'Be it so known that the bearer of this charter has been charged
by the Swordlords of Restov, acting upon the greater good and
authority vested within them by the office of the Regent of the
Dragonscale Throne, has granted the right of exploration and travel
within the wilderness region known as the Greenbelt. Exploration
should be limited to an area no further than thirty-six miles east and
west and sixty miles south of Oleg’s Trading Post. The carrier of
this charter should also strive against banditry and other unlawful
behavior to be encountered. The punishment for unrepentant banditry
remains, as always, execution by sword or rope. So witnessed on this
24th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Lordship of Restov
and authority granted by Lord Noleski Surtova, current Regent of
the Dragonscale Throne.'
The group awakens to soft morning light with signs that the day will be full of clear blue sky and temperate Spring air. Regardless of whether you set watch over night or not, there were no incidents while you slept and the campsite is as each of you left it.
You are currently by a small grove of brush off the South Rostland Road in an otherwise large stretch of plains. The flat land continues on in all directions but to the south there is evidence of rolling hills and forest on the distant horizon.
Towards this forest lies your destination. Today is the beginning of the third and final day of your travel to Oleg's Trading Post from Restov where your group was assembled. You were gathered in haste by the Sword Lords as one of four parties to explore and settle the Stolen Lands, with your Charter covering the area known as the Greenbelt. Yesterday was dominated by thunderstorms and rain, leaving little room for conversation. Similarly antisocial, the day before that was a hectic dash out of Restov that began in the afternoon. The adventure had not even started and yet you were already behind the Sword Lords' schedule. Though now you can see your hard work has paid off and that you should reach Oleg's during today's light. This should be a comforting thought, today will be easier and you can finally get acclimated as a group.
The small skinny gnome with the distant look in his eyes had been the nights last watch. As the first rays of the suns light starter to peek up over the distant wood he stretched and stood up. He could here the first calls of birds in the distance. At his stirring Bodger... his loyal sheep dog jumped to his feet and ran over to the gnome yapping expecting a scratch on the top of his head.
Quiet boy you don't want to wake the others.
A short distance away the six goats that the gnome had brought with him started to stir. Reaching into his rucksack and pulling out a can with a wide base Alentwinius addressed his dog.
Guess it's time to milk the goats... eh Bodger.
The young gnome walked upto the goats pail in hand and set to his morning chores. He absentmidedly hummed to himself as he gathered milk from the animals. All of a sudden he looked up at the silent forms of his travelling companions... he thought he had seen one of them moving.
|
Curled up on the ground with his tiger, Wendell's left eye snaps open at the sound of milk spraying into the metal milking bucket.
"Waking up before the birds," he grumbles to Chett.
He gives the tiger a pat on the ribs, stands, and stretches. Not ten feet outside camp site he relieves himself. Turning back to camp, he sees the gnome is busy milking his goats. "Morning."
Hanging from a branch near his sleeping pad are the rabbit and a squirrel he caught the day before. He busies himself dressing the small mammals, pulling off their skin and dropping their entrails on the ground by Chett's nose. "Better keep you well-fed, or those goats will start to look pretty good." With his eyes still closed, the tiger sniffs the offering, then wakes up to devour it.
Pressing the pelts against the tree, he scrapes his blade along the skin, peeling off all the blood and wet hide. He wipes the blade on his pant leg, leaving a furry red stain, then sprinkles salt on the hides.
Next Wendell moves to the camp fire, pushes the coals around with a stick, then stacks dry wood that quickly catches fire. When it ignites he backs away uneasy. He impales the squirrel and rabbit on a spit roast and hangs them over the flames. Within moments the smell makes his stomach rumble.
Once it is cooked through, Wendell brings the rabbit over to the Gnome and offers him food. "Early worm gets the bird. Erh... Yeah. Want some? And the dog?"
Raising her head from the still damp blanket she had slept on, Aleksara sniffed the air and took a deep lungful of air.
"Well, at least its not raining anymore! Hey Al? Are you miking those goats? So THAT's why you brought them.
You must really like goat's milk."
