"Well regardless, it sounds like tomorrow will be an interesting day!"
"Who's with me to kill the bandits?"
Oh adventures are as fun as they've been described.
Um, whoever said anything about killing them. They might be worth more alive.
After taking his leave of Anton, it did not take Lorald long to find his horse blissfully asleep. Returning to the tavern he finds it still very animated with news of bandits ready to set upon them come the marrow. Clearing his throat slightly, to draw attention or preparation to speak only Pharasma knows.
"I do not intend to allow these bandits to live or escape. I make no promises or ill advised claims but you can count my crossbow among those weapons that will be trained upon these vagabonds. As good Anton pointed out to me earlier the winter nights are still upon us. If I am supplied with some warm furs I will take a vantage point atop the gate and remain there through the night. From there I will be able to attack them with impunity and hiding regardless if they are with in the outpost or not. I have rope as well should I need to abandon my perch, I hope this offer is satisfactory."
His eagle headed black crossbow rest in his arm, clearly expertly made for battle and not art.
"Should any bandits surrender honestly then I leave it to the local's judgement."
Unable to help herself, Natalya turns to Marlani, very frosty faced
You might be able to, some of us may be able to, but that's neither here nor there if the bandits spell it 'tee arr ee ay see aich ee arr why'...
Anyone with acute hearing nearby might hear Natalya mutter something about nobles not living in the real world. Natalya looks pleasantly surprised when Gareth mentions an ambush, and turning bandit tactics back on them.
She listens a little more intently to the discussion, putting the good of Oleg's Trading Post ahead of her own prejudices. She's happy to play her part in any plan that brings the bandits to justice, and doesn't allow any to escape to warn others in the Stolen Lands that justice is coming for them.
"Well, if my brilliant plan works, they won't have much time to surrender. Plus, in this obvious lawless area, I would expect them to return the moment we leave this area. Best to finish them for good. Send a message to other bandits."
I'd rather leave at least one or two alive so they can spill the beans, we squeeze as much information out of them as possible.
If there are no survivors then will the tale spread at all among the bandits? Would it not be better to leave a few alive, but maimed enough that they will serve as warnings? Gareth is about to voice his thoughts when he realizes that while he is perfectly willing to run a bandit through in combat, he is not keen on disfiguring a helpless foe. With that in mind he keeps silent.
Kazz frowns, "In my experience, among bandits of this sort there should be no shortage of those willing to surrender once things turn against them. We can ask our questions of them."
His head cocks to the side for a moment, as if his attention is elsewhere but his focus quickly returns and he looks to Hithil, "I would wait to learn how organized they are before we decide to send them a message. Such warnings may well scatter a thin rabble but if we face a more organized enemy we're just giving them time to move against us."
Well begins Natalya, by Oleg's account, these are no mere peasants turned bandit for want of work or rebellion against unjust lords. These are hard men, to threaten Oleg and Svetlana so. To but give them a warning just serves to make them more prepared in their war against us. They will not stop preying upon others, you cannot change the nature of such men. To allow them to escape condemns the next innocents they find. I for one do not want the deaths of good men and women on my conscience.
She pauses and looks around at all assembled.
This is the frontier, at least for now, and we cannot stand to let these bandits live. No half measures.
She sits down, surprised at her own forthrightness, but sure of the truth of her words.
Kazz seems troubled, "Hard men and women lead such a group no doubt but you may find that many of them are simply former farmers who joined their ranks rather than join their victims. Should any surrender, they certainly can't be let go but there may be use in reforming them."
Draining the last of his ale he continues, "However you are right that some are beyond such things. Those that fight to the last shall die to the last come the morning..."
Raven, listening to the companions talking of bandits, going this way and that how to deal with them could only smile to herself. Shaking her head, she added her voice to the others.
"A dragon is nothing without its head. Remove the head and the rest burns itself apart." Seeing that some may not understand her rhetoric, she continues. "If we kill or otherwise disable the leader, most of the rest will either run or fight amongst themselves for leadership." Another pause.
"I for one refuse to let bandits plague my home." Really? Shut up.
She sighs, so many ideas and opinions
"What if it isnt the leader coming? What if its just a lacky? We ask Oleg to identify the one who arrived last time, we try not to kill him, the rest can go 6ft under for all I care. I can be pritty sneaky. I can get close and burn the lot of them"
Obviously this news got a lot of attention. Now to wait and see what happens next
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Dregan sighs Ulric might be amoung them, and if not tomorrow we'll soon catch him. Can I really kill my brother?"It is likely I will know some of them, farming in these parts has got harder and some have turned to banditry out of despiration. What they have done is wrong but many did it for good reasons. Any that surender are likely to hanged for their crimes so I will not be shooting any that flee. Raven is right atleast to certain extent, I have heard rumors that the bandits have organised themselves which to me means there must be an organiser, maybe this woman."
