Lords of the Stolen Lands - A Black Fang PBP

Game Master Justin Sluder

Oleg steps up and says, "Aye, our problem is bandits. They come by once a month, usually in the first few days to collect their 'taxes'. Assuming they survived the morozko, they'll be coming tomorrow at the earliest." He pauses to look at what everyone thinks of this, then continues. "As to why we're out here? That's easy, we got tired of all the crap politics involved with mercantile endeavors inherent in city life. We're out here to trade with and provide services to folk who work harder than most cityfolk realize is even possible. If you help us with our bandit problem, you'll have room and board here whenever you like."

I am sorry to here of this. So they come once a month to rob from you then. Any idea where they come from? Is it the same men each time? It would seem they would be stationed here in the green belt as well, probabyl trying to collect from anyone out here. I know miss Anik is looking for her father and very much wants to speak with Bokken if you think he may be able to help. I don't want to presume it is ok with here if we wait a couple of days in wait for these bandits.

Baelin looks to Annik

"Yes, please tell us al you can about these bandits. If we can find their base we can put a stop to not just tomorrow's 'visit' but to all their interference in the area. If they are marauding in the entire area this could be a major first step to our work here."

The cleric turns to look at Annik "There's no telling what we could learn from a righteous raid on their lair."

He then turns his gaze to Svetlana "Or what we might recover."

Annik sighs. She wanted to find her father, but helping these people is what would make him proud. "Well, we can't leave before tomorrow anyway. If they show up tomorrow we can take em out, tie em up and interrogate them about their camp and the such. I just hope these bandits are on time." She offered a wry smile.

Svetlana smiles, and she and Oleg look at each other. Oleg says, "They some from the south, most likely from the Narlmarches. They usually arrive a couple hours after dawn, meaning they probably camp between here and the forest's edge, or just inside the forest and ride hard to get here." He turns to Annik, grasps her by her shoulders and says, "If you want, we can ride out for Bokken's at dawn tomorrow. It's been a while since I went to see what he has in stock, plus you have some questions for him."

As Oleg finishes with Annik, Elana says, "I ride with Lady Birger tomorrow."

The smile on Annik's face widens to a broad, generous smile, "I would very much appreciate that, from both of you. Thank you." She bowed her head. Maybe they'd find father sooner than she thought.

So Annik will ride with Oleg and Elana to see Bokken, while we prepare for the Bandits. Is that the current plan? Master Oleg how many bandits normally show here? How well armed are they? Is there a leader amongst the ones that come here? If so does he have a name? Do you let them in the gates? Or would they come in the gates if they were open? It would be best if we can trap and subdue all of them and not let any get away.

Baelin stands awaiting a few answers pondering a plan for the morning.

"To be completely honest, I would rather have us all here if there is a chance that the bandits arrive tomorrow - on one hand, I have a special distaste of banditry, my stomach turns at those who attempt to prey on the ones making an honest living... Having us all here increases our chances of inflicting them a crushing defeat" - Helgash's eyes flare just a tad as he speaks the words.

On the other hand, we do not know what their forces may be, and we will be better prepared to handle whatever comes our way if we are at full strength - perhaps Master Oleg can inform us on how many usually travel here on their attempts to take away your hard earned possessions?"

"Last, but definitely not least, there is the slim chance that ladies Svetlana and Annik may be caught outside and outnumbered" - with a short bow to Annik he adds - "Although I do not consider them defenseless, there is no reason to risk such event?"

"Regarding these bandits themselves, it is my experience that such cowardly rabble tend to fall apart quickly when confronted with an equal force - what can you tell us about their numbers and their capabilities that you have garnered so far?"

Korren sits quietly, having nothing to add that had not already been said.

Theodronis, being eager to prove himself and improve his image in front of their female warrior friend, would speak up with pride in his voice.

"Surely we can handle a few thugs while our friends make the journey and I say I might actually feel sorry for the bandits if they try to ambush them during their trip."

