Alfentinius fires off two more orbs of force from his wand and then starts moving down the catwalk.
Stumbling after the man, Aleksara takes a hurried swing at the retreating man.
"NO! You will DIE!"
Aleksara slashes Akiros as he flees and Alfentinius' missiles slam into his back while William slides out from under the carriage, surprising the lieutenant.
"Wendell, if you have the strength, get your bow and get up to the top with Alfentinius" Jerrik said as he leaned down. With his free hand, he grabbed Aibreann's unconscious form and lifted her up. As he moved towards Jasper and the wagon he called out to Aleksara.
"ALEKSARA! We see to our fallen first" he said, pain evident on his face. "We need to recover before we pursue. It's dark and he's injured. How far can he get? We have an excellent tracker, and we need to wake Chett. He won't get far. We must see to Arim, and Prunus, please."
Akiros puts in some serious work, sprinting down the compacted path towards the dark forest that surrounds the Fort.
A disturbing silence sits upon the fort as Akiros' footsteps trail off into the night. There is finally a moment to take in what has just been seized. The past two minutes have been a blur of chaos with the thunder of adrenaline still resounding in some of your ears. Steam rises from the swaths of blood around bodies as it soaks into the ground. The crackle of torches attempt to fill the void recently left by 14 men and a beast, yet fail and leave the air with a hallow tone. Half of the party lays unconscious on the ground. It very well seems that a potential disaster has been averted and that justice has for the first time been brought to the Greenbelt and the Stolen Lands.
Aleksara kneels slowly next to Aibreann, crying softly, glancing occasionally at the Stag Lord's body.
As the last bandit made his escape into the darkness William took a half hearted swing with his horns at the fleeing man. As the figure disappeared into the darkness the goat jumped up on the wagon and Brayed into the darkness...
BRAAAAAHHYY!!!!!!
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Wendell watches calmly as the lone survivor flees into the darkness. Without turning back to the others, he moves to the horses tethered to the cart.
"Hep." With a sound and light swat he urges the horses forward to clear the front gate.
Once the way is clear, he gets to methodically unharnessing one of the horses from the cart, then leaps up into the saddle.
To nobody in particular he says "He's runnin' blind. 'Fraid for his life. I'll find 'em 'fore he get's too far, be back by dawn. Y'all stay here, tend to the fallen." In that moment, it is perfectly clear that all this nonsense is a distraction from the pain he feels for his fallen friends, especially Chett, but he has become singular in his focus.
He rides off in the direction Akiros fled, his keen eyes scanning the darkness as if he were searching in the light of day. He sees the trampled blades of grass, small red droplets of blood that look black in the night, and dust kicked up by cowardly feet.
He clutches his bow in hand and leaves the others without a second thought.
As the bandit headed out into the darkness Allfentinius tried to move upto get another shot off with his magic missile wand but was saddened to barely see the man disappear into the night’s shadows before he can pull his wand. As he came down the stairs Alfentinius stowed the wand and drew put the wand of cure- light that been entrusted to him. He approached Jerrik and held out the wand towards him.
Lord Hagen you may want this...
"Thank you for this Alfentinius" Jerrik said as he placed his hand on the gnome's shoulder. He tapp
"I'm glad to see you survived." He gave the gnome's shoulder a squeeze and continued over to place Aibreann's unconscious form in the back of the wagon. He returned to Alfentinius and tapped him once with the wand before he continued over to pick up both Prunus and his centipede mount.
He placed the Mite and his mount in the back of the wagon along with Aibreann. He walked back over and stood above Chett, but hesitated. He didn't know how the great cat would react when it woke, and he didn't want the stench of blood to be too much for the beast. He turned and went to find Arim. At seeing him lying motionless, blood pooled around the shadow warrior, he rushed to the man's side. He quickly searched for signs of life asand breathed a sigh of relief as he felt a weak pulse and noticed his chest rising and falling, albeit shallowly. He used the wand on the man until he too awoke.
As Arim's eyes fluttered open, Jerrik smiled. "Welcome back my friend. It is not yet your time. Come, time is short. One of the bandits escaped. The rest are dead or dying but Wendell is hurt and went off after the escaped bandit alone. One of their better warriors. I need your eyes, and your blade. Bring them both back, whatever their status. I am still seeing to our friends but it looks like we will all live."
Jerrik stood up again and began tending to the others. He stopped when he came to Chett again. He looked around for Alfentinius, hoping the gnome would be able to help control Chett when he awoke.
"Alfentinius, do you think you can help me try to control Chett when he wakes, or should we wait for Wendell to return. I'd prefer to have Chett aid in the hunt if you think a good idea. It may help bolster Wendell to have his old friend by his side again. What do you think?"
