Isla turns to the group and asks, "Shall we wait for the others to wake up or should we load this stuff up and start moving?"
You detect a magical aura from the potion, but you are uncertain as to what it could be used for.
"I say we get ourselves gone from here with what we've found. Did we see if they had spare horses? That could help us getting things back to Oleg's." Brandt responds to Isla, "If other folks want to deal with the bodies first I'd be ok with that, although probably easier to build a pyre than bury them."
"If they are stable, we can just load them in a cart and bring them back with us unconscious. I'd say we'd best head back as well. We can see if Oleg or anyone might have a lead on the Mites, as they sound like a problem we'll have to deal with eventually."
"Fair enough," Isla replies. "Let's build a pyre, load up the cart and then get out here."
Isla grimly observes the bodies for a moment, before quietly getting to work.
You load your captured goods - both people and items - into the cart.
After preparing a pyre out of their leftover firewood, ragged tents, and loose planking from the tree stands, you can load the four dead bandits and Kressle onto it in preparation for burning.
Nalys looked at his friends around bodies and decided, he is closest to someone, who should say something.
"We put these bodies on that funeral pyre, and set it ablaze. We let them burn to share the heat with the nature. And we turn them to ash, which will give food to the trees and grasses, that will feed birds and animals in this forest. They didn't wanted to surrender, but Erastyl was guiding our arrows, and under His will, they took a step back. They got chance to repay the debts they've done, returning back to nature and it's upon nature to decide the way, they will or won't reincarnate"
After this words, he put a torch, giving branches and lumber some fire and looking, how it consumes bodies.
The gnome gets antsy to get on the road while everyone is dealing with the funereal rights and preventing forest fires. He reviews the spoils of the fight, checking all the items for magic and making sure the prisoners are well bound and harmless. Once the group is ready, he rides along behind the cart on his dog.
Geliglee, you note that one of the vials radiates magic...
...and discover that it is a restorative potion to heal the wounds of battle.
Calum stands guard at the wagon, observing the funeral rites while reciting his own short prayers to Abadar.
"May these souls find peace in the great beyond. I fear I will have to slay again in due time, but for now I will enjoy the moment."
Isla shifts uncomfortably during the funeral rites, as her motivation for burning them had been more about cleanly disposing of the bodies, than concern for their souls. I hope they don't expect me to speak...no one ever taught me all this prayer stuff. Besides, if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all, right? ...I suppose its a nice gesture on their part. They were people after all...people we killed...
Isla takes the first opportunity to break away from the pyre and help Geliglee finish loading the cart. Once everyone seems finished, she is quick to ask, "Is everyone ready to head out?"
With your loaded cart, you head back out into the hills and north again towards Oleg's.
The day passes quietly, with the occasional noise of birds in the forest or the blowing of wind your only offset to the occasional groan of the bandits - both conscious and unconscious.
Your day of travel goes a bit into the twilight hours before you tire, and you will easily return to Oleg's the following day. You set camp that evening where the forest meets the plains, and ready your watch before turning in.
[spoiler=Calum and Gelliglee]The two of you are keeping a quiet, early dawn watch, as light beginning to fill the sky, when you see emerging from the forest south of you a four-legged beast with a shaggy back and big tusks coming up out of its mouth. It appears to be snuffling along the ground near your trail, but hasn't yet turned towards you.
"Friends, those healing berries, I gave you are soon to lose their magic power, so it is ok to eat them now. Each should feed you for a rest of the day and you can keep your rations for a while." said Nalys, preparing to take a watch.
The boar snuffles its way towards your camp, getting faster as it gets within snuffling range of the wagon full of wounded bandits, and beginning to charge as it gets close.
- Awake
- Awake
- Awake
- Awake
- Awake
The sleepers are all awakened by its anxious squealing as it gets closer. The boar is about 40' from your campsite, what do you do?
Still tired and sore from the previous day, Isla spends a moment being annoyed at the interruption, before realizing that something is actually wrong. Alarmed, she quickly grabs the bow at her side and moves to check outside of the tent.
"What's going..." she starts, before seeing the charging boar.
Seeing the beast ready to charge, Gelliglee readies an action. Once the beast charges I can wait until it is ten feet from its target, then I will lay a magical field of grease in front of it to break its charge.
Failing to shake sleep from his head, Brandt rolls out of his tent, longbow in hand, but barefoot all the while. Seeing the large boar bearing down on the party, he will fire an arrow at the creature, attempting to draw its attention away from the others for a moment.
