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"As I was saying, this charter is meaningless here, where we are beyond the writ of the civilized world. What it does mean is that the Lords of Restov have taken notice and have decided to do something about the situation. Why, we met personally with the Lord Mayor and the Commander of the Swordlord Council not a week ago, and they have deep concern for what transpires here, and have every confidence in us, their agents, to resolve the situation."
Numalar smiles, and his stance softens.
"I assure you sir, we are not selling anything, nor does our aid come with any price on it. We expect nothing from you except the chance to tackle these problems. If you refuse our help, that is your affair, but we are skilled individuals with divers talents, well equipped and willing to help. After all, if good folk do nothing, evil prevails. All that is required is the will to stand up and be counted."
"HONK!"
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"Yes, yes, where are my manners!"
Numalar quickly clambers off Gertrude, pulls up in front of Oleg and Svetlana, takes off his hat and bows deeply.
"Sir and Madam, allow me to introduce myself. I am Numalar Auritonius of Valdralee. And I am at your service. I have a title, but since no Brevoyan of any note has ever acknowledged it I shall not bother with it with you. Call me Numalar."
Numalar straightens and puts his hat back on. He looks up at the Levetons with a big smile.
"Now... perhaps you can tell us a bit more about those bandits. How many are there, and how are they equipped? Do they have a leader? What can you tell us about him? Or her?"
Valeska takes in all the talk of bandits and conviction. Set the table, dear... Gran used to say.
The road has been long. Cold, uncomfortable.
Svetlana, would you have a table? May we sit, rest our bones and share a refreshment and speak of matters? We can pay. Would you perhaps have rooms or a place we could use for the night? Better that being out there, no?
Zokon remembering he also rode in on a horse takes his horse to the stables ties it up and feeds it.. "Good Lok, rest up"
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"You say they demand tribute. Is this request in the form of gold, I assume to leave you alone? Have you ever... not paid?" Fronar places his index finger against his cheek and seems to be pondering as his eyes look up and to the left. "Tomorrow would be the new moon. What time of the day do they usually arrive? How many of them usually come?"
Fronar thinks to himself, "I'm sure we could set up an ambush here at the fort. Perhaps we might want to catch them outside the fort, keeping our association with Oleg a secret, so retribution is not sought on Oleg. We must be sure to capture 1 or all of these bandits for interrogation, in order to find the leader and base of their operations.
Or perhaps a show of force?"
"Oleg, it's apparent that your watchtower catapults are not functioning. Do you thing with our assistance, we could get them working again?"
"Oh forgive me and my terrible manners," says Svetlana, "of course you are tired from the road. I will bring refreshments." She then steps on her toes and gives Oleg a kiss on his cheek. "And you be nice!" she winks at him before heading into the main building.
After the horses and the mule are put away in the stable, all the companions gather at the tables outside near the fire. They are warmed by the heat and it isn't long before Svetlana comes out again with some hard cheese and bread. She leaves and returns once more with ale.
"We've been here about a year now," begins Oleg as he thinks back and recounts their tale. "At first all was perfect. Things were peaceful; we started having trappers and hunters passing through trading their pelts for supplies and other goods. There were more families south and east of us, settling in and trying to make a go of it farming." Oleg exhales deeply as he gets to the difficult part of his memories. "About a month before winter began, as we were preparing for the winter, a band of thieves and cutthroats rode up terrorizing us and demanding 'tribute' as they called it. They took what they wanted and threatened to kill us if we didn't give it to them. They then started coming back the morning of the new moon. Every month. They'd take what they wanted and then leave. I tried to fight back once but their leader, a vile woman named Kressle, threatened to cut my hands off with these twin hand-axes she carries. She also threatened to give Svetlana to her men for their pleasure. That put an end to thoughts of fighting back."
"I requested help from Restov many times. Sending word through people I could trust about the bandits and all that was happening. But they've done nothing. At first they came with a group of about a dozen but each time it's gotten smaller. I guess they no longer consider us a threat."
Oleg stops, the angered expression returning to his face as he recounts the last few months and the frustration of being held hostage by these ruffians. Finally, as Fronar diverts his thoughts with a question he shrugs his shoulders. "I suppose they could get to working again. War machines are not my specialty but I don't see why we would want to try. They don't send an army, they just send a small group of thugs. Either way, it would probably take weeks to get them operational I would guess."
"You can stay the night with us, of course," offers Svetlana with a smile. "That building there is a bunkhouse of sorts. There are two floors so the ladies can have privacy in the upper floor and the men below. It isn't much but at least it will be out of the cold."
"If you don't want to get caught up in all this you'd best be gone shortly after sunrise," adds Oleg.
"I think we should wait for the bandits and try to stop them... could we set up some kind of ambush or something? If they are truly a small group, we might be able to talk them down if we outnumber them. If not.. well... there's always a resort to force." She looks meaningfully at Luna and ruffles the tiger's fur.
