|
If you move according to the black line I put on the map, you would end up 25' (the red dotted line) from the woman under the wagon. She does have cover under there, so you would have a 20% miss chance with a ranged weapon.
The woman under the wagon fires at the closest target to her at the start her initiative, Sergei. The last standing archer will fire, if possible, at the man charging him on a horse, Bosch. The two sleeping bandits will snore soundly while dreaming of mountains of gold and beautiful women.
Sounds good.
Sergei moves forward towards the remaining bandit until he is within a respectable range then rises the pistol and fires.
Jutmon gauges the distance to the woman under the wagon. He doesn't think he can reach her with his staff, (Hand of the Apprentice) so he reluctantly casts the most powerful spell he has memorized. A single silvery bolt, with a tinge of purple, shoots from his extended finger, and strikes unerringly at the woman under the wagon.
|
|
Roga
Woman
Bosch
Bandits 1-2, sleeping. No action
Bandit 3 Dead
Bandit 4
Nareth
Jutmon
Sergei (+5 to hit, -2 second range band)
Inuki
Roga rides in quickly impaling the womans leg, pinning her to the ground uder the wagon with his lance. The sudden stabbing pain shifts her aim, slightly, and her bolt barely grazes Sergei . Jutmon makes a couple quick movements, and a silvery purple projectile launches from his finger, darting between Sergei and Nareth before court correcting and striking the woman cleanly in the side. A thunderous crack cuts through the air. Splinters fly from the wagon as the bullet from Sergei's pistol blasts its way through the wagon before impacting the side of the woman's head. Luckilly for her, the wagon's mass slowed the bullet, unfortunately, the beating she has already taken coupled with the bullet proves too much, and the woman slouches, unconsious.
Nareth is able to staunch the bleeding in his leg.
Bosch charges the bandit south of the group. His aim is true, though not so effective as his last blow, slicing the bandit's arm as his charger thunders up. A panic flashes in the eye of his bandit, and he releases early. The arrow flys wide, and lodges in the side of the wagon. Inuki reaches reflexivly for his bow, and can not seem to locate it.
"One second!" Bosch shouts back, shifting his grip and swinging again at the remaining archer.
Round 3
HP:10/12
Roga replies to Nareth, "Sure. We can interrogate her before her execution." Then backing his horse up a few paces, leans over and jams his lance through one of the sleeping bandit's hearts.
|
|
Bosch is able to dispatch the last standing bandit with a quick flick of his blade as Roga runs one the the sleeping bandits through with his lance. Nareth easily manages to stabilize the woman under the wagon, though it is unlikely she will awaken any time soon.
Upon closer inspection, the wagon appears to have been stuck here at least a year ago. The spring floods have buried the wheels with a couple inches of sand and silt.
In addition to tattered common clothing, a couple hunks of old bread and cheese, and several bits of over ripened fruit, you find:
4 longbows
33 arrows
1 light crossbow
18 bolts
5 suits leather armor
4 short swords
2 daggers
12 days trail rations
2 Horse, Light (not combat trained)
2 animal harnesses
Miscellaneous coin totaling 24 gold, 34 silver, and 88 copper pieces.
Tucked between two of the blocks of wood underneath the wagon, you locate four small vials.
You are still two to three hours away from Oleg's trading post (due in part to injuries), and the weather is worsening by the moment.
Bosch leads his horse over with the two bandit corpses slung over the saddle. He tosses the corpses on the back of the wagon to be examined.
|
|
The large wooden trading post in front of you is constructed of sturdy logs covered here and there with green skins. The fifteen foot high walls have crenellations every three feet or so. A large sign hangs over the dense oaken doors, reinforced with iron and bronze bands, proclaiming that this is indeed Oleg's Trading Post.
A short stalky figure steps out from behind one of the crenellations to the left of the heavy doors. As he comes into view, a large glob of tobacco rich spittle splatters on the ground next to you. "What do you want?" Casually resting a rather large, loaded, crossbow against his armored shoulder, he continues, "The rest of your kind already made off with the 'taxes'. I have nothing more. Begone." As he finishes his brief welcome, the burly fellow levels his crossbow.