Valkus barks a short laugh and leans back in his chair, crossing one leg over his knee and running one hand through his unruly hair. "If there's coin to be had, I won't refuse it! But what's all this about exploring and teams? Are you so dispirited and downtrodden that a kitharode is your most worthy choice for an ally in a room full of swords and bows? Why not him there?" He raises his arm, indicating Gareth sitting a short distance away. "He looks like a strong fellow. Probably quite good with that sword he's got. Or maybe him," he says, jerking his chin toward White Eagle. "That's a man that surely knows his way around these parts." He catches Svetlana's gaze and raises a finger for her to send another drink around. Returning his attention to the pale woman, he lowers his crossed leg back to the floor and leans forward in his chair, resting an elbow on the the table. "Why me?"
As the crowd talks strategy, Valkus sits back, watching and listening to the others, tracking the flow of rabble and hubbub. How many of us have been chartered to explore this territory? I must say, when those Swordlords want something done, they aren't shy about making it happen. These certainly are a queer lot, standing around plotting the deaths of men they've never met, while a drow stands in their midst unchallenged. If nothing else, it should make for a story worth telling one day, or at least a good joke. He chuckles to himself at the notion. "Two bandits walk into a tavern...
She decides to finish what ever joke he was trying to tell
"They both shout ouch as they are pierced by mutiple sharp objects"
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Miyuki listens to all the arguments and then quitly adds: "We carry the honor of our lords in our hands now.They sent us here to be their hands and eyes. Our deeds will reflect upon them. That said, we should also think about the laws of hospitality. We accepted the food and logging of this fine family, we all hope that this house of civilization will be our starting point for our expeditions and also the place to return to trade stories and sent messages, resupply and more. It is in our best interest to keep it safe and sound. If they come tomorrow and try to bully them, we should try to stop them.... and we still might show mercy later."
"I agree to a degree with her. But bandits seldom give a chance to show mercy. If they survive the attack. Sure. Anyway. Lots of talk of plans... what shall we decide on. By thw time we have decided, it will be too late... at the rate things are going now"
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"The lady elf...Hithil, was it, although as much brilliant as vain, is right. These are harsh lands, and we need to deal accordingly. Also, we seem to be forgetting that after this encounter all of us will be gone exploring the Greenbelt, while Oleg and his family still need to continue living here. And we might not be there the next time they get a visit. So why don't we ask them what they consider is the proper way? Kill as much of them as fast as possible, let some run loose, just chase them away with our strength of numbers, something else. I might even suggest that we let the bandits take their tax and then ambush them later on, away from the outpost. Kill all of them, take the tax money back to Oleg. What say you?"
You use uncommon common, 'kitharode' means singing lyre-player does it not? she cocks her head, and looks for all the world like a cat considering her prey.
Why you? You walked in to the room without a care, with nothing on your mind but living in the moment. You've done nothing but enjoy yourself. Having spoken to many blades and bows this evening, I thought it a welcome relief to speak to someone with music and light in their heart. she sighs, swallows the last of her ale and stands.
Unfortunately, I fear your manner reminds me overly of those lords and ladies of wealth and privilege, no matter whether you yourself were high or low-born. I wish you fortune wherever your feet carry you, oh player of the lyre, but our time together is at a close.
With that she wanders back over to Miyuki, who appears to be listening to Oleg tell of his woes.
After first informing Natalya of what she found out and then listening to her words she shots a sad glance at Valkus. A pitty, his music was beautiful. I hope he will find better comrades.
"We need to show this bandits this lands will not be stolen anymore. We are here to explore, but also to deal with them. All the local community will need our help. IF and only if some of those bandits will surrender, we can have them live to pay their debts with justice by helping the locals they robbed as penal servitude, or by rope or sword."
I know you all want to get rid of the bandits, but if we kill every last one of them, would we are stooping down to their level? I vowed to protect places and people from tyranny. I don't want to become the very thing I vowed to protect against. I know I look 19 or 20, but I have lived for 78 years and I've seen enough.
"If they cause trouble, they need to drop. Cant promise they will survive. "
She shrugged
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um, you posted 1d1, not 1d20, and add your modifier if any.
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Josef shakes his head. "Allow me to repeat myself. Bandits who are captured and do not repent are, by law, to be killed. It is the price of choosing to be and remain a scavenger, picking at the flesh of the people trying to build and run a nation. Those who surrender and are willing to become part of the people building the nation are not REQUIRED to be killed. I hear lots of people talking about the morality of killing bandits as though the law requires them all to die on sight." He throws a mug across the room (away from anybody). "Wringing your hands over a vision in your mind that has no compassion just says that you want to pretend to care while you plan to kill them all yourself. Possibly lying to yourself about your own desires. The only person you can control is you. Other people WILL do things you disagree with. Otherwise, there wouldn't be any bandits for us to deal with, would there?"
"Well said!" she cheers
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You hear a light clapping of hands in agreement.
Anton claps his hands too.
Alexio looks at the gray skinned man who can't possibly be human. Then he speaks, "You are right, I hail from the city of Brevoy where order and society are well established. Having no lords or law here is quite disturbing. It seems that we should be instituting some."
And now I know why I have been sent. We can't have aspiring nobles usurp the rightful power and influence of the king.