Any of them worth redeeming?
Any of them worth redeeming?
Oleg looks at Valeska with the oddest expression on his face. He seems to be struggling with an answer. It isn't clear if he's got nothing or simply struggling between choosing one of numerous things. Finally he says simply, "It ain't like we sit around and drink tea with 'em. You ask me they ain't worth nothing but killin'."
"This place is ideal for an ambush. I think we should take down a few and attempt via a show of force to make the rest surrender. Thus we can then interrogate them and find information about the bandit threat we are chartered to remove. We may even get some to help us."
Oleg patiently sits back and listens to the planning; the discussions among the newcomers to deal with the bandits and beyond. For the first time in months, hope begins to rise within him as he thinks about the bandits. He doesn't dread the coming of the new moon. But what he hears about the prisoners bothers him.
"I just met you folk and I do appreciate whatever help you might provide. You have your charter and it sounds like your own plans for the Stolen Lands but you need to understand some things. There are some good folk out here still. Good folk trying to carve out their own way. Make their own life. All have been terrorized by these thugs. They'll be grateful for what you do but you better think twice about how they'll feel seeing those same people free and about. They won't be looking for redemption from these thugs, they'll be looking for justice."
I gather they enter the outpost to look around, maybe one or two lookouts outside. I'd suggest Zokon and Fronar's perched outside. Take out the lookouts and cut off escape.
The rest of us, in here should be fine. I'd prefer or hosts indoors. With that setup, we should prevail, even if slightly outnumbered. . Valeska eats politely.
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"Oleg, whatever the happens, we want to make sure you and your wife are safe. Do you have someplace to hide before they arrive?"
Fronar consults with his companions. "I am definitely confortable being hidden outside. I will want to make sure all of them have entered the fort before we act. Perhaps we can get the gate closed behind them, ensuring none are able to get away? Our archer should hide himself in a watchtower, to provide a view of the courtyard, where he can make the most of his talents with a bow. Fronar glances at Zokon and nods, hoping for a return of approval. "A signal could be useful for him to alert us when they are all in. I would hope a show of power and numbers would prevent them from hostile action, but be prepared for a fight." Fronar leans back and looks around the table at the entire party. "Remember above all else, we need information from them, so try not to put them down... permanently."
Oleg, Svetlana... would you consider partners or investors?
Valeska chuckles. This isn't exhortation, I just like the structure and can see a lot of potential. There are just the two of you and only so much labor.
But, some investment money could allow you to hire, fix the place up, attract more business and well... perhaps even expand. Was just a thought. I appauld your spirit and tenacity. The world needs more citizens like you.
Oleg, Svetlana... would you consider partners or investors?
"Getting a little ahead of ourselves aren't we?" replies Oleg. "Let's see how tomorrow goes first. If you'll excuse me, I've got work to do."
With that the proprietor of Oleg's Trading Post stands and heads back to his ladder. He then climbs back to the roof to finish his repairs.
"Please excuse Oleg," says Svetlana, "he's a proud man. It's difficult for him to need help. He came out here to be away from civilization as it is. He wants no Lord Mayor, or the Swordlords, or the King-Regent telling him what to do and here you come bringing that very thing. It will take him some getting used to."
"I understand, but we don't bring any overlords telling him what to do, we just want to help."
"I understand, but we don't bring any overlords telling him what to do, we just want to help."
"Maybe not," continues Svetlana, "but he just tried to help you understand how people here would see you trying to redeem the criminals who have stolen from them, murdered their loved ones who tried to fight, and done other horrors against them and you ignored him. To him, you assumed that you had some right or authority to decide those things for those people. That's an overlord."
Oh, that was rude of me... But, I hadn't meant to ignore him. Different folks view things differently, I asked the question to understand how you two viewed them. Cutting hands off and using women aren't to be forgiven easily if at all. Please forgive me and extend my apologies to your husband.
Day's still young... who's up for some ranging? Get the lay of the land. After six days, it's nice to have a place to "come home to". Mind if I leave my pack? This building, right? Best travel light.
"Aye Fronar I was going to suggest that myself. I think we need to first establish ourselves and make use of Oleg and Svetlana's supplies and knowledge of the area, then we can talk of the future, we have alot to do ahead of us."
"I'll probably be best hiding out in the front tower with the catapult .. i'll be laying down and shall act as soon as I hear a call or action, unless you want me to initiate?"
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"Well, by the terms of our charter," Numalar pulls the charter from his coat pocket and puts on his monocle. "'The punishment for unrepentant banditry remains, as always, execution by sword or rope.' Which means either executing them here or sending them back to Restov for the same. If we wish to spare them, well, I suppose it is up to us as to whether the banditry is 'unrepentant.' Pracitcally speaking, friends, should we choose to spare these men, we will still need to keep them in chains until we are satified of their rehabilitation. While I am willing to do so, I should point out that I didn't bring any chains. Furthermore, calling for surrender could ruin our ambush, should we set one."