As he spoke, Theodronis would rub a bruise that was still healing from his last spar with the mysterious woman.

In response to Theodronis' compliment, Elana cocks her head in recognition, checking him over from head to toe.

"Alright then, tomorrow we ride for Bokken's while the rest of y'all are here protecting Svetlana from any bandits who may have survived the storm." Oleg says.

"As for numbers, they've been showing up with less people each month. The first they had a dozen, led by this well muscled olive skinned woman. Everything about her had me on edge, even if I hadn't noticed her twin axes. I would've attacked her myself when she took my 'Lana's ring, 'xcept I knew I'd've been killed. Her second in command is a swaggering man, though hasn't struck me as being all that able. Last month, they came with only the second and six other thugs. Only once I tried keeping them out by barring the door, but they tosses over a flask of alchemist's fire with the promise to send more if we didn't open promptly." He looks around, "That's all I know. I will make y'all this offer, get my 'Lana her ring back, and I'll give each of ya two hundred gold of credit, in addition to free room and board for whenever you're here."

Noticing the attention, Theodronis' cheeks would flare with color as he straightened and attempted to look a bit taller.

"I will certianly keep an eye out for your wife's ring good Oleg and I wish you all luck in your journey tomorrow."

Connel looks around the group. "With almost like numbers and the element of surprise I'm sure we can take them. If they are typical bandits the are very courageous until they are met with resistance and their true cowardice come forth. Other than the leader they will most likely surrender as soon as they see thheir 'hepless' prey has teeth!"

"If we can, we should check the area where they will make their approach, see if we can set an ambush or traps or something to block their escape. I am all for routing out the entire nest but that means we need to ensure no one from this group gets back to the lair with a warning."

Looking back to Oleg, Connel adds "In addition to the questions we've asked you about supplies, we should probably take stock of weapons and able-bodied folks to weild them. He holds up his hand to fend off the protest he knows is coming. "I'm not suggesting we put any of your fine folk at risk, not at all, but if there are sentries that are already manning the walls we can include in our plans or ways we can enhance our armaments we should know. For example, while I have no trouble reloading my crossbow in battle, I could certainly fire faster if I had a few others loaded and waiting for me....."

His smile broadens. "I think these parasites have earned quite a 'welcome' when they come here next!"

Upon hearing Connel speak of laying an ambush for the bandits, Theodronis would start to settle down and start to mull over their options.

"It seems they are rather cocky and will likely stride right in if the doors are left open, in which case I would suggest we use these very walls to our advantage by locking our adverseries within them."

As he spoke, he would gesture towards the walls that towered above them.

Full of pride and seeing a chance to prove himself capable, Theodronis would continue on with a bit more bravado in his voice.

"I would be happy to man a door as I find myself more comfortable in the frey than outside of it."

I will post myself on the walls, I am most effective if people cannot get to me.

Ah yes young Theodronis is correct we trap them in with the doors. I will take the other door. Helgash will wait in the center of the courtyard in robes bundled up. Oleg being a big man himself I'm sure they won't know the differance at first. Korren you and Connel should take up position on the walls or roofs. Shoot to kill if you have too, but remember we want to take them alive if possible. I would prefer not to kill the horses as they could be trade goods for our new friends here. We don't need much talk. Helgash will simply raise his arm as a greeting but this will also be the signal to shut them in. We can talk with them after we have captured them. Korren if any don't come in the gates then by all means take there horses down first. We can track them on horse after we deal with the ones inside. If they are armed with alchemist fire then be carefull. I'm hoping the focus that on Helgash, his heritage should do the rest in protecting him. Svetlana you are to wait at the back with a horse ready to ride. If the worse happens you will ride to Bokken and meet back up with your husband. I don't want you trapped inside if we fail. What do you guys think? I'm willing to try and be diplomatic or intimidate them in to surender but that route does give up our element of surprise a bit.

