"Lets make a plan how we do this. How about this: we sneak in there, kill their leader - assuming it isn't the man we are looking for - show the other bandits his head on a stake, and then make them join our cause. A clean and precise strike: cut off the snake's head and replace it with ourselves. What do you say?"
I rather doubt bandits would make for good troops. Especially since they probably have warrents for their capture.
After seeing e wizard off and returning to your rooms you have a fitful night of half dreams, unable to stop yourself from worrying whether these dreams are your own or not.
The day is your own, you can go shopping or exploring the town but unless you are looking for something, like trouble, the day ends uneventfully.
The next day arrives, the day of your meeting with the council, and you spend a fair amount of the morning preparing before you are summoned to meet with them just after mid day. You are ushered into the assembly hall full to bursting with dwarves cheering your names and pounding their fists on the stones. The cacophony lasts for several minutes before the council can calm them down enough to speak.
Each of the high lords takes turns thanking you for your bravery and steadfastness. Some of them are long winded and boring as they rattle on an on about the same things or how things were done by their ancestors while others are mercifully short. In the end, the high lords have agreed that due to your actions in saving them in their time of need that they are renewing their pledge of friendship with Savol and are committing two companies to the impending war against Irrissen. In additional, a dwarf walks up to each of you and presents you all with a small ornate chest roughly a foot wide and half that deep. Inside each box is a white dragon leather belt with a silver and bronze buckle of the Cleft-Hammer clan, the two for Ana and Dagmar are slim and braided inner scale while those gifted to the men are wide and thick, and each belt has a matching sheath holding an adamantine dagger with bone guards and grips made from the dragons wing membranes.
"A token of thanks to you, may you forever be remembered as Dragon Slayers amongst our clan and always welcomed with open arms and a full cask."
Jediah accepts the gifts. My thanks for your hospitality and gifts, I shall wear these so others can see our solidarity.
He takes the belt and bows, "An honor indeed. The greater honor is to know we have such fine and stalwart allies." He smiles, We are dragonslayers.
Julian bows deeply. "Many thanks, master dwarves. These gifts are truly たちの悪いやつ."
"And by that our young friend means that they are magnificent beyond the ability of our Common speech to convey," says Isham with a wry smile. "These gifts are truly magnificent, and we will seek to match their beauty and utility through honorable use. Let us also express appreciation on behalf of Savol for the friendship of the Clan, and the important pledge of military support."
~~~
After the ceremony, Isham asks Rutilux if he can convey the council's pledges to Savol, so he can incorporate the information into his planning, and prepare a proper response.
Zethyris smiles widely at the cheers of the crowds.
When presented with the gifts, he gives a graceful bow and replies,
"We are greatly honoured by your rich gifts. Your clan may always count us among your allies."
During the ceremony, Ana tries to stay in the background. She feels bad about having attacked her comrades, and she is a little bit afraid that someone might bring this up during the ceremony and that she will be put on trial again. When the turn comes to her and she is given a belt, like everybody else, she is very relieved and smiles gratefully.
She attaches her wolf tail to her new belt when she tries it on.
Thorvald heart was swollen with the honors bestowed upon him and his companions.
"It was an honor to stand with the dwarves of the Cleft-Hammer Clan. These gifts are magnificent, your hospitality impeccable, I look forward to the fruits that will spring from the continued and strengthened bond between our people. I will carry this star metal blade to remind me of the strength of your people, it's craftsmanship is as awe inspiring as your city and its edge as keen as your warriors in battle."
Whether due to the closeness of the army or the weight of the situation bearing down upon you all, you decide to ride out and meet with Savol in the field rather than wait for five more days. Silme asks to ride out with you when it becomes apparent that you're leaving.
As you leave you are all saluted by the soldiers and the commoners outside still working to repair and clean the area of all the signs of conflict. Despite the battles that transpired only a few days ago the immediate area has already been cleared of the dead and scaffolds stand before much of the damaged sections of the walls.
Twice on your ride you stop to talk to soldiers in the sky guard patrolling the surrounding areas which gives you a good clue on which direction to go to find Savol.
Near dusk you finally can see his army, or at least the portion he brought with him, settled down in a gulley away from the winters wind. The soldiers on guard recognize you and let you in with a few comments about not leaving much fun for them or making them run all across the north for nothing.
Just as you are reaching Savol's tent you catch sight of Bron who also see you.
"Oi, now what are you lot doing back here already? I thought you'd still be celebrating with my cousins. And why do so many of you have such serious looks on your faces? It's no matter, come on let's get something warm in you before your limbs fall off from the cold."