Numalar takes off his hat and scratches his head, thinking. He looks up at the towers at the corners of the fort.
"I don't think those catapults would be much use, even if we got them working. They are too big for the towers they sit on; there is no room to turn them around to aim them. Ballistas would have been more sensible, I think. Though once I learn that glide spell, we could use them to launch me into the air... no, no. Never mind."
Numalar looks around at the others. "I agree with Fronar. It seems like there may be more of this band out there somewhere, so we cannot allow any of them to escape. Perhaps we can move that wagon to make it more difficult to come and go? I am not sure what the rest of you bring to the party, but as for me, if we can get them into a small area then I would... well, let us say that while our charter doesn't specify execution by burning, well, that is precisely what would happen." Numalar smiles evilly and there seems to be a momentary gleam in his eye.
Numalar turns back to Svetlana. "Good lady Svetlana, forgive me; I know that we have pelted you with questions, but there is more I must ask. You have told us that their leader was a woman named Kressle, and she wielded axes. Can you tell us anything else about these bandits? Did they all wield axes? Or if not, what weapons did they carry? Did they wear armor of some kind? Did they travel on foot or were they mounted? Did any of them seem to use magic or look capable of such? And how did they transport the goods they stole; did they bring a cart or wagon of their own, or just carry them?"
The sound of hammering begins again above the companions as Oleg returns to his work on his roof. When Numalar begins to question Svetlana about the bandits a somber mood comes over here and she thinks about to difficult times.
"Kressle never returned with them. She's still around because the last time they mentioned her. They all fear her and I believe with good reason. She was evil. There was no doubt about it." The young woman shivers at the memory of her one encounter with the leader of the bandits. Turning her thoughts away from that encounter she tries to focus on the specifics of Numalar's question.
"She was the only one that carried axes. The others all had bows and swords. Some were better equipped than the others but all were armed. They wore leather as well. A few had shields but not many. They were always mounted and brought horses or mules to carry what they took. I don't know believe any of them were capable of using magic. At least I never saw any of them but to be honest there was never any reason to. I hope that helps."
Most helpful, Svetlana. Thank you.
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"Indeed that is helpful, good lady. Important to note that they have horses. On the one hand, that is a good thing, as for those of us who did not bring a mount, your problem may shortly be rectified. However, it also means we need to be careful not to hurt the horses. I don't care to blast innocent and valuable animals with flame. So we need to arrange for them to dismount, and wait to strike when they do."
"Any suggestions, friends?"
"One thing that occurs to me is that the horses might be afraid of Luna here. If Luna appears and puts herself between the bandits and their mounts, the mounts would likely shy away."
"Luna can be kept out of sight and smell until the bandits are inside and the gates shut behind them. That doesn't need to be an issue."
"I have an idea on how we can deal with the gate problem. Two people .. 1 on either side ... hide behind the gate door and close it after they enter closing the way out and starting the ambush."
Let's walk and talk, daylight's burning... In the end, they'll be dealt with.
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"Solid idea, Zokon. I bet our carpenter there (Oleg) could nail a couple footpegs and hand holds on the outside of the doors, thereby preventing a pair of legs warning our quarry of hidden attackers. The key will be knowing when they should act, as well as ensuring they are able to get inside themselves before pulling the gate closed behind them."
Valeska drops of her pack, then walks back to the entrance and examines the walls, gate and general defenses.
She looks back to see if anyone's coming with.
Zokon follows Valeska.. Not sure why i'm following to look at the setup but heck Valeska seems to know what she's talking about .. I might earn something
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Numalar adjusts his had and pulls out a walking stick from his things. "Yes, by all means, let's have a look around. Might notice something that will give us an edge." He follows Valeska out front, while looking at the gate doors.
"If we can close these gates behind the miscreants that might be good... but anyone on the outside that pushed them closed would have to then climb the walls to get back in."
Valeska smiles genuinely. We're over thinking this, they said a handful of bandits... A dozen at their height. We can take about eight with the element of surprise.
Ranged weapons, concentrate fire on one enemy at a time. We'll be fine, so long as no one panics. You can't control what the enemy does, only what you do.
Anyone have a sharp eye? Let's head south. She points.
"Looks like the gates open inwards, we can have them open and hide behind the gate and under the walkway and when the time comes just push and close the gates and we'll be on the inside and able to help immediately"
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"I understand what you mean, and I agree that in an ambush we should be victorious. But making sure none of them are able to flee on horseback; that is my main concern at the moment, and anything can happen in a fight, so whatever we can do to prevent that, well, we should undertake it."
Numalar looks around the area outside the gate.
