Jerrik tried to take advantage of Happ turning his attention to the others, but his strike failed to land. The swing caused him to lose his balance and his follow up swing at the other bandit went wide as well.
Arim looks around him, casting back and forth for something to fight. His gaze snaps to the hooded man and he charges forward
"Your death comes for you Happs!"
Alfentinius steps five feet away from the cloaked archer into the little alley way and fires a ray of frost at Happs.
Charging is a special full-round action that allows you to move up to twice your speed and attack during the action. Charging, however, carries tight restrictions on how you can move.
Movement During a Charge
You must move before your attack, not after. You must move at least 10 feet (2 squares) and may move up to double your speed directly toward the designated opponent. If you move a distance equal to your speed or less, you can also draw a weapon during a charge attack if your base attack bonus is at least +1.
You must have a clear path toward the opponent, and nothing can hinder your movement (such as difficult terrain or obstacles). You must move to the closest space from which you can attack the opponent. If this space is occupied or otherwise blocked, you can't charge. If any line from your starting space to the ending space passes through a square that blocks movement, slows movement, or contains a creature (even an ally), you can't charge. Helpless creatures don't stop a charge.
If you don't have line of sight to the opponent at the start of your turn, you can't charge that opponent.
You can't take a 5-foot step in the same round as a charge.
If you are able to take only a standard action on your turn, you can still charge, but you are only allowed to move up to your speed (instead of up to double your speed) and you cannot draw a weapon unless you possess the Quick Draw feat. You can't use this option unless you are restricted to taking only a standard action on your turn.
Attacking on a Charge
After moving, you may make a single melee attack. You get a +2 bonus on the attack roll and take a –2 penalty to your AC until the start of your next turn.
A charging character gets a +2 bonus on combat maneuver attack rolls made to bull rush an opponent.
Even if you have extra attacks, such as from having a high enough base attack bonus or from using multiple weapons, you only get to make one attack during a charge.
Lances and Charge Attacks: A lance deals double damage if employed by a mounted character in a charge.
Weapons Readied against a Charge: Spears, tridents, and other weapons with the brace feature deal double damage when readied (set) and used against a charging character.
Swinging Charge from Ropes or Vines
Source: PCS:PotR
As a full-round action, you can swing using a rope, vine, or similar aid within reach toward an opponent and make a single melee attack. You must move at least 20 feet (4 squares) and you must start on elevation that is equal or higher than that of your opponent. Your movement provokes attacks of opportunity as normal.
This action is otherwise treated as a charge attack.
Happs is finally cut down as he was reaching into a hidden coat pocket with the look of desperation on his face. Seeing the bandit captain laying dead, one of the remaining bandits panics and sprints towards the ladder that leads to the top of the wall, dropping his sword admist the haste.
Seeing Arim take down Happs the small Gnome looks at the two remaining bandits. He knows that if they run it will be the end for them... so he makes an attempt at talking them down.
I ask that you admit defeat and surrender. Abandon the life of thuggery that leads only to death. You have a chance at redemption.
If the running bandit keeps running, Aleksara will fire off another coin shot at the escapee, then pursue if needed.
The white bandit starts to climb the ladder hurriedly.
"Redemption?! There's nowhere left to go! The civilized world won't take us back, hell we couldn't even get there. The Stag has hands and eyes everywhere... we'd be dead before the River Lands!"
"Shut up you coward! You were dead the moment you said his name!" The braver bandit yells back at the man fleeing. He then takes another swing at Jerrik within this 'moment of glory', but his sword is easily knocked away. He is left staring at the group terrified and alone.
Aleksara's coin drives itself into the fleeing bandits back and he falls from the top of the ladder and lays motionless on the ground.
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When Happ falls the tiger is fast to take his throat and thrash him and for a moment. The action seems more than animalistic, it seems vengeful.
"Chett, Down."
Wendell's command calms the beast who looks up at the remaining bandit, his muscles tense and ready to strike again.
The Dwarf points his glaive at the bandit, ready for another attack. "It's over. Drop the weapon or I'll have Chett tear you apart." He sniffles; the pollen of the fields makes his nose itch and run. "Besides, we ain't here for you. We come to kill the Stag. You bandits' days are numbered, and you'll know it's true when his head is on a pike."
