”You shouldn’t be surprised. You’ve made a good impression so far and Majda is quite perceptive.
He laughs when Wilhelm mentions their mission, ”A fool’s errand? Perhaps. There are advantages in being percieved a fool, however. You are often underestimated.
Viktor listens thoughtfully to the rest of the man’s words, ”I haven’t known you long, Wilhelm, but I do give you my trust. I believe you want what is best for us all, and I don’t think you would undermine our mission or move against me unless I were to betray your trust first. In turn, I will offer you an oath of my own. I cannot promise to always make the right decision, but I swear that I will do my utmost to make this mission succeed and to be loyal to those who have put their trust in me.” He speaks seriously, but then grins and reaches out to clasp the other man’s hand, ”I believe we’ll do well together, you and I.”
Viktor listens to both men before responding. He then turns to Felix and answers gently, ”Felix, Dante is correct. While your heart is in the right place, the Lieutenant is not in a position to change his men’s bounty. The money from the bounty does not come from Fort Serenko, but from Brevoy herself. The Sword Lords have offered us a higher amount as seed money for our expedition. We have only set out with what each of us brought, and this is a way to get the expedition started. Refusing to accept the offered amount will not see any extra gold into the pockets of the Lieutenant’s men. The Fort also receives it’s own funding for supplies and the like. The men here have their provisions, boarding and equipment paid by the state and their bounty is entirely expendable income."
He pauses a moment and looks at the Lieutenant before continuing, "Finally, and perhaps most importantly, because our expedition, while state sanctioned, is an independent operation we cannot receive direct financial support from the government. As you know, direct sponsorship could lead to the impression that Brevoy’s intentions here are imperialistic, and that would cause even greater diplomatic tensions in the neighboring countries. Our bounty is a way for the Lords to help our mission succeed without directly sponsoring us. “
He then addresses the Lieutenant directly and his voice is more stern than it was with Felix, ”While I can understand your frustration at the seeming slight to your men, keep in mind that there are often reasons behind the decisions your superiors make. As you can see there are political motives at work here that I’m sure you have not been made privy too. In the future, I hope you place more trust in your Captain’s decisions and raise concerns with him directly, rather than sharing your doubts with others potentially undermining his authority. I’m sure he was aware of some of the more sensitive reasons behind this discrepancy. “
He smiles as she mentions her new squadmate, “I’m pleased to hear his addition is going well. I was hoping it would not be too disruptive. Rowan seems a solid man, in tune with the natural world as you are. I suspected you two would get along.” He reaches up and scratches the stubble on his face, “As to the bandits, I’ve heard much the same. In fact, it seems that they’ve grown rather confident. They have been fleecing Oleg’s for the past few months, and appear without fail on the first of the month.” He leans towards her and grins, ”If word has not gotten that far about our arrival, perhaps we can ensure that their next scheduled visit does not go as smoothly as they’ve grown accustomed to.”
"Yes. We should crush them, show them that stealing what other men earn will not be tolerated any longer. Perhaps some few of them might be saved, but I fear soon we will see much blood." Majda seems to accept the likely violence without having any lust for it.
He pauses a moment and looks at the Lieutenant before continuing, "Finally, and perhaps most importantly, because our expedition, while state sanctioned, is an independent operation we cannot receive direct financial support from the government. As you know, direct sponsorship could lead to the impression that Brevoy’s intentions here are imperialistic, and that would cause even greater diplomatic tensions in the neighboring countries. Our bounty is a way for the Lords to help our mission succeed without directly sponsoring us. “
He then addresses the Lieutenant directly and his voice is more stern than it was with Felix, ”While I can understand your frustration at the seeming slight to your men, keep in mind that there are often reasons behind the decisions your superiors make. As you can see there are political motives at work here that I’m sure you have not been made privy too. In the future, I hope you place more trust in your Captain’s decisions and raise concerns with him directly, rather than sharing your doubts with others potentially undermining his authority. I’m sure he was aware of some of the more sensitive reasons behind this discrepancy. “
Lt. Caminksy straightens up and nods. "Yes, sir. I will."
