Seeing his target slipping further and further from his grasp, Theodronis would fail to see the new rider coming out of the fort.
Saying a quick prayer to Erastil, Theodronis would set his sights on the fleeing man's horse while a sense of pain started to form in his chest at the thought of what he was doing.
Korren fires at the fleeing rider, aiming carefully while braced against the top of the wall.
Bandit 5 Ride check to maintain control:
Bandit 5 Ride to spur mount:
Bandit 2 falling damage:
Bandit 3 falling damage:
Connel fires his bolt at the fleeing bandit, striking him a split second before Helgash makes a last second swing with his hammer, taking the man from the back of the horse. The unconscious and dying bandit, and the one clinging to him fall to the ground. The horse continues out the door, racing past Theodronis.
As Baelin's glowing armor vaporizes, he spurs on the bandit leader's horse and closes the distance to what it previously was.
Anticipating the fleeing bandit, Korren grips Matilda's barrel and swings at where he would have been, hadn't he fallen seconds before.
After his fruitless effort, Korren quickly aims for the lasting fleeing bandit, taking a single calming breath before squeezing the trigger. With a boom, he sends a bullet flying widely to the right of the rider, missing the horse completely. Seeing his shot fly so wide, he judges the guy is outside even Matilda's range.
Theodronis looses an arrow which lands at the heels of Baelin's horse.
Knocking the man from his horse, Helgash turns to the kneeling bandit, scowling at the man, eyes blazing with the promise of violence at the slightest hint of trouble.
Seeing Helgash, the kneeling bandit throws himself to the ground, covering his head with his hands and saying, "Please don't kill me! I surrender! I surrender! I surrender!"
The other bandit extricates himself from the fallen, and quickly crawls away from him. He echoes the other bandit. "Me too! I surrender!"
The fleeing bandit continues to ride away, getting farther and farther with each passing second.
Hyglak moves up on the previously kneeling bandit, sword at the back of his neck. He says, "I have this one."
Happs -14/34 dead
Happs horse 12/22
Hyglak 4/12
Svetlana 11/16
Bandit 1 -29/14 very dead
Bandit 1 horse 22/22
Bandit 2 -12/14
Bandit 2 horse 22/22
Bandit 3 7/14
Bandit 3 horse 22/22
Bandit 4 14/14
Bandit 4 horse 22/22
Bandit 5 7/14
Bandit 5 horse 21/22
Baelin sees the bandit failing to spur his mount and decides its time to act quickly and end this. While he bears down on the bandit he extends his arm and says a word in his celestial tongue. With this a majestic golden wing eagle appears on his arm, with another celestial word and a flick of his arm the bird takes flight and swoops in on the rider.
No +1 if rider is not evil
Over the course of another minute, Baelin continues to chase after the fleeing bandit, the whole time his summoned eagle ripping and tearing into the man. Just before the eagle returns to its home plane, the bandit finally passes into unconsciousness, falling from the saddle in the process.
The horse continues running for a few more seconds, slowing in the process. Breathing heavily, the horse's blood flanks show the bandit probably wouldn't have made it to the forest before his mounted died beneath him.
Slowing his own mount, the aged Orlovsky gathers the bandit's horse after stripping the man of anything worth bringing back.
Svetlana goes into the stables, returning quickly with several short ropes, and hands them over as the group ties up the remaining bandits.
As Connel casts his spell, only the two vials light up as magical.
As the trio ride over a hill, they see a small, ramshackle mishmash of a hut on the side of another, slightly larger hill.
Oleg says, "Stay behind me ladies, Bokken is more than a little unhinged. I don't want him thinking either of you mean him harm. Oh, and don't kill, insult, or in any other way offend his dog." He takes the lead, Elanna motioning for Annik to ride in front of her.
Korren comes down from the wall, keeping Matilda trained on the captives until they are well tied, than he stands easy watching them closely.
As the others are being tied up Baelin rides back in leading the other tired and bloody mount with him. The Bandit is unconcious layed and tied over the saddle.
Well, that didn't go strictly according to plan, but we won the day none the less. Connel, could you care for these horses. They both got spured pretty hard. Did the leader make it? Or is he gone from this world? I guess we should find out their plans. They are most likely part of a bigger group. We need to know when they are expected back.
With a somber look in his red eyes, and still multiple wounds on the mend, Helgash eyes the captured bandits - "Yes, it is time these wretches provide us more detailed information about their purpose and their numbers"
He takes a step forward to loom over the kneeling brigands.
Walking in shortly after Baelin, Theodronis would take some time to close and secure the small fort's gate before making his way up the wall to keep an eye out for anymore trouble.
In short order the remaining living bandits are bound and separated, ready for interrogation.
Towering over the kneeling bandits, his huge hammer resting closeby as he checks the integrity of his longsword, Helgash allows for some uncomfortable silent moments to drip by before he addresses the captives.
"Wretches and worth less than the soil you stand, or in this case kneel on - I dispise the likes of you and those you walk with. In my ancestral lands, you would not live to see another day - you have chosen the path, and you would pay the price for your actions. Some may call it barbaric, but I call it plain and simple justice. There is not much room or time for repentance in the Cold North, but there is always time for swift retribution!"
