Graul takes a step back as the wetlanders begin their questions, his hand stopping half way to his veil.
"Mind your manners folk. We can only answer so many questions at a time! Now quieten down so young Issa and her uncle can speak! We will answer questions after."
Please forgive my companion, we have had a hard ride and are weary from the journey. If you do not mind I will answer for Issa as she appears overwhelmed with emotion and who can blame her after her ordeal. I hope you understand that her family needs to be told first and then we will speak with you all as Issa and her uncle wish. I appreciate your help and respect for them in this trying time.
Upon reaching the town Pandin will fan out across the town checking for signs of the bandits and looking for a possible ambush.
Stealth:
Perception:
Survival:
Once he is done checking out the town Pandin heads back into the inn and joins the others.
Once inside the inn Pandin will find him a spot against the back wall where he can keep an eye on everyone and everything.
Perception:
The crowd quiets down at Jasmine's words, calm returning to the villagers. Hobbs looks to the group of you. What has happened? Where is Issa's family and how did you come to find her?
The crowd quiets down at Jasmine's words, calm returning to the villagers. Hobbs looks to the group of you. What has happened? Where is Issa's family and how did you come to find her?
"Well it appears some bandits of some sort beset her farm. They took what food they could and their horses and then took the poor girl's parents and brother. Then to boot they lit the place on fire."
Master Hobbs, I understand you wish to be with your niece during this time of trouble. If there is anything you need please don't hesitate to ask. Jasmine will move closer to him and speak in a low whisper. We are expected by one of your guests. She has some business with us, she may have told you that we were coming but I do not know.
Easop stares around in wonder at all the new people, as much as they stare at him...and give his best disarming smile I must ask lady Jasmine to help me make myself less threatening. Perhaps she can help me with her smile He knew in theory that there were many people in the world, but seeing it in reality was still a bit overwhelming somehow. Finally he snaps back to the present, and joins Jasmine speaking with master Hobbs.
"I should hope we run across these marauders before they attack another innocent farm". "Why any of these people here could be in danger of an attack". "I would hate to see more mayhem dealt".
"I pity the bandits that should challenge 3 Aiel and a Treebrother. I myself would like to find them as well." Pandin says to Easop.
** spoiler omitted **
"I pity the bandits that should challenge 3 Aiel and a Treebrother. I myself would like to find them as well." Pandin says to Easop.
Easop lowers his head at Pandin's words. "You are right Pandin". "You shame me with your mercy". "I should pity them as well, as I'm sure they do not know better". Then looking up and meeting the Aiel's eyes, "Still I think we should deliver upon them a very stern lecture, and get their promise not to do these things again".
Easop lowers his head at Pandin's words. "You are right Pandin". "You shame me with your mercy". "I should pity them as well, as I'm sure they do not know better". Then looking up and meeting the Aiel's eyes, "Still I think we should deliver upon them a very stern lecture, and get their promise not to do these things again".
"Perhaps forcing them to wear white and serve out their toh to the Aiel. If they have any honor that should do it otherwise we can dance the spears." Pandin says with a slight smirk.
At Pandin's mention of the bandits, the villagers begin their worried mutterings again. The talks continue for a while, Hobbs letting the people vent their frustrations. He then quiets the assembled people down and looks to the group of you.
Forgive me, but you all seem a capable lot, and we are in desperate need of assistance. You have already brought my niece back, for which I am grateful but we could use your help still. We are a peaceful folk - pitchforks and boar pikes are the extent of our weapons. We do not have the strength to face these soldiers ourselves. If you were to find these soldiers, perhaps you could barter for our people's freedom, or rescue them from the clutches of these raiders. Heads nod in the crowd as the villagers look to you as well. Hobbs continues. We're not a wealthy community, but we should be able to put together some coin for your trouble - and we will happily see to your needs for the duration of your visit. Could you help us?
The villagers begin murmuring to themselves, drifts of conversations hoping you'll say yes. Hobbs steps off to the side and leans in towards Jasmine.
