Wilhelm tries to make of the swirling chaos of the melee as he dodges the mount of the man he had killed. Seeing several of the bandits peel of and begin to make their way behind the stables, he yells, "Don't let any escape!" Confident the main melee at the gate is well in hand, he takes off after the pair, hurrying through the narrow gap in the buildings. He trots up beside the tall brawny man, readying his sword.
Viktor sees the bandit trying to escape. He leaves his first opponent impaled on his spear and pulls a javelin out from it's sling across his back.
He hefts the missile and throws, but is jostled by a fallen bandit's panicking horse and the javelin flies wide.
As Viktor throws a javelin, Dante runs to the same bandit, sword raised.
Karver hear some of the bandits fleeing to the back of the fort and he runs between the buildings to run them down.
"They said all you needed to do was reach out and take what you can - since you're wide open, I'll take that!"
Casimir pulls back, sweeps widely with his spear at the man who tries to run by. In synchronization, Talon joins in with a slam towards his shoulders, for a successful put-down.
Afterwards, assessing the battlefield, the two of them converge on the closest target, seeking to end these threats accordingly.
Wilhelm double moves towards the back of the fort with Dark Marick, leaving Viktor who throws his spear at a bandit but misses. Casimir and Talon take the opportunity to strike the suddenly off balance bandit that was trying to jump over the log and he goes down under their onslaught and then they turn their attention to one trying to crawl over the log, he goes down also. Dantalion moves out and shoot the one menacing Rowan in the back. Anastacia blesses the party. Dante charges up to the bandit fighting Rowan and cleaves him in two. Lanya starts to throw her spell but then realizes there are no conscious targets that she can see. This leaves the two bandits in the back of the fort. Felix steps out and offers healing but it has been a flawless victory so far. Vors runs up to one of the bandits in the back and cleaves him from his saddle. Leaving one solitary bandit. Bandit 11 stands on his horse and climbs onto the palisade near the back of the fort. He then starts to clamour over the wall. Unfortunately this puts him in full view of Lanya whose energy snake flies true and hits him. Although screaming in pain he is still trying to make it over the wall.
Lanya hears the galloping horse outside and the frightened screams of the last bandit, figuring none got away, she hastens downstairs.
She walks past everyone asking if they are okay until she finally comes to the small group of Viktor, Anastacia, Viktor, Oleg and Svetlana.
"Are you two alright," she asks Oleg and Svetlana, especially Svetlana as she might have been hurt by sliding off of the horse.
"I hope you didn't fall too hard from the horse, I had to do something to get you out of that compromising situation."
She then turns to her other compatriots.
"How are you all holding up? It seems our trap and Casimir's contraptions have worked exactly as we had hoped. I believe none of us were hurt at the gate, how was it here?"
"That went surprising well. It seems that our band of explorers are all either very competent or very lucky. Hopefully both." Rowan says with a smile. He still had trouble believing how easy this battle had gone. He then goes to check on the well being of Oleg and Svetlana and introduces himself. Later, while in relative privacy, he asks Lanya if he could have a moment of her time.
"I noticed for a few seconds that you change a little during the battle. You don't have to explain yourself to me, but I would like to know more about your powers and where they come from sometime, if you don't mind. I respect a person's privacy. As long as it doesn't seem harmful to our group, I won't say anything to anyone."
She looks upon Rowan with an inquisitive look as if to say 'So you saw'.
Then her smile returns and she answers him.
"I rarely lose myself, but being in battle brings out some hidden instincts in me. I guess you understand that, right?"
She chuckles softly, then asks.
"What do you mean by changed exactly? A change in attitude I presume?"
Karver watches the last bandit crawl over the side of the fort followed by a thunder of hooves and a quick scream signalling the end of the battle.
As he lumbers back into the center of the fort his skin lightens and he shrinks back down to size. By the time he walks up to the group he is back to normal and starts cinching up his cloths. "That was a bit disturbing how quickly that many people were slaughtered. We might want to get some information from the next group before we destroy them."