Responding to the man referring to himself as an Orlovski "I think you will find the law makes no allowance for bandits avoiding their fate, either. The only prescribed result of banditry is death, either by hanging or beheading. I can guarantee that there will be no recidivism in that case, either. On these issues, the law is clear."
"Now, let us make ready to meet these scoundrels on our terms."
"ALMOST Right, my good fellow. The 'prescribed fate' of UNREPENTANT banditry is death. The law allows for people who are only trying to feed their families to be reformed. It does not require that children be orphaned because their father has fallen in with the wrong bunch. It does require that children of people who define the wrong bunch be orphaned, though. The difference may be subtle, but it is important."
Anton claps his hands too.
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Hithil is amused by the bluster of talk about morality. We're going to the stolen lands, I wonder if they will negotiate or fight? My experience is you negotiate from strength, and winning a battle allows you to do that. Eventually these less intelligent but friendly adventurers will come around on my brilliant plan. Ahhh, the burdens of a superior intellect are vast indeed.
Kazz nods at Josef's words, "He has the right of it. The law is in fact quite clear on it's own measure of mercy. I'm sure you'll agree we can do naught but abide by it?"
He looks around at the others, "Their leader should be our first priority, whether this woman with the axes or another. Take them down and those inclined will indeed surrender. However, those who flee cannot be allowed to escape. Quitting the field is not repentance and we should not give them the chance to warn the others."
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Oleg explains that when the raiders first came there were a score of them, and their leader, a woman with hatchets and a man with a bow in a hooded cloak. The woman joked what would happen to Svetlana if the Levetons didn't comply. When Oleg acted defensively she threw one of her hatchets and nearly took his hand off. She then demanded Svetlana's gold wedding ring as payment for not shorteneing Oleg's arm.
The two subsequent visits only the man came with at least a dozen thugs. Tomorrow would be the fourth time.
Oleg says that he has sent letters to the mayor of Restov asking for protection. He finally recieved a letter back saying soldiers would be dispatched but they would not arrive for several more days.
He knows you are all worhty fighhters, but he also feels this is his problem. He expected most of you would be leaving before dawn.
@Gareth Svetlana says the bandits always come from the south and arrive an hour after dawn. They always seem in a hurry to leave, which makes her think their camp is about a day's ride away.
Here is the map of the trading post.
In this instance I've altered the layout a bit. Building A6, the main trading post, is bigger and more open on the inside. It now has a second floor with rooms for guests.
The building across from it at A2 was originally where visitors slept, so just ignore it entirely, in our game that is open ground.
Here is your charter. exactly as it appears in the book. Thank @Anton for reminding me.
By now you have spent most of the night talking. it is perhaps an hour before dawn.
"One would have hoped Restov's response would have been more timely but it is appreciated in it's own way. The trading post will have it's protection once we are forced to move on. Not to mention hands to look after any we may take alive."
Lorald collects some furs and blankets in order to make a pile. It would give him a good place to hide in the open without drawing attention to himself.
"If anyone needs me I will be perched on the wall. Ideally the bandits will enter the outpost and dismount. Once on the ground I will wait for the proper time to shoot."
Miyuki quitly speaks to Nataya and her comrades:" So we should expect them at the hour of the Dragon. I think we will have a late sleep in. a little smile This sounds as if the bandits are mounted. Well decide if we do the ambush strategy and scout the area for a good spot to hide, while Hithil and me decide how to keep them away from doing harm the magical way."
"We should ambush them inside, and close the doors. Make sure no one leaves. Then follow their tracks to their camp. With so many capable woodsman it should not be hard. Hit them there while they are not expecting - they'll be expecting their people back, not almost two scores of battle-trained woman and man. Cut this bandit threat at it's root!"
"If that is acceptable, then maybe one or two of us hide outside, so we may close the gate. Or hide the rope across the gate and pull it up if someone tries to leave. Perhaps even push this big wagon after they're inside - anything just to prevent anyone from leaving. We do not want them to alert the others at the camp. How's that sound?"
Kazz nods, "It sounds quite a serviceable plan. The gate itself swings inward , pile a few barrels by each side and two of our number can hide behind them and push them shut once the fighting starts."
"The southeast catapult tower should provide a good vantage point for the remaining archers among us. Those who desire to blend in can wait here in the common room and the rest of our number should be free to hide in the stable. We'll catch them from both sides and in a hail of arrows."
"If there are no arguments you should each decide which of the three teams you are best suited to. We should aim to be in place by dawn. We'll also need two volunteers for the door."
"We could have archers in both the southern catapult platforms. I volunteer myself in one of them, also to channel the Bless of Erastil to all the people there. Some melee force could also hide behind the stable and than step in. But we need to have them "
Miyuki will smile and say: I will take a seat at the banks in the middle as a bait. When danger arrives I can dive under the table!"
Gareth laughs at Valkus' joke but when the discussion turn to how to handle surrendering bandits he turns somber again. The discussion between Josef and Alexio captures his attention as does the comment that some bandits are only desperate men trying to feed their families.
And what of the men that they rob? Do they not have families to feed as well?
He knows full well that nothing will be settled in this mob-discussion. When the bandits arrive they will be dealt with. What happens afterward will be decided then.