Standing fully and stretching, Aleksara's hodgepodge but functional clothing was revealed. They were a riotous mixture
of various colors, textures, and styles. Those with the ability to recognize them will see bits of elvish manufactured
linen mixed with smaller bits of Tian Xia silk, finished off with simple but comfortable cotton patches from local
sources that leave the eye a bit perplexed. In her right hand was her unique Tian blade. The curved sword in its simple
black wooden sheathe never left her side. She had even slept with it protected and covered under he blanket like a lover.
"Should I wake the others?"
Sitting again on her blanket, she takes a lotus position, and pulls out her ancient, but small lizardskin spellbook
without waiting for the answer. It had been her father's spellbook, but years in the swamp had ruined many of the pages
leaving her with only a limited selection of spell she could manage. She had purchased new pages for the book and
had added them in already, but they were blank: Waiting for magical revelations to come.
She quickly falls into reading the Tian vertical-style writing easily, which transports her awareness away to better
memories of her father's lessons with the book.
The small and frail looking gnome looks towards the dwarf. His eyes seem to focus somewhere behind the Dwarf almost like he's seeing through him... He pulls out a handkerchief with the monogram ALF on it and uses it to take the proffered meat. He takes a chunk shares it with bodger, tears off a piece for himself and carefully wraps the rest in the handerchief and stowes it in his backpack.
Thank you Mr. Redgrass, It is kind of you to share the spoils of your labors in the woods with me. Please allow me to return the favor.
Alentwinius pulls out a very simple wooden ladle and dunks it into the bucket and offers it to the Dwarf.
A shame we have no cups, but still I think you will like it. The Kiko is a fine breed for both meat and milk. More importantly they are very hearty, and with five does I expect the herd to grow for us as well.
|
|
Wendell accepts the ladle with a thankful nod and drinks deep. Small white beads of milk roll down his auburn beard. When the ladle is empty he wipes the milk from his beard with the back of his hand.
He looks up at the clear blue sky. "Can't remember the last time I had fresh milk. A fine treat. Chett will love a bowl full of milk, too. But the others must drink first. We are only as fast as our slowest member. Once we're settled, have a proper herd, then Chett can drink milk." By the time he's finished speaking, Wendell has trailed off so much that Alentwinius is left unsure if they were having a conversation, or the Dwarf was simply saying his thoughts aloud.
"Everyone up," he says loud enough to be heard throughout camp without causing alarm. "We have a long day of travel ahead. Need to get miles behind us before the mid-day heat."
The hunter is not used to waiting on others. He begins to pack his things. Once he is finished, he will help the others break down their gear and prepare to move out.
The thick bodied human rolls over and opens his eyes. Thick arms reach out to grasp the air as he lets out a loud "aaaaaarrrhhhhhh". He sits up and looks about. "Ah breakfast! Perfect timing then huh?" Hopping to his feet, his blanket falls to the ground revealing a completely unclothed ulfen man. He begins to walk towards the smell of food when he realizes he has no clothes on.
With a shrug, he turns back and sets to getting dressed, even going so far as to strap on his breastplate. He heads over to the wagon and climbs up on board. Pulling the blanket back, he smacks the cages, startling the chickens who commence to pecking and clucking. He reaches into a bag and throws a handful of dried corn into the cages. After feeding the chickens, he jumps down and takes a minute to pat the sheep before grabbing a pot and filling it with oats to feed the horse. "Morning Jasper, sleep well?" he asks the horse. The horse neighs and bobs it's head before digging into the oats.
Satisfied with his routine, the blonde haired man approached the others. "Ah. A good night's sleep can be invigorating. How is everyone?"
With the amount of gear stuffed into the wagon, it's hard to tell if the man is a junk collector or a trader of some kind. He might even be a traveling circus. Truth be told, Jerrick is a lost soul. A lone spirit wandering through life with no clear purpose.
As the Paladin struts around naked Alentwinius doesn't seem to even notice the lack of clothing.
Good Morning Mr. Hagen... would you care for some milk? or maybe some roasted rabbit that Mr. Wendell was kind enough to share with me as well if you are interested.
The gnome casts prestidigitation on the ladle then dips it into the bucket offering the full ladle to Jerrik.
In the background William ,the Male Goat, can be seen walking up-to the horse extending its nose to it in way of greeting.
|
|
"Erastil grant us your favor today. We have many mouths to feed, and ask you bless us on our hunt."