Lanya hears the galloping horse outside and the frightened screams of the last bandit, figuring none got away, she hastens downstairs.
She walks past everyone asking if they are okay until she finally comes to the small group of Viktor, Anastacia, Viktor, Oleg and Svetlana.
"Are you two alright," she asks Oleg and Svetlana, especially Svetlana as she might have been hurt by sliding off of the horse.
"I hope you didn't fall too hard from the horse, I had to do something to get you out of that compromising situation."
Svetlana rubs her behind and then kicks the body of Happs. "I fell on this bastard here." She then looks up. "Was that magic? I expected something more ...flashy."
Lanya smiles at Svetlana, "This was more practical magic for the situation. I know flashier spells than that, I can show you some at our next meal if that's alright with you."
Dante takes the remaining bandit from Madja, kicking him to the ground and tieing to a post. "The last one, Lord Viktor." he looks at the captured man in disdain. "Hadn't even the courage to die with your brothers in arms, oh well none of you could of known how hopelessly outclassed you were." he says to the sitting and bound man.
The bandit looks fearfully around. "Have mercy, my lords. I was desperate, you don't know how hard it is to live out here. It was Kressle. It was her idea to hit the soldiers, and she'll kill anyone who gainsays her."
Felix picks his way through the battlefield checking for signs of life.
Assuming they are all super dead, Felix will find the last of the bandits with Dante and cure light enough to wake him.
"At least one had sense enough not to die. Let us see if you have sense enough to answer questions and make a new path for yourself. You see I don't believe you chose this path willingly, you are the product of your life. Poor does not give you options. So, are you ready to learn a new way to live, or do you follow your old path unto death."
Edit: Ninja DM is Ninja.
"So Ben, come with me and I will tell you of the way things will be from now on. After we chat, well you will have to make that choice."
Viktor nods at Dante, "Good work keeping him alive. We need to find out who's been organizing them and where they're operating from."
He steps back to let Felix approach the man and nods in agreement with his words.
"A life spent leeching off society is no life at all. You have a chance to contribute something for once, it's up to you whether you take it.
Kertuffle, if you'll allow the assist that should put Felix at 25.
"This is good country." Anastacia tells the bandit. "If you know how, it would be easy to make a living here. The main problem an honest person would have living here, is it is infested with bandits.' The cleric waggles her mace at the bandit. She is not standing over him or really threatening him, just gesturing. "Bandits such as yourself." Anastacia stops to let the bandit mull this concept over for awhile.
Ben sobs as he recants his life as a bandit, giving all the information (all the way up to the DC 25) that he has. He swears off his life of banditry.
Oleg comes up to Viktor. "Surely, you're not going to let him go. He helped murder that caravan just a few days ago. I had to bury those men, that calls out for justice." He nods at Anastacia, seconding her comments.
Rowan approaches Oleg and places his hand on the merchant's shoulder. "I understand your feelings," he gestures at all the fallen bodies on the ground, "but I believe we've meted out enough justice for today. We've been instructed to give men a chance to repent for the crimes they've committed. We're not just going to let him go, but we are not going to torture or kill the man if he decides to try to make an honest living."
"I noticed the accent first. And looking back I saw the change in your eyes as well. I also saw Marick turn into something monstrous as well but he seems open about his abilities. You do your best to hide yours... why is that?"
"So now you know, I'd be pleased if you could keep this to yourself. At least until I find the right moment to explain it to the others."
Viktor listens to the bandits words quietly. When he recants his actions and swears to start a new life he looks at the man levelly for a few moments. Finally he speaks and his voice is grave, "You're willingness to change is a good start, but words alone are not enough, and there is still a price to be paid. I want you to fully understand your choice. You can choose between the rope or the index and middle finger of your fighting hand. You'll still be able to work, but you won't be swinging a sword or drawing a bow again. If you choose this route, I will help you get started. You will spend time here with us working under Casimir's direction. You will help him rebuild the defenses of this place. If you listen well you may even learn a thing or two. When we are finished here, I'll make sure you have enough money to get started on your new life, but you will need to find real employment. Finally, be aware that henceforth the absence of those two fingers will be a mark of repentant bantitry. Anyone bearing this mark who is caught commiting a crime against another will be executed on the spot. This is your one chance for redemption. Which path will you choose?"