Cursing the sleep in his eyes, he grows frustrated from his inability to shoot straight.
"Boar!" Nalys announced quite obvious thing as he stood up and ran for a cart, where bandits were tied, "free the horses, let them run".
God Erastyl, it will be a mess and those bandits, they are bandits, but they do not deserve to be crushed by the boar, thought he while runing.
Calum rolls over and grabs his lance while standing up. A quick whistle to William to bring him over and a motion with his hand begs the creature to come to Calum.
"Curses, what did we do to deserve this. Aside from killing a few bandits."
The creature charges towards the wagon of defenseless bandits...
...but slips and skids to the ground after Gelliglee quickly greases the area. Calum takes advantage of the prone creature, stabbing it with his spear, and the boar squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeals in pain, trying desperately to stand back up after falling.
Nalys stumbles about to find a knife to cut ropes, and after a time manages to find one.
Isla moves a little closer to get a better vantage point. . Still groggy from the sudden wakeup, she takes a clumsy shot at the fallen creature.
Your arrow flies past the boar and thuds into the ground.
"Well that went remarkably well!" The gnome seems remarkably pleased at the effect his grease spell had. Realizing the battle still continued, however, he stepped in towards the beast and begins an incantation. Suddenly a burst of dazzling prismatic color sprays from his hands, over the beast.
Calum brings his lance to his side as he thrusts forward again. The odd angle the boar is at causes his angle of attack to soften the blow.
"I don't think you'll need to cut the horses. We might have this."
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The boar is completely knocked unconscious by the prismatic blast, and the rest of you have no trouble killing it.
The prisoner that is conscious stammers, "I can't believe... we did nothin' but attack you, and you saved us from that beast?" He falls silent, clearly impressed with your mettle.
-----
The remainder of the morning passes without incident, and you are soon back on your way north to Oleg's.
Though the plains are open and empty, you see the signs of passage of some great-sized, many legged beast, possibly insectile. If so, it'd be one of the biggest bugs you've ever heard of!
Gelliglee notices that its tracks seem to run from the woods down towards the southeast, but they're a little old and it's hard to tell how long ago this might have happened.
----
The gate is closed until you get close, when the guard on the wall sees you and calls down to the yard. The others open it to let you in, and Oleg approaches you with cautious optimism. "So... you have succeeded then?"
"Friends, you remember, there was a note in common room, that some guy will pay extra if we bring him boar head or whole boar? And he promised some other reward, but I do not remember, what it was" said Nalys.
He turned himself to a prisoner: "We are trying to build a community. Place, where everyone can leave and feel safe. You surrender yourself and as you will work, you can repay your dept and undo what you have done wrong. You cannot build nothing from lie and banditry, because society need roots to grow. Pack forms around leaders, when they start care about pack success." Nalys wasn't the speaking type, so after saying couple of words, he walked back to night camp and returned dagger, he picked up in a hurry.
Nalys was glad to return. He looked at fort from far away, trying to see how many work has been completed, while he was away. Seara was checking out the situation from above as party approached, and since she was calm, Nalys was calm as well.
"Good day, Oleg! We returned with some spoils of little war we had... Have fought and were successful!" he pointed to the cart with wounded prisoners. "More hands to repair things around here. But I must tell you - without a proper master, these woods are very dangerous. We fought several creatures, that probably would make a good hunting stories. If there are bandits in those woods, they are really good prepared."
Looking at the bandits with a slightly different view, Brandt doesn't add anything, other than alternating between well earned satisfaction and careful consideration of the prisoners.
Isla sleepily ruffles her bed head as Nayls discusses the boar. Letting out a yawn, she replies, "I think it was a specific boar. Tuskgutter. But we might as well bring him...Worst case scenario, he's the wrong boar and we eat really well when we get back..."
She contemplates replying to the bandit, but when Nayls seems to have in under control, tiredness gets the better of her. She quietly murmers to the rest of the group, "I'm going back to sleep. Goodnight"
Isla sighs contently as she sees the trading post in the distance. Beds and cooked meals. What a beautiful thing! As Oleg approaches, she gives him a wave and a friendly smile.
As Oleg and Nayls converse, Isla contemplates Oleg's question. I think I know what he is really asking. Once, Nayls is finished, she turns to Oleg reassuringly and plainly states, "She's dead, Oleg. Kressle is dead. She can longer threaten your home."
Dislosging his spear from the beast he nods to the bandit.
"The edicts of my Order demand courage in the face of danger and mercy to all, even those who wrong me."
