Watching Darry disappear into the underbrush, Alistar can't help but think:
Seven... Surely such an omen should not be overlooked.
But is it an omen of good, or ill, fortune?
I can't shake this feeling that a darkness is looming just outside my vision. Something more vile than mere banditry. Illandros, Light of my Savior, I pray to thee. Send us your radiance, and protect those whose fate we hunt.
With his silent prayer, Alistar follows after the others.
As the company begins to head off along the trail, Kitzi whiskies nervously back at the tree where she is bound...
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Starting off to follow the others Reynard looks introspective.
Seven... puts us one against even. One bigger than Rast. Given that scenario, Rast looks like he could probably go toe-to-toe with a big guy like himself. I think I probably could go one-on-one with another. Alistar looks rather suited for battle ... his armor looks well taken care of... Rast's looks like it'll fall apart in the next good clash. Alex, I'm none too sure. Evan... well he can't beat me in a duel but he has a few tricks... strategically he should stay behind the vanguard. As for Derry... where's Derry? I saw him a second ago. Strange ways Halflings... But that aside, a trap as large as this would most likely require everybody's hand. Drag marks and blood could be the fight ensuing after the trap was sprung for those who kept their wits - and couldn't make it out. Perhaps there is more than simply seven men. It could require a bigger band when dealing with bandits I believe. It oft found more men of banditry will congregate. However, if Orcs were involved... seven could potentially be a more probable number. Although they too would like to band together. If it was orcs, then perhaps that was the scouting party. What kind of merchant was this again? If it was armor and weaponry it would be taken at a loss as Master's are the best around. Could it be simply trade goods as spices and salts? But what would they need with trade goods?!
But what would the need with trade goods?! Reynard heard himself saying aloud. With his non-conveyable rhetoric he looked around at his companions, his eyes went too the ground, and drew back within himself embarassed.
Oh. I mean... well... Kitzi. I'll go grab the the mule.
Letting slip the mind again Reynard. Swell.
Reynard unhitches the mule from the tree Alistar had fasted her to, and hurriedly caught back up to the group.
What's that noise? Oh yes, the mule. Best go get her. hmmm...
"Reynard, friend would you care to grab Kitzi the mule, and watch over her? Its an important task, but I am confident you have the strength of will do see it done right."
There we are. Light willing, the task will help settle the boy's nerves, and boost his confidence.
Kitzi at first pulls against the reins as Reynard leads her into the forest behind the rest of the company. The anticipation buzzes in each of your ears as Darry pops in and out of sight along the path up ahead.
The trail leads you onward for several hours, and the dim gloom of the ancient forest, overgrown with its wild nature, begins to lend an oppressive weight to your mind. Leaves, fallen in the autumn before, crack under your step as you push through the branches that seem to hold you back. Yet onward you press, further and further into the unknown. Your companions at your side, you consider your own untested skills as much as those of your would-be allies.
As the dim forest grows dimmer, you get the sense that night is fast approaching. Just as you consider stopping, a scent catches you on the wind. The scent of fire, and meat roasting on it. Given how generally still the air is in the forest, you know it must be nearby.
At some point along the way Alistar calls forth a divine Light to illuminate their path, but I assume someone convinces him that sneaking up on the bad guys with a massive torch is counterproductive.
"There's a camp just northwest of here. It could be the ones we are tracking. What should we do?"
"Give me a few moments to perhaps sneak ahead and she whats what. If you hear me yelling however come running fast."
The halfling offered, doing the best to quell the little flutterbyes in his tummy. He was after all easily not noticed and knowing what was ahead could be the difference between disaster or success.
Darry disappears into the thick undergrowth before you, heading northwest toward where Alex indicated. An eternity seems to pass while you all stand there, waiting for some word from your diminutive companion.
Moving through the dense forest, you hear the sounds of a campfire and a conversation up ahead. Drawing ever closer, you pull back a leaf and see into a small clearing. A low fire burns at the center with a side of deer roasting on a spit. Four roughly dressed human men sit toward one side, their garb and skin worn from months in the wild. A fifth, clearly of different means, sits opposite, bound to a tree. He is older than the others, likely in his 50s, and his clothing, though dirty and marred with blood, suggests a life mixing affluence and travel. The merchant.