Mi'lady, there was an Aes Sedai here for some days. She told me she was expecting some folks to meet her, and had me hould four rooms. It appears they were for you. She actually left two days ago, but she said she would be back soon to meet you. If you're able, we would appreciate your help while you wait for her.
At Pandin's mention of the bandits, the villagers begin their worried mutterings again. The talks continue for a while, Hobbs letting the people vent their frustrations. He then quiets the assembled people down and looks to the group of you.
Forgive me, but you all seem a capable lot, and we are in desperate need of assistance. You have already brought my niece back, for which I am grateful but we could use your help still. We are a peaceful folk - pitchforks and boar pikes are the extent of our weapons. We do not have the strength to face these soldiers ourselves. If you were to find these soldiers, perhaps you could barter for our people's freedom, or rescue them from the clutches of these raiders. Heads nod in the crowd as the villagers look to you as well. Hobbs continues. We're not a wealthy community, but we should be able to put together some coin for your trouble - and we will happily see to your needs for the duration of your visit. Could you help us?
"We would gladly find these bandits as they have no honor. Seems like a lesson or two is in order." Pandin says with a smirk.
Aiel Handspeak:I feel a dance is in order my brothers. Wetlanders have no honor seems like it touches us to give it to them.
Upon hearing the news about the Aes Sedai Pandin smiles.
Perhaps answers are closer than I thought. Deal with the bandits and then corner this Aes Sedai for the answers I seek.
The villagers begin murmuring to themselves, drifts of conversations hoping you'll say yes. Hobbs steps off to the side and leans in towards Jasmine.
Mi'lady, there was an Aes Sedai here for some days. She told me she was expecting some folks to meet her, and had me hould four rooms. It appears they were for you. She actually left two days ago, but she said she would be back soon to meet you. If you're able, we would appreciate your help while you wait for her.
I cannot speak for my companions but we have already told Issa that we would help get her family back in any way we can. There is no need for coin Master Hobbs. Anything you wish to provide will be well received I'm sure but is not required. I am just happy to help the poor girl reunite with her family.
"Now you said that you haven't seen them as of yet? They haven't pressed any of you for free food and or goods?"
At hearing of your willingness to help the villagers seem to release a collective sigh of relief. They begin to crowd around you all, patting backs and offering thanks.
"Now you said that you haven't seen them as of yet? They haven't pressed any of you for free food and or goods?"
Some of the villagers shake their heads. These bandits haven't been so bold, at least not yet. They so far have kept to raiding the outlying areas, travelers and far lying farms. The DaVoren farm is the first they've really come close to the town.
One of the farmers, Jasin by name, mentions that he heard neighing horses beyond the edge of his fields about two evenings back. He hadn't thought anything of it at the time but now he wonders if it might not have something to do with the bandits.
Jed is a bit uncomfortable with all the folks crowding around him and patting his back. Jed was just doing what any decent person would do. Are things so bad in this world, that doing what is right is not the norm anymore?
"We all do what we can."
As I said my friends we will do what we can. If it is in our power to return your family to you Issa and rid the land of the bandits threat we will do so.
Diplomacy:
Diplomacy:
"I agree. These bandits must be stopped. Do you have any ideas as to where they have their base camp?"
Diplomacy
Diplomacy
"It seems that stopping them from causing this type of reaction would be the prudent course of action". "I will do what I can to help".
Diplomacy:
"Sounds like Jasin's farm is the place to start. These bandits must be stopped."
Jasin will offer to show you the way to his farm that afternoon, so you might see if there is any connection between the horses he heard and the bandits. Just let him know when you're ready to head out, although he doesn't want to wait too long as it will be dark if you leave too late.
As you are bombarded by eager villagers wanting to thank you for your help, over the course of the afternoon as is want to happen in a village inn, many different topics and rumors get bandied about. How much of anything you heard is true is hard to say but such is the way of rumors.
"Well now before we head back outside I vote that we have a tankard of a stiff drink and then a hot meal. Even though there are no more seats I would be willing to sit on the floor to eat."
"No Brother. We will eat on the move. These tales... They are too unsettling to just sit around to. We should buy some supplies then follow this man to his farm. The faster we sort this out, the faster we can move after our dear benefactor!"
