Raven, noticing the stag brooch on the lead man, puts that thought in the back of her mind as she nocks an arrow and lets it loose at him.
Edit: Damage if hits
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Entagle hits just about all the bandits. Anyone who might have been in melee with the bandits will need to make the save as well. The bad news is that they rolled very well. The bandit leader R17+4=21 and the bandits R20+1=21. The plants coil up and try to grasp them but they hardly seem strong enough in this area, perhaps the spirits have been weakened somehow.
Natalya charges the bandit leader and crushes his skull with a mighty blow. He falls to the ground, obviously dead. She does not mess around.
Lorald fires his crossbow and hits the Bandit Leader Square in the back as he is falling from his horse.
Raven fires another arrow into his dead body. Kind of like this.
Robbed of their leader all of the bandits move to remount their horses in a panic. Having regained their saddles they move to immediately flee the trading post. While not entangled the bandits do have to contend with difficult terrain, making it impossible for them to fully withdraw.
Some of their horses panic and rear, others have difficulty getting back in the saddle. Of the 19 remaining bandits about half are able to make it just outside of the palisade. The others are still inside but have succeeded in mounting up and are clearly trying to flee.
I suspect this drastically changes how you all thought things will go. First up in Group B is Anton, . Technically characters in the same initiative group would all go at the same time but this time it does make a difference. Anton casts his own entangle, just outside the gate. As a whole they all fail their saves, entangling them and their horses.
Between the difficult terrain just inside the gate and the entangling vegetation just outside they are completely stuck. At which point every single bandit throws down his weapon and begins to yell, "I repent!" at the top of their lungs.
This effectively ends the combat, unless you want to start slaughtering them.
Hunter will punch them all very hard and order others to do the same in an attempt to knock the ones here unconscious.
Myuki will crawl from under the table and walk carefully closer to Natalya, avoiding the entanglement. She then smiles beautifully to Natalya, Anton, Chief White Eagle, Hunter and Hithil.
It is obvious, this was her first real battle.
She will ask:"Anybody hurt?
Miyuki will be astonished of hunter´s behavior.
Miyuki will be astonished of hunter´s behavior.
Raven will race down to the now perforated leader and take the man's stag clasp, then she hold it up to the nearest still conscious bandit, drawing her short sword for emphasis.
"Talk."
Edit: forgot my plus 1 for dealing with bandits
"Let's take their weapons and put them in the barn right now. We're going to need to spend some time thinking about this. I didn't expect to capture so many prisoners, you know?"
As Hunter starts hitting people who have surrended he'll yell at him "Stop that, they have surrended. Tie them up but no need to be evil about it."
As Hunter starts hitting people who have surrended he'll yell at him "Stop that, they have surrended. Tie them up but no need to be evil about it."
It's not like I'm killing them, besides it makes it easier for us to tie them up and put other restraints on them if they are unconscious, no chance for resistance. Alright, fine.
After that Hunter stops knocking them unconscious. How many did he knock out in that time?
Anton prays for a moment "Thank you for your blessings on me" before seeing Hunter's behavior.
"What in all gods names are you doing?!?" he shouts to Hunter,
then he goes downstairs and moves to the gate, his bow still in his hand, ready to be used in case someone decides to escape or pick up the weapons again.
Echoing the others, Kazz shouts at Hunter in a harsh tone, "Stay your hand! Binding their hands will be more than sufficient."
He nods to Josef, "Nor I. The barn will be the best place for them at the moment."
Sorry, I was afraid they would try to run or escape somehow. I'm just somewhat paranoid about things.
"We should talk about your fears later, if you want." Anton says with a sympathetic tone to Hunter.
Then returning to his normal voice he continues to speak nodding to Josef and Kazz. "Yes, for now let's move them to the barn"
Anton continues to get ready with his bow, expecting someone else to handcuff the prisoners.
"A keen observation drawn from their immediate surrender no doubt..."
Kazz sets about securing the captured horses, humming softly to them and leading them back inside the fort in groups of 2 or 3.
Ammanas moves silently around the outside of the grouped prisoners, watching them as they await having their hands bound.
Fine thank you Miyuki, are you all right?
Natalya will pick up the leader's bow then walk over next to Raven, adopting the coldest stare she can muster. Whilst not particularly skilled at interrogation, she figures her presence as killer of their leader, particularly holding both his bow and the club that killed him, might make tongues looser than they might normally be.
CWE makes his way down off the wall quietly chanting in his native tongue. soon the vines around where he cast the spell return to ground no longer causing trouble.