A second later, a second figure appears on the battlements, "Pish posh! These aren't bandits dear. Look at them. Far too clean." Turning her attention to your group she asks, "You will have to forgive my husband, he can be a little gruff at first. Who are you, and what brings you here young adventurers?" She too is armored and toting a rather large crossbow, although she has not yet leveled the weapon in your direction.
Roga will finish the other sleeping bandit in the same way, quick and clean. He will take one of the short swords and strap it to his hip. "We can probably sell most of this for a decent amount." he comments to the others after the fight.
After they arrive at Oleg's and are challenged by the couple he will announce himself. "I am Roga. My companions and I were sent here by the Swordlords in Restov to pacify this region. We were instructed to muster here. We have proof. If you will open the gate, we can show you." His hands are wide open palms out to display he isn't carrying anything, and his face bears a friendly smile.
|
Nareth stanches the womans bleeding, then frowns at the head wound from the gunshot "I believe this shot will leave her unconscious for several hours at least, but I can keep her alive"
Nareth pulls back his hood once the man begins railing, as he knows how suspicious covered faces can be. He tries to keep a passive, if not friendly, face on while he lets Roga do the talking, generally looking calm and keeping his hands away from his weapons.
"I know frontier justice is harsh, but I wonder at the need of killing the defenseless ones. Perhaps they could be won over to our cause."
"These horses will be useful if we are to cover so much territory." Inuki is a small man, so he should be able to ride double with someone.
(at the trading post):
Inuki gives his best courtly bow and displays the swordlords' charter. "Indeed, we have already eliminated one group of bandits. Might we come in for rest and refuge? I can even provide a bit of song."
Sergei slides the pistol back into the holster on his waist. "The gear could be valuable. Likely stolen already so we should use the horses to load it up and take it to the trading post. I wouldn't feel sorry for the bandits because they would do no less to you if the roles were reversed."
It had been a long journey with a fight against the bandits having already been had. He stood off to the side of the group as he let those who were more talkative get them into the trading post.
Bosch jerks a thumb toward Inuki's charter, "Each of us carry charters from Lord Noleski Surtova. Please, we'd like to get inside before the night, bad weather or more bandits catch up to us."
|
|
"Ha! More of you then. Think this makes you the third batch this month alone. Wait there." As he finishes, Oleg and Svetlana disappear from sight. Moments later you hear a grinding sound, followed by a loud thump, a crash and some disgruntled mutterings.
The doors to the outpost swing open almost silently, a testimony to the craftsmanship of the structure. Solid wooden beams criss-cross the back side of the dense log facade. "This is the commons, you can trade here with anyone else who happens to be here. We take our cut, ten percent. " Heading north, Oleg describes the outpost. "Here on your right we have storage, it is dry, but we don't heat it. That small building ahead is also storage and sometimes we do heat that one. The middens are in the back. You are responsible for your own chamber pots." Turning left you notice two enormous tables, and a fire pit. "This here is the dining commons. We eat here weather permitting. Tonight we will be eating in the bunkhouse." Oleg gestures to the long building south of the fire pit. "And that is our home. You are not welcome unless we invite you in, and we haven't done that."
Svetlana interrupts, "Rooms are four silver each per night, six if you want to eat. Tonight it is rabbit stew with carrots, potatoes, onion and peas. Tomorrow we are expecting tax collectors, so stay in your rooms if you want to avoid the trouble. They should be gone again by midday. They don't usually search through anything. You might want to stable the horses out back behind the middens or they will likely take them."
Oleg finishes up by adding, "Those charters you got there are about as common as dirt, so you know. The Dragonscale Throne sends all sorts down here with em. I think they know most all of you will end up dead within the month, and it makes their soft hearts feel better than actually taking the time to chop yer heads off. Most of ya die of infection, exposure, or the fey. Those that live through all that generally end up with the bandits they were sent south to take care of. At any rate, don't be expecting to pick anything up with those as credit."