Aleksara sees Jerrik take charge, a natural leader even in dire circumstances.
Sighing as he takes Aibrean, she gets up and moves to the still form of the Stag. To verify he is dead, she removes his grotesque head with Mountain-Cutter with a quick stroke, then spits on the corpse.
Standing over the now mutilated corpse, Aleksara simply comments to herself.
"NOW this land is free."
Alfentinius walks over to Chett and sits down by the large tiger. He pulls the large animals head onto his lap and begins to pet him soothingly.
Okay Jerrik I think I can keep him calm.
Kneeling down next to Chett and Alfentinius, Jerrik placed his own hand on Chett and stroked the cat's fur. His beautiful orange and black coat was now matted with blood and caked with dirt. The powerful beast had fought as bravely as any of them. With the wand in his other hand, he again summoned the healing magic it held.
Aleksara delivers a coup-de-grace to the dying Stag Lord. Inspecting what she has done she sees that the mighty Stag's head was indeed wearing a helmet. Removing the severed head from the helmet itself, she find a disgustingly mutilated face, scared and aged as if disfigured years in the past.
Despite the personal history of the helmet, this item is of striking craftsmanship. Made to resemble the skull of a mighty stag, it is made from bone but the antlers and helm are as strong as metal.
Aleksara also notices that the Stag Lord is wearing an odd armor. It consists of a heavy cloak, gloves, kilt, and boots, but leaves his chest bare.
masterwork longsword
+1 composite longbow (+2 Str)
20 arrows
amulet of natural armor +1
Arim and Chett's eyes open as one by one the magical energy flows in them.
Heading out on your horse, you are able to track Akiros' messy trail easily in the darkness. You find that he followed the compacted path to the woods, and from there circled around to the large lake south of the Fort. In total the distance is a little over half a mile.
Approaching the lake shore, you hear splashing, labored breathing, and mild cursing. Through the trees you see a dark figure knee high in the water, wading in.
Suddenly professionally curious to the armor's origins and possible abilities, Aleksara will examine them closely.
A point of blinding light pierces the darkness that has engulfed Arim. Within seconds the pinpoint grows, it engulfs Arim's viewfield then washes over him as a wave. Arim's eyes flutter open, Jerrik smiles.
Arim's bones ached as he clambered awkwardly to his feet and limped towards the horses.
"I'll find them, bring them home."
Without another word he leaves the fort, following Wendell.
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In the woods not far from the edge of the lake, Wendell dismounts his horse and slings the reins around a tree. With bow in hand, he creeps away from the horse while keeping an eye on his prey.
For a few minutes he just waits, watching. He scans the woods and the lakeside for any hazards or chances to trap his quarry. He also looks to see if the bandit carries his armor and weapons into the lake with him.
Thinks he escaped. Can't see me. If he makes a move or dawn's about to break, I'll put an arrow in 'em. 'Til then, let 'em think he's safe.
As Arim heads off into the darkness Alfentinius looks at Chett and points at Arim.
Chett.. guard Arim..
The tiger looks over at Arim headed into the darkness... then it looks back at Alfentinius.
Go guard Arim... He’ll take you to Wendell.
The large cats ears perk up at Wendell’s name, and the cat looks off into the darkness as if it’s thinking about something. Then Chett looks back at the small gnome who is trying to give him commands.
Obviously flustered by the cats inaction Alfentinius points with both hands trying to shoo the cat in that direction.
Go with Arim Chett..
Chett stands up and licks Alfentinius. And then heads over to a corner and starts licking the blood out of his fur.
Alfentinius looks back at Jerrik. I guess Chett is staying here.
Jerrik couldn't help but laugh. What started off as a chuckle evolved into a full on belly laugh. "I am sorry to laugh my friend. It would seem that even big cats are as fickle as little ones" he said with a smile.
"Thank you for trying. Come. Why don't we try to revive Aibreann and Prunus." It was more of a declaration than a question. He picked up the Stag Lord's discarded bow and slung it over his shoulder before he headed back to the cart.
Arim has no trouble following Wendell's horse trail. The shadow warrior comes upon the dwarf in the woods on the side of the great and dark lake. Wendell is watching some splashing out in the water. Both of the explorers notice that Akiros has left a pile of his armor on the shore, but is swimming with his bow on his back as it pokes oddly from the water in mid stroke. 40ft from the shore now, Akiros does not seems to be merely washing off.
"Take him out."
Arim doesn't wait for a reply as he slips out of his sword harness and takes off at a run leaping into the water after the mage.
Speaking out loud without realizing it, Alekssara seems in a daze.