After meeting with the bandit he calls Dante to his side. "I need you to draw up a few copies of a decree announcing our stance on banditry and the mark of a repentant bandit. Those bearing the mark will not be turned away from work or lodging for that reason alone, but if they are caught committing another crime they are to be exectuted. We'll make sure one copy stays here and one is forwarded to Fort Serenko."
Later he approaches Oleg and explains the situation, "So you see, we're not just letting him go free. I ask that you post a copy of our decree here in your trading post."
After the discussions Viktor begins the grisly work of removing the right ear from the fallen bandits. He then asks Casimir to get some people and erect a pyre outside and a safe distance from the trading post where the bodies can be burned.
Ben bows at Viktor's feet. "My Lord, I want to live. You won't be sorry. I will do everything you wish. Thank you, MY Lord. Thank you." He submits to having his hand maimed. Afterwards, although he reports to Casimir as ordered, he tends to go out of his way to help Felix.
Oleg agrees to posting the copy of the decree. He puts it next to several other notices.
A decree from Restov promising 800gp to any that can mollify relations with a band of kobolds in the area. Normally they aren't a problem but something has them riled up.
A bounty of 600 gp offered by Oleg himself for an undamaged Tatzlwyrm Head.
A notice by someone named Vekkel Benzen promising to 'make it worth your while' for the head of a wild boar the locals call Tuskgutter.
Oleg, who has spent some time searching and cataloging the bandit's effects approaches Viktor. Although he says nothing its obvious he isn't happy about Ben going free. Making sure Svetlana is not within earshot he asks Viktor. "It's not there. Last month these scum took Svetlana's wedding ring and I bet one of these scum still has it. If you're going to be out and about bandit hunting, I'll give you 1000gp credit here at the Post if you can return the ring to me. It's a simple silver band with a heart motif and two small diamonds."
Svetlana meanwhile approaches Lanya for her 'magic demonstration'. She confides to Lanya that Oleg has been under so much stress lately that she'd like to make his favorite soup, something called Moon Radish soup. It will take about 1 basket of moon radishes to make, but she's willing to pay 250gp for them.
Dante walks about removing the right ears of all the fallen bandits, putting them in a makeshift sack made from one of the dead bandit's shirts. He adds Ben's severed fingers to the pile and ties it up. "Oleg, if you would see this to the fort the next time a patrol comes through here, the Lt. should send back a bounty."
Your secret is safe with me. I know better than to judge someone for what runs in their veins.
Rowan assists Caismer with building the funeral pyre and says a few prayers for their eternal souls. Afterwards he approaches Viktor.
With Magda and Venkar leaving, do you have any plans to rearrange our squads? Or shall we all stick together and hunt down Kressle and her bandits as well?
Anastacia shakes her head in negation, but says nothing. Nobles! So disconnected from the needs of the people who depend on them. A person can hardly make any living at all if they are handicapped by a maiming of the hand. This Ben fellow is virtually guaranteed to revert back to banditry. It will be easier for him to learn to fight left-handed than to pick up a new trade, after he has been maimed.
Not to mention that he will certainly blame his ill fortune on the person who cut his digits away. He is all fawning now, later the rage will grow. There has to be a better way...
Anastacia sighs. It is a problem that is simply beyond the means of the group to deal with at the moment.
"Ben, how much do you know of the Matron Shei or her teachings? Ahh I see you have never heard of her. No, don't feel bad. The first step to attaining wisdom is knowing that you do not know everything. Come, I shall teach you so that you may teach others. disability does not hamper the retention of knowledge." Felix shows his own hands as way of demonstration. "We must all learn to walk a better path Ben, and I think you shall be one who shows others how to walk it."