Oleg and Svetlana turn to leave you in the bunkhouse. "Dinner is in the hour. Hot baths are one silver, and you pack the water. I m cooking so nothing until after we eat. I need the stove. Did I forget anything?"
As Svetlana leaves Oleg turn and whispers to you all, "She is worth ten of any of you. Touch her, or insult her, or hurt her feelings in the slightest way, and I will slit your throats as you sleep." Then louder, as he closes the door "Rest well, meet us in the hour with the rent, I count six, so thats thirty six silvers if you want to eat, otherwise; it'll be twenty four."
The door shuts quietly. You can hear the soft footsteps and mutterings fade as Oleg and Svetlana make their way back into their home.
Inuki frowns at his now less-impressive charter, but he perks up at the mention of rabbit stew.
"So, you think we should face down these 'tax collectors' or scout them out first? I'd wager those two could put up a fight if we were there to back them up."
"Probably a sound plan. However, trading Oleg our spoils in return for some extra supplies should be our first priority. If we're going to be tromping around the brush looking for stray bandits. I'm going to need a lance and bow. A better saddle would not hurt either."
She wasn't helpless when she attacked us. Jutmon tells Inuki.
Then he busies himself, picking through, and loading the valuables on the two captured horses.
Well if we can take down those "Tax Collectors" we should gain some more trade goods. Jutmon shrugs.Might improve our standing with grumpy Oleg too. Jutmon glances around to make sure Oleg is out of earshot as he says this.
I think it would be wise to discuss it with Oleg and Svetlana, this evening. Maybe they can tell us what to expect.
Jutmon makes a sweeping gesture to include the trading post.
This may be our only safe haven for awhile. Whatever we do, we should try to stay on Oleg's good side.
Talking to them sounds good, I will take the meal and bath. At dinner, I will perform some entertaining songs and maybe a heroic ballad for inspiration.
|
|
About half an hour after you arrive, there is a knock on your door. "Oleg is seeing to your horses. Dinner is in half an hour. I just wanted to let you know.." Svetlana hesitates, sucking thoughtfully on her teeth a moment, and absentmindedly winding her long blonde hair around her finger as she continues, "Oleg is a good man. He really is, but those bandits have hurt him so much. They steal almost everything the hunters bring in. We are so far behind. Anyway, last time they were here they took my wedding ring. That b*~*% leader of thiers threatened to let all of her men have their way with me if we didn't hand it over. Oleg is a strong and proud man, and they have cut him deeply. His spirit is shaken, and I fear he is near breaking. Please, don't judge the man you see before you today as the real Oleg. He needs your help but he will be too proud to ask." As she turns to leave, she hesitates, then opens the door, looks around, and then shows you a small bag of coins. Holding the door closed, nervously she whispers, "This is mine. I have been saving a little here and there for years. He doesn't even know I have it, but it is yours if you kill those sons of jackals tomorrow morning when they arrive. You have to promise though, never, ever let him know about this."
Once she is back outside she turns gracefully and calls loudly back through the closed door, "So will you be joining us for dinner tonight? I need to know how many places to set."
Jutmon smiles and gives a small bow. It would be my pleasure, Ma'am. Rabbit is not high on his list of meats, but the Wizard is fairly certain, that the meal will be delicious, despite that.
"Gladly, ma'am," Bosch said, taking the money. "This is our job after all." When she stepped outside and asked about dinner he replied, "Dinner sounds excellent, my treat lads."
Sergei just waited for Oleg to close the door and before he before he thumbed in the direction of the door, "Nice fellow there." Sergei moves about his business of unpacking his pack before Svetlana arrives...
"Banditry will not be tolerated now, and we will make an explain of them in the same way that we made an explain out of the bandits that we came across earlier. I know for one that I will be attending dinner tonight after the last days on the road."
"Madam, we can't take your money. You good people have lost enough. We are here to end this thieving, though. Can you tell us anything more about the bandits? Numbers, how well armed are they?"