As you continue to watch, the bandits banter back and forth:
The first is stocky and has perhaps seen thirty winters; a hefty morningstar rests at his side. "Blast ya'll, canna think ye let dat wagon skitter on like dat. Wittout dat, we got nottin'. An youh, wit yer dam arruhs, shootin' all wild, dammit, scurred da horses an caused dis mess."
"Aww, shut it. I took aim, nicked that one's ear an e'erything. Woulda been true iff that net dint grab em both right then. Sides, this bow and its arrows are what gotcha dinner t'night." replies the leanest of the company as he turns the deer on the spit. He is in his early twenties, with a hatchet on his hip accompanied by a quiver, and a bow against a nearby tree.
A mousy looking man with a pointy nose and leather cap sits sharpening his blade on a stone. "We gotta nice, fat merchant. That means someone 'ill pay for him. Family, business partners, who knows. But if we get him to the right place, we can make a nice coin. An' I'm sure he's got some coin held away. Besides, the wagon is likely on the wall, at the worst stopped at the river. It can't get far." He glares at the merchant menacingly.
The final bandit, the largest of the four, is perhaps a touch smaller than Rast and has a bald head with a nasty scar. A few javelins rest in a sack, while a morningstar sits in his lap. He tosses a rock at the merchant, laughing as he hits the injured man. "We need some coin anna nice city - time for some good brew anna good screw. We been in deese woods too long. How much was the take?"
The first looks into a small pouch and moves its contents with his fingers. "Fifty crowns, das ten crowns each. Not bad, an' we also got 'im. An in the mornin' we go look for his wagon."
Part of him wanted to wait till they went to sleep and sneak in and take them then, but who knew what could happen before then, besides, one of his companions might get worried and try to check on him. He slide back to the group and conferred with them.
"I got four blokes, nasty bandits about a fire. They do have what looks to be the merchant a bit beaten and tied up to a tree. We could let em get to sleep and hit them when they have their pants down, though its hardly sporting."
He began eyeing the preacher and both Evan and Reynard. He had a feeling none of them would be okay with that sort of quiet clean kill.. then again his Alex might have issues with that too.
"They seemed pretty intent on their fire and plans, don't mean they wont be ready for us, they did all have weapons."
He added waiting to see what they decided.
Alex waits nervously while Darry goes to scout. Crouching down to make herself as invisible as possible she picks up a picks and fiddles mindlessly with it. "If we could go and get..." She kept trying to think of a way to get the merchant back to the village safely but without the knowledge that Darry would hopefully bring back there was little they could do. "How long should we wait before..." she stops as she hears the return of the hafling.
Listening to his idea of dealing with the bandits seemed a bit too much for her. She couldn't kill a man she knew that. But she didn't want to seem scared. Maybe her dad was right. This was no sort of thing for her, adventuring out into the wilderness where who knows what lurked. She had an idea.
"If we wait for them to sleep we can sneak in and take away their weapons and tie them up. Take them back to the village to see justice. If they wake up they will see all our daggers at their necks so they will have no choice but to give in." She lets a small smile at her brilliant idea of avoiding killing anyone, Darry was probably disappointed, "And i'm sure the merchant will be grateful and sure to reward us so don't worry about doing this for nothing." she looks at Darry for that last sentence.
He shrugged looking at her almost hurt by her tone. Sure a bit of treasure and shiny baubles never hurt anyone but he wasn't entirely some bloodthirsty lout.
Dangerous men luv, not so sure that asking them to hold still so we can tie them will work, but still if that's what everyone wants to do."
He said with a shrug. Either way it would be exciting... and that's what really craved right now. Excitement.
In a hushed tone:
"Four is not seven. If we wait, we risk that the missing three return. Not all of us possess the subtly of the halfling, surely the sound of us fumbling forward in the dark will alert their sentry. Unless any of us have the magic to obscure our advance, or take out any guard, then any approach will lead to a fight."