Viktor shakes his head sadly, "I’m afraid that some bloodshed will be unavoidable. My biggest concern is making sure it's not our friends who do the bleeding. If some can be redeemed, we should try, and that will come with its own challenges. First, though, we must reach them in time.”
His dark eyebrows draw downward in a thoughtful expression, “ I believe tomorrow is the 27th of Calistril which gives us two days to cover the 45 miles between here and Oleg’s, assuming the bandit’s come on the first of Pharast. Your squad can make it easily, but for the rest of us to arrive in time we will need to travel unburdened. Would yours or Rowan’s horse be able to pull a cart? I can ask Felix to try and requisition one from the Fort.”
"I will ask Rowan. Thunder's never pulled a cart before and I don't want to give up my mobility. Without him I move at a snail's pace, as I'm sure you've seen."
"I understand, of course. I don't plan on having this be the normal method of travelling, we just don't have much time. One cart should be sufficient to carry the armor and extra equipment that some of us are burdened with. If we cannot get the cart, I may need to send your squad ahead and have us push hard on the road. I would prefer not to resort to that as we would arrive exhausted and you will be isolated until we arrive. For now, I'll go and find Felix and discuss it with him. Once we know whether moving together is an option we can discuss our strategy for the encounter."
Viktor heads off to the Fort where Felix is staying and runs into Wilhelm on the way.
He listens to the man's report and nods with a smile of approval, "Good man. I had heard about these monthly visits, but not about the concerns of the bandits being organized. That is disturbing news. We're planning on intercepting the next attempt on Oleg's. Perhaps if we can take one or more alive we can find out more about their leadership if this organization exists."
A strange man, Vors wondered after his first conversation with his squad leader. What to make of him, he contemplated as he walked with the others in the large group behind the scouts. At the moment everyone seemed preoccupied with arranging groups and leadership which suited him fine, he needed more time to decide for himself. So far they all seem capable, but that might change, he thought as his faces shifted into a more serious grimace.
The pace on the first and the second day of the journey was quite comfortable for the young man. Not nearly as much weighted down as others, his legs while tired didn't hurt from the long walk.
Venkar attempts to engage Vors in a conversation to get a better stock of the man. "So what would you do with a barony of your own?"
"I'm glad we're in agreement Rowan, very glad. You are an amazing tracker by the way. I feel a bit superfluous with you around." Majda smiles warmly as she admires Rowan.
Superfluous... how so? He asks with curiosity. We all have a role to play in this world. I'm sure there are things that you are able to do better than I.
"I'm glad we're in agreement Rowan, very glad. You are an amazing tracker by the way. I feel a bit superfluous with you around." Majda smiles warmly as she admires Rowan.Superfluous... how so? He asks with curiosity. We all have a role to play in this world. I'm sure there are things that you are able to do better than I.
Like running these soft hands over that hard body of yours. "Yes, I suppose that's true. It's just normally I'm the best hunter, but you're seeing things I would miss on my best day. I guess it's just nice to be around another truly talented hunter for once. My father's household are lovely, but they are common folk. They all do their jobs, but none of them are exceptionally skilled at anything."
Marick wakes in the morning and can't help but hear about the rumors of the bandits robbing the fort they are headed to. Sensing the urgency he quickly packs his gear and looks for his squad leader.
Marick walks up to Felix, "Felix I hear that we are heading out to confront some bandits. Is there anything I can do to speed our trip to the outpost?"
Dante walks up to Viktor, handing him one of the letters he had written. "A requistion form for horses and carts, we need them my lord. If you would sign there next to my signature and place your seal there as well, I can turn this over to the Fort's clerk or the Lt. and we can be on our way ."
Felix smiles at his cousin. "One competent man is about as good as another at this point. I have had a man of nature taken from me and a man of civilization given in his stead. Only time will tell who is better suited to what task, but I consider it a fair trade. As for our leaders..." Felix gestures in the general direction of the rest of the camp and sighs. "I am of the opinion that only time may tell how acute their minds are as well. At least we have another cousin in charge of the scouting party." Felix smiles again and chuckles."And you know if the boy makes a mistake, well public opinion can be a fickle thing."