Elangomat flies down and lands on CWE's shoulder.
he then goes to get a closer look at those that surrendered. he looks them over, looking them in the eyes, like peering into his soul.
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@Hunter. There were 20 bandits and one bandit leader. One dead bandit and one dead bandit leader means 19 surrendered bandits.
As Hunter begins punching the prisoners they do their best to avoid his blows, while shrieking that they repent at the top of their lungs. Seems like there are enough people against this act to get him away from them before he harms anyone too severely.
Thus begins the arduos task of dismissing the entangling vegetation calming the horses, gathering the prisoners weapons and getting their wrists tied. The men are very complaint, even helpful. They go out of their way again and again to state that they are repenting their banditry and they wish to embrace Abadar's forgiveness. They all eagerly proceed to the barn or wherever else you choose to lead them, so long as you are clear on the issue of their repentance.
The two dead are laid beside one another on the ground.
You have also acquired 21 horses in reasonably good condition.
Raven does not come across as particularly intimidating, but the circumstances are definitely in her favour. The bandit quickly reminds her that he is repentant and then proceeds to explain that it was all Happs' fault, and that he himself (Kenaniah, btw) was led into a life of banditry against his will and due to vicious circumstances.
Hunter asks a question with a sense motive check, are there more of you, or was this your entire army?
Once the bandits are all safely bound and moved to the barn Kazz moves to stand on top of a nearby crate and address the prisoners in a loud voice, "As of now you are all prisoners, held under Brevish law! You are convicted of bandity, the sentence for which is death. However, those of you willing to repent and be reformed shall be spared this sentence. Anyone who attempts to flee or refuses to cooperate will face summary execution. I trust there are no questions about any of this?"
He gives them a moment to consider this before continuing, "At this moment we require an informed person from among your number to provide us details on your camp, it's location and organization. If we do not get a volunteer, I will ask the Undine to select one instead. Do we have an understanding?"
Staying at his position he nearly shot some of the fleeing bandits until another spell caused their surrender. Witnessing the blue skinned man's actions he set his sights on the mad man. That as well was quickly taken care of before he was forced to act. Coming out of his hiding space he put away his weapon, folded up the furs under his arm, and repelled down by his previously set up grappling hook and rope. With a strong flick the grappling hook comes free and he rolls it up in one arm. Returning Oleg's furs he finds Mith to remove him from the barn to make space for the prisoners.
Once Mith is tied up with Sai and Roak for company he finds his cousin Josef along with any others about him.
"So what is to be done. While we have the right to sentence bandits to death we do not have a prison or guards to watch them. Unless a sizeable force keeps watch, at best they will attempt escape. At worst they may take over and fall back to their old habits."
His crossbow was back in hand.
Staying at his position he nearly shot some of the fleeing bandits until another spell caused their surrender. Witnessing the blue skinned man's actions he set his sights on the mad man. That as well was quickly taken care of before he was forced to act. Coming out of his hiding space he put away his weapon, folded up the furs under his arm, and repelled down by his previously set up grappling hook and rope. With a strong flick the grappling hook comes free and he rolls it up in one arm. Returning Oleg's furs he finds Mith to remove him from the barn to make space for the prisoners.
Once Mith is tied up with Sai and Roak for company he finds his cousin Josef along with any others about him.
"So what is to be done. While we have the right to sentence bandits to death we do not have a prison or guards to watch them. Unless a sizeable force keeps watch, at best they will attempt escape. At worst they may take over and fall back to their old habits."
His crossbow was back in hand.
Hunter turns to him and says..
There is enough of us to keep watch and we can tie them up well. One or two of us can go on horseback to find several guards to bring along to put them under arrest. I'm not up for killing people when I don't have to regardless of race. I feel strongly about that. These aren't Gnolls we are dealing with, they are people.he then turns to the bandits and says...
If any of you bandits are Druids, tell me now so you don't try to transform into a bird and fly away.
Once the bandit reveals that there are only 9 back at camp raises his voice to say "I suggest a group of us head off immidiately to take out the camp before they notice this group hasn't returned. About 6 to 10 of should be enough. I would suggest either a group that could pass as bandits in disguise or a stealthy group. Either way we could get close and take out a few of them before they realised what was happening."
"Who will join me in this?" Dregan asks
Sweet!
Yup, back to my usual...
Stepping down from the crate Kazz makes his way to where the others have Keneniah.
He pauses as he hears Larald, Josef and Hunter discussing the fate of the prisoners, "We sentence them to work. I'm sure Oleg can find plenty for them to do here. We need only watch over them for a few days. Once the Brevish troops promised to Oleg arrive we can turn these here over to their custody."