[b]"I'm not tactician but this place looks very defensible, as long as no one burns it down. A few of us on the roof with bows, and maybe we can prepare some surprises outside?"[b] If the weather permits, Inuki will go outside or at least up on the roof and scout out the perimeter to look at likely approaches and hiding places (hopefully with someone with a Survival or other useful skill).
Bosch already had the coin purse in hand and looked up at Inuki like a child who had just been told to give a cookie back.
"Really? You're going to make me run after her to give it back?"
So... Master Oleg. Jutmon waits till his meal is near done before he broaches the subject.
We are working under a charter, provided by Regent Surtova. It specifies that we strike against the banditry, that is rife in this region.
Now, it sounds to me like your 'Tax Collectors' are nothing more than bandits.
Jutmon stretches his long frame out in the chair. My complements on the stew, by the way. Most satisfying.
Once again leaning forward, Jutmon gets back to business. I think we would like to use your post here as an ambush for those bandits you expect tomorrow.
Jutmon's face is serious. I know this could potentially put you and yours at risk. This is why I'm asking you now. We plan to use your compound here as a safe haven, so your goodwill is important to us.
Jutmon looks around nervously, they had not really discussed it, and he knows he is not the group's leader. Nor does he want to be.
So we would very much like to use your fort here as a tactical asset, but if you don't want to, I'm sure we can come up with an alternative plan.
Either way, we will destroy those, and any other, bandits.
After Svetlana's offer, Roga says to the others "I cannot take money to help honest folk defend themselves from the depredations of predators." He quickly stows his things and heads for dinner.
He eats the stew slowly, savoring each bite. When Jutmon speaks up near the end of the meal, he looks up interested to see how Oleg will react.
|
|
"If you all would be willing to stand with me to face the bandits, I would be more than happy for the assistance. I was planning on facing them with the aid of my wall and a couple dozen buckets of water. Somehow I think you would be more effective." Turning to Svetlana Oleg smiles and says, "My love, you look tired. Why don't you head to bed, and I will take care of the rest of the chores tonight."
Svetlana nods quietly and heads up the stairs. About half way up the stairs, she pauses and informs you, "If you manage to slaughter that b#$@& who stole my ring, I will promise you some credit at our store, no matter what my husband says." Smiling coyly at her husband, Svetlana winks and ascends the last couple steps before vanishing from sight.
"[b]She sure has a mouth on her sometimes. No wonder I married her. You know, she once made a dwarf blush. I kid you not. Where were we? Oh yes. The bandits. They always arrive on the morn following the first full moon, so I expect them at first light in the morning. My plan was to hold them outside the walls and rain bolts down on them from my wall. They always threaten to burn down the fort if I don't let them in, so I put a couple dozen barrels of water along the walls by the gates just in case."
"Now that you are here though, perhaps you have a better idea?" Oleg walks to a large bureau and returns with a rolled up bit of parchment. "This here is a map of my trading post. It was the blueprint, so it is mostly accurate.[/b]"
Unfurling the parchment on the table in front of you, he uses the dinner plates to hold the plans open. "This house is two stories. I think we would be best served putting Svetlana up there so she can fire at the bastards from there. Besides, I like the idea of her being in a safer place. I don't know what you can do, or what you would be best at, so I will leave the planning to you. You can use anything in my stores to help slaughter the sons of b#%&*es. Unfortunately there is very little left in them."
"Bosch and I can mount up and hide out back." Roga says, indicating the area behind the fort "Anyone with ranged capabilities should be on a roof or in a second story window." he continues. Let them come inside the fort, and then open fire. At your signal Bosch and I can ride around front quick as you like and cut off their escape. If all goes well it will be like shooting fish in a barrel. How many of these characters are there usually?" He asks Oleg. After a momentary pause he hastens to add "Bandits are usually held together by a strong leader, take whoever is in charge out and the others will go down quickly."
|
|
Oleg ponders your question for a moment, then answers with a thoughtful expression, "At first, there were more than a dozen, last time they were down to eight. They seem to be losing numbers, or they think we are cowed and they don't have to worry anymore. I would expect something like a half dozen would be my guess. The woman who stole my wife's ring hasn't been here the last two times, and she is the worse of the lot. I am certain she is a leader of some sort."