Cleaning off his weapon he pats his horse.
"I do believe it was a specific boar. But lets not waste good food."
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"So that is a wild boar... Well if that was the one we get a reward for, I hope we get to cut a haunch or two from as well. Good eating!"
Adding to Nalys's comments to the prisoners he says, "Some of your companions have already begun working off their crimes after we captured them at Oleg's. I would say that you could fare as well as them and keep your head if you are willing to take oaths to repent from your banditry and work towards the better good."
"Yes, success in truth. Though I have some questions about the Mite populations in the area as I think we may need to investigate their whereabouts. I recall the kobolds needing some exploration as well... I think we will be quite busy now that the bandit threat is curbed a bit.
The bandits silently contemplate their future on the return trip.
-----
The wall of the trading post are now clearly further fortified by your efforts, making it possible for those with the weapons and means to defend the place against almost any natural attacks.
Svetlana breaks down in tears at Isla's words, clearly full of gratitude. Oleg lets out a huzzah of joy, and claps you all on the backs. "Well, my friends, this calls for a celebration, indeed. Come! Join me in a drink." He goes into the house, and comes out with a bottle of clear liquid and many small wooden cups. "Come, Captain Garess, you must take a dram as well on behalf of your men. And you, good priest, you too," Oleg calls over a man who has just emerged from the bunkhouse.
He is a middle aged man, worn by many years of care, and wearing the holy symbol of Erastil as a clasp on his cloak. He smiles politely, and introduces himself as Jhod Kavken. "You must forgive me Oleg, it is too early in the day for such festivities, and I see that they have brought wounded that I should tend to."
Oleg waves a hand dismissively, gathers you all together, and says, "To your health, my friends! And to the defeat of your enemies!" He drains it in a pull, as does Kesten Garess.
Kesten walks over to inspect the new arrivals as well. "Hmm, a sorry lot. But we can keep them hard worked to be sure. I'll have my men take account of them and get ready for Oleg's next project. Spring will be here soon, and he'd like to have a field ready for planting. It shouldn't be too difficult to get them to dig."
-----
When you ask about mites, Oleg gives you a funny look. "The little bugs? They can be pests in the gardens... Oh, you mean the nasty little faeries, yes? Bah, they have never been here, or at least I have never known them to be here."
Svetlana also shakes her head. "I've heard of them before, but never seen sign that they've been about. Or if they have, we simply haven't noticed them until now. So it goes."
-----
Everyone is excited about the arrival of the freshly slain boar, and the food that it promises, and Oleg and Svetlana quickly get to work preparing it to roast. Once it is securely tended to, Oleg calls one of you over to help him draw up an account of your exploits against the bandits. He'll send this back with the next trader that comes through to get you your reward from Restov for sending a message to the bandits here in the area.
Heartened that they have helped the Levetons, Isla is happy to drink and celebrate with them. She gives a nod to Jhod and thanks him for assisting with the prisoners. When the discussion turns to the mites, Isla contemplates telling them, however thinks better of it. They seem like they are happy enough right now. If we can't find it, there is no need to get there hopes up...
During the celebration, she also brings up a proposal with her companions, "Um...I was wondering...would it be possible for us to purchase or save towards some kind of wand of healing? I'm not really a trained healer, so it seems like it takes me days to heal even one injured person. We really just got lucky that we only had sparse injuries during our travels."
Isla gladly helps Oleg with his report, describing the camp's layout and giving a detailed description of how they attacked it. She also asks him to take a look at the goods they received from the camp.
Nalys was glad to see a cleric of Erastil there. I should talk to him later he decided and joined celebration..
When Isla started speaking, he nodded and added:
"Yes, Isla, my berries are not lasting long or healing much, so it would be nice to have such powerful item. I can contribute from my share of treasure, if we can afford it. Do you have any ideas, how much might it cost?"
Nodding the gnome adds cheerfully, "I agree it would be a worthy investment, we were fortunate that your skills were enough on this last expedition but it would be best to be careful as we continue to explore these lands."
While the party settles back into the Outpost, Geliglee will ask about Mites and Kobolds in the area of all the locals and prisoners, trying to figure out good next steps.
"Aye, a grand idea Isla. I think we need something to keep each of us upright should the berries not last as long as we'd hope. I'm perfectly content donating whatever share I'd have otherwise toward the purchase of a thing like that."
Brandt adds thoughtfully, He'll follow up with the guards about how things have been in the few days since they left.