Chett the tiger has finally risen and eaten the entrails that Wendell gave him. After devouring his food, the big cat licks his paws and drags them across his whiskers. Wendell watches him stretch.
"Chett, heel."
The cat yawns, it's white fangs glistening in the morning sunlight, then follows Wendell.
"Don't need you eating up that nice Gnome's goats, or worse. What do you say we find us a stag today, or a hog?"
Finishing her morning perusal of her spells, all now fresh in her mind, Aleksara will stand and slide her sword
into its resting place in her belt. Always it is positioned and ready for an easy draw, one hand resting on, or
casually near it, at all times.
"We should get moving soon. I would like to see this trading post We've heard so much about."
Pointing at the Tiger, Aleksara seems curious.
"Mr. Redgrass, may I ask? Tigers are not usually found in this region. Correct? Wherever did you meet such a
beautiful creature?"
|
|
Wendell knew this moment was coming, a time where he would have to choose his words carefully, or lie, or the ugly truth would be out.
"There was a time where tigers were a common sight in these forests, and other big cats prowled the plains. Most are dead now. Killed to make room for livestock, for threatening villages, or their furs. Now you'd be lucky to see one in your lifetime. Damn shame..."
The thought makes him sad, but the truth makes him sadder.
"I found this fella deep in the forest, five days from the nearest town. His mother...well...he would have never survived on his own, so I took him with me." Looking at Chett, he smiles. "You're more family than friend. A true companion. Though I swear sometimes I catch you looking at me like you want nothing more than to eat me." Wendell's laugh his high and quick. "Dwarves don't taste all too great."
He looks back to Aleksara. "Chett, this Elf is a friend. You keep her safe."
Chett moves to Aleksara's side and pushes his head into her hand, prying it away from her sword. He purrs and leaves a smear of orange and white fur clinging to her clothing. It's abundantly clear that the big cat has taken a liking to his new friend.
Aleksara will scratch the animal behind the ears and under his chin, looking for the cat's favorite spots.
"He's certainly gorgeous, and you feed him better than you feed yourself!"
"Ah, thank you for the milk, and please, call me Jerrik. Ooh, roasted rabbit sounds quite splendid. Let me check on the birds. Maybe there'll be some eggs. I've also got plenty of hard bread. Perhaps a stew before we get underway?"
As the settlers begin to rise for the day’s travel, breaking fast and tending to animals, a carriage appears on the horizon back the way they came, headed their way. The carriage is travelling fast and within 10 minutes slews to a halt across the track 100 yards from the campsite.
After a moment of stillness a figure is bodily shoved from the rear of the vehicle and sprawls onto the dusty dirt road. This is hastily followed by a large sword and a travel pack, which knock the, now rising, man back on his rump.
Without any further delay the horses kick up dust and the coach is returning the way it came. The figure watches it leave shouting after it
”Yeah! And your mother too! Send the commander my best!”
This is followed by gestures at the disappearing carriage that would be familiar to any of the more troublesome schoolboys of Restov.
Bending, the figure picks up and straps the sword to his belt, shoulders his pack, dusts himself down and approaches the group.
As he nears them they get a better look at him. He is average in almost all regard, almost monotone in complexion and well build but lithe. He is wearing the black uniform of the Restov city militia, complete with fitted double breasted jacket with brass buttons. The blade he carries is not regulation issue, it has a broad blade and a square tip. His pupilless eyes g;ow with a faint yellow luminescence.
”Good morning gentlemen, m’lady, your savior is here”
He announces with a bow and a pirouette, arms outstretched
”where are we off to on this bright morning? I do apologize for the manner of my arrival, some people have no class. Speaking of, where are my manners, Corporal Arim Jubar at your service.”
When the distant wagon is pointed out to Alfentinius... he packs up the little bit of food that he had not shared and sets down the almost empty bucket of milk next to the tiger.
You can have what's left Chet...
By the time the Wagon has closed Alfentinius will be standing in front of his friends so that he can see. He politely watches the little drama put on by the newcomer. Then steps forward and gives a little bow that has obviously been practiced and repeated many times.