Looking about the dense forest "Perhaps if we could lead them out here we could spring a trap of our own?"
"Either way, I agree that we should try to take them alive, and give them the opportunity to atone their sins. However, know that our mission has been blessed by the Light of Justice, and judgement of their crimes has fallen to us. If death is their penance, let us deliver it with a swift hand."
"You're right, four ain't seven," Rast said, "Four 'gainst six are better odds. We strike now and we have a better chance of not getting hurt ourselves. We hit'em hard and fast. Darry can lead me around to the other side of their camp. I'll get their attention and then the rest of you hit them from this side."
Evan follows the hushed conversation. This is a skilled lot in the woods, we should be able to accomplish this task with a few good decisions. As long as we can get out of here with our skin intact...
He looks at Rast "I believe splitting up would be unwise. If we do believe there are seven and the two of you split off then you could be caught by the other three - and be outnumbered."
He pauses for a moment, then continues to the whole group "I do have the magical means to incapacitate a few of them for a short time, if I can get in close to them while they're grouped together." then turning toward Rast again "And I can make you twice the size you are now for a minute or so, which could put a pretty good fright into them."
Back to the group "But it's the other three that concern me..." he says, as his voice trails off into thought.
"I must agree with Evan, without knowing where the other three have gone, its best we don't split our strength.
Darry, how far is the campfire from here?
Darry frowned, he too had thought about the numbers and something was tickling the back of his head, something the bandits had said but he couldnt remember it. He shrugged it off as being probably unimportant.
I can lead us all in easy enough, even probably put you in place for a good ambush. I didnt notice the missing prints, then again, Im not a skilled tracker so i might have miscounted a bit earlier. Either way the longer we wait the better in a way, sleepier they get, though if they do have scouts out...
He frowned and glanced about the woodline for a moment.
So we going or talking?" He asked not as comfortable as he would have liked now that others started to put doubts in his head.
"Going," Rast says, uncomfortable at the thought of magic doing anything to him but itching to get underway. The thought of what he was about to do made the bottom of his stomach twist up.
"That magic ain't gonna have anything else weird to me, is it?" He asked, notes of worry in his voice. He had seen a few spells but never experienced any himself. Of course, how would he really know? That was the thing with magic, no rules to it that he could grasp.
"Then it is agreed, we attack at once."
Alistar looks at each companion, before drawing his sword and kneeling before the fading sunlight. "Come my friends, let us pray."
"Illandors, Lord of Light and Salvation,
We humbly beseech your divine radiance to defend us in the impending battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of evil.
By your Light, we rebuke the darkness, and pray that you bless us with the strength to thrust into hell these servants of Achlys who prowl about the world's shadows, seeking the ruin of souls.
By the Light of the Lord, amen."
Nervously, Reynard unsheathes his sword and unclasps his charkram. His heart racing, his eyes leveled, he looked in the direction of the camp and at his companions.
If the spell Evan speaks of is what I believe it is, you'll be alright. Just altered. It doesn't last long. But it's a different perspective and great feeling. You scared of the arcane?
Speaking softly he postured confidently. Doesn't matter I suppose... Well, I guess I'll be the vanguard on this end... Unfortunately this statement was drowned out by the Voice of the Light praying for guidance and protection for all.
I can hardly hear myself think...
Reynard got into position, ready to throw his ring blade and charge in after. The theory was a well reason plan of attack, besides... who was he to argue.
Your company cautiously makes its way ac ted your town's would-be merchant. As the distance shortened from 200 feet to 30 feet from the clearing, you each attempt to move as quietly as possible, though most have no training in such a tactic.
As you close in the branches and leaves clawing at your feet crack, crunch, and creek with each step. Perhaps 30 feet out, Rast kicks up a considerable noise. The largest of the bandits looks to the woods curiously, then calls out, [b]"Durn, is dat choo?"[b]
After a minute, Rast gives up on sneaking and looks to Evan, "Do that thing you said you could."