Casimir nods, and stifles his own laughter. He shrugs just a bit, and seems to agree in some respects. "We will indeed see, Felix. We will, indeed. In the meantime, I might make some drafts on some tactical options we have available to us... but that will take time assessing the abilities of our allies - time I should also spend maintaining the Talon. We'll talk like this again soon, you have my word."
Venkar begins writing his notes on the journey so far in a journal, as well as drafting the beginning of a map in anticipation for the eventual exploration. While wondering if the caravan will reach the stolen lands before the sea does.
Viktor looks over the forms and nods. "Hand them over to the Lieutenant personally, if you would Dante. I don't want the man to feel slighted."
Vors smiles at Venkar's question. it never fully occurred to him that, he might get a barony because of this journey, sure he glanced a the thought but it never gully settled before now. "Though question," he says buying himself time to think of an appropriate reply that doesn't give away to much. [b]"I would try and rule it fairly, perhaps not as hard as my grandfather did his." he answers finally and continues: "An old friend gave me a pointer years ago." Walking a little in silence he a bit reluctantly adds: "Perhaps I would reach out to my father." Quickly after the last comment he returns the question: "Do you have any plans?"
"If you can make their armor lighter, or conjure steeds from the aether. Either of these would be a blessing. Otherwise I believe we are stuck moving at the pace of the slowest member. The offer is appreciated though, I know you will be a valuable asset down the road."
Dante seeks out the Lt. before settling in for the night before the day the group would set off for Oleg’s. Pulling the man aside, Dante hands him the requisition form. ”We don’t need much Lt., just a cart and horse or two to pull it. You’ll see that the form is in order and everything is properly documented. If you’d let the man attending your stable know.” patting the man on the back, Dante retires to his sleeping area and turns in for the night.
Dante wakes and dons his armor by the light of a single candle, strapping his sword to waist and shield to back he blows out the candle and packs it back into his backpack. Making a stop at the fort Mess Hall, pocketing two apples, he scrounges up some leftover meat from the previous’ night’s meal, and eats it cold as he steps out into the frigid morning air. He trots across the courtyard to the stables, it's too early yet for the stable hands to be up and about, but the cart is sitting in front of the wooden and stone building. Walking in silently he picks out a horse, not a Warhorse, those were too useful to the soldiers, but he finds a very healthy looking young mare. Dante lets her eat an apple out of his hand while he inspects her, she is very fine with strong shoulders and flanks, healthy teeth and gums with no clouding in her eyes. Searching momentarily in the dark he finds a horsebrush and brushes her down. Finishing his task Dante notices Madja’s beautiful horse Thunder, approaching he offers the remaining apple to the magnificent steed, and pets his mane for a bit. He then leads the mare out to cart and hitches her up in the grey light of pre dawn.
Calistril 27, Fort SerenkoThe loggers get up early in the morning and embark towards Restov, withing those they spent the night with luck. The lieutenant details two of his soldiers to preparing a cart and two horses, named Dexter and Sinister. Lt. Caminsky wishes you well as you start down the road towards Oleg's Trading Post. The sunny weather you have been experiencing disappears throughout the morning as the skies become overcast and the temperature peaks out in the high twenties. Very quickly the terrain becomes rolling hills a hard to work sod held together by prarie grass. The road seems strangely quiet as you meet no one on it for the entire day, definitely different from what you have come to expect. Madja's squad finds a good camping spot and the entire groups is busy setting up camp when a solitary rider comes into view travelling rapidly eastwards. The man reigns up, considers the group but then comes to the conclusion that you are not bandits and rides into camp. He goes to the first person who approaches him and warns him or her. "Hate to be the bearer of bad tidings but there are armed raiders operating near Oleg's. They've wiped out a military patrol. I'm headed to Fort Serenko to warn them, and I'd turn around if I were you and head back there."
The rider is named Herman, he is a merchant guard.
Viktor frowns as he listens to the man's tale. As Herman describes the bandits' handiwork Viktor's left hand absently handles the pommel of his longsword. These are not men we hunt, but rabid beasts who've turned on their own kind.