"Hmm, the trader caravan should be through here in a day or two, and we can see if he has one in stock. If so, I'll get it for you - that is, if you are out and about - and if not, then I'll order one for you, ya? Such a thing is costly..."
The priest, Jhod, speaks up, "I also have some supplies for creating certain minor items of use to those such as yourselves - scrolls, enchanted objects and the like. They are not free, you understand, these things have a cost. But they might be of use to you if you tell me what you would like constructed."
---
One of the prisoners hears Gelliglee's question, and grunts. "The damn things. I think they might be somewhere to the southeast - both the mites and the kobolds. Never ventured that way myself, but a couple of those what... didn't make it, they had. Said they found a couple times when there'd be a battlefield in miniature that they come across. Little blue and grey critters dead. Must be a turf war or something."
---
The guards don't have much to share with Bolys. "You've only been gone a couple days. I think I heard a wolf one night, but that's about it. After what you've done to the bandits, we'll probably never see action here. Oh well. Get's me back home that much faster."
Calum ponders the thought of the party possessing a magical wand.
"An enchanted item that would grant more mystical healing than we already possess? We would be lucky to have such a thing. Depending on the price we could probably trade a few of these horses for one. We have no use for so many, it would be greedy not to trade them to somebody who could use them."
Hmm, a turf war amongst the mites and the kobolds? Perhaps we could join one side and destroy both, or even aid one side and gain an ally.
Hmm...kobolds vs. mites? Ring or no ring, a turf war will be a problem down the road. I don't remember hearing much about mites, but what about kobolds in the area...?
Regarding the wand, Isla tries to remember about how much such an item would cost.
To Oleg she asks, "Would you mind taking a look at the stuff we brought back and see if there is anything you would want to buy or trade?"
Oleg looks through the wagon of goods. He laughs when he looks over the crates of furs that you've brought, pointing to a small circular mark on one corner. "That'd be my 'O' for Oleg. They stole these from me on one of their last visits. I'll give you a reward for their return - they'll likely still get a good rate from the trader."
Looking over the rest, he offers mostly standard prices on anything you'd like to sell. After doing so, he goes into the house, rummages around for a bit, then emerges with a pouch. Inside are three vials, two with blue liquid and one with a purplish liquid, and a tidy sum of coins. "Ol' Bokken tells me the blue will heal you, and the purple defend you. I trust you know what the coins are good for." He chuckles at the last part, then goes back to looking over your gear for sale. Scratching his sideburns for a bit, he offers to provide store credit for the lot, "More than enough t'get the item you seek from the trader. He's no slouch, probably carries something like that on him just in case. We'll know soon enough."
You think a basic wand of healing magic would cost several hundred gold pieces brand new - perhaps less if slightly used.
Isla thanks Oleg for his help. After counting out the money, remarking, "I think we have enough for a new wand...definitely for a used one. I guess we'll just have to see what he has..."
She also holds the vials up, attempting to figure out what they do more specifically.
She explains the properties of any potions she figures out and passes the rest off to Geliglee for him to investigate.
Isla also asks, "So, shall we wait for this trader? Or do you want to investigate the kobold/mite issue immediately? All I remember about the kobolds is that there are some black-scaled ones to the South...and they don't usually cause much trouble for Restov, because Fort Serenko keeps them in line."
Geliglee pauses for a moment and says, "I say we wait for the merchant and continue the improvements we have been working on the outpost here. We should also not forget, that Kressel apparently reported to a higher power as well."
A couple more good nights sleep and good meals won't be missed either.
"Geliglee's got a right good point there. What about instead of goin' to poke at the mites and kobolds we scout out closer to Oleg's so we know what's around us?"
Brandt adds, nodding in agreement with the gnome.
Isla looks slightly relieved and nods, "Yes. A few extra nights at the post shouldn't hurt."
"There is also the matter of fulfilling our charter. We've been kind of neglecting it, because Kressle was an immediate threat. Now, we should probably start taking a slower approach and properly document our travels..." Isla thinks for a moment, before adding,"If the trader doesn't come by tomorrow, perhaps we could do a day's worth of exploration? You know, go far enough to add something to the map, but not so far than we can't come back to a warm bed at night...or quickly get help if someone gets hurt."
"I don't mind travelling and exploring, but I must say, most of our horses are not trained for a battle", said Nalys, "if we encounter somewhat or someone and need to take a fight, it might get dangerous. I'd like to stay in camp and train several of them at least basic things, for us not to be endangered. As well, I thing we need to bring more lumber for repair works..."