Greetings Corporal Jubar, I am Alfentinius Lentinels Ferington. Let me introduce you to Mr. Jerrik Hagen, Mr. Wendell Redgrass, and the Lady Aleksara. Unless there is a danger that I am unaware of I am not sure that we are in need of a savior... but conversation is always welcome. News and company are often underrated.
The small gnome looks at Aleksara trying to read if their is a relationship between the newcomer and her or if the corporal was simply being cordial when he referred to her as "m'lady".
It seems strange to me that we would encounter you in such a remote place. How, if I may ask, did you know of our whereabouts and do you have business with us, or are you being sociable, or perhaps approaching us in your military capacity? As you have been kind enough to point out already the manner of your arrival was... a bit unorthodox and leaves one wondering as to your intentions.
|
|
While feeding and watering Stinson, his donkey, Wendell overhears the haggard blonde-haired warrior mention cooking up a stew. The thought makes his stomach rumble, but his intuition tells him otherwise.
"Save the stew for when we arrive, it will taste better then. We would spend half the day cooking it tender, and by then the sun will dry up our appetites." Saying this, Wendell realizes that he is not doing himself any favors or making any friends. "Besides, might be we have some extra meat for the stew this afternoon, with Erastil's blessing."
The speeding wagon catches Wendell's attention when it's still a long way off, and Chett notices it too. "Easy, Chett."
He is happy to see Alfentinius give the last bit of milk to Chett, who purrs loudly as he laps it up - the approaching wagon now forgotten. "These are good people. Chett would tell me if they weren't, but he likes them."
When the wagon stops, Wendell has his bow in hand and believes himself prepared for whatever it brings, that is until he sees the shadow man thrown from it.
”Good morning gentlemen, m’lady, your savior is here”
"Savior? Hmmmphh. We'll see who needs saving out there, a week from the nearest settlement." Arim's introduction strikes Wendell as arrogant, a trait that the Dwarf has more trouble stomaching than maggoty squirrel. "Titles won't get you much where we're going, Arim."
Wendell rolls the words around on his tongue for a few moments after he says them, and decides it is unwise to get off on the wrong foot. "But we will need experienced soldiers. You and your blade are welcome with us. Name's Wendell, and this here is Chett."
As the only apparent 'Lady' amongst the group, Aleksara grows a bit nervous but pushes it away to keep her cover from being blown.
"Hmmm. Young man, I'd say the Restov Milita either no longer needed your services...or you no longer needed them. Maybe a bit of both, yes?"
Smiling broadly at her mild jest, Aleksra sketches a mild but flourishing bow her father had taught her in the Tian style.
"Greetings Corporal."
After camp is packed up and all are ready, travel goes along comfortably without much incident. The slight breeze maintains into the afternoon and the temperature is well suited for long walks. The grasses of the plains are just starting to grow again, giving everyone clear sight of the calm landscape under the bright sun.
Since you are traveling along a common road during the day nothing large crosses your path, but a few smaller animals you notice are: AC 15 Rabbit, AC 14 Male Brown Fox, AC 15 Hawk
With the day turning towards dusk, the group sees Oleg's Trading Post slowly grow from a speck until it stands alone on the plains. The trading post is surrounded by a wooden palisade that stands 10 feet high. At each corner of the palisade are 20-foot square watchtowers, each armed with a run-down catapult left over from the site’s original use as a border fort. At a casual first glance the catapults look unable to fire. The one entrance through the palisade is a 30-foot-wide wooden gate that is currently open. The smell of an active kitchen wafts out towards you, still on the plains. Two people, a human man and woman, can be seen working within the courtyard and have yet to acknowledge your caravan.
Pointing to the former fort, Aleksara notes to the others.
"Not the most auspicious beginning I have heard of. But it IS a beginning. Shall we see what awaits us here?"
|
|
When Wendell sees the rabbit nibbling on some flower buds just off the path, he notches an arrow and draws back the string hoping for meat and fur.
But as the hunter pulls back the string goes POP, frays, and sends the arrow flips end over end until it sticks into the dirt three feet in front of him.
"Erastil curses me!"
The remaining animals only serve to frustrate Wendell, though the hawk changes his mood. "There, a hawk! A good omen. Perhaps I have regained Erastil's blessing."