Leaning a little closer on the huddled captives, he speaks in a low tone - "However, and if I understand this lands' laws and customs correctly, not all is lost - you are highwaymen, and as such, not only for the fact that you have tried to deprive these good people of their sustenance so that you could provide for your shallow, sloth filled, vain lives, but also because you tried to murder me and my companions, I am entitled to put you down like the dogs that you are, and that is how it will be"
Pondering his options momentarily, he crouches next to them, and finishes - "I know there are other possible contingencies, like having you in servitude to these good people or to ourselves, for a couple of years - Heck!! I could use me a servant to carry my gear around to be honest! But you know what? It is too much of a hassle, too long a stretch for worms like yourselves, who will always be looking for a way to betray those who would give you a chance... Much easier to bash your heads in - fast and effective it is!"
With these last words, Helgash stands up and moves for the wall where his Lucerne Hammer leans to, lifting the weapon and testing its balance - "Make peace with... Whatever you need to make peace with..." - he adds as he eyes the captured bandits.
Baelin comes up as Helgash walks away.
Oh my, you lot have made him quite mad. I'm not sure if I can talk him down. I mean look at him he is half demon after all. He does not lie. We have been given a charter to explore these lands and by the charter banditry is to be met with execution. Now I know banditry is suomtimes what men fall too, but that is the easy path. We mush all strive to make things better for ourselves and for those around us. You see that is what we are doing here. We are to explore and make these lands safe for people to want to move out here and make their lives. If you men can offer up any information on your leaders and where your base of opporations are, well then I can make a deal with you. The deal won't be easy like taking whats not yours and murdering for profit, but one of working and building the land so that you can be proud to call it yours. If you can offer us the assistanc we need you can stay here and work and help Oleg to build up his trading post. You will have your lives and a place to stay. I can't promise you riches, but you will have our protection. What say you?
Of the two conscious bandits, one visibly and odoriferously soils himself, while the other starts babbling, "Don't kill me, please don't kill me, please don't kill me, I'll tell you whatever you want to know, please don't kill me, please don't kill me, I'll tell you whatever you want to know, please don't kill me, please..." over and over.
Hyglak drags the body of the bandit leader before the two being questioned. He asks, "Who is he?"
The one talking says, "That's Happs. He is...was in charge of our party."
Helgash peppers the captured ones with questions - "How many more are you? Was this one the leader of your merry band, or does he also have a boss? Where are you based from? When were you expected back, or when will someone come looking for your disgraceful selves? Speak up man!!"
Baelin watches as Helgash ask the questions. Happy with the questions asked he stands and contiues to aid in the questioning.
Oh please answer him. I see his temper is flaring. If he flies into a rage I can't stop him. For all of your own good answer.
He stammers out, "I don't know how many of us there are. There's only about a dozen at our camp. Kressle put Happs in charge of collecting our taxes...I mean stealing from Oleg. Our camp is in a cave a little over a day south of here. We're expected back either late tonight, tomorrow at the latest. I don't anyone will come looking for us for a few days, unless Kressle is in one of her moods." He gasps for air, as that was all said in a single breath.
"Very well then" - Helgash roars - "Let us hope for your own good that you are being truthful - I am going to assume that there are a dozen MORE, besides the ones coming here. Is this correct?"
With a frown, the massive half-breed adds: "I am sure it is understood by now that your friends back at that cave have much explaining to do, and explain it they will. I want one more piece of information from you: what are the watches at the cave like? And then you will cater to my friends' questions, right before you are given some moments to decide what you want your future to be, or if you'd rather have none at all"
A cave to the south you say. Hmmm... So if they are expected back tonight we should probably prepare to ride out and meet these bandits with force and the element of surprise.
Baeling sits and prepares and does his special summoning ritual to summon up his celestial armor.
Ah that is much better. Makes me feel young again.
"Baelin, we should take the time to prepare - they are expected tonight or early tomorrow, so I would suggest riding early at sunrise"
A night attack is our best advantage, Assuming the bandits are mostly human we should take advantage of our ability to see in the dark. Connel can shoot into the light and we can draw them into darkness. If any of you can create water it can be used to dowse their torches as myself, Helgash and Korren take the advantage. I'm sure they will scatter once Korren and Connel start shooting into the camp. The time to strike is now, but if you need a day then so be it. I fear not these men.
"Matilda's voice will strike fear into the hearts of these vermin as it did with their fellows here. I would be more comfortable, however, with an early morning attack; say at just about dawn. Perhaps we should ride most of the way there and then press the attack just before dawn. The main question is, should we wait for Annik?"
From up above, Theodronis would call down.
"I have a few points I would like to add in."
Then, after taking a moment to glance over the area surrounding the fort, he would continue on.
"While some of you may be comfortable enough in the embrace of darkness, I have to remind you that some of us lack the capability to see through it without some kind of light source."
"I believe we should wait for our comrades to return. It will allow us to not only strike in force, but I doubt our new friend would appreciate us leaving his wife here while we ride out to face bandits who very well might not even be where we are heading."