No longer believing the bandit a threat, Wendell spins his blade around and sinks it into the ground at his feet. "Now, way I see it you've got three options. One, you force us to kill you - which we will. Two, you try to run and the Stag kills you. Three, you help us kill the Stag, which redeems you in the eyes of the Sword Lords, and just maybe you live another day."
Movement from the corner of Wendell's eye breaks his concentration for a moment. He turns to see the horses, seven in total. "Looks like we got ourselves some horses."
Arim steps back as the tiger rips Happ's throat out and turns neatly to the last bandit standing, as he turns he raises his sword and brings it swinging around towards the man's neck, stopping the blade inches from a decapitating strike.
"You are spared death by my sword this time, your life belongs to me now!
Aleksara, a fierce heat in her eyes, holds her Katana over her head but pointed at the remaining bandit.
Thrusting her left hand out, the remaining silver coin begins to hover and spin. Her voice comes out,
in a pleading manner, tinged with pain and anger.
"Turn us down. PLEASE. I promise to make it quick for you."
The bandit feels his back against the stable, knowing he is defeated he slightly raises his hand into the air. Speaking to Alfent and Wendell, "Okay, you win. I'm not joining you though, so either let me go or kill me... just," the bandit then looks across all of your bloodied weapons, " be quick if you're going to do it?"
He eyes the horse next to him and shifts towards it as he waits to see how you decide his fate.
Oleg then steps out and clears his throat, mumbling a few things. "Ahem, good job. I was, uh, just going to join in but my longbow was jammed.. it all went so fast,.. pretty efficient lot." He then bends down and picks up what Happs had been pulling from his coat pocket when he died. Holding up a vial of alchemist fire Oleg wipes his brow. "And luckily nothing got damaged."
Alfentinius attempts to calm the nerves of the bandit by bald facedly lying to him...
Look. your in no danger here. We've all fallen in with the wrong crowd before and we have no desire to kill anyone else. You're perfectly safe. You seem like a nice fella and I can tell already that I like you.
Seeing the bandit relax just a bit Alfentinius casts charm person (DC 17 will) on the lone man.
So... why don't we all calm down and have a meal together and give my new friend here a chance to... tell us about himself. Wouldn't you like to tell me all about yourself?.... what was your name again?
The bandit relaxes and slowly nods as he puts his sword away.
Rubbing the back of his neck, nothing had ever seemed more reasonable. It had been a hard morning already, with the ride and then this fight. A meal, he could see the stew pot from here, yes that sounds great. He smiles awkwardly, "..I'm glad you understand, so much is just perspective in this world and how lucky you are when you're in a time of need.." He glances around his dead comrades and feels confused as to why he is so calm and trusting but decides to give it no worry.
Moving over to the fire to sit down, "My name is Geraldo, and yes, I suppose you deserve a proper introduction." With a dirty grin Geraldo spins his knife between his fingers. "Geraldo Mendavi, I started in a Nirmathus militia but lead a coup and brought the men up here for a freer life. It wasn't hard for me to become favorable in the Stag Lord's eyes once my group was recruited to align with the bigger cause. I guess it's easy to standout from a lot of these sketchy thieves when you're actually trained. I'm pretty confident that Thorn River was going to be mine soon. Yeah, Kressle had an eye for Happs, but Happs was always scared of looking weak and losing the guys' trust. He wasn't a good leader, just a good scout and ranger."
Oleg freezes when he watches Aleksara clean her sword of bandit. 'That... no... She's, so young..' He studies her more. 'That sketch of her was remarkably well drawn..'
Jerrik's shoulders slumped as he looked around. He sheathed his sword in the process. His eyes took in the blood and bodies, his failures. They had been victorious, and suffered no casualties. Still, he couldn't help feeling sorry for those who has lost their lives. This could not have been the end they envisioned, nor the cause they wished to give their lives for. They had been offered quarter but seemed too afraid of this "Stag Lord" to even consider redemption, like a prisoner too afraid of his jailer to attempt escape. He felt sorry for them. He quickly set about trying to staunch the bleeding of this still clinging to life, and digging graves for those who weren't.