Once the group arrives at Oleg's Trading Post, Wendell will need to find someone who can re-string his bow.
"Gods, I hope they didn't see my bow string break. How embarrassing."
"'savior,' a joke at my own expense I am afraid. My intentions are to survive, little more, I'm hoping we can all help each other in that regard. As for how I find myself here, the Lady - Aleksara yes? - has the truth of it. But enough of the past, I'm here to build the future with you, if you'll have me. And please, call me Arim."
"Homely enough... beats the bustle of the city anyhow. A man could really be free out here..."
"There, there Wendell. I'm sure he meant no offense to our skills. He seems like a strapping young lad. You're welcome to join us Arim, as long as you can carry your weight. Here, climb aboard. No need to walk the rest of the way."
Jerrik extends his hand in greeting. "Please, call me Jerrik."
The woman looks up from her work and wipes her brow, then you hear her break into a good laugh. She says something you can't make out to the man who is busy fixing the roof of a simple outdoor storage.
The woman then starts to walk out towards your caravan, "Hey there! I'd ask where you came from but looks like you brought the whole village! I'm Svetlana, how can we help you?"
With a sigh of relief, the woman appears to be what she is supposed to be. A smile approaches Aleksara's lips at the jest.
"Greetings good woman! I assume we have made it to the Famous Oleg's Trading Post?"
|
|
"Evening. I'm looking for someone who could replace a bow string, or sell me a bow? I am in urgent need. We are for the Stolen Lands, and I'll not be much use without my bow.
Wendell sees the woman's eyes grow wide as she sees Chett.
The cat heeds his call and falls in by Wendell's side. "This here's Chett. Nice place, huh Chett? Smells like they'll have some food for you here."
... Sensing nothing amiss Alfentinius smiles broadly and begins addressing the new lady in a genteel fashion.
Greetings Svetlana I guess we should make our introductions...
Alfentinius gives the same practiced bow he had earlier in the day to Arim.
I am Alfentinius Lenitinels Ferington, and these are my comrades... Mr. Wendell Redgrass, with his companion Chett.
The gnome motions to the dwarf and his Tiger. As he continues his little monologue his hands move to indicate each of the members of the party.
The fine gentleman handling the wagon is Mr Jerrik Hagen, The final gentleman is Corporal Arim Jubar. And finally let me make your acquaintances with the Lady Aleksara.
Alfentinius takes a half bow towards Aleksara.
We have been charged with exploring the section of the Greenbelt south of your finely fortified outpost by the Swordlords of Restov. It is my assumption that this will be our primary source of supplies and a lifeline back to the civilized world for us. As such I expect that we shall become good friends and loyal customers.
The small waiflike gnome walks up to the woman and offers his hand.
When Chett comes into view Svetlana takes pause, for a moment thinking she misread the group as less hostile than they really were. Alfentinius' introductions and explanation of purpose puts her at ease again though.
"Ah yes, the Explorers. It's a pleasure Mr. Ferington, Redgrass, Hagen, Jubar, and Lady Aleksara." Her tone is still muddled with self amusement as she makes a point to repeat everyone's names, this type of formalism is not common this deep in the bush. She willingly takes Alfentinius' hand with an unpracticed curtsy though. "A hunter passed through earlier with a letter mentioning your party. Mind if I check your charters? With the bandit problem we, uh.. we can't be too careful, you know?"
At the sound of the word 'bandit' the man grumbles and steps off the ladder. He chimes in as he walks over, yelling at first until he gets into talking range. I've been asking for some guards for over three months now."
"This is my husband, Oleg." Svetlana says as she looks over Alfentinius' charter, giving Oleg an eye for not being courteous and introducing himself. "We'll be able to restring that without problem Mr Redgrass," and she hands the charter back approvingly.
Oleg keeps droning on though, "So we'll put two on the wall at all times, ya'll can setup shift however you like. Raid alarm is 'Muggy Waters', passphrase for the gate is 'Tree-top Flyer.' I see you brought cattle, we can pen them up out holy s&@+ is that a tiger?!"
Bowing in the Tian style to Al's honorable introduction, Aleksara can only reply to the older man's surprise.