"Strange construction for armor protection, but it seems to work better than most basic armor. I wonder if the 'set' is incomplete and missing a breastplate of some sort? Could be...or possibly I can make something to add to it later of similar nature..."
Turning from the armor's strange construction, she takes a closer look at the fascinating stag-helmet.
Arim moves out of the forest and across the small rocky beach. Entering the water he starts out after Akiros.
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As some left to chase down the last of the running bandits, some cared for the wounded, and some started searching fallen foes for prizes William quietly walked through the fortress with a slight limp. The goat made his way to the stairs leading up and walked to the over head balcony. Once there the goat simply stared off into the darkness.
Finally the fight is over. I have chased the final foe into the darkness and some of those who follow me seek him out. I have defeated my enemies , felling them with my own horns, and withstanding whatever they chose to throw at me. I have taken control of and cleaned out this den of villainy. This shall be the seat of my power where I shall rule from. From this place I will survey all my dominion. I have won the battle and am entitled to the victor’s prize.
Hey anyone seen William... where is that stupid goat... BILLY WHERE ARE YOU?
Looking up Alfentinius sees the goat. I don’t know what you are playing at... but get down here we got work to do.
Unsure who would wear such a prize among the group, Aleksara sets the helm aside carefully.
She then gathers herself standing carefully then limping, approaches their two odd companions who still live...barely: Pruunus and Aibreann.
"So much potential! It would have been such a waste to lose them. I'm glad they managed to survive. Thanks Jerrik. Your ability to heal, turned the tide for all of us! I was planning to see if Aibreann can learn some magic. Maybe...give her an edge against her antagonists when she gets home."
"I am honored to stand by your side. I hope I am never on the other side of your fury. I'm glad your here" he said as he looked at Aleksara and then at Alfentinius.
"I would like to awaken our two allies but wanted you both present to help keep the peace and explain the situation."
Jerrik gently tapped the wand, first on Prunus and then on Aibreann. He stepped back to give them each a little space and so that he didn't obscure their surroundings.
Alfentinius looks at Aleksara.
I’ll handle Prunus if you want to handle Aibreen, Aleksara.
The gnome leans over the mite so that Prunus wakes up staring into Alfentinius’ face.
Good news... WE WON!!!! You helped so much, Your dad will be so proud. The other Mites will probably throw a party for you!
As Aibreann wakes.
"Relax my young friend. You are safe and we have succeeded in our task to take the fort! You were quite brave and your chief will hear of it!"
She then offers the small kobold a hand to stand up.
Helping the Kobold to her feet, Aleksara walks towards the fort's entrance with a rare and happy smile.
"Come with me. We need to see what treasures this fort may currently hold in it's dungeons!"
Hopefully with Aibreann's help, Aleksara wills start searching the interior of the fort...keeping a careful eye out for traps, treasures, or other creatures 'kept' by the Stag for whatever reasons. Priority is to look for the 'druid' we had heard about, and where that strange voice came from we heard during the battle...
Prunus awakes and is startled by Alfentinus while in his groggy state. He slowly sits and lets the scene before him assemble in his Mite mind. He simply nods for some time, checking his lance and smiling at the evidence of gore. (Undercommon)"It was a fierce battle, wasn't it? I conqoured many, didn't I? I road them down without mercy. Our tribe is strong." He moves to his centipede and calms it before mounting again and exploring the battlegrounds.
Aibreann takes Aleksara's hand and stands. (Draconic)"My, my charge worked? We brought them down?" The kobold smiles and seems a little unsure how to the compliment, but is quite visibly proud of herself. She takes up her rapier and bounds after Aleksara with the energy of renewed dedication.
As Aleksara searches, she finds three chests within what appears to have been the Stag's chambers. Thick layers of animal hides insulate this room’s walls. In one corner rests a ragged bed draped with threadbare silks and thick furs. On the floor, three stout chests serve as furniture, cluttered with empty liquor bottles. A few more bottles lie scattered about the floor, leaving the room reeking of stale alcohol.
There is also an apparent armory. Though ruined walls still separate this area from the other rooms, most of the ceiling has collapsed. The only remaining bit of roof covers the inside corner. Hides strung from a wooden frame partition this corner off, creating a dry storage area.
Across the way a shallow, stone-lined cooking pit containing ash and partially burnt logs sits in this rubble-filled room. It is in here, beneath wooden timbers that Aleksara detects a hidden stairway.
Akiros momentarily goes under as the arrow sinks into his back. Slowly his body rises back to the surface, face down.
Squealing with girlish delight at the small treasures found, Aleksara winks at Aibreann.
"Jackpot!"
She then shows the young kobold how to do a basic Detect Magic spell in slow motion, hopefully to see if she has aptitude as a wizard, magus, or even a sorcerer.