"Your reign of darkness has endled for the righteousness of the Light is upon you. Throw down your arms and repent your sins.
After calling for their surrender Alistar casts Bless
The little Halfling moved forward keeping under the cover as best he could. He did feel a strange sensation overcome him for a moment at the priests blessing. Huh, maybe their is something to his preachings on the light. He wondered as he took a quick aim at the big one pulling the trigger on his crossbow. He knew right away it wasn't the best of shots.
Alex crossed her arms when her idea got so little thought. Violence it was then. Following the others as carefully and quietly as possible she readied her prepared elixirs, shield and true strike. She drinks her true strike potion on the way.
When they are discovered and Alistar gives their location she frowns, time to act. She drinks her shield potion and holds tightly to her staff, waiting to charge with the others.
"Don't worry, I think you're going to like this" Evan says to Rast with a genuine grin as he begins the incantations for a spell.
I'm not sure who was louder...
With his longsword in one hand, Reynard cocks his other arm back laterally and like a catapult and hurls the chakram at one of the startled bandits.
After letting loose, Reynard stands ready in an strangely aggressive stance.
As he felt his bones creak and shift around, Rast stopped bothering trying to hide. The effect was not painful but certainly unsettling as his perspective promptly shifted as well. Now towering over the others, he takes a heavy step towards the bandits, then another. Slow steps but long strides soon closed the distance and he brought his axe around. The haft of the large weapon was not an ideal striking surface but he was trying to keep them alive out of difference to Alex.
"Men of the Ford, be Strong & Courageous. Find comfort in the Righteousness of your actions. Forsake your fear, for the Light of the Lord is with you. Trust in His strength and be rewarded as he upholds your righteous hand."
At Initiative count 16, in Round 1, Alistar initiates his bardic performance to inspire courage. He then moves 10-15 feet closer, trying to get a better view of the clearing, while staying within the cover of the dense forest.
SURPRISE ROUND
As Alistar's declaration of guilt echoes out of the darkness, looks of confusion and fear grow across the bandits' faces. Darry's arrow flies past the shoulder of the standing bandit, narrowly missing, while Reynard's battle disk strikes true against the mousy-sword wielding bandit, drawing blood from a large wound in his shoulder. Evan's incantation start causing shudders and shakes in Rast's body as his limbs start to grow.
BEGIN ROUND 1
Alistar's voice continues on into a righteous empowerment, bolstering the spirits of the Fordian heroes. (continue round, bandits at 2)
Double Bah The stout halfling growled still annoyed at his missed shot, he hustle over to Rastavar as best he could (moving closer to Rastavar if I can reach him in 20 ft, if not as close as possible to the large fellow, drawing his rapier.
Alex charges forward with the others and brings her staff down firmly on the first head she can reach.
Reynard watches the beginning of battle, the start of the ambush, the start of swift and calculated carnage. Though he and his companions had slunk through the forest, they had been perceived and sure enough, as Master Beldan had told a great many times in his stories, the dam of clarity broke loose and the flood of metal and blood reigned. Like a deadly ballet playing out, Reynard acted swiftly. Gripping his long sword in both hands, he advanced forward as a streak. With darkladen eyes viewed his target, and cut them down.
Misfortune lives here.
Staring into the woods in utter confusion, looks of horror quickly form on the bandits faces as the now-giant Rast emerges from the trees accompanied by Reynard, Alex, and Darry. Pleased with the success of his incantation Evan pauses for a moment to watch the inevitable outcome. With Alistar's inspiring words ringing true in the company's hearts, three of the bandits are quickly dispatched:
Rast's mighty swing comes around easily, his massive axe striking the largest bandit with the side of the axehead, knocking him unconscious and to the ground.
Alex runs forward with a fury all her own and catches the archer bandit across the temple, echoing forth a loud wallop and sending him body crumpling down.
Reynard's charge leads him to the bandit he had wounded with his chakram, and lashing out, he cleaves into the still surprised bandit's neck, ending his mortal coil immediately.