His teal eyes survey the mass of captives for a moment, seeing the broken look in their eyes, "The troops are coming to guard the trading post, no reason they can't watch over this lot as well. Judging from their actions thus far I doubt we'll see much trouble from the majority of them. Given time I bet they could be put to working the land outside as well. Most were likely farmers to begin with."
Kazz turns his gaze on Dregan, "A sound plan, give me a moment."
He moves over and catches Kenaniah's attention, "When are the others expecting you and your party back? How far away is this camp of yours?"
He looks towards Kazz, his mismatched eyes unnerving for those unused to them.
"Where will they sleep, what will they eat and drink. Do you expect them to be supplied with what others have earned through honest work for nothing. Their are a number of considerations to take into account, has Oleg even agreed to keep them around at all. It is his trading post to do as he will. He could barely house and feed us who number less then the bandits for a night. We are paying customers at that."
He lets a slight sigh out.
"I was in a patrol, they are not made up of large numbers. A dozen or so can be expected. While Oleg may be able to house them, I doubt he can maintain the numbers of the bandits along with the guardsmen. Their is no profit in the bandits and great risk. These are the men that stole from him for months and threated his wife. He may not be sympathetic towards them at all. I suggest you speak to him before making decisions on his behalf. He may simply want the bandits gone, in which case they can be sent to Brevoy when the guardsmen arrive."
Not gathering any new information and many of these "bandits" are simple folk caught up in something beyond themselves. he is reminded of the settlers that fought against his people, they too were either forced or tricked by soldiers.
CWE. simply moved to the stable to retrieve his horse in order to make room for the prisoners. These men fell under Restov law not his.
CWE then goes to another part of the Trading Post and makes himself comfortable for a rest.
The kayal gives him a reassuring smile, "I assure you that will not happen so long as you live up to your end. Your skills as a guide would be invaluable."
Moving away from Kenaniah, Kazz speaks to Dregan, "It seems we have a guide who can lead us directly to the camp. If we sneak our way in we should be able to subdue them before they have a chance to mount a proper defense. A small strike team would be the best approach in my opinion."
Natalya yawns, then carries herself back to Miyuki.
Too many cooks over that hot pot she indicates the prisoners and their half-dozen or so interrogators.
So what do you figure, everyone here will be wanting to rush the bandit camp, seek all the glory? So whatever happens we know that will be dealt with. What say you to striking out elsewhere so we get a headstart on the real taming of these lands?
She looks tired, though she secures her club and new bow to her back for easy carrying with practiced motions. She seems eager for Miyuki's input.
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Hithil walks over to Hunter. "Do not trouble yourself with their comments. I appreciate your eagerness and following through to ensure victory and safety of your friends. We shall prevail against the odds with that attitude, while others who go halfway will only succeed halfway, which is of course no success at all."
Kazz returns an equally unnerving stare for the unaccustomed on Lorald, though his eyes seem tired and the grey skin under them seems a much darker shade than the rest of his features, "You are correct we must consider Oleg's opinion as well. We should bring the matter before him shortly. With the hostilities over and order well on it's way to being restored however, I would wager he'll be accepting of the proposed arrangement. He likely know many of these men before they turned to this life, I think we can convince him to help them find the path once more."
"As to their needs, these men are prisoners. Tents set within the walls should be sufficient if there is no room to house them. In terms of feeding them, each of these men arrived on a stout horse, the sale of such a herd should well provide enough coin to provide this score of men with basic food and drink for the foreseeable future. I suggest we turn the majority of the mounts over to him in order to cover the cost of bringing in sufficient supplies. Not to mention that the sweat of near 20 men for no more than the simplest room and board should do wonders for Oleg's bottom line provided he has the initiative to make proper use of it."
He sighs clearly feeling the effects of going without sleep, "Though in the end that is his decision to make."
"I recommend that we take the time to make a brand. Maybe a simple, small 'b'. Then we brand each of these repentant bandits on, say, the back of their right wrist. If they return to a life of banditry and are caught, the previous brand demonstrates they are not repentant, despite their words, and they then pay the price. I do agree as well that we can not impose these men on Oleg without his eager cooperation for any serious period of time. He may even choose to allow only a few to stay. We'll need to decide what to do with the rest ourselves."
Josef also has bags under his eyes . . ..