As Aleksara and Aibreann head further into the camp and Alfentinius chatted with Prunus, Jerrik headed up the ramp towards William. From their perch, he peered into the darkness as he kneeled down next to the goat. He began to stroke William's back, slowly as he spoke.
"You fought bravely today. You showed no fear against any of our foes and stood tall in the face of adversity. We may not have won the day without you. Here, this should help."
Jerrik, wand still in his other hand, reached over and released a charge of positive energy into the goat. He continued to pet the goat for a minute before standing up and freeing the Stag Lord's bow from his back. He held it tight as he stood guard, trying to scan the surroundings. All the while he was anxious about who would return this night. He promised himself to stay vigilant until morning if need be.
As he looked around and noticed the wagon still blocking the opened gate, he called down to Alfentinius. "Do you think we can get Chett to help move the wagon...since Wendell took my horse? If we can close the gate, we can rest a little easier here tonight."
Aibreann repeats the motions Aleksara showed her, but nothing happens. (Draconic)"I'll keep practicing, magic isn't uncommon in the tribe."
Arim continues to swim out to the floating man and, not pausing his stroke for more than a couple of seconds, turns and drags him to shore by his hair.
Arim is able to easily drag the body back to the shore, dropping Akiros onto the rocks with a satisfying thump.
Left on the rocks is his masterwork chainmail which he had taken off to better swim as he fled. On his soaked person Arim and Wendell find an immaculate longsword, a tightly strung composite longbow (+2 Str), 20 arrows, 3 arrows with odd fletching, a silver holy symbol of Erastil, a silver Stag Lord amulet, and 80 gp.
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While Arim drags Akiros' hair through the water to shore, Wendell retreats silently into the woods and returns with his horse.
As he does with other dangerous animals, the Dwarf draws his dagger and pushes it into the back of the man's neck at the base of his skull. Once he is sure the man will not wake up, he throws the lifeless body over his horse.
"Glad to see you again, thought you might'a... Thanks for comin' after me. Wasn't sure what I was gettin' myself into." Wendell places his hand on Arim's cold wet shoulder for a moment and a sliver of smile shows from under his beard.
"Is Chett...?" Something catches in his throat.
A short while later they are headed back to the fort, quiet hanging heavily in the night air.
Won't soon forget this day. Feel like I could sleep a week - doubt I'll fall asleep any time soon.
HEY CHETT... come help with the wagon.... Alfentinius takes one look at the way the tiger looks at him and quickly changes tack. Nevermind Chett you... you just stay right there.
At this point the gnome starts tagging along after Jerrik just trying to be helpful anyway that he can.
Jerrik, I think Chett just wants to be left alone, which I can’t blame him for. I hope Wendell gets back soon, he will have a better idea of how to handle him.
Aleksara winks and nods to Aibreann and replies in Draconic.
"Don't worry my little Magus. Magic really is a skill almost anybody can learn...with time. Ability and blood just make it easier to some who are lucky. Now, let's gather what we have found here and bring it all up into the air. This place stinks of sweat, blood, and booze."
Jerrik simply nodded as Alfentinius spoke. At first he didn't want to take his eyes off of the surrounding wilderness. A part of him began to worry if any of them would be coming back. He should have healed Arim more. He was in no condition to go off after Akiros alone, and he had no way of knowing if Wendell was alive or dead. He could try to send Chett out but that seemed like too much of a gamble at this point. Had he made the wrong decisions? No. He had to stay strong. He had to believe, in himself if nothing else. Not every idea was going to work out as intended. That didn't mean is wasn't the right idea.
Suddenly movement at the edge of his vision caught his attention. He drew an arrow and nocked it. He could feel the tension of the string against his cheek as he scanned the horizon trying to pinpoint the movement.
Wendell and Arim are able to make it back to the fort in easy time. It is still night and the area is quiet save for a slight breeze that occasionally flaps one of the Stag's old standards.
Once everybody is back inside the fort, Aleksara suggests they lower the gate and set a watch. Then try and rest until morning.
"Unless more idiotic bandits show up thinking they can get in, we should be safe enough I hope."
Arim approaches the fort as stealthily as possible. Ever the military man he doesn't want to make any assumptions about what the situation is inside. The gate is as they left it and there are no signs it has been retaken by bandits.
"Ho, in the fort! Room for two more?"
He calls as they reach the gate.
Once they are back inside Arim's mood turns to celebration, the fatigue has passed from his bones and he feels better than he has in hours. They had won the day, the staglord was done and they were closer than ever. While the others rest he begins to collect scraps of wood and other useless combustibles and builds a pyre in the centre of the fort.
"Shall we burn the dead?"
He says to no-one in particular.