As the merchant guard completes his tale Viktor nods grimly, "Thank you for your warning, friend, but those same bandits you speak of are our prey. We head for Oleg's ourselves to head them off." He claps the man on the shoulder, "Good of you to report it, man. Go ahead to the Fort. I'm sure they would like to hear the tale from your mouth."
He reaches into his pouch at his waist and pulls out a silver piece. Rolling it briefly along the back of his knuckles he then flicks it up towards Herman. "For your warning. And when you see your Master Lorwin next, tell him to listen for news from the Stolen Lands over the next few. Soon he may have new trading opportunities."
"How many caravan soldiers were killed?" Rowan asks sternly before the merchant guard leaves. "I'd like to know how many lives need to be avenged." His hands tightening on his club and shield. Despicable men... no, more like wild animals. They need to be brought down for our lands to be safe.
Marick shakes his head at the news from the horsemen a little frustrated at their slow pace to the trading post. We need to get there before more people die, he thinks as he unrolls his bedroll.
Viktor frowns as he listens to the man's tale. As Herman describes the bandits' handiwork Viktor's left hand absently handles the pommel of his longsword. These are not men we hunt, but rabid beasts who've turned on their own kind.
As the merchant guard completes his tale Viktor nods grimly, "Thank you for your warning, friend, but those same bandits you speak of are our prey. We head for Oleg's ourselves to head them off." He claps the man on the shoulder, "Good of you to report it, man. Go ahead to the Fort. I'm sure they would like to hear the tale from your mouth."
He reaches into his pouch at his waist and pulls out a silver piece. Rolling it briefly along the back of his knuckles he then flicks it up towards Herman. "For your warning. And when you see your Master Lorwin next, tell him to listen for news from the Stolen Lands over the next few. Soon he may have new trading opportunities."
Herman catches the coin. "Many thanks, I'll pass your message along when next I see him." he says with a touch of curiosity.
"How many caravan soldiers were killed?" Rowan asks sternly before the merchant guard leaves. "I'd like to know how many lives need to be avenged." His hands tightening on his club and shield. Despicable men... no, more like wild animals. They need to be brought down for our lands to be safe.
Herman pauses for a moment and then says "Eleven soldiers and four civilians. They stripped the soldiers of their armor and weapons but didn't take their tabards."
"Did you get a count? How well armed were they? Are they mounted? The Devil is in the details Herman." Dante says, aking the man a number of pointed questions.
Herman answers Dante. "My master and I came across them after the attack. I would guess there were more than 20 mounted, armed primarily with short blades of some sort, although two of the civilians were shot with arrows. He pauses. "One of the raiders likes small axes and is dangerous. Three of the soldiers were killed with single precise shots with an axe like weapon to their necks.
Calistril 28, Halfway between Fort Serenko and Oleg's Trading Post
Herman continues to ride down the road towards Ft. Serenko. The night passes uneventfully although the temperature drops down to around 5 degrees. The day continues to be overcast but the snow never materializes. You meet absolutely no one along the road. Around 3:30 you arrive at a bend in the road as it turns towards the north. On a small hill, situated so that the front gate faces eastwards towards the road is a wooden stockade. Or at least the front gate would if it still existed. You can see the splintered remains of the gate nearby the entrance. There are 4 elevated platforms at each corner, each containing a shattered heavy arbalist. The damage to the trading post does not look recent, probably it has been this way for several months.
Dantalion thinks it is definitely a pig, maybe several being cooked. Also he notices the information under Survival 20 above
This doesn't look too good. At least it doesn't look like the mounted bandits are here though. This place could definitely use a fixing...
Marick looks at the ruined gate and frowns "This place is definitely having problems."
"Well at least someone is having a nice time, what with the scent of a good meal from inside the Post."
Viktor eyes the trading post for a moment, rolling his spear idly in his palm as he thinks.. After a moment he turns to the group, "I don't see twenty horses hiding inside, and the fact the your elven senses pick out freshly cooked food is comforting, but let's play this safe. Dantalion, before we hail them find a good place to provide cover. Can that falcon of yours recognize an ambush? I'd like him to fly over the post to scout for enemies hidden behind the walls."