"Yes, but he's only a little tiger. Don't worry about Chett...he's just a pussycat at heart."
She then winks assuredly at Oleg.
"Me on the other hand. You may have to worry about."
Oleg gives a dry smirk, "Heh, and likewise," he replies while pointing a thumb at Svetlana who is now sizing Aleksara up. Her eye catches on the tale worthy sword, but she doesn't say anything of it and simply raises her eyebrow unintimidated.
"Is it just the two of you here then? How have you been defending yourselves up until now? I'm sure I don't speak only for myself when I say we'll help how we can, but defence is not all I had planned to be honest."
Arim smiles and walks a casual circle, taking in the once fort.
Are those catapults as ornamental as they look?
Jerrik let the others handle introductions. He set about unpacking the wagon as Alfentinius greeted the residents. He was glad the gnome was along. The less that Jerrik himself had to speak, the better. He didn't mind talking, but the political games and formalities of it all often confused him. It was better left to those with a knack for it.
As the conversation continued, the mention of bandits caught his attention. He hopped down off of the wagon and approached the older couple. "When did you last see these bandits" he asked?
As the discussion turns to bandits suddenly, Aleksara perks up and listens intently, while trying to look mildly disinterested...
...and fails utterly.
Inside the courtyard you notice the trading post is made up of a stable, guest house, Main hall, and small marketplace along with the general things that accompany a self-sufficient settlement.
"What?" Oleg looks confused by Arim and Svetlana explains the news she had gotten about explorers passing through to map the area. Oleg throws his hands up into the air, "Of course, great, f!%%ing perfect. You're as helpful as the g~#&*~n catapults..." The gruff man walks off in a huff, obviously troubled by the lack of safety here.
Svetlana rolls her eyes as Oleg storms off, "He first asked Rostov months ago for guards.." She starts to fidget with her bare left ring finger as she continues, "Oleg was able fend off the occasional hunter or vagabond, but the bandits South of here are damn organized now. They first came three months ago, threatening to burn the place down and abduct me unless we payed a 'tax.' They've since come back twice more, every time around sunrise on the first of the month..." She looks around at all of you with guilt on her face. "So yes, they're due to come again tomorrow. I.. I understand if you'd rather camp out on the plains, but if you stay and can help us you can have free room and board tonight." Svetlana forces an innocent smile in an attempt to make the offer seem attractive.
Without hesitation Aleksara will agree.
"I for one cannot stand by and let bandits harass anyone. Let me see if I can do anything about those catapults.
Maybe I can get at least one or even two working with parts from the others. You have a working smithy at all?
Even a small one for horseshoeing?"
"Tomorrow you say? Well, let's get the wagon secure and see what we can do about these bandits. It seems we are just in time. Tell me, just how much rope do you have?"
"Feel free to check them out, hmmm we have a fire pit.. that's about it. Though proper tools can be ordered from Restov.. and take about a week at the best.." Svetlana muses as she looks around the post. "Unfortunately we're still building our bases, a small block for nails and shoeing as you say but it's little good for much else. Since it sounds you all will be in the region for awhile though, I can definitely see what we can do to get outfitted with what you'd like if you make a list. It may take awhile but with increased business I'm sure we could swing it!"
With her smile coming back Svetlana starts to lend a hand with moving items to the storage shelter. "We have about 200 feet of hemp left, at the moment."
"Well I have the tools, they are functional antiques really, but what I will really need is a decent anvil at
least to do anything of merit beyond nails and arrowheads. Even a small one would work wonders. We should definitely
set that as a priority if at all possible."
"Son of an Imperial Dragon...these things need some major overhauls Oleg! What have you been using them for?
Firewood? It will take me a week to get even one of these in shape! Assuming we can get a decent smithy put together
fast enough!"
Coming down a bit from the wall, Aleksara will iterate carefully.
"We will need to have a plan for the bandits. Something worthy of a good tale my new friends."
Alfentinius takes some time getting the animals situated in the stable area. and then comes back to help look at the catapults.
It looks like we could get these working... but not by tomorrow.
I'm not the best sort for a fight. Much better at talking to folks to be truthful. Bur I'm more than willing to use what little magic I have to help out though... Hey why don't we try a parley first... maybe we can convince some of them to join our cause before the fighting even starts...