Once you tend to your mounts he leads you to the cookfires where many of the soldiers raise a toast in salute to your return. A thick and steaming vegetable stew is procured before Bron sits down with you. "All right, out wit it. All of it including why some of you look like we've lost and especially this story I keep hearing about you lot and a dragon."
Thorvald tells Silme that she is welcome to come along and offers to let her ride his spare horse if she needs one. "Shaggy Horse isn't war trained yet, but he is a good Ulfen horse and is sure hoofed in ice and snow. It will be good to have some new stories about the campfire and I think Rutilux is especially keen to learn more about your order."
----------------------
"It is good to see you too Bron and a hot meal is most welcome."
"We did celebrate with your people, quite a lot really, but there were still things to tend to after the battle. Perhaps they are better discussed later."
"We have all been named Dragonslayers by your clan! In fact they gave us these belts and star metal daggers made from the dragon we slew. Rutilux landed the killing blow that brought the wyrm down. I can't tell the story as well as some of the others here so I won't ruin it by trying to tell it first."
"Bron, may I introduce Silme of the Velkerat. She witnessed much of what happened in the siege and rode here with us. For someone who seeks out the greatest heros and champions of the north what better place than the camp of Savol Kodiakborn?! May the Sons of the Ursine never leave our lands again!" The big man beams.
"Bron, there is a man we were on our way to visit, over in the bandit-infested hills. And lo - it appears there's an army in the way. Who'd have imagined?" Isham grins easily, conveying the desire of the Claws of the Kodiak to visit with Savol on their way to execute their errand.
Nodding at Silme, "I believe our 'Observer' felt compelled to observe the army on the march. And maybe Savol - observing Savol may have had something to do with her tagging along."
"We've been a bit busy. Ghosts, giant spiders, two-headed giants, and yes, a dragon. But the Irrissen witch was the truly frightening event. And she got the better of us. She used the dragon as a distraction. Roll that around in your brain for a moment - the dragon. was. the. distraction."
"Fortunately for us, dragons seem to be composed of belts and guitar pegs." Isham fingers the dragon-crafted items as he mentions them. "There really is a story, and I really am anxious to present it, but it's stronger mead if it's not watered down in four or five tellings."
At an appropriate opportunity, Isham will present the tale of the Claws of the Kodiak.
Isham Tabouri
Adventure: Date (game world): 1000/00/00; Date (real world): 2012/08/30
XP Reward: 2000 XP; Net Cash:
The body of Savol Kodiakborne's host advanced to a town called Tweyp. When the host arrived, the town was discovered to have been raided and torched. After a brief, tense review to determine that the raiders had left, the host set about recovery operations.
That evening, a small band set out in pursuit of the captured inhabitants of the village. Savol's outriders had gone in direct pursuit of the raiders, but not yet returned. The band set off in a different direction, following a different set of tracks.
They found a cave, guarded by a Weidjadr. Attempting to sneak up on the guard, Zethyris was spotted. A struggle ensued, with more Weidjadr pouring out of the cave. The group of adventurers made fairly short work of them, and moved rapidly into the cave.
Inside the cave, they encountered a Weidjadr leader of some sort - a troll like or Oni-like creature. After some struggle, the companions defeated the monster - after several major wounds, and Rutilux taking a poisoned blow. Within the cave, they discovered the abducted inhabitants of Tweyp.
The companions guided the refugees back towards town. Going was slow, Rutilux more hurt than he let on. The second day, Dagmar's owl flew on ahead with a message for Savol's host, several companions rode on ahead to guide Savol's host to the refugees, and the refugee train, guarded by a small portion of the companions, continued to make their slow way back toward town.
In the afternoon, the refugee train saw signs of pursuit by raiding Weidjadr. They pushed themselves and the refugees throughout the day, until they were beset in the early evening. Zethyris, Jediah, Dagmar, and Isham fought a rear-guard action against the Weidjadr. At the moment all seemed lost, Rutilux, Andreas, and Anastasiya returned at the head of a flying column of Ulfen warriors, and mowed down the raiders.
All were returned to Tweyp, and a great celebration of the heroic companions ensued.