Baelin would gather all around and start drawin in the dirt using rocks as examples of building and were people would be stationed.

"Straightforward, definitely will have the element of surprise, and certainly efficient if they all come through the gates. Oleg, based on how theyve acted in the past does that seem likely?"

"As for diplomacy, even uncivilized bandits such as these should be given a chance to surrender. Once the doors are closed they will certainly be surprised, is that a chance to offer parlay? If they see that they are surrounded maybe they drop their weapons...and if they choose to fight we should be able to act first. Maybe we can quickly defeat a few of them and the rest wont want to fight on?"

The cleric pauses for a moment, his hand going to his holy symbol. "They have certainly not earned any mercy but that doesnt mean we should not extend it to them. Just not at the cost of the victory."

Another pause. "We must do what we must. They chose to become bandits knowing that someday they would need to settle their personal ledger. Now is the time for us to choose what we will be. This is our first endeavor into these lands. This will set the tone for how we are perceived and for what we are trying to build here. There's a fine line between the strong hand of justice and the iron fist of tyranny."

Tyranny is a bit harsh. I'm just of the opinion that we can offer parlay after they have been subdued and tied up. The charter states quite clearly that they may repint and we then may chose what to do with them or if they do not repint then execution by sword or rope. That is if we are following the law of the charter.

"So if we our met with resistance we shall aim to subdue as opposed to directly dealing out justice to them where they stand? With my training I am capable of knocking them unconscious as opposed to slaying them outright."

Exactly Theodronis, I am not a murderer and these are men, men that have lost their way and prey on the week, but still men that deserve a chance at forgivness. Though if they do not repint we are within the law to execute. I will not hold the sword that does it but I will not stand in the way of the law if they chose that path. I just don't want to give up our surprise by chosing to talk first. Are there any objections to this. I don't want to presuem to be in charge here. Please brothers if you feel different on this or have other plans let us discuss.

"I have no issue with giving them a chance to repent, but if they refuse, I will see the law served." Theodronis would say in a flat tone.

"Please don't misunderstand me; servants of Abadar are trained in both the word and the spirit of the law so we can assist in lawless areas like this and theyve clearly earned the sword or the rope. I am not squeemish about dealing out that justice, and I will do it with a clear conscience."

"I simply want to make sure that the first impression we make in this region is the right one. If we jump out of hiding and slay them all without a word or even chance to parlay once they are subdued, what will people say about us? I wouldn't use the word 'tyranny' ..... but would others?"

"Maybe its foolish idealism, but we have a unique opportunity to start something grand from something so humble. So few ever get this type of opportunity. We have barely taken a few steps down our road and I can already feel the weight of that honor, the obligation to do it properly."

He straightens his shoulders and looks each member of the group in the eye. "The victory of our cause and the protection of this region is paramount. We will do what we must to put an end to this anarchy."

I understand now what you are saying, but I don't know were you got the jump out and slay them idea from in the first place. I never intended to kill any of the men. All will be subdued if I can help it. I'm glad to see we all have roughly the same morals.

he smiles putting a hand on Connel's shoulder

These men are ones who have chosen to kill, rob, and prey on their fellow man. If they surrender, then they can be tried for their crimes at that time. If they do not they have earned the death that will come for them. Mercy is all well and good, but it has no place in mortal combat until one side has surrendered.

Eyes flaring and nodding to Korren, while Helgash addresses the others you can see his muscles taut as he observes and cleans both his hammer and his longsword - "Some follow the wrong path because they are lost, others do so because they are weak, but many take that decision with a conscious mind - the easy option to simply take from others because you CAN is not something I have ever been able to take in lightly, or with condescendence - my hammer was not built to disable or knock out, it is meant to crush and break. In my lands..." - the fire in the tiefling's eyes seem to diminish slightly - "In the lands I came from, call them uncivilized maybe, all are held accountable for their actions, and pusnished for them if it is the case - these men have attacked and robbed Oleg before - they return for more because they THINK they can continue on this path - this hammerhead will help to prove them wrong"

"Yes Baelin, let me take the middle ground - If the group deems it should be so, I will offer them their chance to step down, but my hand will already by on my weapon, and my first blow will not be to subdue - they will be treated according to their options - should it not be so?"