Edit: [Ooc]Not meant to start new conversation with Ben, just illustrating how Felix is going to treat him. Trying to help Ben along his new path.[Ooc]
Wilhelm breaths a sigh of relief at the end of battle and takes stock of his companions. Seeing that none are hurt, he bows his head briefly before mouthing a brief prayer to Iomedae in thanks. After checking if any of the bandits had survived, he joins the rest of the group as the final bandit is being questioned. As the man explains that the attack on the soldiers from Fort Serenko was not his plan, Wilhelm frowms slightly and listens carefully to gauge if the man is speaking truth. His countenance grows even grimmer as he hears about the leader of this band of brigands and his self styling as the "Stag Lord". Quite the delusion of grandeur on this one. Sounds like he's well organized though.
As Viktor outlines the options available to the surviving bandit, Wilhelm's frown tightens but he doesn't object. The man is an accused murderer, but I would also find it difficult to kill him now that he has surrendered. I suppose this is the best way. The young paladin's frown lessens and turns into a weak smile as he sees Anastacia's reaction. Later that day, when she is apart from the rest of the group, he asks, "Not too fond of the justice meted out to the brigand, Anastacia? I must admit, I am not sure that letting an accused murderer off with his life and letting him loose where we sleep is the choice I would make."
Lanya shows Svetlana and the others a few simple 'party' tricks, changing her hair colour, conjuring up a small ball that bounces back up as you throw it to the ground. Then the sound is heard from a distant land together with birds, the swaying music is accompanied by the conjuration of a sparkling powder that she blows away.
As the powder creates a sparkling mist, the music keep playing and as the fog lifts, the same little snake as before hovers above her hand, swaying to the music. Then it shoots straight up and sparkles fly off as it shootstoward the skies.
Afterwards as Svetlana talks to her aout wanting to do something for Oleg "Of course Svetlana, I'd be happy to help. Though where can we find these moon radishes?"
Later she walks to Viktor as he stands reading the other decrees and notices at Oleg's.
"So Viktor, our initial strike against the bandits went well. What is next? Cashing in some bounties before heading out towards that Kressle person? Or strike while the iron is hot?"
A bounty where all I have to do is track a boar or a Tatzlwyrm and take it down. Shouldn't be too hard.
A strange smile plays on Vors' lips as he stand huffing by the corpse of the dead bandit. Not seeing any bandits he hurries back back, rage building. As he notices everyone is relaxing, the fight being over, he stops. Deep breaths, walk back one step at the time, he instructs himself, slowly but surely the boiling rage subsides and he lowers his blade. He mumbles a low prayer: "Lord of Iron, Lady of Graves I thank thee for the strength of my arm and the breath I still draw."
When the prisoner is brought forth, he listens sharply to the discussion but says nothing, nodding slightly at the discussion and the decision they end up with. Then he returns to caring for his blade.
Done with his blade the noble lend his strength to the construction of the pyre.
When the last wood has been placed, he looks up Felix. "I see you are still whole Orlovsky," he announces with a smiles.
Dante walks about removing the right ears of all the fallen bandits, putting them in a makeshift sack made from one of the dead bandit's shirts. He adds Ben's severed fingers to the pile and ties it up. "Oleg, if you would see this to the fort the next time a patrol comes through here, the Lt. should send back a bounty."
Oleg growls a reply. "The soldiers damn well better be here tomorrow. I sent word and a message."
Afterwards as Svetlana talks to her aout wanting to do something for Oleg "Of course Svetlana, I'd be happy to help. Though where can we find these moon radishes?"
Svetlana is delighted by the magic tricks and describes the moon radishes. "They appear to be normal radishes except they flower with little silver blossoms that look like a full moon. They don't like direct sunlight and don't compete well with other plants so they tend to be found in clearings in the forest. She leans forward. "They are so hard to find because the kobolds hoard it. It's like catnip to them."
[dice=Knowledge Nature on the Tatzlwyrm]1d20+4
A bounty where all I have to do is track a boar or a Tatzlwyrm and take it down. Shouldn't be too hard.
You've never actually come across one. You think it may be some sort of degenerate dragon like a wyvern.
Rowan notices Dantalion looking over two of the bounties on the board. He walks up besides the elf and reads over them himself.