Spouting an obvious curse in Tian, Aleksara turns away from the remaining bandit and noticed that Oleg was staring at her
strangely. She put away her sword and remaining enspelled coin, and smiled at the older man.
"Yes Oleg? Is there something wrong? I promise I will clean this makeup off soon enough. I'm sure your wife is prettier anyway."
She will then start pulling the horses together, and try getting them into the stable for cleaning and care later.
"Anybody good with horses? We should see if these are decent or not."
Leaving the clean up looting and disposing of the remaining bandits to his allies. Alfentinius walks over to the fire and sits next to Geraldo Mendevi. Alfentinius pulls out what little remains of his breakfast and hands a small portion to Geraldo and begins eating the rest himself.
So Geraldo tell me about Kressel. Is Kressel well disposed as a leader. What strengths and weakness Kressel might have and what are your personal impressions of Kressel.
Oleg nods to Aleksara, "Yes, indeed. Feel free to head inside the house and Svetlana can help you with that.. also, ask her to see the letter we received last week.. you might find it interesting."
With that, Oleg helps with the bodies. He has them brought to a shaded spot out to the southwest where he will have them buried in plain sight between him and the bandit ridden Green Lands. As he notes the solemnity of Jerrik, Oleg never makes a fuss about the work or mentions stringing them up on the walls. On their bodies you find:
The horses that are tied up are easy to lead into the stable, though the three that were spooked need a caring and knowledgeable hand or else they may find their way out of the front gate and flee.
Geraldo squints his eyes while he thinks of the right way to describe Kressle, "She's sadistic, attractive, but this life is really in her blood. Rumor is that she was raised in a traveling bandit group, never spending more than a week in one spot. Eventually came around these parts and met the Stag Lord by way of some of his men trying to rape her. Now I know this story is true. Killed most of them and followed the maimed to the Stag's keep, then killed the others and was hired in right on the spot and given control of the Thorn River Camp. As far as her leadership though, she's respected, perhaps out of fear, but she's never challenged."
So are any of the men that follow Kressel not from the troop you brought from Nimrathus? Oh and how many men were still with her in your camp again? And it would be really fantastic if you could tell us where the camp is. I wanted to invite her to dinner as well so it might helpful if you told me where in your camp she usually can be found.
...
Nodding at Oleg's odd comment, she goes for the horses tied up, leading them one by one to the stables.
Seeing Jerrick still trying to stop his bleeding, she calls to Wendell.
"Wendell? You can conjure water, so the big question is: Can you heal minor wounds too? I think Jerrik could use a touch.
Then the big guy can help me wrangle up these animals before he bleeds to death."
Afterward, she will find Svetlana, return her borrowed clothing, and ask her about this letter Oleg spoke of.
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After the battle and Alfentinius' mysterious success in calming the bandit, Wendell acknowledges and tries to heal Jerrik's wounds. "You will need your full strength in the wars to come."
Unless one of his companions specifically asks, he does not attempt to heal the bandit with spell or skill.
"I'll help with the horses. Rather with the horses than trying to smile at the bandit."
On his way to the stable with the seven horses, Wendell notices the fine bow that Happ once carried . "I'd put that bow to good use. One of my friends could use my old longbow if they need it too, or else maybe Oleg could use it."
In the stables, Wendell helps himself to some hay and grain for the new horses, and tries to calm them and gain their favor before judging their temperament.
Wendell takes his time brushing each horse, picking their hooves clean, conjuring water for them to drink, feeding each one from his hand. He speaks to them while he works as if they were old friends. "They didn't treat you very well, did they? Stupid bandits. My guess is they stole you, rode you hard and cared for you little. I'm not like them, I'll take good care of you, and I'll make sure my friends take good care of you too. I promise. My name's Wendell."
Once the horses are cared for, Wendell feeds and grooms the other animals in the stables (including the goats, if they'll let him).
Arim cleans his sword roughly on the grass before replacing it's leather sheath and strapping it behind him once more. He then helps with the dead, roughly dragging the bodies with little respect offered. He leaves the horses and the survivors to the others.