"You help prove my point Helgash. People incorrectly call you lands uncivilized because of false impressions or ignorance. It will take years if not generations to wipe away the stigma of that impression so the outside world can see what truly is instead of what they believe."

"We have the rare gift of being able to make that first impression for these lands and what we are building here. These men will be punished for their crimes and that punishment is death, we all agree on that point. And the idea of jumping out and killing them was more of me voicing something we should avoid, certainly not something I heard here."

"Think of how the bards would tell the tale.........'they put an end to the bandits reign of terror' sounds like a great adventure, but how much more noble does it sound if the song says 'even after all their atrocities, the vile scoundrels were given one more a chance to repent, but they ignored it so met the fate they had earned'."

He looks down for a moment, almost embarrassed. "OK, so maybe I'd make a terrible bard, but I know a better story when I hear one. They will come and they will pay for their crimes, and with Helgash and his hammer holding the middle ground they will soon come to regret the life they are chosen."

"The end of their journey is not in question, but the final steps of their road are in our hands to determine."

"Either way, I will still aim to subdue. We could use one or two of them to supply us with much needed information. Such as where their base of operations is."

Oleg tilts his head back to look up at Helgash, "Yeah, I can see the resemblance. Personally, I think you look the closest to my size, Connel. If the doors are open, odd are they'll all just ride in like they own the place. As far as Svetlana, I'll have t' insist she stays inside the walls, and out in view. Wouldn't want to make them think something's up a second too soon. Anyways, it sounds like y'all have things well in hand, eat up." He looks to the two ladies going with him tomorrow. "Get some rest, it'll be a hard ride to reach Bokken's in a day. I'll be waking y'all before the darkest minute."

Oleg's Trading Post Map: Each square is 5 ft. As indicated, up is North. The walkways on the walls are 10 ft. up, with the tops of the walls varying another 3-5 ft. Under the walkways is open space.

Edit: Remember, you don't have a charter to build a nation, yet. Your job right now is to explore, map, and pacify the northern Greenbelt.

Well, we're gonna start pacifying :D

Helgash will spend most of his available time taking a second look at the courtyard area, discussing with the others where he should position himself.

"I would like to stay closeby to this cart over here (A1), if they do not stand down I will wade into them, but if I find myself under ranged attack I may think about looking for some cover, and this may do the trick"

I will station myself atop the wall to the left of the gate, but I will crouch down so they do not see me as they approach. Moreover, I would not want them to see Matilda.

Annik nods. "I hope you at least get information about their location out of them before you smash them to a pulp." She grins and turns to Oleg. "Thank you. I hope this Bokken knows as much as you think."

With that she gets to her dinner and feeds her scraps to Rapu. She waits till all are done eating before she takes her leave and goes to bed.

Connel looks at the two locations indicated by Helgash and Korren. "I was thinking of hiding on top of the barracks (a2), but now I'm thinking that the stable (a3) would be better. I can also stay low so they wont see me either, it will be a good vantage point for my crossbow, and from there my divine magics can cover almost the entire courtyard. Being on he barracks gives us the advantage of catching the bandits in a crossfire, but from the stable roof I can guarantee that your chosen locations are within my reach."

He also nods at Annik's comment. "In the morning I will be preparing a spell that can help us get the truth when we ask our questions."

Good, it is settled then. Theodronis and I will take our positions to shut and bar the door. Helgash will wait and Korren and Connel take up sniping positions. Annik we wish you luck tomorrow. The rest of us should get some sleep so we may awake early to make any needed preperations. Good night all.