Hmmm... a Tatzlwyrm... Never seen one of those before. Do you know anything about them?
Well if you do go on this hunt, I'd like to join. I'd wait to see if Viktor needs help hunting down the rest of the bandits first though.
I'd like to purchase some studded leather barding for my horse. Do you have any available currently or do I need to place an order?
"Nope but I'm anxious to learn. Not knowing something about nature is a crime against my Elven heritage. I have to find out about it. Much more interesting than bandits though if Oleg wants its head."
"What is a Tatzlwyrm anyway? I've never heard of it and I'd like to fulfill that bounty."
Rowan notices Dantalion looking over two of the bounties on the board. He walks up besides the elf and reads over them himself.
Hmmm... a Tatzlwyrm... Never seen one of those before. Do you know anything about them?[dice=Knowledge(Nature) on the Tatzlwyrm]1d20 + 7
Well if you do go on this hunt, I'd like to join. I'd wait to see if Viktor needs help hunting down the rest of the bandits first though.
I'd like to purchase some studded leather barding for my horse. Do you have any available currently or do I need to place an order?
Rowan has never really heard of Tatzlwyrm before. Oleg does have studded leather barding available for 100gp.
"Nope but I'm anxious to learn. Not knowing something about nature is a crime against my Elven heritage. I have to find out about it. Much more interesting than bandits though if Oleg wants its head."
"What is a Tatzlwyrm anyway? I've never heard of it and I'd like to fulfill that bounty."
Oleg excitedly talks about the Tatzlwyrm. "It's a bit of local folklore. The Greenbelt is supposed to be swarming with the beasts. Some sort of small dragon. Although small by dragon standards is as big as a horse. If someone can deliver one I'm going to mount it above my bar."
In the aftermath of the battle, Casimir has stood firmly at the gates of Oleg's fine outpost, ordering his machination to move the log by simply dragging it to the rear of the outpost for later use.
He was beginning to pull the ropes down when the reformed bandit, now with less than a whole hand to work with, reported. Casimir immediately frowned.
"So they make you unable to work properly in exchange for your crimes, and see it as repentance. Perhaps we can work something out later, if you truly show remorse for your actions. In the meantime, help me with these ropes, and take them up towards the first ballista. Then we can start what repairs we can while we're here."
Crippling a man for life is a harsh consequence for a few bad decisions. Imprisonment and labor might do him more good, but in other places, he'd be dead. Abadar's mercy take him.
Having set him to a task, Casimir simply surveys the gate some more... frowning at the damages. He does, however, turn to the others, and approaches Viktor.
"With Majda and Venkar on the road, that does reduce our numbers. What do you believe the best course of action should be now, regarding our own affairs? Also, your pyre will be up soon as we're finished here, so don't fret any."
Viktor notices the mixed reaction to his judgement, a frown here, dark looks there, but does not speak out in his defense.
His expression is blank the rest of the day as he goes about the day's business. When Lanya approaches his smile is wan but genuine as he stands and dusts off his leathers. "It did go well. I was glad for our lack of casualties. We did get a source of information on the bandits, but that has brought it's own troubles. Seems half find my judgement too harsh and half think it was not enough. Perhaps it would have been a better mercy to kill the man. He has murdered and more, after all. He was offered his life for the information he gave, and we don't have the resources yet to watch herd over prisoners. Tell me, Lanya, what would you have done? As for what next, we should move immediately. I will need to adjust the squads. I'm down a squad leader and our black powder expert." He frowns thoughtfully, "Two squads will not be able to cover as much territory as three, but they will be safer with numbers. I'm thinking of going after Kressle's group with five others and sending the rest of us to start exploring the area. What do you think?
”Casimir, you've been doing excellent work. I'm glad you've put Ben to work. He'll be unable to do much beyond manual labor, until he get more familiar with using his off-hand for dextrous tasks. It's unfortunate, but better than death, I'd think. Perhaps he'll learn a thing or two working for you. As for our plans, we need to move soon. This Kressle will be expecting the return of her men soon and I'd like to catch her by surprise. We also have much area to explore. I'm thinking tomorrow morning we will set out in two groups.”