I'm not the best sort for a fight. Much better at talking to folks to be truthful.
But I'm more than willing to use what little magic I have to help out though... Hey why don't we try a parley first... maybe
we can convince some of them to join our cause before the fighting even starts...
Aleksara shakes her head.
"There are no 'good' or 'reasonable' bandits Al! They deserve extermination by righteous hands. Nothing more. How
could we trust them anyway? One bad day and they would turn on us in a second, and that's if they hadn't already planned to
do so earlier!"
Arim follows Aleksara up to inspect the catapults, he's no expert but he wants a quiet word with the elf
when the two return...
"catapults are not a lot of use against a small force at any rate. What are we talking here, knowledge wins us this war. How many men do the bring? Horses? Any vehicles? Where? When? Tell us all you can remember and I'll end this for you."
Aleksara shakes her head.
"There are no 'good' or 'reasonable' bandits Al! They deserve extermination by righteous hands. Nothing more. How
could we trust them anyway? One bad day and they would turn on us in a second, and that's if they hadn't already planned to
do so earlier!"
Alfentinius is a little taken back by the assertiveness and aggressiveness in Aleksara's response.... He takes a moment to compose himself then addresses the larger woman with some resolve in his eyes.
Lady Aleksara... I do not know why your heart is so hardened against these bandits... men and women we have never met... perhaps we could speak of it later for I sense a saddening story. I am always willing to listen. But throwing away possible resources... whether it be weapons, allies, or even a chance to sow discord amongst our enemies would be foolish.
The Law of the land is clear that the punishment for unrepentant banditry is death by sword or rope. I have no issue with that and am more than willing to help you enforce that law... however... if any in their numbers are slaves being forced to fight... if any in their number are simply too scared to stand up to who ever leads this band... or if any have simply grown weary of a life of cowardice preying upon those whom they see as weak... if they are willing to raise sword against those who would cause harm to our cause... I say give them a chance... a chance to become more than bullies, thieves, and outlaws. If they throw away that chance then let it be upon their heads for it will be obvious that they were unrepentant.
But at the very least let me speak the words and let those who come to prey upon weakness look at one another wondering... wondering if any of their own plan on betraying them now that they face strength and resolve. Even if none of them do... then we still have planted a seed of fear and possible discord in their numbers.
By this point the wagon is unpacked and everyone is familiar with where they'll be staying. Night has fallen onto the old fort and Oleg gives last call before closing the gate. He has cooled down some knowing that you will help and is easier to speak with, though he voiced his opinions of 'civilization creeping out to suffocate him" several times while things were being unpacked. Sitting at benches around the fire, Oleg gives a run down of how the past three months have gone while Svetlana stirs and serves the stew.
"That first time they came there was a dozen of them. Ten thugs led by a cloaked man armed with a bow, and a woman who carried two small hatchets. The woman talked and ran the show, she nearly lopped off my right hand with one of her hatchets in a cruel bit of jest to force their point. She's the one who took Svetlana’s wedding ring right off her hand as payment for 'not shortening my reach.'" The man shutters at the memory, subconsciously rubbing his wrist as he stares into the fire. "Since then, only the crude hooded man has been coming. The second visit he came with six others, the third he only came with four. Each time they had a few extra horses with them for the furs."
Svetlana then pipes up, much more energy in her voice as she is visibly excited by the thought of conflict tomorrow. "Every time, though, they have been extremely eager to return to their camp somewhere deeper in the Greenbelt. So I think their camp is about a day’s ride away, there are so many ruins out there for them to setup within. It'd just make sense."
Oleg then looks up to the group, "I can appreciate giving a man a chance in this world, but if Svetty and I have any vote in tomorrow," he looks to her and Svelana nods, " we say lay them all down. It would do us well to hang those bastards up on the walls to keep other brigands away."
"Ugh, dear I don't know if I could take that smell.." Svetlana covers her mouth at the thought.
"cloaked with a bow'... He'll be the trouble... Assuming Alf's talking doesn't help."
