scribed one scroll of Sleep before nightfall on Pharast 1. My prepared spells are updated as well.

Out of character response to the events here is described in the discussion thread.

Regarding Purchases (resolving previous day's stuff first):

"Well, master Oleg, I like the look of these vials of antitoxin; one never knows when that will come in handy. And the torches and rations are just sensible purchases. Others may be interested in the weapons and such, but perhaps Avery would like, say, three of these javelins."

By my math the purchases are worth 110.06 gp

"How about we trade you two of these normal longbows, all five suits of leather armor, and two of these short swords for that? Hopefully those are things you can sell? And here's a silver piece to cover the torches."

By my math what I am offering him is worth 220 gp retail, plus 1 sp from my pocket, so assuming the 1/2 value for selling things that should be about a fair trade.

For the record guys this stuff is for everyone really. The front line fighters should take the antitoxin. Maybe Linora and Cal? Karsh's saves are probably good.

"Anyway, Master Oleg, I thank you for these purchases. I hope we find our relationship profitable in the future!

I already mentioned having a use for a longspear sized for one such as myself; it does not need to be fancy; if you see one that would suit please pick it up for me. I expect to soon be in the market for a Riding Dog trained for battle, along with a saddle and perhaps some barding; I cannot afford one at the moment though so there is no hurry. I also notice that you have a supply of arrows but no crossbow bolts. I use these smaller ones here, but I am not the only one with such a weapon. If you could find some with cold iron tips that would be doubly good."

Numalar turns to the others. "Master Shieldborn, if you are taking the composite bow, perhaps Lady Ansha can use your crossbow?"

(I don't recall if we did that swap or not but it seems to make sense.)

"Likewise, Lady Avery, perhaps these javelins will work for you until we find something more to your liking. If three are not enough, Oleg has two more and they are not expensive. Whoever wants these torches can take them; I don't need them myself but you never know when they will be handy. Perhaps we can each carry one."

Edit: Guys, that also leaves two shortswords and Happs' dagger if anyone needs a backup weapon. Linora has weapon finesse and should definitely take one of the shortswords.

Edit 2: IIRC Karsh took the composite bow and Linora took a regular longbow. I just sold 2 to Oleg. So it seems like we have one more if anyone can use it.

"The bastard!" yells Linora upon learning the news of Happs's escape. "Master Oleg, this is unforgivable. I have no way to apologize for such a terrible thing happening. It must have been the fine ale you offered me. I was sworn to watch the men and I've let you down."

Linora kneels before Oleg.

"Is there anything I might do, beyond capturing the fiend, that might make this up to you? I know that they said some awful things to your wife." She jolts up. "Perhaps you'd like to be the one to declare what is done with Happs's life? Or maybe, you'd like to take him outside of the fort and give him a message from your friends Gorum and Irori?" she asks as she points to her fists, hopping on her toes like a pugilist. "Gods be sure, you look you have a mighty swing. Anything you ask of me, good sir, I will do my best to fulfill."

After being roused from his sleep, Numalar looks around groggily. "What He escaped! But how..." Numalar sputters.

He shakes his head, specifically avoiding Oleg's eyes. "If he is on foot he cannot have gotten far. Who here can follow tracks? We should mount up at once."

"Er... my mule Gertrude will not have as long a stride as the horses. Perhaps I can double with one of you? Or I can watch the remaining prisoners if no one else cares to do that. Though I probably shouldn't do that alone."

Unless you guys want to do the pursuit and our main raid on the camp in the same trip in which case we need to round up the prisoners.

"For the record, any leniency these men accrued by surrendering to our custody logically ends when they escape that custody. I see no particluar need to bring Happs back alive. Do any of you?"

Numalar looks at the other prisoners. "Oh, Happs was a great friend to the rest of you, I can see. He could have sprung you, but he left you behind! If you had really repented from your crimes, you would have raised the alarm. Understand that I could burn you all alive with a word, and after this morning's events I am in the mood to."

Numalar smiles evilly. "But thanks to nature of my abilities, I cannot burn just one of you. So be warned: any attempt to escape by any one of you puts all your lives in danger. Therefore be minders of each other, for if your friend tries anything it will mean your own death as well."