The following day, Savol's lieutenants gave the companions several options to help advance the Savol's cause in the area. The companions decided to pursue an alliance with a neighboring tribe of horse lord Ulfen - the Oakrun. As a preliminary, the companions have determined to visit the Grungir Forest to collect some Black Oak as a guest-gift for the Oakrun leaders.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2012/11/25
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash: 179 GP 5 SP 7 CP
- no notes -
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2012/11/25
XP Reward: 3000 XP; Net Cash:
- no notes -
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/01/17
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash:
Ana annoyed the locals, and we all went to jail. We pulled together the whole party, and mounted a legal defence that prevented us from entirely alienating the Oakrun.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/01/17
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash: 189 GP
After a trial, raiders were identified in the area. The party was allowed to help in the defense of an outlying settlement. Isham wrestles with a werewolf (well - the last werewolf, when all of the other wolves and human followers had been overcome... not as psychotic as it sounds). Isham picked up a moniker, 'Wolfsbane'. The werewolf raiders had some loot (base 157 gp), and we received a 'holiday bonus' from the GM of 189 gp. Isham invested loot $$ in trade to the party - all of the werewolf's longswords - and distributing them to Oakrun soldier/survivors.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/01/21
XP Reward: 4000 XP; Net Cash:
Returning from Oakrun to Tweyd, the group encountered a winter wolf. Zethyris and Julian promptly slew the wolf - though Julian got most of the credit. Jediah was badly mauled, but incredibly soaked up a tremendous amount of damage.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/01/28
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash:
Met with Savol and captains. Savol granted title of "Thane" to Rutilux (and "future protector of the northern steppes"), Isham, Zethyris, Dagmar, and Jediah. The title of "Speaker" was settled on Thorvald. Ana and Julien remained "Speaker".
Physical rewards were also conveyed - for Isham: a thick black and green full length cloak with a hood. The entire length of the edging and seams reiforced with dark leather. Upon the left side, near the clasp, above its heart is the symbol of the Kodiakborn, while upon the right side is another symbol, an armed mermaid standing before a ship. (cloak of resistance +1)
Under neath sits a gleaming set of silvery armour forged as if it was made of crashing waves (mithral breastplate)
Also, 3 masterwork weapons - a battleaxe, a long spear, and a strength bow (not ready by the time the group left Tweyd - so still 'to be done').
The Kodiak's Claws are dispatched as rapid relief to Hadnior, the capitol of Bron's clan, The Clefthammers - north of Trollheim, several weeks travel from Tweyd.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/02/09
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash:
The Claws of the Kodiak make their way northward, and through an oppressive forest. Attempting to make haste, they use some small magics, and are set upon by a ghostly, spectral creature(s) (??) that seek to frighten the group into hurting themselves or their horses. Isham (successfully) uses 'countersong' to mitigate the worst of the effects on the party.
Fortunately, a suicidally panicked flight through the woods becomes merely a dangerous headlong nighttime departure.
All of those that invested in training in horsemanship are gratified at the benefits of the lessons.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/02/28
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash:
After the haunted forest, a few other encounters and rumors - a brief overnight at a town conveying rumors of hobgoblin marauders. A couple days of shadowing some of said hobgoblin marauders (without spending time to attack them - emphasis on surprise and speed to reach Hadnior and raise the siege).
The Claws arrived at Turren Keep after it had been thoroughly gutted - no survivors, no quarter given on either side. and evidence of giants (ever see a bear with 40' feet?)
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/03/19
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash:
The Claws of the Kodiak approach Hadnior, and are guided (by our dwarven guide) to a set of abandoned mine works. Our heroes stable their horses in the mineworks above the shafts (this is important later), and make our way into the mines.
As a gentle introduction to the mines, our heroes encounter several cave fishers, without major injury, but significant worry.
In the mines, the Claws encounter several large spiders, and one GIANT spider, in a cavern coated with webs and smaller (but still large and dangerous) spiders. In the process, Isham discovers that spiders (and vermin in general) are immune to mind-affecting spells and effects - oops.
Jediah makes particularly good use of several molatov cocktails, and the Claws escape the spiders' parlor, leaving it an inferno of flames and smoke.
Exiting the spiders' lair, the Claws encountered a dwarf patrol, and were taken back to a guard station, for some rest, recuperation, and de-toxification.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/03/27
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash:
Upon entering the upper levels of Hadnior, teh Claws are summoned to the battlements. On the battlements, our heroes repel an onslaught of hobgoblins trying to top the walls.
Having repelled the raiders, the Claws were introduced to the leaders of Clan Clefthammer.
On the way off the ramparts, the main gates were assaulted. The Claws intercepted a pair of ravaging ettins. Thorvald demonstrates some new talents, manifesting claws of the northern bear.