"You are right my stomach has once again got the better of me...dried biscuits it is, but once these bandits are dealt with I expect hot food and a stiff drink." Pandin says with a bit of a smile.
"I shall even pay for them for you Brother!" Lain laughs softly and claps Pandin on the shoulder.
"I shall even pay for them for you Brother!" Lain laughs softly and claps Pandin on the shoulder.
"I will hold you to that!" Pandin says with a chuckle. Then turning back to his companions,"What say you? Should we be off...tac biscuits can only fill my belly for so long and Lain has promised a hot meal once these bandits are dealt with?"
Graul looks at Pandin and nods. "I agree. the sooner we stop these bandits the sooner we unite the girl with her parents. Hopefully we are not to late."
"My spears be sharp and my eye even sharper. I myself have brought my dancing boots." He says tongue and cheeky with a wide grin.
After a quick bite to eat, provided happily by the inn, and much back slapping and well wishing you head out from Aturo's Orchard. Jasin sets an easy pace and it is late afternoon when you reach his farm. Leading you into the back fields, he comes up to his fence and spits on the ground, before quickly looking ashamedly at Jasmine. Beg pardon, mi'lady.
He waves his hand past his fence, towards a thicket of leatherleef. It was a short time back but I heard them horses just past those trees. Didn't check it out myself but it sounded like a good number of men.
You guide your animals out past Jasin's land and head past the thicket of trees. You search the area Jasin described, looking for some sign of who was out here.
Graul moves around the area trying to look for signs left by the horses.
Perception:
He examines the ground closly then stands pointing to the north.
"A number of mounted men came this way a few days ago. They seemed to be headed north.
He crouches and begins to examine the tracks in more detail.
Survival:
Jed joins Graul over by the tracks. "I have some experience with tracking, maybe I can help."
Jed examines the ground for a moment and begins heading northeast, following the tracks(). Even with the scattered rain over the last several days he is able to follow the hoofprints easily.
You follow the tracks for a while, passing various wooded areas and small hillocks. About an hour into your tracking, you all are able to clearly here the sound of a man crying out in anger and struggle coming through a small copse of trees to your right, although you can't quite see anything through the trees themselves.
"Trouble ahead steel yourselves I think we have found our bandits. There seems to be some type of argument. I would say we have a fight on our hands." Pandin says with a grin. Then he quickly veils his face and disappears into the trees.
Stealth:
Perception:
"Keep sharp everyone. We dance the Spears!"
Lain flicks his gaze to Graul for a moment.
"Treebrother, keep Jasmine Raleen safe if you please?" Lain slides his veil up over his face and unlimbers a spear before loping off in to the trees.
Jasmine closes her eyes for a moment and attempts to summon the proper mood to embrace the source.
You may need my assistance, Lain. Call if you find trouble.
Graul takes a deep breath and raises his veil then moves off into the trees.
Stealth:
Perception:
Jed thinks to himself. Treebrother keep Jasmine safe? I thought the Ogier don't like to fight, typically. I wonder what I have to do to earn some respect from these Aiel...
"Jasmine, perhaps I should stay behind with you and our large friend here."
Jed then draws his sword and shield, ready for a battle. He keeps an eye out and an ear open for any enemies.
The three Aiel silently move off into the trees, spears at the ready. After a moment they come out through the other side of the thicket.
A man lies on his back at the edge of a pond, desperately trying to fend off the mauling of a large mountain cat. A second man has his sword drawn and seek to aid his companion, but another cat stands between them. Both men appear to be armsmen, but their style of dress is unusual.
The Aiel stare in mute wonder at the size of the large body of water, Light, look at all that water!, but the scene before them quickly draws them out of their moment.
Jed starts to make his way forward, alongside Jasmine and Easop.
Initiative:
Graul takes a deep breath, trying to push away the nervouse excitement he feels as he moves to attack the mountain cat mauling the prone man.
I must not lose control. I must not lose control.
Attack:
Damage:
Jasmine will move up with Jed.
Initiative:
Pandin quickly advances toward the cat attacking the prone man.
If hit:
Lain charges towards the beast, lashing out with his spear.