If Numalar is left behind on guard duty he will stand with a readied action to cast burning hands on the prisoners at any sign of danger. Otherwise he will ride behind someone with crossbow at the ready. Four of you could probably deal with Happs.

Edit: Who is taking the potions? Sound off if you are grabbing one. Also there is the antitoxin. Numalar doesn't really need any of them, as he is less likely to be in the thick of things.

"Damn the man. We gave him a chance to live and repay his debt to society. To throw that in our face...I will ride at once to find the man though, to be fair, tracking is not my strong suit." Karsh says as he starts to put on his armor and look to ready a horse.

"I might be able to do something on that count, master dwarf", Avery says, and starts to look around for any tracks or telltale signs for what direction Happs might have escaped in. Eyes of the Hawk! she thinks to herself as she opens her mind to the surroundings, eyes widening, ears raising, nostrils flaring.

Perception to find tracks: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27
Take 10 Survival to follow tracks: 10 + 9 = 19

Waking up to the scream, Cal quickly hops out of his bedroll and rushes with sword drawn to see what the commotion was about. With a long hard look at the bindings that once held their charge, Cal shakes his head and gravely adds "I hate to say I told you so," pausing, Cal smirks and rolls his eyes before adding "wait, who am I kidding, I don't hate saying it at all... I told you so."

Sword still drawn, Cal moves towards the other captors "One night, and we already have an escapee; are you all still sure that you want to take the risk with these ones as well? I mean, we're just lucky that Happs didn't free these ones and kill us in our sleep."

- 2nd of Pharast -

Each of the bandits gives Ansha the same answer; That they did not notice that Happs had left until Svetlana's scream woke them up. With any luck, he is on his way back to camp to warn Kressle.

Searching around the north side of the outpost, Avery finds the point where Happs made impact with the ground, and can easily follow the tracks as they lead southwest.

Oleg growls at Linora, "Just put an end to that man, like you should have done in the first place." He pauses a moment and holds up his hand, "Wait. The first time they came, they stole Lana's wedding ring. I know it's been months, and it's probably in Pitax by now, but if you can keep an eye out for it, I'd appreciate it. It's a simple brass thing, got a single pearl in it. Was all I could afford. I did etch Lana's name into the inside, though..."

Ansha shakes her head with a hiss of frustration. Rising to her feet, she heads toward the guesthouse to dress and prepare, sparing Cal a withering glare as she goes. "We'll have time for recriminations later. For now, may I suggest that we should make haste toward the southwest?" she says.

Avery will make haste following the tracks, moving as fast as she can without losing the trail. She doesn't give the others much time to prepare, too concerned about where the bandit might get off to. A couple of minutes to gather their gear at best, but if preparations take more than three or four minutes, then Avery will head off into the woods on her own if need be. She'd rather take her chances with the bandit alone than run the risk of losing him. I'm coming for you, scum.

"Master Oleg, if the ring is still in the bandits' possession, it shall be back on Svetlana's finger soon, I swear by the Nine Princes."

Numalar looks over the remaining prisoners. "Do we wish to bring these along as we had originally planned? Or shall we leave them behind and post a guard? It would take some extra time to tie these men to the horses, but it might be better if we all went together; we could hit the bandit camp in the same trip. On the other hand, I am willing to stay behind to watch them if we are not taking them along."

"I care not any longer," Ansha replies to Numalar as she heads into the guesthouse.

"Her ring. Yes, of course. Master Oleg, this man will pay with his life." She rushes over to the stable and hops on to one of the bandits' horses. "He couldn't have gone too far, I'm sure. Avery, I'm coming along with you."

We'll have time for recriminations later."

Scratching the back of his head, Cal shrugs his shoulder and sighs somewhat remorsefully while speaking in elven "Amin hiraetha Ansha."

Glancing over at Numalar, Cal puts his hands up in a somewhat defensive motion and reiterates "Well, if Happs escaping wasn't proof enough that we need string these criminals up, then I don't know what is... I'm just saying." Having said his piece, Cal gets about the business of packing for the road ahead, clearly having said his piece and having nothing more to add.