Immediately afterward, our heroes consulted briefly with the Clan Lords. The Claws then rested overnight, and entered into a longer formal counsel with the Clan Lords.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/04/20
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash: 791 GP 15 CP
The Claws counsel with the Clan Lords was interrupted, as several simultaneous crises broke out across the city. The mystic defenses of the citadel were breached, and "monsters were appearing in the city itself".
The citadel's priests departed to guard the Vault.
Our heroes decided to pursue one of the monsters. The monster turned out to be a white dragon. It was a smallish white dragon, but dragon none-the-less. The Claws of the Kodiak engaged the dragon, and ultimately slew it - Rutilux discovered heretofore unknown dragon bane magic in his weapons, and all of the Claws contributed their particular support.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/04/30
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash:
No sooner had the Claws put down the threat of an invading dragon, than the priests of the Citadel called for defense of the Vault.
The Claws raced to the Vault, to find an Irrissen Witch with two of her private guard. The witch had pilfered a magical book from the Vault. She paused a moment to express her contempt and confidence, then transported herself magically away. Apparently it's a Bad Thing that the Irrissen have this particular book.
The Claws made relatively light work of the Witch's minions. More worryingly, however, is that Anastasiya was possessed by an evil force, which caused her to attack the party. The Claws strove mightily, and ultimately subdued Ana without any major harm.
After the witch left, and the dragon was slain, the hobgoblin army broke camp, and melted away, lifting the siege.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/05/08
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash:
As the siege lifted, the Claws determined to retrieve their horses from where they had been left at the abandoned mine works.
Our heroes rode out, even Ana, recently removed from the clink (again).
Approaching the abandoned mine works, the Claws were greeted by Silme, who styled herself an 'oberver', and appeared to have a prior relationship with Rultiux. After some brief discussion, the Claws went into the mines to retrieve the horses from where they were stabled.
As the Claws were retrieving their horses, the floor fell out from underneath them. In retrospect, there were several signs, such as a nervousness in the animals, however our heroes were a bit distracted.
Along with the floor, several of the Claws fell into the hole that was revealed. The hole proved to be full of extremely cold water. Worse yet, the water was inhabited by a giant serpent. In the end, our heroes dragged themselves out of the water, and retreated from the mine, taking their horses with them. Except Zethyris, who succumbed to the venom of the giant serpent.
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Adventure: Date (game world): 0000/00/00; Date (real world): 2013/06/20
XP Reward: 0 XP; Net Cash:
Returning to Hadnior, the Claws grieved for Zethyris. The sought out some resolution - a high-level cleric to revive him - something. And to little avail. Zethyris had passed.
Until he had not. Zethyris, without other agency, revived. On his return (and in slightly later private discussion) that he had been returned by a higher power, and that the Claws together had some larger role to play. This power (manifesting as Zethyris's old mentor) tasked Zethyris to pursue a gentleman named Montulo, to follow up Montulo's quest.
As a follow-up to Ana's difficulties when the Citadel's mystic defenses were breached, the Council commended the Claws to a session of scrying. Mixed in with some Too Much Information, the heroes learned that the witches are marching, and some degree of detail - if dreams are to be trusted. Zethyris also dreamed a memory, warning that Savol might not have great regard for the well being of the Claws of the Kodiak.
The dwarf also showed the location of Montulo, and that he was in dire circumstance, a captive to bandits.
Finally, the dwarven mage scried for the Banner of the Kodiakborne - and described its location in a high pass, closed during the current winter.
Rutilux is happy to have Silme along, for Thorvald's comment about her order is true. He finds it intriguing.
"Bron? I hope my cousins are well?" he asks later after the tale is told.
"Thats quite the tale. A haunted forest, a spider cave, an evil witch and a dragon all in a matter of days. Sounds like you lot are on your way to having our own epic told about yourselves. And yeah, your cousins are doing fine back in Tweyd." he turns to Silme, "Velkerat, I've heard of you from Savol. Didn't think your order were still around."
"Yes, although our number is small and few of us leave the santcuary."
"North of Icemark right?"
"Yes."
Bron gets up after finishing his bowl and stretches,
"Well I guess we should wake Savol, he'll be mighty pissed if we don't."
"Didn't anyone tell you never to wake a bear?" turning around you can see Savol walking up cradling a keg on his shoulder. Silme turns where she sits and is forced to crane he neck up.
"...so big."
"Aye but I don't tend to listen to old wives tales, or old wives for that matter."
"I wasn't expecting to see any of you till we reached Hadnior. I hope nothing happened."