The final bandit, caught up in the terror but a step back from the front line of carnage, lets out a scream and turns to run into the woods.
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As the last bandit attempts to flee, Alistar moves into the clearing. "By the Power of Light and the Force of Justice I Command Thee to Halt"
As the frightened bandit turns to run, the side of Rast's axe-head catches him in the ribs, knocking him out cold and to the ground.
The flickering light of the campfire offers a strange scene - four bandits, two unconscious, one bleeding from his temple and ear, and the fourth clearly passed onto the next world given the massive rift created by Reynard's sword between his neck and shoulder.
The merchant still sits bound to the tree, staring at your company in utter shock, unsure of what to expect next. After letting his jaw drift agape for several moments, he draws together some composure. "Men... and women... of the Ford? Is it true? Does that mean she escaped and made it to Morgan's Ford to seek your aid? Thank the heavens she is alright!"
He cries a little, though they seem to be tears of joy and relief. "Please, brave heroes, I am Gregor Halasken. I thank you most humbly for your aid. Would you free me please?"
The Halfling blinked glancing at his companions and the unconscious bandits... he sighed. Alex would never forgive him if he ended them right then. Something the merchant said though... bothered him...
"She?" He questioned the merchant as he started to work on what held the man to the tree. "I hope you mean your horse." He added, frowning but not at the merchant directly.
"Weren't none but the horses in sight of that wagon when we found it," Rast said, watching Darry fumble with the knots for a second before he steps in and swings his axe into the thickest bundle against the bark. "This ain't all the louts either."
As the man that she so violently whacked with her staff fell, time seemed to slow for Alex. What have I done? Is he dead? When he finally fell to the ground it was as if an earthquake had rumbled beneath her. She stood there till her normal senses returned. It only took 5 seconds but to her it was minutes. Seeing that the other bandits had been similarly handled and the danger was gone she regained herself and realized that she had dropped her staff. "We should tie them up and bring them back to Morgan's Ford to see justice for what they have done. We can't leave them here to die. They may... repent of their actions and create another life." She thinks for a moment trying to find something that might convince the others, "Isn't that what you are always talking about Alistar? Seeking the light?" Then she turns to Darry, "Remember you were like them Darry, but you changed, mostly."
She goes over to help the Merchant back on to his feet. "We found your horse and wagon at the ferry crossing with evidence of an attack so we came to find you. We saw tracks of seven but there are only four here. Do you know where the others might have gone or if they are coming back?"
"Perhaps we can wake one of these up and ask them some questions."
The man's expression turns to horror and fear. "but, you mean, it wasn't Ellira, my daughter? Then they still have her?! I thought, i hoped, perhaps, that she would have escaped... there were only two of them."
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The longsword went semi-slack pointed downward. The bright red staining the once sterling metal, coalescing and dripping off the sword point. The sprawling gouged body of the mousy bandit still held an expression of surprise. Reynard's hands quivered.
So this is what they meant. This is why father stayed a jeweler. Why Master did not show much interest in war. This is a horrible feeling.
Reynard grabbed some spare paper cloth and some leaves wiping the red away with care. Staring into space he reflects on the ambush. The care and swiftness that he and his companions executed in a flurry. How easily they had adapted, and how easily he had just taken life.
Misfortune lives here.
We should have a look around... if it's no trouble. Maybe they'll come back? But if it's been this long already, the bandits might have already caught up and had they're way with her - if they're the ignoble curs we believe them to be.
Realizing the gravity of the statement, Reynard flushed.
I'm sorry... I didn't mean... I'm sorry...
He finished cleaning his sword, picked up and cleaned his chakram as well, and began looking over the bodies of the bandits.
Rast takes a couple of lengths of rope and begins tying the unconscious bandits' hands and feet.
"Unless you know where they took your daughter, we'll have to ask these louts when they wake up," as he spoke Rast eyed Alex and Reynard with something approaching concern. He was not the most perceptive person in the world but it was easy to see where their minds were straying.