"Ha! Kressle at a dinner party, I'd love to see that. No, most of those men I came out here with are dead. Our numbers ebb and flow, I've seen as much as two dozen in camp at once. Then again I've see it down to the bones with only the guard rotation. There's a lot of land out here for us to rob!" He says that last part with a chuckle and he eats some of the food Alfent gave him. "Thorn river is about 30 miles West by Southwest from here."
Oleg is gracious for getting a share as well as having his trading post relieved of it's unlawful taxation. He stresses though that all of you should take what you need first and foremost. Svetlana comes out of the house and is startled to see the bandit eating with Alfentinius. They both thank those who aren't engaged in talking with Geraldo immensely. "I can't thank you enough, you're all welcome to stay here anytime and for as long as you'd like. Free room, free meals, just name it." Svetlana tells the group in a relieved and excited voice as she shakes Jerrik's hand almost obsessively.
Oleg makes a minor gruff at Svetlana's large show of gratitude but still agrees. "I suspect that the remaining bandits will eventually come for revenge, but they're all cowards at heart," he spits onto the ground, " and I'd bet they won’t try anything against the trading post for some time. Hopefully before then we'll get the promised guards sent from f!&#ing Restov and none of it will be a matter. But here, thanks, these should help you while you do your 'exploring'." He hands you 50 gp and three potions. On inspection you'll find that two are potions of cure light wounds and the other is a potion of shield of faith +2.
As he would know about when his spell would end Alfentinius would wave over whoever else from the party would be in the keep.
So Geraldo, I have one more question and you're such a good story teller I want my friends to here your answer. Why did you become a bandit, why do you stay one and would you ever give up that life?
As people gather around Geraldo takes a deep drink before he begins.
"Back in the militia, in Nirmathis, I worked under a friend named Earl Bartholemew. It was a real boys club," he smirks at that, " and I mean we had the run of it. Pretty much banditry in uniform, the wolves dressed up as sheep kind of thing. Oh those were the days, I'd drop this life and go back to that kind of gig any day. Anyways, this lass came along calling out the corruption but before she could ruin anything we had her kicked out. Fine, right? All good again, except not. She met up with some friends and they all went on to become big shot heros and then all of a sudden our innocent ring of easy living came crashing down. I couldn't stand that new, strict, honorable rule. I mean, hell if I wanted to be in the military I would have done so and joined up on the front line. This was the militia, we looked good, gave orders to farmers, and sat back as the girls loved our clean pressed shirts. Well, long story short these 'Keepers' ruined it so some friends and I caused a small riot one night and got out of there with enough goods and horses to get us up here comfortably. After that, honestly, we just kept on doing what we were doing all along. I guess the problem became that instead of swiping an apple from the Berkshire farm with a smile, we were knocking over a cart of them with swords. Quitting? I don't know what I'd do.. I mean, I've been doing this for near twenty years. Fell into it quite honestly as well. Ha, I don't know if I could be honest doing anything. Haven't you noticed that life is much better when you're holding someone down and getting that sweet taste of something that shouldn't be within your reach? Give it a try sometime."
Geraldo has been confident and relaxed the whole hour. Talking with bravado as if he was in a bandit hall drinking. Slowly a look of the spell fading washes over him and the reality of the 5 of you standing in a semi-circle around him begins to solidify.
"Heh, but you know what they says, right? It'll even up on the other side..." Geraldo stands slowly and backs away from the table. "I'm just going to check on my horse quick, make sure she's not too frightened.."
In a low tone.
Unrepentant Banditry...
Standing now dressed normally (for her) Aleksara will shake her head at the man and fire a cantrip at him. Casting Daze
(DC:13 I believe).
"No sir. You are not. Your horse and your life are technically forfeit here and now. We now give you 10 seconds to say
something that may save your life."
Before Geraldo goes into his dialogue and comes out of the spell, he responds to Aleksara, "Ah, that thing. Sign of one of the Stag Lord's captians. Probably worth a little coin bit that's it."
Jerrik sat kneeling before the unconscious bandit, blood flowing out of both their wounds. His hands, covered in red tried hard to stop the flow but did little more than inconvenience it. He grimaced, and the longer the blood flowed, the harder he struggled to stop it.