Dantalion sends Caelus over the post. It flies around a couple of times but doesn't seem to be reacting to anything. It does not get shot at. It returns to Dantalion, alighting on his arm.
Dante eyes the Arbalests thoughtfully.
Felix seems unconcerned with the surroundings. Quickly and quietly he makes his way to Viktor's side. "Sir, I would suggested we move in with a show of force. Raise the banner and tout the flag as it where. If the bandits have any man watching this place it may be safer for us if they have to make a hard decision whether to strike or not, giving us time to scope out the situation and dig in for a siege if needed."
Wilhelm listens to Viktor. He nods, from time to time, and his expression is still serious. After the taller raven-haired man finishes speaking, he nods abruptly with a sudden smile on his face. Wilhelm returns the shake vigorously and says, "I'm glad we're in agreement. You've proven to be a man worth following in the short time I've know you. I'll have your back, should push come to shove."
"I must admit, I am surprised to hear a noble speaking of abdicating her rights in order to empower the plebs. My education on the modern history of Andoran is rather lacking so all I've heard are the mewling whines of other nobles I've spoken to. I think you'll understand why I'm disinclined to believe their ramblings." Wilhelm shrugs and listens as Majda continues.
"As far as the fey go, you sound like a Medvyed. I'm not saying that we shouldn't ally with such creatures, but they're known to be capricious and flighty. I would think it hard to make a lasting peace with them. Then again, we have a number of the elder folk amongst our party, so perhaps they will better communicate, eh?"
Rowan's jest manages to elicit a loud guffaw before Wilhelm says, smiling, "I should hope my armor scares them off. Perhaps if I tied a bunch of little bells about my armor? I'd be rather worried about what trickery was up the sleeves of a jackanape who announced himself so loudly." As Rowan continues, Wilhelm nods appreciatively and replies, "Well now, why would a man seek adventure, thrill and glory amongst as honorable a band as this?" The young man's arm sweeps in arc and gestures to the camped companions. He continues, "I should hope that a third son of a minor noble can earn a heroic place in a bard's song in such an undertaking. I suppose that is why I'm here, Rowan. And you? I believe you mentioned a desire to see that a certain balance is maintained? Is there anything else driving you to be here?"
Wilhelm's face is serious as he replies, "The news they're well organized is disturbing, aye. And I agree it makes sense that we should try and take one alive. But this raises a question that I feel obligated to bring up as a representative of the Inheritor's Church. What does our mandate say about the dispensing of justice and law in the Stolen Lands? It's lawless as it is, but are we to enforce Brevic law? Or perhaps the law of Restov itself? I'm not found of the kind of scum we'll be dealing with, but there is the matter of trial and such. Best to determine this sort of thing ahead of time, agreed?"
Wilhelm dismounts after the expedition grinds to a halt at the sight of the stockade. Holy Lady above, I hope we are not to late to help these folk. He pauses, carefully studying the fort. A wafting breeze brings the scent of cooking pork. Wilhelm lifts his falchion clear of its scabbard for about a hand's width before letting it slide back into place, loosening the draw. He approaches Majda, keeping a respectful distance from Thunder, "Hey boss lady, this place looks like it's in a bit of shambles, eh? Although, if they're cooking pig like I think they are, it's probably not the bandits. Talked with the lieutenant and it sounds like they only show up one day at the start of the month. Doesn't fit that they'd be here early and cooking." Having offered his input, Wilhelm will wait for further orders.
Ok then.
Anastacia takes in the scene. "The front gate is down, we best assume that the fort has fallen."
With a sorrowful look on her face, Anastacia prepares for battle.
"Good call on bringing that cart, it will make a passable gate, once we re-take the Trading post." Anastacia tells Viktor, while she stands next to him waiting for the order of battle.
Why have we stopped? Vors wonders as the group comes to a hold. Have they spotted something? he worries. His eyes searches for his squad leader and finds Felix by Viktor's side. He wait patiently for him to return.