Ansha emerges from the guesthouse a couple of minutes later, clad in her usual attire--a green underbust corset over a dark green blouse, black fingerless gloves that reach up to her elbows and black knee-high leather boots. "Even charmed, they hope that Happs warns Kressle in time," she says, tugging one of her gloves on. "I'm loath to kill people who are still of some use, but I'd say theirs has run out."

"I care not any longer," Ansha replies to Numalar as she heads into the guesthouse.

"I have no horse in that race either, but we cannot simply let them go or leave them without a guard."

Guys, I know Numalar has stood up for the lives of the prisoners but that doesn't mean that I agree with that as a player; it's merely how I see Numalar's sense of honor reacting to the situation as it played out. I was always willing to be outvoted.

So this might be a good chance to "get the LG characters out of the room while the chaotic guys do their thing." If Numalar was sent off after Happs with Cal offering to "watch the prisoners" then once Numalar (and likely Karsh, who seemed to have the same views) are gone then you can do what you want. There would be an obligatory rant when Numalar discovers what happened which you can all ignore if you want.

We'd have to do it soon though before Numalar clues in to what you guys are saying. BTW my sense motive is only +1. :)

"Cal, why don't you stay here with me and we'll watch our 'guests?' The brash sisters may need some additional help, so perhaps Numalar and Karsh should join them?" the enchantress suggests.

"Of course, milady. Come, Karsh, let us see if we can catch up with Lady Avery."

Nodding at Ansha with a smile, Cal responds cordially "Arwenamin, tanka caela." Turning his gaze to the bandits with a wicked glare, Cal slowly squints his eyes into a scowl in an attempt to unnerve them.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Without a word, the intent of his glare is clear to the bandits... You're in my hands now.

Within minutes, the trading post goes from calm and peaceful to a whirlwind of activity. Most of the group gets ready and storms out on horseback after the escaped bandit, while Cal and Ansha remain behind to "take care of" the remaining bandits, all of whom look terrified by Cal.

Happs' tracks are easy enough to follow, especially as they join up with and continue along the horse tracks that were left by their arrival the day before. The path leads the group southwest, around the edge of the forest before meeting up with a river, and continuing northward along the bank.

Back at Oleg's

As soon as the others leave, Oleg begins tying a noose. He looks to the two that stayed behind and shakes his head, "Help me get them up to the wall. Shouldn't take long, an' you can get followin' yer friends."

Map is linked above.

Ansha balks, looking to Cal--she wouldn't stop him or Oleg, but she wasn't going to get her hands dirty, either.

As his companions disappear out of sight, Cal passes Ansha as he makes way towards the wall to help Oleg. He notes her reaction, and returns a grave look "Sina varna horya, lyë sína."

Hoping up on the wall to join Oleg with a length of rope, Cal prepares to administer some frontier justice. After furnishing the line, Cal looks to Oleg and quietly ponders "I wish there was another way, but you and I both know that this is the safest thing for your family, and my companions." Glancing down at the bandits, Cal sighs and adds "Best make sure Svetlana is inside... I'd tell Ansha to do the same, but I suspect she might be tougher than she appears."

"Caralye tai írë," Ansha replies to Cal. Paying little mind to the bandits' fate from then on, she finishes gathering her belongings so that she and Cal can follow after the others if they decide to.

It doesn't take long. With Cal's help, Oleg walks the men up to the palisade and, one after another, puts a noose around their neck before pushing them off the wall. As they realize what's happening, each of them struggles against his bonds. One actually manages to slip free, but only seconds before he is shoved off. He grasps at the noose, but to no avail.
Within ten minutes, it is done. As the final bandit stops writhing, Oleg looks down at the four corpses hanging off the front of his wall with a sort of grim satisfaction, "And that'll serve as a warning to the others."

As Ansha finishes getting her things together, Svetlana approaches her, "Um, excuse me, ma'am? I...I'd like to ask something of you, if I can. Oleg...he's been under a lot of pressure recently. He's been....stressed. I...I've been wanting to make his favorite meal, but the ingredients are rare, an...and I can't go out and gather them myself, anyways. I need moon radishes. They grow in the forest...somewhere. If you come across some, could you bring them back, please? I...I'll pay you. Two-hundred and fifty gold, if there's enough....please?"