At first he barely noticed when Wendell placed his hands on him. It wasn't until the positive energy flowed through him that reality set in. This man...this bandit, had no chance. He had made his choice in life, to prey against those weaker than he, and he had paid for his decision with his life.
Jerrik surrendered his efforts and did his best to clean his hands on the dead man's clothes. He stood and turned to face Wendell. "Thank you." He wanted to say more, but the words escaped him. What else was there to say? After what seemed like an eternity to him, he finally continued with "you and Chett both fought well today. It is an honor to stand by your side." He clasped the dwarf on the shoulder with a strong hand for a moment before turning his attention to the others.
He had missed most of the conversation with the remaining bandit, but fell in as Aleksara spoke. Forfeit. The word echoed through his head over and over again, each reflection becoming more and more ingrained, solidifying what was to come next, what he knew in his mind that he must do.
"You have been witnessed committing banditry which is outlawed in these lands. The punishment is the sword. I, Jerrik Hagen, under charge of the Sword Lords of Restov and the office of the Regent of the Dragonscale throne, will carry out the punishment."
His hand on the hilt of his sword as he spoke, Jerrik tried hard to steel himself against the actions he knew he must perform. He understood that this man deserved to be put to death by the rules of the land, but the actions did not come easy to him. It was one of the hardest things he had to do, to kill an unarmed man, even one who deserved it.
Seeing the obvious pain in the golden-haired man's eyes, Aleksara intercepts him quickly, places a hand delicately on his
shoulder and whispers.
possible. I promise. Justice need not be cruel."
Looking over her shoulder, she speaks clearly to everyone.
"Tie the criminal up. The less he struggles the easier this will be on him."
Looking back at Jerrik she looks deeply into his eyes for a response.
He places his free hand on her shoulder and stares into her eyes. He doesn't whisper though. "I MUST do this, but I am not alone." He nods solemnly before drawing his own blade. "This will not be cruel, but I doubt he has earned or offered as much." The big man clearly struggles with his decision, but in the end he will not be swayed. He wastes no time in removing the man's head and immediately sets to burying the body himself.
Aleksara will help Jerrik to bury the body and when they are finished, she will bow deeply in the Tian style, look
pointedly at him, and speak in a stilted but practiced fashion. It seemed almost like a little girl repeating something
she had memorized, but never truly used.
"You have much honor Jerrik Hagen. I am fortunate to know you. May our travels be gentle, and our journeys short."
With that she will blush, and turn away quickly into the night to leave the gentle man to himself and his demons.
Arim watches the scene from the shadows a wry smile on his lips as he watches the paladin's internal struggle
No prisoners next time, bad for moral
Looking around he takes in his new travelling companions after their first fight, not a bad bunch under the circumstances
Jerrik An honourable man, honour gets you killed. But the man did seem to be able to handle himself. A lawman in the new world order, First Lawmarshal Jerrik.
Alfentinious The little man of many names, he had that bandit wrapped up in knots. Keep an eye on him, definitely 'other.' The public face, Lord Castellan Alfie I. Ha.
Wendell and Chett Two bodies with one soul, never alone. Nature itself is his home, never seen a soldier so suited to the wilderness. Warden of the trade ways.
Aleksara Now there's a face a man could follow, but never cross. She'll be leading men to their deaths wether she likes it or not. General, Commander Aleksara of the host.
... Not a lot left for this humble fetching. I guess I'll have to settle for superstar, heartthrob, and general hero. Dream of the women, idol of the men. It's a tough life but someone's got to do it!
Once the deed is done and the others begin to disperse Arim takes a stroll around the top of the walls. Surveying the land they had come to tame
As midday grows upon Oleg's, the atmosphere settles down to it's normal slow rhythm. Oleg and Svetlana are busy with the chores of maintaining and restoring the outpost and let your group freely do as you wish. It doesn't shock them that no new travelers have come by, making it easy to assume that several days can pass before a hunter or fur trapper makes an appearance.
There's a pleasant stillness in the temperate Spring air. Maybe it's the Leveton's love for their work or perhaps it is the unknown of exploration ahead of you. Lunch is nothing to speak of, leftover soup and some hard bread.
After the last of the Bandits is buried Alfentinius will address the group in a somber tone.