Arim chews on a particularly tough piece of meat
"do they come inside the fort? I'm getting a plan here... We keep quiet inside the walls, you two entice them in then we shut the doors and trap them. A trapped rat is always easier to deal with. Assuming they don't bring more men this time of course."
"That would work with a small group Arim, but anything much larger and we would need to close the gate.
Oleg, do you have a crossbow or similar I could borrow? I'm normally not much on ranged attacks, but
I can fire a crossbow or wield a sling well enough if we need to defend the wall."
Oleg nods, "Oh yes Arim, they come right on in and spend about 10 minutes loading up the horses. Greedy sons of b%+!%es. I only have some javelins and a longbow Aleksara, can you use those?"
|
|
Wendell has been listening as the others speak of bandits. He has a fierce hatred for their type, but Alfentinius' wise words have stirred some reason deep within him.
Long into the discussion, Wendell speaks up. "Alfentinius might have a point, some o' them may have taken to this lifestyle in fear or necessity. But we need to be prepared for a fight either way. We can't count on the bandits comin' to their senses. They may have the numbers, but we'll have the advantage of surprise."
Wendell things for a few moments, then continues. "Bandits, like most animals, are a predictable lot. Driven by greed, more like than not. And just like any other animal, they can be drawn into a trap if you set it right. So we set a bandit trap, put out bait, and draw 'em in." Chett circles the hunter, scenting his friend. "Now the leaders, the hooded bowman and the hatchet lady, they won't surrender, just like the alphas in a pack of wolves. But if the leaders fall, the rest might give up."
"Now, you show a bandit a few gold coins, you'll see their eyes light up. But if you show 'em somethin' bigger, a real prize, they might lose sight of all else." Wendell turns his focus to Jerrik and Alfentinius. "Say they come prowlin' around looking for a prize, and find a couple unlucky traders come from the city, just happened to be caught in the middle o' all this. They see a cart full o' loot, a donkey who can barely move he's carryin' so much. They'll come right for ya, and we catch 'em by surprise. Shut 'em in, like rabbits in a cage. Then, y'know, we club 'em. Squeeze 'em that's left for information, whereabouts, the like. What y'say?"
"I say we close the gates and not let them in. Alfentinius can stand up on the top of the walls and give diplomacy a try. I will stand below just outside of the gate so that they'll have to get through me to get in. Wendell, stay up top next to Alfentinius and have your bow ready. Keep Chet inside the gate as a second line of defense. We dig two small trenches outside in the fields. Something they won't notice. Aleksara and Arim, you two lie down in these trenches and we cover em with blankets and grass and dirt to help em blend in. At my signal, the two of you jump up and we got them surrounded, three points to a triangle. If they wish to fight, those up top let loose with the arrows before we charge in on all sides, but I don't think they'll want to fight. They're expecting easy pickings and if we show them this ain't that before they even get off their horses, well, I think they'll lay down their arms quick."
"Now, the way I see it, we don't want to let them in. We also want to let one get away so Chett and Wendell can track him back to their hideout. If things go our way, Alfentinius gets Jasper, that's my horse, and Wendell grabs Chett and meets the rest of us outside. We can even have Oleg and Svetlana stand up top with bows or crossbows if they have em. The more the merrier."
"I'd rather not kill em if it ain't necessary. As far as I know, they ain't killed no one either, just threatened to do so and that's exactly what we're gonna do tomorrow. We'll give quarter to any that surrender, hence the rope. Those that don't, well we'll have two graves dug already. You can also use the rope to get down off of the top in a hurry, if you have to."
"Well, that's my plan. What do you think?"
|
|
"He'd make a good hunter," Wendell thinks aloud.
"Good plan. Keep 'em out, use the walls to our advantage. Make sure only one escapes. Any more'n that and we'll have a bigger fight on our hands next time, except it'll be on their turf. They'll have time to prepare. We'll have to be quick after 'em."
Wendell looks to Chett. "One more thing. Chett here'll never forgive me if I keep him out o' the fun. How's about I send him in as reinforcement when the fight's on? I reckon he can drop down off that wall'n join the fight no problem. Nothin's more like to make 'em surrender than an unexpected tiger charging in when they're sore beset on all sides. That way Chett gets to sharpen his teeth, we break their spirit, and he don't chew me up when I'm sleepin'."