"Quite a lot has happened, actually. You just missed Isham telling the tale. The most important parts are: we killed a dragon, my sister stole a book from Hadnior's vault, and Zethyris came back from the afterlife with the task to find a man named Muntolo."
The cavalier inclines his head to Savol, "It is as Anastasiya says, my lord. The dragon, indeed, the entire attack seems to have been merely a distraction for the theft. The dwarves here renew alliance with you but the thought that the enemy probably still achieved their main goals, or at least progressed in such, is disturbing to say the last."
"If it was anyone but you I would have my doubts. Well Zeth, it looks like you've managed to defeat something I haven't yet, death. Who is this Montulo and why is he so important?"
Savol listens as you all re-tell your tale...
"If this man is so important that the gods have seen fit to give you back to us then I think you need to look into this matter. This is some troubling news. Bron I think we had better get the army moving towards the border while you and I continue to Hadnior."
Savol and Bron find somewhere for you to sleep that night and then in the morning the army begins marching east towards the border while Savol and Bron continue on alone.
Savol has agreed to let you investigate on the condition that you hurry to assist the army as soon as you finish.
-------
Several days ride through the cold and snow have left you deep in the hills near the location marked on your map. There's maybe an hour or two of sun left but just as you are preparing to find a suitable camp sight you notice a thin trail of smoke from over the next rise. Heading in that direction to investigate you find yourselves overlooking a small camp with one or possibly two people. There are a few bags, a full bedroll and someone hunched over the coals covered in a heavy blanket.
"Well Zeth, it looks like you've managed to defeat something I haven't yet, death."
"And here's hoping you don't have to fight it for years to come."
"If this man is so important that the gods have seen fit to give you back to us then I think you need to look into this matter. This is some troubling news. Bron I think we had better get the army moving towards the border while you and I continue to Hadnior."
"Thank you. We will be quick, and will rejoin you shortly."
-------
Zethyris takes a closer look, trying to identify who (or what) is camping here.
If there's some cover nearer to the camp, he will move up to it first.
"Julian and Zeth are truly exceptional at the business of sneaking and scouting. Let's give them an opportunity to check out the situation, and report back. In the meantime, let's prepare for the worst." So saying, Isham dismounts, nocks an arrow, and ensures that his battle axe and spear are ready to hand.
Stealth (+2bonus from highlander feat)
Perception
"We should watch for signs of an ambush. Where are these travelers coming from? It is a small camp to be this far out on its own in bandit territory and I see no peddler's wagon. Is this just a decoy trying to lure us in?"
Not being stealthy, Jediah hunkers down behind the rise.
The Cavalier follows Jediah's lead in this
Ana stays further away with the other not so sneaky people.
She casts detect magic in the direction where the camp is.
As Zethyris and Julian move closer to get a better view and the rest of you hang back a bit the snow all over the nearby hills erupts in patches as hidden bandits open fire with crossbows hitting two of you. . There are currently ten bandits circled around you.
[b]"That was a warning shot. Drop your weapons and hand over your money."[/ooc]
zethyris
zethyris
julian
julian
jediah
Rutilux
isham
thorvald
dagmar
Ana
Zethyris's mouth sets into a grim line. He doesn't make any sudden moves yet, but slides his hand to the hilt of his rapier.
Ana screams in paint when she is hit by surprise.
"I surrender! If that was your warning shot, I surrender ... let me show you how my surrendering looks like!"
She raises her hands as if to show that she surrenders, but then begins to move her fingers as she casts glitterdust at the largest group of bandits.
Julian pops off into a snowbank.
Initiative
Already suspecting an attack and gifted as a veteran of battle by Gorum, Thorvald was ready to respond in kind. Seeing Ana struck by a skulking assassin caused his rage to pique and unleashed his inner bear.
"You cowardly bastard! You drew blood on my woman! Ill have your head! For Savol and the Sons of the Ursine!"
rage plus charge minus power attack
Wolflords axe with rage and power attack
Jediah charges with Thorvald and breaks for another bandit nearby and strikes!
+2 to hit charge with Earth's Vigil
"If our good friends these bandits are attendant on my words, they may have little time to spare to view others of our company. In the great battle of the northern marches, a single drummer held an entire enemy army mesmerized for hours at a stretch. The noble drummer Bordoran marched in circles, mallets swinging, cymbals flashing. The sound of his rakish drumming cut across all conversation, and stilled all dissent and alternative voices [...]" Isham continues to lilt and boom through the story of Bordoran's Stand, grasping for the full attention of all of the bandits - eased and aided by the bandits having focused on the party.