He studies the map a while more, then continues "Both the shed, and the bunkhouse have a chimney," he points to each building in turn. "Someone could perhaps hide behind those, but aside from the wall parapet, there is no chance to see past the merlons. Not even sure you could see through a crenelle from any rooftop, with the possible exception of from our house's roof. U10 Unfortunately our roof is steeply pitched, and it the rain has turned to ice. Unless you are exceptionally brave or foolish I am not sure I would venture up there."
"Oh, I meant let them in the gate. Pretend like you're cowed. No need to see over the crenellations."
If we let them in to the compound, won't our horsemen loose the advantage?
Jutmon shrugs, he is not a cavalryman after all.
I think Roga's plan is brilliant. Oleg can confront the bandits while those of us with bows and such can lay low behind the parapet.
Jutmon reaches into the neck of his simple, homespun shirt, and pulls a tin whistle out by it's leather cord.
We can signal our attack with this.
Jutmon smiles ruefully. I may need to borrow that crossbow, unless someone needs it more. Some of my magics are limited in range.
"I like Roga's idea. Barricade the buildings to keep them from taking cover inside anywhere. Anyone with skill at archery should pick good rooftops and Roga and I will ride in after them and cause some mayhem. We should have enough space to work with if we can move the wagon I saw out the out of the way, those tables as well. You got a spare lance laying around anywhere?" Bosch ponders the map for a moment.
"Nareth, it might be easier for you to wait in the storehouse (N11) and burst out when the bandits arrive. We don't want to spook them with unfamiliar faces."
"My capabilities at range will require that I am significantly closer then most. I can cover the door of the house while the longer ranged can fire from the second floor window. Is it possible for the two riders to come in from behind them after they enter the gate as it will cut off their escape and give the riders the distance to charge. Seem less lightly that they will opt to light the post on fire then too if they are already inside."
|
|
"Unfortunately, I don't have a lance, too specialized. Most people out here want axes or sawback blades. If you are needing one, I will have one in two weeks. We have to sell off furs in town soon. I will pick up the materials and when I get back, I can fashion a lance in just a couple days.The tables are plank tables, they should easily disassemble for storage, probably a half hour each. The wagon could also be loaded with the tables, and the wagon could be pushed back in the corner near the middens, or against the on the far east side of the tables. If you spend ten to fifteen minutes hooking up the horses, it will be an easy forty-five minute job, including hitching and unhitching time. At least if it was just me and my wife those times would be good."
"We have a suit of leather armor, a heavy wooden shield, two hand axes, five javelins, a longbow, two dozen arrows, a scythe, two spears, and some rope and lamp oil. For now, I am heading to bed so I can make sure everyone is awake an hour or so before they usually arrive so you have time to get geared up and in place. Tomorrow we are having blackened bacon, eggs, and the bread left from tonight toasted up with bitter beer and porridge."
Oleg heads up the stairs, leaving most of the clutter from dinner on the table to hold the map down. "Dawn is about ten hours off, so I will be waking you in eight hours."
|
|
"We shall see you in the morn Oleg" He turns to his party "I too agree I don't want them to see any of us; but unfortunately it would take me a moment to close the distance from that location. If you are ok with me taking a moment to get into battle, that is fine. However, what if I hid under something, such as a pile of leaves or some hay? Complete cover would almost certainly make me hidden" He looks around, waiting for opinions
"Perhaps we could let some of them in and then close the door...divide their forces?"
"You don't happen to have any magical scrolls or potions do you? I'd like to take those two spears if no one else minds. They are good for throwing." Roga says.
"Do they have horses? If so, it might be best to shoot at them from the ramparts while we stay behind the walls. If we must let them in, perhaps we could hide in the corners on the ramparts and surprise them with close range fire."