As you peer in the front gate, you see a large man in his early 40s, come out of the main hall carrying a sack of potatoes. He looks up, sees you and drops the potatoes. Quickly deciding you are not bandits he walks towards you he worriedly speaks a warning. "Ere you. I'm afraid we're closed and you best be getting up north. There be bandits around and they're due here tomorrow. So I can't offer you any hospitality today."
Lanya walks alongside Viktor as they near the Trading post.
She looks around wondering what in Calistria's name happened here.
"Hmm... that smell is delicious, I wonder who is cooking dinner here." Lanya says as she licks her lips, salivating at the thought of the delicious meal.
"Well Felix does have a point in showing force, however we could assume that they are not here else we'd seen sentries on the walls right? In that case we might gain more if we approached this more openly instead of with a pompous bravour."
"A feast for bandits? Kind sir, you must have endured terrible things by their hands if you want to feed them. We actually came here to drive out these bandits and settle these lands. Please tell us your story and what we can do to help you out with this bandit problem, as we are large in number as well and will put up a good fight as fair as any group of soldiers."
She says to Oleg, she is keeping her composure to not let her anger be seen, though her concern and empathy for Oleg's cause are genuine and obvious.
"A feast for bandits? Kind sir, you must have endured terrible things by their hands if you want to feed them. We actually came here to drive out these bandits and settle these lands. Please tell us your story and what we can do to help you out with this bandit problem, as we are large in number as well and will put up a good fight as fair as any group of soldiers."
She says to Oleg, she is keeping her composure to not let her anger be seen, though her concern and empathy for Oleg's cause are genuine and obvious.[dice=Diplomacy]1d20 +12
Oleg replies "A feast, No. A Last Meal. Yes." He looks around and opens the door. "If bandit fighters you be then you are welcome. I assume you don't plan on feeding them, then." he says with a wink to Lanya. "Then come on in. The meal in on me, and let's make some plans."
Viktor looks on in relief as Oleg approaches the group. At least Anastacia's worst fears weren't realized.
Following the man he speaks up, "Yes, we're here to wipe them out. I'm glad we arrived before they did. Your defenses look to be in sad repair so walling them out isn't an option. I'm hoping we can lure as many of them inside the trading post as possible before we strike. I hate to ask this of you, but your presence would go a long way in convincing the bandits that everything is business as usual."
Oleg replies. "It sounds safer than my plan. Those bastards nead to pay and I'm willing to take some risk to get em. Their leader's a psyco b... named Kressle, although last month she sent a guy named Happs in her place. They generally show up early morning." He motions for everyone to come in and have a meal.
Casimir, on entrance to the outpost, immediately begins to wear a frown as he inspects the arbalests, and the poor upkeep. It appears Talon just walks behind with no cares in the world... but exhausts steam in a sigh, almost as Casimir does himself.
It's almost a sin to see a fort going down like this... if only I could fix things faster, we'd have a better defense... wait a moment. Didn't he mention a tree? There's a plan!
Casimir, without even asking anyone else, immediately closes his eyes - the halo on his forehead, and upon Talon's brow, glow for a moment, and the hulking machine wades forth to collect the fallen tree.
"Hey... since we're defending this place, we could rig it up with traps and planned obstructions." He walks up towards Olegg, and nods to him in a manner of understanding. "Do I have your permission to make some modifications to the entrance of your home? I've got a few ideas that might make life easier towards dealing with the bandits - including implementing that tree you mentioned. I'd also like to get started as soon as possible, to get maximum efficiency."
"That might make them aware of outside interference. After all they expect the towns people to be submissive after raiding for how many months now Oleg?"
Marick sits down and gets a plate, "I will do all I can to help you with these bandits tomorrow."
"If they normally come up the road, most of you could hide in the stables. Rowan and I can mount up behind the fort. Oleg can lure them all inside the fort's walls and then one of you can let off a signal and attack them. Rowan and I will ride around quickly to the front to trap them in the fort. If there are a lot of them, it would be prudent to make sure none get away to warn their friends that there is a new law in the Stolen Lands. At least not until we are ready to deal with the bandit threat as a whole."