'Warning shot nothing. Bloody foolish mistake.'
As Thorvald springs into action, Zethyris follows suit. He dashes up to the nearest bandit and attempts to gut the villain.
Rutilux charges forward after Zethyris and smashes into the first bandit he can reach near his newly returned compatriot.
Reacting quickly Isham draws upon his many years as an officer in his nations navy to rile everyone up and focus on one in particular. Thorvald, snarling like a mother bear with cubs in danger plunges headlong into the snow rushing at the bandit foolish enough to harm Ana brandishing the werewolf's axe as he crashes into the man and tears, more than cuts, the man's chest open killing him instantly. Dagmar moves to heal Jediah before he rushes into the fray . Zethyris rushes up to another bandit and draws a clean line across his abdomen with his blade but does fell him. Julian faced with nothing deeper than knee deep snow finds himself unable to hide so he fires at the one engaged with Zethyris striking his shoulder and dropping him. Three of the remaining bandits lose their nerve and run while the others retaliate hitting Thorvald with a bolt just above the armour covering his knee as it buries itself in his lower thigh and Isham is heavily grazed as another bolt skips off of the upper lip of his breastplate and tears a deep line across the side of his neck. Seeing the bandits trying to keep their distance Ana fires of a double blast of force energy at the one who spoke but doesn't put him down. Rutliux moves to engage the bandits on the other side and just manages to catch one that chose an ambush spot a bit too close as his flail connects with all three heads sending his body crashing to the ground in a heap before is slides down the slope a foot or two. Jediah singles out another bandit foolish enough to expose himself close enough to be charged and rushes in with glaive held low before plunging it through the bandit as the blow lifts him off his feet.
Rutlux
Thorvald
Jediah
Isham
Julian
Arrow knocked at the seeming leader (the talky one), Julian says, "Clearly, you had no idea who you were dealing with. Throw down your arms or the bear man eats you while he f**$s you. I mean this literally."
I suppose there's a chance these fools are in league with the ones who have Montulo...
Striding over to the bandit fighting Rutilux Zethyris pulls back his rapier but does not immediately strike. "Surrender, or I gut you where you stand!"
"Rutilux, can you run them down with your horse?! Don't let them escape!"
Thorvald charges the next closest target and brings his axe down.
"If anyone wishes to capitulate I suggest you do it soon. My Thane will accept your surrender and stay my hand. Otherwise, I shall give you up to Gorum!"
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Ana embraces Thorvald, kisses him and whispers in his ear: "Patience, my love."
Turning to Julian and Zethyris she adds: "Patience, everybody. Give the man time to think."
Then she turns to the remaining bandit and explains, in a matter of fact tone of voice:
"To put it more bluntly: someone who looks just like you will bring us to your leader. Now, that could either be you - or one of us wearing your skin like a mask. The choice is yours."
Looking between each other and at you all the three remaining bandits carefully drop their weapons and slowly raise their arms. The one that talked first tries to half step forward, "Alright, but it won't do you any good. The others are probably already heading there to warn him but I'll take you there if you let the other two go. I was in charge, ill take responsibility for what we've done. We should've known not to mess with such a large group."
"A wise decision. What is your name? And how does your leader call himself?"
Montulo, maybe?
Jediah lurks menacingly.
"I'm Rolf." he waits for you to lower your weapons held at the other two before continuing. "We work for Findle, but he's not the one you want. You want to find Margrave. He controls all of the bandits for leagues, thinks of himself as the King of Bandits. I've never met him but Findle is terrified of him."
As Rutilux returns after a fruitless chase, "They're slippery, it looks like the had an escape route. Just over the hill is a crack in the rocks and they all crawled in it before I could get to them."
"the countryside is littered with them, this whole area is full of caves and such that run the length of these hills. That's why no one has been able to get rid of us and the locals call this place the warrens." he pauses, probably realizing he's talking too much, "Once the other two can go ill take you to either hideout, Findle's or Margrave's, whichever one you want."
Ana looks her party members in the eyes to check whether everyone is okay wit letting the other two go. If no one objects, she waves her hand dismissively and says:
"Sure, they can go. Two more rats in the warren won't make a difference."
Once the two start to leave, she continues:
"Do we look like we have any business with a bandit that is afraid of another bandit? You will bring us to Margrave's hideout."
Zethyris's eyes narrow, but he reluctantly lowers his rapier and allows the bandit to leave.
Rutlix raises a brow and looks at Ana curiously, and lowers his voice, "Care to share what you have in mind, or is it too soon?"