With these last words Baelin gets up and heads off to get some rest.

Do the main doors swing in or out?

"I believe it might be best for Svetlana to be with you Connel. I would hate to see harm come to her because the bandits try taking shelter in one of the buildings. I also doubt they will be less enthusiastic about using Alchemist's Fire within the confines of these walls when we have them trapped inside."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

As the others started to make their way towards their respective beds, Theodronis would go about his training and meditation. Despite the imminent danger, he would not falter in his dedication to mastering the art his master had passed on to him. And while he would prefer to spar with someone, he did not want to force them to expend energy they very well may need in the events that would soon transpire.

The rest of the day passes with the group continuing to work on Oleg's, prepare for the bandits suspected arrival tomorrow, and the ride to Bokken's.

For those staying for the fight, where exactly will you be positioned should they bandit's be spotted before arriving.

Do the doors swing in or out?

Once preparations were made, Theodronis would gather some food and take up his position behind a door so that he would not by chance happen to be seen through the door way.

They open in, otherwise the fort wouldn't be worth anything.

Korren will be on the wall to the left of the gate but prone so he cannot be seen from the outside.

Helgash will be standing next to the cart A1, in a straight line to the entrance.

Connel will be hidden on the roof of A3, midway between the gates and Helgash. Don't know if the roof is flat or sloped, is there enough cover to stay hidden?

I plan to cast Detect Magic when they are approaching (but far enough away that it doesnt reveal me) so I can be focusing on them as they enter - want to identify any surprises or at least which weapons to be most concerned with. Im also hoping I can get a second crossbow to have preloaded with me on the roof.

Baelin will be positioned behind the other gate door so that he and Theodonis can close them in. I'm assuming we can find some crates to stack up to hide behind making a pocket to stank in.

Bump :D

Didn't respond because I had the idea it was just the bandit group talking strategy but I get the idea you were waiting on me.

Annik is up before Oleg comes to wake her. When he comes to wake her she actually already packed all she needs for the journey and is almost ready to go, just wanting a bite to eat.

I was actually waiting for Hyglak to post, but I guess we'll move things along.

The next day arrives early and dark. Oleg tosses Annik a sack. "There's some bread, jerky, and sharp cheese in there. We eat while we ride."

Before riding out, he makes sure everyone else is up, kissing Svetlana one last time. He mounts and then says, "I'm trusting you six to take care of things whether they show up or not." With that, the trio ride out of the doors, turning east towards Bokken's.

After the departure of Annik, Elana, and Oleg, Svetlana sets to work fixing a hardy breakfast for the six defenders. When ready, she brings food to each of you, then cleans up and takes up her position near the door to the house.

Now you wait...

Are they close enough to hear me if I yell softly down to the courtyard?

They're still about a mile away. The land between Oleg's and the forest is pretty much flat, so visibility isn't limited by hills.

Edit: Where would y'all like Hyglak to be positioned at the start of the fight?

I would suggest somewhere close to Svetlana so that he might cover her trail when she moves into the house to stay safe.

"Aye, let us know when the last one has passed through the gate," Theodronis would quietly answer back.

Agree,close to Svetlana makes the most sense

Connel nods at Korren's words, the anticipation of the coming battle causing him to not realize that in his hidden position no one can see it. He carefully checks his loaded crossbow again to make sure it is ready was he able to find a second one and have that loaded and ready as well? and prepares to cast Detect Magic when they are a little bit closer.

Baelin would wait a couple miniatures and then cast mage armor. I assume I summoned my celestial armor earlier in the morning once we woke up as it has no duration. Other than that no preparations. Making ready to shut the gate once they enter.

Helgash moves to the appointed location, wearing the cloak over his head and back, turning sideways as to not show himself clearly, and allow the ruse to draw them inside.

It is time now... he ponders to himself, hand layig ready on his hammer, and pretending to go about some undescribed business at the cart nearby.