Thank you for allowing me the chance to question the capti...er... Geraldo. I gained valuable information from him and appreciate all of you giving him a chance at redemption. He did not choose a better life so... but giving him that chance has a certain nobility to it.
Later , at lunch, after most of the business with the trading post is done as things settle down and the group begins discussing options Alfentinius will stand-up on one of the benches at the picnic tables around the campfire and address the party.
I guess we need to choose our next steps... do we make a bee-line for the other Bandits and try to take them unawares before they know anything is wrong and receive back-up. Geraldo said ..."Thorn river is about 30 miles West by Southwest from here." You know simply remove the most immediate threat.
Or optionally we could begin a more orderly search of the area surrounding the outpost here. We could spend the day searching in one direction then come back here and then search another direction the next day. Maybe a hunter or fur trapper will come in and we'll be able to ask them about the terrain we're in. You know try and play things a little safer the first week and maybe make a few more friends.
In either of those two options I think we could offer to pay Oleg and Svetlana for watching some of our stuff and travel lighter. As a third option we could take our whole camp with us and begin a survey where we simply move forward by one route for several days and come back by a different route. Maybe make week long forays out into the wilderness and then come back here. You know just make surveying what's before us in the quickest fashion possible our priority, without burdening the trading post here. Whelp those are my thoughts and I'm actually am willing to tag along with the rest of you in whatever fashion you choose.
his piece spoken the small gnome sits back down and tucks into his soup listening to what the others might say.
"I say we explore the land between Oleg's and the bandits. Stay close, maybe a days ride. Leave the animals and the guard dogs, have him close the gate while we're gone. He can always light a fire. If we're close enough, we should see the smoke and return quickly. Once the soldiers arrive and the catapults are functional, I'd feel better about traveling farther out."
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Wendell gives Jerrik a respectful nod at his decision to execute the bandit. "This man doesn't take a life lightly - a strong quality. Death as punishment shouldn't be an easy decision, yet it was the right one. I am glad to stand by an honorable man like him on this journey. Goodness may be all that separates us from many of our enemies." He watches the execution with a stern look, but does not avert his gaze.
He then goes to Alfentinius, whose power over their foe amazed him, and bows ever-so-slightly. "This one has a good way with words and people. The information he gained us will prove very useful, and he gained it more gently than most. I am glad to have an influential companion like him on this journey" Wendell clasps the gnome's shoulder in his big, hairy hand.
"You ask me, I think we ride hard at first light tomorrow for the bandit camp. This land is full of dangers, but none more threatening than bandits trying to puff up their chest and defend what they think is theirs, especially if those bandits get wind of what happened today. They're like to burn this place and everyone in it." Wendell swipes his tongue over his teeth and spits into the dirt. "I say we hit them fast, before they realize anyone's gone missing. With them gone, that's one less threat. Besides, if we leave Oleg's Post undefended, and they send out a search party, well who knows what they're like to do...Then again, might be I just have a sour taste for bandits."
He takes in Jerrik's idea and rolls it on his tongue. "Ay, we oughtta send the letter tonight. We could work on securing the area around the Post until we get a response. Like as not they'll say we are the reinforcements, but after seeing Alf's glib tongue and your heart, it might just work - might get some supplies if nothing else. Besides, if any more bandits come this way we know how to handle them."
"We're here to explore and conquer, so I'm game either way. I think we should hit the bandits first as well however. If nothing
else it may be their camp might make a good forward base for us in the future too."
Aleksara points at the catapults.
"We can help Oleg a lot if we can get those catapults up and running for him, but I will need a forge and other supplies to do it.
All of that will take weeks not only to get, but do as well. So let's make our requisition requests and then get moving for now.
I like the idea of a signal fire too in case Oleg needs help."
When asked about sending a message back to Restov, Oleg relpies "Unfortunately there isn't a fixed route out here for anything yet. I always have to send correspondence along with woodsmen that are heading towards Restov. Luckily, we're expecting a few people to pass back through this week so getting something up that way shouldn't be a problem. I'd say you'd hear back within a week of it leaving the post here." He also nods in agreement about the signal fire, "A fair idea, I'll light it if I see any bandit activity in the area so you'll know they're around."