The same bandit continues, "Master Hellspawn, I don't know how many there are in total, I just know there's usually around a dozen at the camp I live at. At night, there's usually one guy sitting outside. During the day, we don't leave anyone outside because it'd be easy to see them. Not a lot of cover in the Kamelands. Sorry, I don't know more, unless you want to know about a few patches of berries and whatnot in the area."
The trio stop around 100 ft. from Bokken, who is thankfully not nude as it appeared from a distance. He is, however, wearing only a loincloth. There is a tiny dog-headed creature beside him, looks to be a little over a foot tall.
Oleg calls out, "Ahoy Bokken! Don't shoot us!" He pauses a moment, during which Bokken stops his dancing around the cauldron and turns in your direction. Oleg continues, "It's Oleg, Bokken. I have a couple ladies here, one of whom has a few questions about a man you may have run into."
Bokken yells back in return, much louder than his frame would suggest possible, "Oleg?! Come, come! I always have a place for anyone bringing a pair of ladies to my humble home!"
Oleg says over his shoulder, "Stay behind me, and keep your weapons sheathed. Be extremely careful in everything you do."
"I hadn't intended to threaten the man, I need his help after all." Upon seeing the critter she makes a simple gesture with her hand and mumbles some words.
As they slowly approach Annik stays behind Oleg as the man requested, "Greetings master Bokken, my name is Annik Birger. I come in the hope that you could help me with a problem I have."
The old man looks at Annik, blinks a few times and rubs his eyes. He asks, "Are you a ghost? If you're a ghost, I may have to either find a way to send you on your way, or lock you up so you don't pester me in my dreams."
The fey creature beside him tilts its head, staring at Elanna for some reason. It begins moving towards the three of you, alternating between walking on two legs and four, and stopping every few feet to look at the warrior woman for a few seconds. It maneuvers well around Annik and Oleg.
However, as it got within 20 ft. of you, your skin began to crawl and you felt as if you'd trip over your own feet should you try to move too fast.
Hyglak says, "This one has been helpful." He indicates the one who has been talking. "This one, not so much. What do you think we should do with him? String him up? Tie his ankles to one of their horses and have it drag him back to their camp? Or should we just cut his head off and be done with him? He isn't helping us, therefore he isn't an asset. That which isn't an asset, or a potential worthwhile investment, should be liquidated, as a small loss is far better than a great loss." He grabs the man by the back of his head, turns his face to look at him, and runs his tongue along his teeth in thought. After a moment, he roughly lets go of the mans head, causing him to fall onto his side in the dirty.
Hyglak asks, "Shall we put his fate to a vote? I vote swift death by beheading, unless there's a chance the horse will drag him back, making it easier for us to follow. The rest of you?"
Helgash looks sternly to Hyglak and then upon the man fallen on the dirt - "It is true he has shown no repentance whatsoever so far, and no desire to cooperate. I would agree that a swift death should be the best option. However, and even though we are allowed to carry out such sentence, we are at Oleg's establishment - if he deems that another pair of hands could be useful for him, I vote for this one to be shackled into forced labor. If Oleg finds him of no use, or a liability..." - he lets the though hang in the air.
Helgash has a valid point. If Oleg and Svetlana want this man than so be it, but he is unrepentant. So I too by are charter am comfortable with putting him to death.
Korren shifts slightly, "One who has fallen into evil may yet be redeemed. I believe that we should offer the chance at redemption and an honest, productive life. Any that spurn such, or accept with the intent to do damage from within should be put to death."
Annik was rather surprised by Bokken's remark. Sure, she was pale, even white, but she was by no means a ghostly appearance. "No Sir Bokken, I am no ghost. Through my veins runs the blood of the fey." Seeing what the man consorted with that should put him at ease, if anything, "I am searching for a man, my father. He might have passed through here recently. His name is Theodric Birger."
She seemingly ignored the gremlin, figuring her companion could handle it if needed.
By the look on his face, Bokken is having trouble understanding that Annik isn't really a ghost. "Not a ghost, odd. You look just like one I met years ago. She was nice, until she wasn't.. Are you nice?" He smiles a crack toothed smile, then remembers something. "Wait, you asked about someone, a Theodric, yes? I think a group tried to attack me weeks ago, with their leader calling himself that. Bobbles and I chased them away to the south." He reaches down to pet the head of the gremlin that is no longer by his side...
He spins around, looking wildly for where the gremlin has gotten off too, yelling, "BOBBLES! WHERE ARE YOU?!" After a couple spins, he notices the gremlin staring at the warrior woman. He yells out, "BOBBLES! GET BACK OVER HERE AND LEAVE THE KILLER WOMAN ALONE!"
The pugwampi runs back to his side, saying something in a language none of your recognize. Bokken and Bobbles converse in the same language for a minute, with Bokken glancing at Elanna every few seconds. At the end, Bokken says, "Bobbles, inside now! I have business to discuss and don't want you upsetting these people."
He turns his attention back at the three of you. "Now, where were we?" He gives that crack-toothed smile again.