"Where will they sleep, what will they eat and drink. Do you expect them to be supplied with what others have earned through honest work for nothing. Their are a number of considerations to take into account, has Oleg even agreed to keep them around at all. It is his trading post to do as he will. He could barely house and feed us who number less then the bandits for a night. We are paying customers at that.""I was in a patrol, they are not made up of large numbers. A dozen or so can be expected. While Oleg may be able to house them, I doubt he can maintain the numbers of the bandits along with the guardsmen. Their is no profit in the bandits and great risk. These are the men that stole from him for months and threated his wife. He may not be sympathetic towards them at all. I suggest you speak to him before making decisions on his behalf. He may simply want the bandits gone, in which case they can be sent to Brevoy when the guardsmen arrive."
Gareth menaces the bandits with his rapier as he helps to keep them under control.
For Save
"They can survive a day on bellies filled with nothing but water. You are very astute to calculate the burden they will place on the master of this post. I would not be surprised if Oleg is also expected to feed the squadron of soldiers when they arrive."
"Selling the horses is a good idea. I am in need of one myself thanks to such as their lot. I will assume Oleg is now rightful owner and will make payment to him for the one that I take."
Lorald simply shrugs unconcerned giving Kazz a slight nod.
"It's your responsibility then. But do make sure to check the horses for branding marks and scars. If a bandit can afford a good horse they would not be bandits now would they."
Shouldering his crossbow he pats Josef on the shoulder before heading back to his animals. He was all for repentance but he did not trust fickle loyalties, they made for allies of convenience and quick enemies.
Valkus doesn't even manage to finish his breakfast before the battle is ended. As the others deliberate about what to do with the bandits, he finishes eating, helping himself to a couple other untouched plates. The repast is simple, but filling. By the time he finishes, he is satisfied and refreshed, despite his lack of sleep.
Once he's fed, he approaches Gareth and the small knot of men gathered near the bandits. "If we trust them to work for Oleg, why not take some to aid us? They know the land far better than we, and who better to colonize this reclaimed land than those who have been reclaimed themselves? Truly, we cannot hope to civilize this country if we are unable to civilize its sons and daughters. We need only to look south to Galt for a reminder of that lesson." Valkus winces, unable to speak of Galt without feeling pangs of sorrow for the wayward children of the Empire.
Moving away from Kenaniah, Kazz speaks to Dregan, "It seems we have a guide who can lead us directly to the camp. If we sneak our way in we should be able to subdue them before they have a chance to mount a proper defense. A small strike team would be the best approach in my opinion."
"Sounds good to me. We need a few stealthy people to strike at the bandits. Who is in? Dregan asks yawning
Zartana speaks up
I volunteer to go after them. But im sure a little bit of rest wont harm anyone?
Miyuki feels quite tired and helps her comrades find a resting place.
She admits, thatshe is willing to leave that in the others hand because everyone of them will want to voice his opinion.
She nods to Natalya and also indicates Anton to meet and speak with CWE.
Silently she speaks to him: "CWE, you know this land. While there are still bandits close, I think the mobs will want to rush them. Natalya would prefer to start exploring after a decent rest. I agree with her. What are your opinions?"
"I agree with Josef. If we are to allow them to repent, branding would work. Everyone is entitled to one more chance. But if caught again, it's only a choice of rope or the sword..." - Aran stops for a moment, looks at the distance as if trying to recall something and then continues - "Although, at Medvyed estate they had another method. A priest or a holy warrior could determine if some of these people were truly evil. Then there was no choice - there's enough evil and chaos in this world even without them. I do not know whether we have a holy man or a warrior in our midst for something like that?"
Natalya drops her voice so only you can hear
I have something else to raise too. I must admit to being uncomfortable with the actions of the undine. He seems very aggressive, and whilst violence has its place, I do not believe beating on helpless captives that have surrendered is an act of good. In addition, he ordered others to do the same as if he expected all of us to feel as he did. The best time to see the nature of a man is in a time of great stress, combat being one of them. I am untrusting of such a one who acts like that. I would not trust him to guard my back as companions need to be able do.
She pauses to collect her thoughts.
If you do not feel the same as I, if no questions have been raised in your mind about his conduct and place with us, then I will abide by the group's will. If however you have questions too, then I would like to hear you speak
Anton doesn't bother the long night, he is used to other kinds of fatigues.
Replying with a low voice too he says:
"Yes, it was a strange behavior I can't ignore too. Should we trust him and give him another possibility, or should we find someone else? That's a big question, I think we should reflect about this but after some of us have had a rest. It has been a long night for all of us.
What do you think?" he asks to the others.
Aran approaches the body of the fallen bandit leader and performs a detailed search of it . He retrieves and studies the stag brooch he had, before turning to Marlani Orlovsky: "You seem to know a bit of everything on anything. Any ideas of what this represents?"
He holds the brooch in the open palm of his outstretched hand to Marlani, waiting for her (or anyone else) to claim it.