Are Ansha and Cal going to follow the others? Sorry to put the away team on hold, I wanted to make sure what was happening back at Oleg's, to be clear if we will have 4 people or 6 in the next part...

Ansha greets Svetlana's approach with a warm smile. "I'll keep an eye out," she replies. "But in the meantime, hopefully now that these bandits are dealt with, he can relax a bit."

After the last of the bandits has been 'dealt with,' Ansha approaches Cal. "Now what? I imagine we could catch up to the rest fairly quickly, if we wanted. Or we could stay here--I'm not sure I really care one way or the other."

"Well, here we are." She hops off the horse. "I'm going in to deal with some bandit scum. You can come along if you like, but first to find them gets the first swipe at their bellies," she chuckles, drawing her sword. "Where might have that swine gone?"

Perception to search for Happs: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

After the grim deed is done, Cal nods silently at Oleg and bounds off to join Ansha. Appearing reflective to her inquiry, Cal responds "We should probably catch up; if the others ask, reinforcements came... or we could tell the truth, but I suspect Numalar at the very least will be furious with me if we come clean." Shrugging his should, Cal sighs "Whatever. Makes no difference to me in the end, but what they don't know won't hurt them."

Grabbing some provisions, Cal helps prepare for their departure from Oleg's Trading Post. Before leaving, Cal hollers up at Oleg somewhat urgently "Oleg, can you please make sure to take those bodies down before we get back? If they're still hanging up there when we get back, the others will have my neck."

Oleg grumbles something about the bodies and a warning to other bandits, and doesn't otherwise respond.

Riding a little harder than the others, though not hard enough to hurt hte horses, they are able to meet up with the rest of the group as they reach the river. The tracks of both Happs, on foot, and the group of horses that the bandits used the day previous. They lead up the river's bank for several miles, until the river reaches a natural ford. The tracks lead away from the ford, into the forest. Though the path winds a bit, a wagon can be seen several dozen yards in.

As they reach the river, Numalar scowls.

"By Macrathane's Codpiece!" Numalar mutters. "This Happs is a strong runner indeed! I had hoped to catch him on the plains; this is his territory now. We can't be far from the bandit camp now; they said it was along this river. If we have to attack the camp today, who wants to be enlarged? I can cast it up to five times though I don't expect to need it that often."

After following the river the group spots the wagon. Numalar eyes the wagon warily. He doesn't like the look of it; it seems out of place.

"I wonder what a wagon is doing here in this forest?" Numalar whispers. "Must be hard to maneuver in this bracken. Perhaps it belonged to someone the bandits robbed. I don't see any horses to pull it.".

Or do I? I assume there aren't any from the description, I'll keep assuming that unless you say otherwise.

"If Happs made it this far, he could have warned the others. Keep your eyes peeled; we may be in for a fight."

Numalar cocks his crossbow and looks around for signs of trouble, particularly for Happs.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16

EDIT: also looking around for ruts made by the wagon; fresh ones indicate that it hasn't been here long.

Having rejoined the group along with Cal, Ansha nods her agreement. "I had hoped we'd catch him long before now. Be mindful that they're going to know to expect us now," the enchantress chimes in. "We expect we're near their camp--perhaps the wagon is theirs."

Avery approaches the wagon warily, and makes a thorough search of it for any clues.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Karsh pulls out his long hammer and looks around cautiously.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"Aye, we should all best bewary. Forests teeming with bandits and conspicuous wagons aren't exactly the most welcoming."

"I don't see anything yet... let's move a bit closer." Numalar whispers. "Nobody seems to like the looks of this. Assume it is an ambush then; if so, where would you hide if you were lying in wait?".

Numalar looks up in the trees, and at anything that looks like cover, hoping for a sign of what is to come.

Anyone else care to make a perception roll? Let's see how many 16's we can get!

1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11

As the group moves forward towards the wagon, Avery takes the lead. As she begins to examine it, however, she sees a sudden movement up the path further. Before she can pinpoint the source, however, she sees the small stone strike the ground in front of her foot. A deafening crack sounds as it does.

Avery Fort Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

The others can hear the sounds of rustling and shouting coming from further into the woods to the northeast, hinting of incoming trouble.

Initiative, please.

Map above.