Pharast 2, Oleg's Trading Post There is a light snow falling as the soldiers headed by Lt. Caminski arrive shortly after dawn. He arrives in force without any real warning, it looks like Fort Serenko must be currently unmaned. Things calm down once he realizes the bandits have been defeated. After some discussion with Viktor and Oleg he takes his force northward to guard the merchants camped there and see them safely to the Fort. It will also give him a chance to examine the ambush site. Oleg will accompany him, although he will come straight back to the Trading Post afterwards. Lt. Caminski leaves two soldiers behind to guard the Trading Post. Arriving with the soldiers is a young man named Koila who is keen to kill some bandits. Before he leaves the lieutenant gives Viktor 770gp as bounty for the 11 bandits killed as he takes the grisly bag from Dante.
Kiolia enters Oleg's outpost in the company of Lt. Caminski.
Taking a moment to reconnoiter, he observes the signs of fresh battle. Patiently, Koilia watches Oleg, Lt. Caminski, and Viktor during the early morning discussion. With the discussion concluded, Kiolia approaches Viktor.
Through a thick, Sylvan accent he says
Weyekin speak of more warring. Would you have my aid?
Marick grooms his new horse and takes the bag of gold offered to him. He listens to the groups talking about exploring and turns to Viktor, "I will head out with the group looking for the bandit, they need to be taken are of soon before they miss their companions."
Viktor turns to see the new face approaching. His grey eyes widen at the man's accent but he smiles at him and nods, "We can always use more fighting men. Our mission is not just to do battle, however, but to bring peace to these lands as well. There will be plenty of bloodshed, but I hope that's not all you seek. I'm Viktor, honored to call myself leader of these fine men and women . Who might you be and from whence do you hail, friend?"
Viktor shoots a fierce grin at the elf, "Good. You'll be with me, then. We'll be setting out early. I don't want this Kressle wrinkling her nose at her friends' absence. Once this knot of bandits is cut out and it's leader removed, we'll see about getting you set up with a good lab, Marick. You acquitted yourself well in the fight. I know I'd hate to face your bestial side in battle. I had no idea your alchemy was so potent."
"I'd think a group of six would be better if you go after those bandits, a tatzlwyrm might be dangerous, but a group leaded by a fierce woman might be more difficult. I think Oleg is worried about her more, we might do well to not face that woman one on one."
Viktor shoots a fierce grin at the elf, "Good. You'll be with me, then. We'll be setting out early. I don't want this Kressle wrinkling her nose at her friends' absence. Once this knot of bandits is cut out and it's leader removed, we'll see about getting you set up with a good lab, Marick. You acquitted yourself well in the fight. I know I'd hate to face your bestial side in battle. I had no idea your alchemy was so potent."
Marick smiles back, "Just wait, I have been working on something that I hope to have done soon that will make my other side even stronger. Let me know when you are ready to go."
Kiolia---pleased with the respectful introduction--studies Viktor's expression for only a brief moment before saying,
"My people honor the warrior of peace above all else."
"I am Koilia, and the Nomen are my people---to the south-east of here. We are fleet of foot, and skilled with the bow. These skills I offer for both our people." After another appraising glace, "Your people look ready to move."
With little left to discuss, he simply nods, and then eventually returns to the ramparts. With the aid of Ben and Talon, he adjusts his gloves, lowers his goggles, and begins constructing repairs during the time they've got here.
"Let's get started, boys! Hoist that rope up, we'll make a pulley out of 'er!"
Viktor glances over his shoulder at his squad behind him, "Yes, we're hoping to root out the leaders of these bandits before they grow wary of their comrades' late return. Well Koilia, if you're up for it, I'd like you to come with me on our little hunt. We could use one skilled with a bow. Our other archer is hunting creatures of another sort at the moment." He extends his hand to the the man.
"Even stronger than what we saw yesterday? That will be a sight to see. We'll be heading out soon once everyone has gathered.