"If we want to have someone waiting outside, they could possibly hide under a haystack; we could pile some hay outside the gate, and perhaps put some snow on it so it looks like it has been there a while. If we leave one of the two gates open partway they will likely use the entrance provided rather than opening the gate further."
Numalar looks to the south where Valeska is looking.
"Is there something in particular that you are looking for in that direction? All I see is a small lake, and grassland. But my eyes are not the best here, no doubt."
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Numalar looks around at the others.
"Perhaps a simpler way to look at this would be for each of us to say what they envision themselves doing during this fight. For example, Zokon has already said he will hide on the battlements and shoot from there."
"I for one can use my crossbow at range, and I'm a half decent shot. I can also throw a couple of firebolts each day, though I think I would save those for if someone is trying to flee. My most powerful ability is my flame breath, which could catch several of them - up to six if they bunch up. It requires me to be pretty close to the action though, and I'd rather not be there alone. My spear is mostly for show, though it does give me a chance if someone rushes me."
"I'm much better at talking than fighting, but I can certainly have Luna fight on my behalf and summon things to fight for us as well...I do have a crossbow, but I can't say I'm terribly adept with it. I like Valeska's idea of some scouting, but not too far out, we don't want our presence reported to the bandits before their visit tomorrow."
"My only stance here is that I would like those who surrender to be allowed to do so. Preferably, I'd rather not ambush them, but I do understand the need. They are coming here with a purpose, and we will protect these good folk against their corruption."
"I agree to accepting surrender but not before we are in a position of strength, as even the repentant bandits will only turn if they have someone to protect them from what made them become bandits in the first place. This will most likely mean ambush and death."
"Sadly, I agree with you. Let us hope they will not suffer as they pass."
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"Well then, perhaps we ought to consider this: We all appear from hidden positions at once, with weapons drawn and aimed at them. Celyne calls for their surrender."
"If they throw down their arms at this point we can take them prisoner. If not, then we let fly."
"Whoever does the talking, please do not promise them their lives if they surrender. We may still be forced by the terms of our charter to execute them. Simply say that they will be treated fairly."
"Oh, and one other thing. Does anyone have a plan for what to do with them after they surrender? We will be responsible for them. We cannot ask Oleg and Svetlana here to be jailers."
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"A surprise request to surrender is exactly what we want. I still feel we need to try and cut them off from escaping, by getting the gate closed with them inside." Fronar rolls his eyes at the implication of keeping them jailed, "We can always ask, although Oleg already expressed his concern for their safety once the locals find out about their incarceration. Lynch mobs, and such. A little rope, will bind them temporarily. We can escort them back to a town with authority in it. Should they have a change of heart, perhaps Oleg could use an apprentice/assistant here in the fort."
"I would be willing to help escort them, and eventually we will have help from the soldiers. In which case they can handle the escorting themselves in the future."
"I'd also like to thank you all for considering taking the least hostile route possible. I realize it is easier to simply slaughter, but there is so much more to life than to end it."
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"I believe that if we were to allow Oleg and Svetlana to 'care' for the prisoners, then we might return to this fort one day in the future only to find good Oleg and Svetlana dead and the prisoners escaped. It only requires a moment of carelessness, and considering their background I find it likely that such men would kill to secure their freedom. This is why I say we cannot ask the Levetons to act as jailers."
"Marching them back to Restov does gives us the opportunity to show our 'employers' that we are carrying out their charter with zeal. And a public hanging in Restov would show the Rostlanders that their lords are doing something about the bandit problem."
Numalar nods, tapping his finger against his chin. "So it could be good for us doing so. We may receive some kind of reward. But that doesn't change the fact that doing so dooms our prisoners to death. The courts of Restov have no reason to be lenient. So we cannot promise our prisoners their lives, then bring them to justice in Restov. Not without breaking our promise."
"I for one am willing to take these men prisoner and then deal with the ramifications of keeping them secured. But it could end with us dragging a gaggle of prisoners around with us, since there is no one to care for them and they cannot safely be set free."
"Marching them back to Restov? That is as good as a death sentence, they will kill bandits, might as well kill them here and save ourselves the trip. Mercy has limits, mine starts after we have established power over them which from ambush will at least mean taking down the leader, to do anything less would put us in a position tactically especially seeing as we will most likely be outnumbered."
"I have to agree with Zokon. If we wish to establish ourselves here with some autonomy, we need to make decisions and abide by whatever we decide is the best course, not depend on Restov to do it for us. If, and I say if, we have some who won't repent and commit to change their ways, we have to take our own decisive action. So I think that if put in the position of making diplomatic overtures we offer them fair treatment, not necessarily their lives or freedom - just fair treatment and see what their initial decisions are. IF it comes to conflict, then so be it and if we take unrepentant captives, we must be willing to carry out lawfully sanctioned executions." She shudders at the idea, even though she's willing to see it done.